Ireland Wood Primary School
Immerse, Inspire, Include

Our School  »  Governors

Our Great Governing Body
 
To find out more about each governor, click on their name!
 
Jean Basson
Governor
Christine Knight
Governor
Raminder Aujla
Chair of Governor's
 
 
Jane Price
Inclusion Manager
Waseem Khan
Governor
Ian Blackburn
Headteacher
Jennifer Green
Deputy Head
Sue Tuck
Governor
Catherine Arundel
Governor
Chris Bridges
Vice Chair of Governor's
Louise Law
Teacher

Governors are regularly informed of our Investors in Pupils work in school through meetings and visits to school. Governors have classes that they are assigned to for the academic year so that they are able to get involved in school life and so that pupils have the chance to learn about the role of a governor. Governors are invited to attend School Council meetings and do so regularly.

Governor Declaration of Interests

Chair of Governors – Raminder Aujla

None

Resources Committee

September 2023

Vice Chair – Christopher Bridges

Governor at Ralph Thoresby High School

Teaching & Learning Committee

September 2023

Governor – Catherine Arundel

None

Teaching & Learning Committee

September 2023

Governor – Jean Basson

None

Pupil Support Committee

September 2023

Governor - Ian Blackburn

None

Resources Committee
Pupil Support Committee

September 2023

Governor - Jen Green

None

Teaching & Learning Committee

September 2023

Governor – Waseem Khan

None

Resources Committee

September 2023

Governor – Christine Knight

NASUWT – Teachers’ Trade Union

Pupil Support Committee

September 2023

Governor – Louise Law

None

Teaching & Learning Committee

September 2023

Governor – Jane Price

None

Pupil Support Committee

September 2023

Governor - Sue Tuck

None

Resources Committee

September 2023

 

Governors' Statement

The Governing Body at Ireland Wood is committed to making certain that all children are given the opportunity to fulfil their individual potential whilst at the same time learning to respect the needs of others. It works to ensure that, through the Head teacher and all the staff, the school is able to maintain high standards of quality and performance in the context of a caring, happy and safe environment. It considers that it has a duty of care for all within the school. It views partnership with parents, carers and others in the local community as vital and is keen to take account of the views of all concerned with the school including, of course, the children themselves. For more information, please see the attached document.

Information for prospective governors

 

Across the city there are thousands of members of our community helping to support school leadership teams by volunteering their time and expertise as school governors - but what is it about the role which encourages so many committed volunteers to apply?

 

  1. The purpose of governance

All schools have a Board that provides strategic leadership. Boards have three core functions:

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
  • Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
  • Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.

 

In a local authority maintained school the board is the Governing Board, who are usually supported by a number of committees.

Some schools are part of a multi academy trust where each school has a Local Governing Body which in turns reports to a Board of Trustees.

There are some differences in decision making authority between maintained schools and academies, largely around matters of finance, but otherwise governor roles are very similar.

Ensuring the school provides the best education for all its pupils should be at the heart of all governor business.

 

  1. The types of governor

 

You do not need to be a parent of a child to be a school governor. The composition of a Governing Board or Local Governing Body includes several different categories of governor. These could include:
 

  • Co-opted – appointed by the governors and the most common category of governor
  • Parent – elected by the parents
  • Staff – elected by the staff at school
  • Foundation/Trust – appointed by the Diocese/Trust where appropriate
  • Local Authority - often an elected member of the local political party


Regardless of category all governors share responsibilities and work as a team. Governors will be expected to work within an ethos of professionalism and high expectations which will be documented in a code of conduct which you will typically be asked to sign.

 

  1. What does a governor do?

Individual governors alone do not carry responsibilities and have no power unless the Governing Board or Local Governing Body delegates a specific matter to them. Decisions are made in formal meetings by a consensus.

