Governing Body and Register of interests

MANOR PARK SCHOOL & NURSERY GOVERNORS

October  2024

Please find details of our Local Governing Body below. Our Chair of Governors is Miss Bridget Wall and can be contact by writing to the school c/o , Manor Park School and Nursery, Manor Park South, Knutsford, Cheshire, WA16 8DB

Sarah Jeffery - Acting Head Teacher

I joined Manor Park in September 2016 as Deputy Head Teacher and, as of September 2024, I am proud to serve as Acting Head Teacher. Prior to this, I spent six years as Assistant Head at Rudheath Primary Academy in Northwich, where I led significant school improvement efforts when the school was placed in Special Measures. This experience helped shape my leadership skills in challenging circumstances, with a focus on rapidly improving teaching and learning.

Throughout my career, I have worked in primary schools across Crewe and Winsford, always gravitating toward schools that serve families and children facing more complex challenges. I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive by providing them with the skills and life chances that will empower them to succeed in an ever-changing world.

Ann Hollingsbee - Parent Governor (Vice Chair)

Term of Office: 07/10/2022 - 06/10/2026

I have three children who currently attend Manor Park in Years 4, 2 and Reception. I grew up in Knutsford and moved back here in 2020.

Having previously worked as a secondary MFL teacher I am passionate about education and in particular making sure every child is able to enjoy school and reach their potential. Since having children I have spent a lot of my time in voluntary community work. Among other things I run various groups connected to our church, help run a local Brownie group, volunteer at the children’s centre as an Infant Feeding Peer Supporter and am on the committee of the MPSA.

I am looking forward to being a governor and helping ensure that Manor Park continues to be a wonderful, positive and caring school where every child is able to thrive. 

Catherine Williams – Parent Governor 

Lesley Dalzell- Co-opted Governor

Term of Office: 01/12/2021 - 30/11/2025

I have lived in Knutsford for over 50 years. I am retired but worked mostly in medical education latterly for a local company who produce revision courses and books for junior doctors taking membership exams of their chosen specialty.

I have eight grandchildren, five of which attend Manor Park School.

I am also a Knutsford Town Councillor for Over Ward and a Trustee for Crosstown Community Orchard.

Knutsford Neighbourhood Plan: I was Chair of the Education and Community Places Working Group. The WGs objective is to have emerging policies that support the access to and provision of services and facilities including additional school places to meet local need and public meeting places.

I was a qualified ASA swimming teacher and taught at Knutsford Swimming Club for many years. I have worked voluntarily with two local schools helping children with their understanding of punctuation and reading. We also produced a weekly newspaper with events taken from CBBC Newsround. I also helped with IT classes.

Old School Project: I am a member of this project committee which launched a new programme (‘Old School’) to partnership the Academy with the Knutsford U3A to bring together senior members of the local community and Year 9 students. The group met weekly and worked in pairs looking at the differences between being at school now and in the past. Following the success of this experience we are already working with new seniors and Year 9 students to run another Old School.

I believe children will absorb knowledge and mature in the thriving learning environment offered to students at Manor Park Primary and Nursery

Pamela Larner - Co-opted Governor

Term of Office: 08/12/2021 - 07/12/2025

I am a primary school teacher with a wealth of experience who became a co-opted Governor in Autumn 2021. My career started in Warrington over thirty years ago and I currently teach a Year 3 mixed ability class in Hale. For several years, I also held the role of Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator (SENCo) across Key Stages 1 and 2 at my present school. Teaching has always been my passion and I feel it is important that all pupils are given every opportunity to fulfil their potential. I also believe a healthy school environment enables children to flourish and learn. I thoroughly enjoy being in a school setting, contributing to and being part of a team.

I have two children and two young grandchildren, I have lived in Knutsford, near to the school, for four years, I am excited to be a part of the ongoing development of Manor Park and I see my role as a Governor as one of providing support to staff and pupils alike in any way I can.

