School governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education. Governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country and have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing body is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school. Governors are supported by the Local Authority who provides information and regular training.
The governing body’s responsibilities are to:
Governors can be contacted via the school office
Full Governing Body Meetings at South Parade are held once every Half Term, with Resources, Standards and Pupils Sub Committee meetings held at least once every Term.
Chair of Governors: Mrs Laura Hebblethwaite
I am delighted to introduce myself as Chair of governors at South Parade Primary school. I am excited to be working with such a professional team of staff and governors. As Chair I will strive to support the school in delivering the best educational standards so that children can thrive, achieve and be the best they can be.
Both my children started their educational journey in nursery, although one is now in high school, my youngest still attends South Parade. I have worked in education for nearly 10 years and have extensive knowledge in early years and SEND.
I am inspired to work with such a devoted team who work hard to share their expertise in helping to guide our school forward.
Vice Chair of Governors: Mrs Gemma Westcott
I am delighted to introduce myself as Vice Chair of governors at South Parade Primary school. I am excited to be working with such a professional team of staff and governors.
Both my children came to South Parade, although one is now in high school, my youngest still attends South Parade. I have worked in Early years, and now Health and Safeguarding.
I am looking forward to continuing to work as part of the South Parade Family who work so hard to give our children the best start to their educational journey.
Chair of Governors Resources Committee: James Webster
I am a Parent Governor (one child currently in Year 4) . I was Elected by Parents to join the Governing Board with effect from 18 May 2020. I Currently Chair the Resources Committee and along with another Governor have responsibility for reviewing the School's Pupil Premium and Sports Premium Strategy. In addition, I am also the Governor with responsibility for the monitoring of the quality of Teaching & Learning within School.
Professionally, I help to manage a number of large pension schemes helping people to save for retirement. I'm a Fellow of my Professional Institute, Chair the Regional Committee and I am also involved with the development and assessment of Apprentices joining the pensions industry.
Outside work, I spend time helping to look after a horse and have season tickets for Leeds Rhinos, Batley Bulldogs and Ossett United.
Lindsay Goode: Associate Governor
It is my privilege to be on the governing body at South Parade and have the opportunity to work with a committed team of staff and stakeholders to ensure the school continues to be the very best it can be. I have been a governor since 2018, initially being elected as a parent governor (I have two children who attend South Parade) then being made a co-opted governor at the end of that term.
To my role as a governor, I bring over 18 years of experience as a teacher and leader in secondary education and a passion for supporting all young people to thrive in their education and self-development.
As an English specialist and book lover, I have a particular interest in reading and literacy and am the link governor for literacy (writing and spelling) and boys’ academic performance.
Robyn Johnson - parent governor
I am a parent governor with one child currently attending South Parade and one just about to start. I have worked in a managerial role within capacity planning & scheduling at Yorkshire Ambulance Service for nearly 10 years before recently having a career change into Childminding and Early Years. I joined the Governing Board in December 2023 and I am excited to work with a team and community who are passionate about giving our children a safe space to learn, grow and develop.