 

You should expect to be involved in:

  • Developing the strategic plan for school
  • Oversight of the curriculum being taught, monitoring pupil outcomes and agreeing priorities for improvement
  • Agreeing school policies and practice which allow school leaders to carry out their responsibilities, and monitoring the implementation of these including those concerned with the health and safety of pupils and staff, discipline and attendance
  • Ensuring school is taking account of stakeholder views through engagement with parents, pupils and staff
  • Oversight of the school budget and how funds are being allocated

 

You will not be involved in:

  • Dealing with personal issues in relation to a particular child
  • Discussing the performance of individual children (data should be anonymised)
  • Matters of day to day school management
  1. What makes a good governor?

There are no formal qualifications required and, as a new school governor, you are not expected to come with a working knowledge of the education sector. These are some of the qualities and general requirements schools look for in a governor:

  • a strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for children
  • the inquisitiveness to question and analyse
  • the willingness to learn
  • good inter-personal skills
  • appropriate levels of literacy in English
  • sufficient numeracy skills to understand basic data
  • willingness to attend appropriate training

Skills and knowledge

No one governor is expected to know everything. The strength of a Governing Board or Local Governing Body relies in its ability to attract members from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some governors may have qualifications or professional skills that are particularly useful.

The Department for Education’s Competency Framework for Governance lists the skills required for effectiveness in setting the strategic direction of the organisation, planning and prioritising, monitoring progress and managing change and is a useful reference point for a Governing Board or Local Governing Body at the point of governor recruitment.

 

  1. The time commitment

There are different operating models in different schools but being a governor involves far more than simply attending meetings. Schools operate over three terms, autumn, spring and summer, and the time commitment needed is between 15 and 50 hours per term depending on your role. This would typically include:

  • Preparation for and attendance at meetings – usually one meeting of the Governing Board or Local Governing Body and one committee meeting. You will receive reports and analyse data from school leaders and, based on these, be expected to ask questions and provide support to improve educational provision. Meetings are most commonly held in the evening.
  • School visits – one visit to school, under the direction of the board, to monitor the progress of a strategic priority or statutory duty and the production of a brief report to be shared with other governors.

 

Governors are also expected to take an interest in the life of the school including attending some of its events during the academic year.

Being a governor is a public duty and governors have a right to reasonable time off work, although this may be without pay. You should ask your company what entitlement you have.

 

 

  1. The training and support you should expect to receive

Governance regulations set clear expectations including that governors undertake whatever training or development activity is needed to fill any gaps in their skills to contribute to effective governance. All governors will be invited, by their school, to undertake induction training and should complete this as soon as possible to gain an understanding of the role. Further, and more specific training, is also available and should be accessed where necessary to complement other sources of development, such as speaking to staff leads in school to increase your knowledge.

 

  1. What’s in it for you?

The governor role will allow you to gain a fascinating insight into how schools work and how the education sector is changing and continues to change. You are guaranteed to gain an appreciation of the work of teachers and school leaders as well as the challenges schools face.

Being a school governor is a fantastic opportunity to make a difference, have an impact on education and positively influence children’s lives. There’s no denying that being a school governor is a challenge, but that’s a good thing - because it’s important. It may be that you are putting your professional skills to use in a new context or getting to grips with a whole new sector, but most people find being a governor is a very rewarding role.

 

 

  1. Are you suitable and eligible to be a governor?

It is usual for prospective governors to arrange a meeting with the Headteacher and Chair of Governors to understand more about the school and its priorities, and to have a short tour. During this visit, which might operate as an informal interview, you might be asked questions such as:

  • Why do you want to be a governor?
  • What skills and experience can you bring to the board?
  • Why do you think these would make you an effective governor?
  • Why have you chosen this school?
  • How much time can you dedicate to the role?
  • How would you deal with a situation where you really disagree with others on the board?
  • What do you understand about confidentiality on the board?

Ian Blackburn

Headteacher

I have been a Headteacher in Leeds for 11 years. I am proud to be Headteacher of Ireland Wood Primary School, which is a popular two form entry Primary School with a highly regarded resource provision for children with physical disabilities. I also the Chair of the Ireland Wood Children’s Centre Advisor Board and I am Chair of the North West Educational Partnership Trust (currently 4 Schools).

I have held senior management positions in 4 Primary Schools for over 18 years including Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher at another school in Leeds.

