Meet the Governors of Christ Church CE (VA) Junior School
PARENT GOVERNORS: We currently have space on our Governing Board for 2 Parent Governors. Would you be interested? Nominations are now being invited for the position of Parent Governors .
Parent governors play an important role as members of the Governing Board, which is responsible for directing the conduct of the school and for promoting high standards of educational achievement. The term of office for parent governors, as determined by the governing body, is 4 years.
For more information about the parent governor role here at Christ Church, please speak to Miss Embleton. If you would like to find out about what it is like to be a Governor at Christ Church, you could also ask Sheridan Smith or Ami Hallgarth.
Training is available for all governors and those new to being a governor are encouraged to attend induction training. All of our governors are expected to follow our Governor Code of Conduct.
If you would like to stand for election please speak to Miss Embleton for the appropriate information and nomination documentation (available below).
Nominations must be from parents or carers with children at the school on the day that nominations close. Parents/carers who have paid employment in the school for 500 hours per academic year or more or who are elected members of the Local Authority are not eligible to stand in these elections. Anyone standing for election must certify that he/she is not disqualified for any reason.
If there are more nominations than vacancies the election will be by secret ballot. If that is necessary, voting papers will be sent to all parents together with details of the ballot procedure.
The Governing Board plays a vital part in the running of the school. They meet half termly and work extremely hard to support the Headteacher in making decisions about every aspect of school life.
The Full Governing Board meet once per term. In addition, there are a range of committees with delegated responsibilities, as identified in the terms of reference for each committee.
The Governing Board is split into the following committees:
- Resources
- Curriculum and Achievement
- Pastoral
- Ethos
The Resources Committee is responsible for the financial management of the school.
The Curriculum and Achievement Committee is responsible for standards of teaching and learning throughout school.
The Pastoral Committee is responsible for the attendance, behaviour, welfare and safeguarding of pupils.
The Ethos Committee is responsible for maintaining the vision and aims of the school in a distinctively Christian context.
Canon Angela
Chair of Governing Body
Committees:
Resources
Curriculum and Achievement
Ethos (Chair)
Pastoral
I am the Vicar of the Parish church of Christ Church Sowerby Bridge and am automatically a member of the Governing Board as an ex-officio member. I have been in post as Vicar since 2010 and have served on the board for all of that time. The last few years I have served as Chair of Governors.
Whilst I am automatically a member of the Board I can honestly say it is a joy and a privilege to serve on the board with a wonderful group of people who are committed to ensuring that our children not only get the best education they possibly can but also to know that they are valued. We aim to encourage them to develop and share their own gifts and skills. We are very proud of our children and the way they embrace our values.
I bring to the Board considerable experience as a school governor (having served at other schools) bringing support and advice in promoting our Christian Ethos in sharing the love of God and accepting of everyone of all faiths or none.
We also seek to support and develop a great team of hardworking staff, teaching and non teaching.
Our aim is that by the time our children move up to Senior School they will be prepared for the next phase of their journey in education and that they will be young people who will make a positive difference in whatever they choose to do.
Nigel Castledine
Vice Chair of Governing Body
Committees:
Resources (Chair)
Curriculum and Achievement
Ethos
After many years working in and with schools, although retired from full-time work, I am still passionate about education. Currently, I work part-time as a Section 48 school inspector. This enables me to visit a wide range of primary school settings across the north of England.
As a governor at Christ Church Junior School, I try to utilise my professional knowledge in supporting and challenging our Ofsted ‘good’ school on its exciting journey towards becoming ‘outstanding’. I am also a governor in another contrasting Church of England academy primary school, in a different local authority.
Alison Embleton
Headteacher, Ex-Officio
Committees:
Resources
Curriculum and Achievement
Ethos
Pastoral
I have been a Headteacher at Christ Church CE (VA) Junior School since September 2014. I am passionate about working in a Church of England School, as I cherish the distinct ethos that underpins everything that we do. We have amazing, polite and hardworking pupils at Christ Church and I am committed to making our school an oasis of learning, so that the children can truly 'Grow in faith, learning and love'. I am proud to be Headteacher of such a wonderful school.
As many of the children already know, I have my own horses at home and love spending time in the fresh air with them. I judge and compete at National shows with my horses, taking me all over the country. I can also be found reading a good book or being creative and artistic!
Ami Hallgarth
Parent Governor
Committees:
Curriculum and Achievement
Pastoral
My son goes to Christ Church and I wanted to become a Parent Governor to support his learning and get more involved in the life of the school. It’s been a real eye-opener for me to understand how much work and dedication goes on behind the scenes, to ensure the pupils receive a quality education and enjoy their time at Christ Church.
I have worked in arts education for around 15 years and have experience in managing projects with schools, from Early Years children to students in Higher Education. I enjoy working with teachers to explore creative ways in which art can be used to support subjects across the curriculum. I’ve served as a Trustee on a number of Boards for Arts Charities.
I currently work at The Artworks; an Art School in Halifax, managing projects with schools, leading teacher training and devising artist-led workshops that make creative links across the curriculum. I also run my own jewellery business and enjoy designing and making silver jewellery, which I sell on-line and in shops and galleries.
I’m a member of the Pastoral Committee and Curriculum Committee and am the Pupil Premium Lead Governor. Through my role as Parent Governor, I’d like to help promote a range of fun, creative and memorable educational experiences to create a lifelong love of learning for all our children.
Susie Durant
Foundation Governor
Committees:
Curriculum and Achievement
Pastoral
Having relocated to Sowerby Bridge from Leeds eleven years ago to raise my family, I have been delighted with the warm and friendly welcome from so many local residents, Christ Church parishioners and parents at Tuel Lane and Christ Church schools that is as a pleasure to serve as a Christ Church Foundation Governor.
I am currently an Assistant Headteacher in a large school in Bradford where I have worked for five years. I have taught in schools for eighteen years and love my job. I feel very privileged to work in education.
It is an honour to be part of the Christ Church governing body and Chair of the Curriculum Committee. The support of the children, team of staff, supportive parents, governors and all stakeholders makes the role an exciting one to undertake. The relentless and well thought out plans put in place to constantly evaluate and move the school forward, whilst supporting staff and ensuring nurture and pastoral care for all children is at the heart of everything Christ Church School undertakes.
Click here to see the Register of Governors
Other Current Members of the Governing Board:
Mr Mick Green - Vice Chairperson, Local Authority (Resources, Headteacher Appraisal)
Miss Ester Mor- Staff (Curriculum & Achievement)
Miss Sheridan Smith - Parent (Curriculum & Achievement
