Hurdsfield Primary School Governing Board
'Only our best (governors) will do'
At Hurdsfield, we have a dedicated group of Governors who work closely with the Headteacher to build on the continued school improvement. They are united behind the school's aim of providing nothing short of the best for our children within a framework of high expectations and challenge for all.
As the board is small, they meet regularly and agenda items cover a range of issues including school finance, leadership and the quality of education our school provides our children. The current Governing Body was reconstituted in February 2020. Governors are a voluntary body of people who guide and support the strategic direction of the school. They are members of the school team and their contribution to the running of the school is highly valued.
School Governing Body
The 'Instrument of Government' states that our school's governing body shall consist of:
The role of the governing body is a strategic one: its key functions are to:
Each Governor has provided a pen portrait of themselves which they have shared on our website and they are keen to engage with the school and wider community to gather a good understanding of the many areas of strength in our school as well as areas that need further development to continue our journey of improvement.
Mr Tim Haselwood - Chair of Governors (Co-opted Governor)
"I am a Chartered Accountant who spent most of my professional career with Deloitte specialising in audit, IT consultancy, management accounting and financial controls. I then spent two years as Business Manager of Hollinhey Primary School in Sutton near Macclesfield and moved to Tytherington School in September 2015 where I am now the Business Director responsible for all the Business aspects of the school.
I am also a trustee of The Yes Trust (which includes the The Fermain Academy an alternative provision school in Macclesfield), where I chair the Trustees' Finance, HR and Premises Committee.
I am married to Jan and have two grown-up daughters, one who is teaching English in China, a granddaughter, Isabella, who is 8 years old and a grandson Isaac who was born in January 2020. We live with a lazy golden retriever, 3 alpacas who cut the grass and a wind turbine."
Mrs Sally Brownhill - (Staff Governor)
"My name is Sally Brownhill and I have had the privilege of working at Hurdsfield Primary School and Nursery for the last 24 years. During this time, I have worked as both a teacher and more recently Assistant Headteacher responsible for vulnerable pupils. Working in the school, I have first-hand experience of the education system and knowledge of teaching and learning, and I am committed to ensuring every child receives the very best education possible. I believe that this means ensuring each of our learners have their needs met both academically and socially and strive to provide the best pastoral care for our learners and their families.
During my time at our school, I have gained vast knowledge and experience of our children, our school and its needs. This really helps in my role of staff governor as we strive to collectively ensure the provision of education is the best it can possibly be for each and every pupil in our care. In fulfilling this vision, we are allowing every child to reach their full potential here at Hurdsfield whilst realising our school vision where ‘only our best will do’".
Mrs Kirsty Pearson (Co-Opted Governor)
"I was delighted to be able to join the Governing Body at Hurdsfield Primary School. I am Head of Social Sciences at Tytherington School and have worked here for the past 15 years. I have seen many Hurdsfield students through our school and look forward to welcoming more. A key part of my role will be to contribute to the great curriculum work that is in place and provide any support needed to assist in the transition from primary to secondary education. I am married and have 3 school age children of my own."
Dr. Jennifer Heathcote (Co-Opted Governor)
"I was delighted to join the Governing team in September 2022. I have been coming into Hurdsfield School to lead some fun workshops about puberty for Year 6 pupils for the last few years and have been really impressed by the enthusiasm and ‘can do’ attitude of the children and teaching staff.
I trained as a doctor and have spent most of my career at Macclesfield Hospital, mainly working in women’s and sexual health. Almost everyone else in my family is a teacher, and although I am not a school teacher I have a Masters degree in education, teaching doctors and nurse how to teach.
I have lived in Macclesfield since 1985 and have 2 sons and 4 little grandsons and I am a member of Holy Trinity Church, Hurdsfield. To keep fit I enjoy riding our tandem with my husband, (I’m the one on the back, pedalling hard!)."