My particular areas of expertise are in Physical Education, Strategic Leadership and SEN. I have a degree in PE and Primary Education and have also worked in a secondary school and two SILCS (Specialist Inclusion Learning Centres) delivering PE and sport to children of all abilities.

On a personal level I have four children and two grandchildren who take up most of my spare time. I do though enjoy a round of golf and watching Leeds United and Leeds Rhinos when I can.

Barbara Crowther

My name is Barbara Crowther and I have been a governor at Ireland Wood Primary School for about 15 years. I have seen the school change and develop into the successful school and Children's Centre it is today. This is thanks to the hard work, care and dedication of the staff. I am a local authority governor and at present am attached to Years 1 & 2 as a Phase 2 Governor. I have in the past been a class governor for years 1-5 and this has involved many class visits and accompanying children on school trips. I am a retired teacher and have time to give to the governor role. I also live in the locality and have 3 grandchildren of primary school age. My interests include gardening, walking and singing in a local community choir. I also work as a volunteer at a local hospice.

Mr Connelly

I have worked at Ireland Wood since qualifying as a teacher in 2012. Within school, I teach in Year 2 and am Phase Leader for KS1. I am responsible for Educational Visits and ensuring that higher attaining pupils are pushed and achieve as well as they can. I wanted to be part of the Governing Body to help make IWPS an even better place to work and learn. As part of my Governors role, I chair the Teaching and Learning Committee which analyses data, monitors policies for curriculum areas and reviews reports from subject leaders. I enjoy travelling and over the last few years have visited China, India, America and Thailand.

Mrs Sowerby

I have been a member of staff at Ireland Wood Primary School since 2000 when I started as a newly qualified teacher working in KS1. During my time in class I had experience in KS1 and KS2 but the majority of my teaching time was spent in the Early Years. This is where I consider my area of expertise, it is certainly where my heart lies! Initially I was elected to the Governing Body as a Staff Governor in 2005. I have remained as a staff governor over the past nine years. Over the last few years During my time at the school I have had the opportunity to develop professionally. Initially I covered the Deputy Head role for Maternity Cover. Shortly after this period I was promoted to Assistant Head and following another year covering the Deputy I was appointed as permanent Deputy Head in 2010. I have had a wonderful career at Ireland Wood and have supported the school through many changes and challenges including pupil reduction, Children’s Centre development, expansion and three Ofsted inspections.Outside of work I have two young children. Isabelle and Freddie. They take up most of my spare time but every now and then I find time to take part in Amateur Dramatic productions with BrassNeck Theatre Company in Leeds.

Sue Tuck

I believe passionately that every young person deserves the best possible start to their education. So I am delighted to be part of the Ireland Wood Governing Body. I am the Early Years Governor and chair of the Resources Committee.

I originally came to Leeds to study psychology over 30 years ago and end up staying. I am married and the very proud mother four grown up children and a granddaughter.

I have had the chance to live and work in a number of countries around the world, mainly in Africa and Asia. Whilst living in Bangladesh I served as a school governor at an American international school. I was active in the PTA and served as chair for two years when my children were at high school in Leeds.

Linda Parkin

I have lived in Cookridge for over 40 years and have had an attachment to Ireland Wood Primary School for most of that time as all four of my very grown up children came here, and now my grandchildren attend!

I also work in the school, and have done since 1998, or to be more specific the Children’s Centre where we provide childcare for pre-school children (3 months to school age). We also provide a range of services for families including groups which run in the school Community Room as well as outreach services.

I am a Community Governor and in that role I can bring experience of working throughout the area with all the six other primary schools and with other cluster staff for example the Targeted Services Leader, and part of my remit includes reporting to the Governing Body on the Extended Services work taking place in our cluster of schools.

I am a very family oriented person, love to read and go to the cinema whenever possible and socialise with friends. I love my job and working with and knowing families in our area is very important to me.

Anna Wood

I live in Cookridge and work at St James’s Hospital. My three children have all gone to Ireland Wood Primary school and have thrived here. Only my youngest is still at the school but they have all benefitted from the fantastic education and environment provided. I have been a governor here for 10 years now and am proud to be part of such a fantastic school.

