Gledhow Primary School

I am delighted to have been elected to serve as Chair of Governors at Gledhow Primary. I bring to the post over twenty years of teaching and leadership experience gained across both primary and secondary phases. I am currently an independent school improvement consultant, working with primary school leaders and teachers across the Yorkshire region. Prior to this I was an adviser and senior consultant for Leeds Local authority working on city wide education initiatives. Through the roles I have held, I have developed excellent knowledge of current educational matters. I believe that my knowledge and experience will be valuable to the governing body and the school in numerous ways, and particularly that it will enable the governing body to provide both support and challenge for leaders in the school. In addition, I have experience of wider aspects of business and leadership, such as managing large scale budgets, HR issues and communicating with diverse groups of stakeholders, all of which will be useful in the role. I have three boys, all of whom are now in their twenties. As a parent, I understand how important school communication is and the need for parents to be involved in supporting their children academically, as well as the anguish parents can face when children experience difficulties be that socially and emotionally, with friendships, or with aspects of learning. In my work across the city I have seen how schools play a vital role in supporting families and their importance to the wider community. I hope to be a visible Chair of Governors that works with all stakeholders.

I have been a part of the Gledhow family for over 7 years now. I completed my teacher training here in 2011 and have always found it a positive, warm and encouraging place to work. I currently teach in Year 6 and was elected Staff Governor in November 2017. I look forward to helping to preserve and grow the wonderful ethos that makes Gledhow such a unique place to learn and work.

I’m Sarah and having lived in Leeds for the past 7 years, I have recently moved into the surrounding area to the school. I am a Chartered Accountant and have 12 years’ experience working in both a financial and operational capacity, within Internal Audit currently but previously spending 9 years in practice as a Statutory Auditor within the Financial Sector. It is a privilege to have joined the governing body and I am keen to contribute to this incredibly important part of the community. I will use the experience and skills I have to contribute to the governing body’s role over the school’s finances.

I am Kate Blacker and I was elected as a Parent Governor in March 2016. I have two children at Gledhow, a daughter currently in Year 3 and a son in Year 1. I stood as a candidate in the parent governor election as I feel strongly that the inclusive and supportive ethos and culture of Gledhow Primary should be preserved during and beyond its expansion to a three form entry school. I also believe I possess the necessary skills to contribute towards the strategic role and functions of the governing body and to offer the perspective of the parent community in relation to this. I work part-time as a Child Protection/Social Care solicitor for Leeds City Council and I am also able to use my knowledge and experience of the law, policy and procedure relating to child protection, safeguarding, children looked after and children with special educational needs and disabilities when performing my role as a governor. In September 2016 I was appointed as the chair of the newly formed Pupil Support Committee. I am also actively involved in Gledhow's PSA which is a registered charity and regularly organises many fantastic fund-raising events, enjoyed by the whole school community.

My children, Leah and Luke, attend Gledhow Primary, just as I did. As a former pupil I feel deeply connected to the school and the locality. I firmly believe that the school is the heart of our community and I am honoured to have been elected in December 2016 as a parent governor. I work in the public sector as a finance officer so I have a good understanding of the importance financial accuracy, reporting, analysis and scrutiny. As a parent governor I will take into account parents’ opinions when contributing to decision making. Gledhow has always had a strong reputation as an excellent school and I aim to assist in ensuring that the schools ethos and values are maintained, so that as the school grows in size it is also grows in strength.

I am a newly appointed co-opted governor which I am excited about. I am a graduate System Analysis but had to change course soon after my daughter came along due to her condition. My daughter is age 13yrs with SEND and attends mainstream school. Having been through the education system ups and downs for my daughter’s case makes me very passionate ready to work and share my knowledge closely with your SENCO team in this challenging role. I am working in one of the leading primary school here in Leeds as part of the SEND team. Also, a member of LCC Housing Advisory Board that work closely in and for the wider community to oversee projects. And in my spare time sits on the executive board of the Leeds Caribbean Cricket Club. I am looking forward to working together for All children to be inclusive and benefits from this wonderful school family here at Gledhow Primary.