Mrs Pam Shatwell (Co-opted Governor)
Mr Ken Gilliver (Co-Opted Governor and Vice Chair)
"I was honoured when asked to join the Hurdsfield Primary School Board of Governors in early 2021. Whilst born and secondary school educated in West Sussex, I have spent most of his working life in the North West and has lived in Macclesfield for the past 20 years. My main connection with the school is through his wife Sue who was a pupil there herself when living just along from the school on Hulley Road. We have 2 sons ,both currently at University .
After graduating from Warwick University with a degree in French I moved into Human Resources Management, working in the chemicals industry [including a spell at CIBA Geigy off Charter Avenue,] Ceramics and Engineering, followed by posts in local and central Government before retiring from Her Majesty's Courts and Tribunals Service in 2012 .
Over the years I have held several Governor/Trustee positions, as a member of Governing Boards for a Government skills training organisation, an occupational pension fund, the East Cheshire Hospice and Tytherington School I will seek to use my experience to help assist Hurdsfield Primary School fulfil its mission of being a school where only our best will do."
Mrs Sarah Leary (Parent Governor)
"As a parent, a teacher and someone who has lived on Hurdsfield for over 10 years, I am passionate about the children at Hurdsfield getting the best education possible to enable them to be whatever they want to be. I believe in what the staff at Hurdsfield are aiming to achieve and I admire the way the school strives for excellence in all they do. The ethos, care and consideration staff give the children make me beam with pride and I want to help and contribute to this as a parent governor. I hope to be someone who is a critical friend on the governing board who questions with respect, interest and empathy; in order to ensure that the school continues to go from strength to strength.
In my spare time, I enjoy running, spending time with family and friends as well as reading. When I can I like to watch rugby and I regularly attend HTH Church where I am involved in leading one of the children’s groups. I love living on Hurdsfield and I want others to be amazed at what we can achieve together!"
Mrs Aimee Goonoo (Parent Governor)
"As a Parent Governor with two children attending Hurdsfield Primary School, I have many years ahead of parental interest and parent perspective. I feel the new curriculum and changes to the physical environment of the school are really setting the groundwork for excellence.
I have attended many of the Parent Forum meetings and have previously had an active role within the PTA; helping to raise important extra funding for the school. My two girls are very happy to go into school, and whilst this is not unusual, my eldest's experience at her very first school before we moved to Macclesfield was not so happy; Hurdsfield Primary School has provided a nurturing supportive environment in which she has begun to flourish, and is providing my youngest with the best start possible.
As a professional Textile Artist, I have a passion for the arts and practical skills, the additions of Forest School, Yoga and mindfulness at Hurdsfield are very exciting. In my working life, I have been a jewellery buyer; retail supervisor; credit controller, accounts assistant and was in a partnership for a jewellery and accessories business. Amidst it all, I have always been a Textile Artist and Designer.
Growing up in an army family I attended school in Northern Ireland, Germany, and in several places throughout the UK, which has provided an interesting insight into varying educational practices.
I am thrilled to be part of the Governing Board for Hurdsfield Primary School to contribute a parents perspective, working towards ensuring that every child has a great and happy start to their education, and the opportunity to build life skills for their future."
Rev. James Gibson (LA Governor)
"I am the Vicar of Holy Trinity Church on Hurdsfield Road. I have lived in Macclesfield for 5 ½ years and love it here. I moved up from Surrey with my wife and 2 kids who are now in High School.
As part of my Vicarly role, I come into the school regularly to help lead assemblies and we enjoy welcoming the school over to the church a few times a year for their celebration services.
I have not always been a Vicar. Before getting ordained I worked as an engineer both in the UK for Rolls Royce and the Environment Agency and overseas for WaterAid. When I am not working, I like to be out and about walking, running or cycling. Every day I am thankful to live in such a lovely part of the country.
I am by no means an expert in education, but I did go to school myself and have 2 kids going through it at the moment, so I have some idea of the opportunities and challenges both students and teachers face. My hope is that I can be of support to both staff and students, encouraging them and helping them be the best they can be."
A Brilliantly Happy School Where Only Our Best Will Do!