Bridget Wall - Co-opted Governor (Chair Person)

Term of Office: 01/09/2021 - 31/08/2025

I am a Primary School teacher with over 20 years experience of rural and inner city schools in the UK. I have also worked as a Teacher Trainer in Ghana and as a Nursery teacher in Spain. My son Davey is now in Year 6 and I have really enjoyed being actively involved with Manor Park school throughout his time as a pupil. I have been a parent volunteer in various year groups, have taught Mindfulness sessions, run an after school club and I am also as a member of the MPSA. I have also worked as a volunteer with the Cheshire branch of the children’s charity Home-Start for 5 years and am a Beaver Leader at 2nd Knutsford Scouts. I currently teach at a school in Stockport.

I am looking forward to developing my knowledge and experience as a member of governing body and contributing as much as I can to the continuing development of our super, nurturing school.

Laura Power - Staff Governor

Term of Office: 01/5/2024 - 1/5/2027

I started teaching at Manor Park School in September 2012. I am currently part time, teaching in Reception as well as leading Computing across the school. I became staff governor here in May 2024 following the maternity leave of the previous post holder. I have a keen passion in the early development of children and the promotion of the arts across the curriculum.

After previously holding the role of staff governor at the start of my teaching career back in 2000, it is interesting to come back to the role to see how the development of the governing body has changed over the years. With 24 years of teaching experience across mainly KS1, I bring with me a wealth of knowledge of the curriculum, teaching profession and workings of school. I started my career teaching in the London borough of Camden and moved back here in 2016 teaching in schools across Cheshire East and Cheshire West. I have two children of my own, my daughter, who attended Manor Park Nursery before moving to a local primary school nearer to home, now attends high school, and my older son is now at university.

Michelle Boyd - Co-opted Governor

Term of Office : 1/6/2024 - 1/6/2027 

I moved back to the UK and to Knutsford in 2016 after having the opportunity to live and work in Australia for 10 years.  My daughter is currently at Manor Park and since she started, our experience has been very positive.  I’m looking forward to getting more involved with supporting the school, having previously been part of the MPSA.

I am Head of Governance, Risk & Compliance at a financial services organisation, where I have worked for the last 18 years both in the UK and Australia.  Through work I have also had the opportunity to support the Women’s Association and mentor young female school leavers, helping to equip them for the next stage in their life.  I am also a qualified Mental Health First Aider, which has given me great insight and skills that I have been able to apply both professionally and personally.

I believe in children being given the opportunity to thrive and being able to dream big and to reach their full potential.  I am grateful for the opportunity to become a Governor and hopeful that I can use my experience and skills to support the school and the local community

Andrew Tully- Co-opted Governor

Term of Office: 30/03/2023 - 20/03/2027

I moved to Knutsford in 2019 and two of my children attended Manor Park. Although I don’t work in the education sector, I have more than 30 years’ experience working in senior roles in the financial services industry, and I hope that can help me bring a different perspective. I am the lead Governor for Finance.

I am looking forward to developing my knowledge and experience as a member of the local governing body and contributing as much as I can to help children continue to get a positive experience and achieve their potential in the time they spend at Manor Park.

Register of Interests

Pecuniary Interests

No governors have any pecuniary interests with any companies associated with Manor Park School and Nursery.

Personal Interests

The following Governors have children/grandchildren at the school 

Ann Hollingsbee, Catherine Williams, Michelle Boyd and Lesley Dalzell

Governors that are members of staff are 

Sarah Jeffery and Laura Power

Governors with no personal interests in the school 

Andrew Tully, Pamela Larner and Bridget Wall

No Governors are governors at another school

The following Governors have a family member as a member of staff

None

Governors Who have Left in the Previous 12 Months

Simon Cotterill, head teacher 1/09/2016 - 31/08/2024

Lauren Smith , staff governor, 1/9/2022 - 1/5/2024

Lorraine Phillips, co-opted governor, no declared interests, 13/06/2023 - 02/11/2023

Paul Deakin, co-opted governor, no declared interests,  20/06/2020 - 27/09/2023

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