Jean Basson

Chair

I have worked in Education for 40 years and have been particularly involved with children with special educational needs and disabilities, their teachers and support staff. I have been Chair of Governors for over 5 years and a member of the Governing Body for much longer.

I live locally and so am especially concerned with all issues that affect children and families in our community. I am pleased that the school now works as part of a Trust in collaboration with other local schools as this cooperation and sharing of expertise strengthens local ties across the area.

I spend as much time as possible in school but when I am not doing that, I enjoy singing in a choir, reading, walking, painting and going to films.

As Chair of Governors, I am fully committed to the principal that all children should be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential whilst at the same time considering the needs of others. I am therefore very proud not only of the achievements of all the children, the staff and the Governors at Ireland Wood but also the atmosphere of care and respect which is at the heart of the school.

Diane Wood-Robinson

Ireland Wood School has impressed me since my granddaughter, and later my grandson, started school there. The inclusive ethos is outstanding. My background is in education, mainly at tertiary level. I also latterly managed a British Government education project in South Africa working with disadvantaged primary schools. This was followed by voluntary work with AIDS orphans. In my spare time I enjoy working on the allotment, going to classical music concerts, the opera and travelling, as well as looking after the grandchildren, of course!

I applied to be a Governor at Ireland Wood as I live locally and thought it would be a good thing if grandparents were represented. It is obvious from meeting the children from school and attending music, plays, presentations and other events how important grandparents are to many of the children. I continue to be impressed by the school, the staff and the children. I wish to play my part in contributing to the school and its development.

Daniel McLoughlin

Vice-Chair

I worked in Education for 40 years and have been particularly involved with children with special educational needs and disabilities, their teachers and support staff.

I live locally and so am especially concerned with all issues that affect children and families in our community. I am pleased that the school works as part of a Trust in collaboration with other local schools as this cooperation and sharing of expertise strengthens local ties across the area.

I spend as much time as possible in school but when I am not doing that, I enjoy singing in a choir, reading, walking, painting and going to films.

As a Governor at Ireland Wood, I am fully committed to the principal that all children should be given the opportunity to fulfil their potential whilst at the same time considering the needs of others. I am therefore very proud not only of the achievements of the whole school community - all the children, the staff and the Governors but also the atmosphere of care and respect at the heart of the school.

Raminder Aujla

My family have been affiliated with Ireland Wood Primary School for the last 19 years and I have been on the Governing Body at Ireland Wood since 2006. Whilst my children have progressed through the education system, I have continued to stay on the Governing Body as the wonderful children and fantastic inclusive ethos of the school, hold a very special place in my heart. I am the named Governor for safeguarding and looked after children, which fits in with my day job working within the specialist area of safeguarding children and young people. I feel extremely privileged to be on a Governing Body that is made up of an extraordinary mix of talented individuals. We all share a common goal of ensuring that we support the pupils, parents and staff to make Ireland Wood Primary School the best it can be and our children are at the heart of everything we do.

Jen Green

I was elected to be a staff governor 4 years ago. I began working as the Year 1 teacher at Ireland Wood in 2008 and have since taught Year 4 and now teach Year 3. I am also a member of the Senior Leadership Team and have recently been appointed as Assistant Headteacher. Part of my role is to strengthen and maintain community cohesion within our school community and beyond. I have developed and sustained links with local schools particularly through a cluster International School Council. A personal passion of mine in the international dimension to our curriculum and we work hard to embrace and celebrate the diversity of cultures we have at Ireland Wood. Outside of work, I love the outdoors, play netball and am an Akela at a local Cub Scout group.

Mrs Price

In one way or another I have been part of the Ireland Wood Primary School community since 1976. My Mum was a teacher at the school for many years before she retired and both my children started their very successful educational pathways by attending the school. I was lucky enough to join the staff at Ireland Wood in September 1997 and was elected to the Governing Body in 2003. During my time at Ireland Wood I have worked across all the year groups within the school before being appointed as SENCo in September 2005 and then Inclusion Manager in September 2012.

Even though I have now moved away from the local area I continue to work and sit on the Governing body as I believe that the ethos within the school is truly inclusive and offers all children a complete and fulfilling primary education. I passionately want to be part of this early journey that the children make and by sitting on the Governing Body review group, Pupil Support Committee and the Governor’s training committee I believe that I have a positive impact to make to the children’s education and the development of the school.

Hala Saleh

My name is Hala Saleh and I have been a Parent Governor at Ireland Wood Primary School since January 2015.

I have three children, the oldest of which has attended Ireland Wood Primary School for four years, while the second attended Ireland Wood Children Centre. The youngest started Reception at Ireland Wood Primary School last September.

I have a Masters Degree in Web Engineering and worked as a ICT teacher abroad. I hope that by joining the governing body and by combining my skills in computing and teaching I can contribute to the school and its development.

Karen Llewellyn

I am a local authority governor and have both a professional and personal interest in Education - as a former teacher and head of department in secondary schools and then within higher education as a lecturer and head of programme in sport and physical education. My current role, working at the University of Leeds, is related to strategic change and to deliver on the university’s strategic plan in student education. My personal interest is derived through the education of my daughter who is now a student at Leeds. In particular, I was actively involved during her primary education in school PTA activities.

It is clearly a privilege to be a member of the governing body of such a vibrant and successful school.

Alex Stevenson

Bio coming soon.

Catherine Arundel

I joined the Governing Body in 2017 as a Parent Governor. I've lived in Leeds since studying in the city and now work in the advertising industry, including a role as associate lecturer at Leeds Arts University.

Although my professional life is in advertising and communications, I have always had an interest in education. I want every child at Ireland Wood Primary School to have the opportunity to develop a love of learning, respect for each other and to reach their full potential.

Jennifer Green

I was elected to be a staff governor 4 years ago. I began working as the Year 1 teacher at Ireland Wood in 2008 and have since taught Year 4 and now teach Year 3. I am also a member of the Senior Leadership Team and have recently been appointed as Assistant Headteacher. Part of my role is to strengthen and maintain community cohesion within our school community and beyond. I have developed and sustained links with local schools particularly through a cluster International School Council. A personal passion of mine in the international dimension to our curriculum and we work hard to embrace and celebrate the diversity of cultures we have at Ireland Wood. Outside of work, I love the outdoors, play netball and am an Akela at a local Cub Scout group.

(Jen is currently on maternity leave, her role in the Governing Body is being covered by Annie O'Connell)

Milene Laye

I joined the Ireland Wood Primary School Governing Body in 2018 as a parent governor. I am a research scientist at the University of Leeds. I have lived in Cookridge for over 10 years and I have a child who attended the Ireland Wood Children’s centre and is currently at Ireland Wood Primary School.

My main professional activity is in research but I also teach at the University. I have been delighted with the ethos of the school and its commitment to the children. I am keen to support the school in giving the children the best learning environment possible to realise their potential.

Chris Bridges

Hi everyone, Ive been a governor at IWPS since early 2020. I have two children at Ireland Wood and both they and my wife and I are very happy with the way the school has nurtured their abilities. My hope is to give something back to the school so that the other children and parents can enjoy their time here too.

I have lived in the area since I came to study Law at the University of Leeds. I now run my own business in Headingley. I enjoy sports (more of a watcher rather than a player!), especially of football, rugby and cricket. I also enjoy talking politics so you if you see me and want to bend my ear I will happily oblige.

Christine Knight

I joined the Governing Body in the summer term of 2021 and was previously a member of the Ireland Wood Children’s Centre Advisory Board in my role as Councillor for Weetwood until May 2021.

I have a grandchild who used to attend the Children’s Centre and another who currently attends.

I have been an English Teacher in Secondary Schools within the City for a number of years and I currently work for NASUWT, representing members and negotiating teachers’ terms and conditions with the local authority as well as Multi Academy Trusts.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to continue to support both the school and the children’s centre and hope to bring my knowledge of, as well as my skills gained within, the education system in order to enhance the education of children in the school and to contribute to the wonderful work the school already does for those children.