Elected Governors September 2023
To see further details about our individual Governors, please view their miniblog on the next tab Governor Details.
The table also provides term of office details and those who have retired in their role as Governor for Willow Bank School in the last 12 months.
Chair of Governors: Mrs M Neale - Willow Bank School, Winwick Road, Newton-le-Willows, Merseyside, WA12 8DE
Governors Name |
Role |
Appointment |
Appointed By |
From |
To |
Ms Anne Kyle |
Headteacher |
Ms Anne Kyle appointed 01/01/21 |
Governing Body | 01/01/2021 | |
Mrs Margaret Neale (nee Williams) |
Chair |
(Co-opted Governor) |
Governing Body | 09/12/2018 | 05/12/2025 |
Mr Phillip Round |
Vice Chair | (Co-opted Governor) | Governing Body | 18/09/2020 | 31/07/2023 |
Cllr Seve Gomez Aspron |
(Local Authority Governor) | St Helens Local Authority | 20/07/2020 | 19/07/2023 | |
Mrs Leah Beirne |
(Co-opted Governor) |
Governing Body | 07/12/2016 | 31/07/2023 | |
Sgt Ged Farley |
(Co-opted Governor) |
Governing Body | 07/12/2016 | 31/07/2023 | |
Vacancy |
(Co-opted Governor) |
Governing Body | |||
Mr Peter Smith |
|
(Parent Governor) |
Governing Body | 31/07/2018 | 30/07/2023 |
Mr Ben Bennett |
|
(Staff Governor) |
Governing Body | 01/04/2022 | 31/03/2025 |
Vacancy |
|
(Parent Governor) |
Governing Body |
Governors who have served in the last twelve months:
Governors Name |
Appointment |
Appointed By |
Mr Duncan Morrison Retired January 2023 | (Co-opted Governor) | Governing Body |
School Governance - Roles, Procedures and Allowances
Ms Anne Kyle
Head Teacher
Term of office:
Start date : 01/01/2021
When did you first become a Governor at Penkford?
1st of January 2021 when I became the Head Teacher
What interested you in becoming a Governor at Penkford?
As the Head teacher you are automatically a governor, so I think maybe I should answer what interested me in becoming the Head Teacher? I was very impressed with the pupils I met on my School Council interview and I felt that I would be able to help them in their learning journeys at Penkford. I believe that Penkford is a very good school and has a great team of staff who want the very best for each and every pupil, I was my honour to then become the Head of this school.
I have been a teacher for over 20 years, and have already been a Head Teacher for 4 years prior to taking up my role at Penkford. I have a good track record with leading schools with OFSTED visits and have led 2 schools from Requires Improvement judgments to Good, and Good with Outstanding Areas.
What do you enjoy most about your role as Governor?
I enjoy making a difference to the children and young people that I have the privilege to represent. I like being involved in the key decisions that will make the experience at Penkford even better than it is already for our pupils, parents, carers and staff. As a team of governors we are aiming at being outstanding and helping the school to achieve this.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I enjoy reading, films and yoga. I have two sporting sons so support them a lot around the North West of England. I like aromatherapy and use this as a way of relaxing. I also enjoy DIY and am always looking at ways to improve my house! I enjoy politics and have a keen interest in following what is happening around the world.
Mr Seve Gomez Aspron
Term of office:
Local Authority Governor
Start date: 20/07/2020
End date: 06/07/2024.
Seve is a Labour Councillor for Newton-le-Willows and Deputy Leader for St Helens Borough Council. He was honoured with an MBE for services to the community of Newton-le-Willows during the coronavirus crisis. Seve was part of a collective community push that sent out thousands of meals, PPE to hospitals and care homes; distributed up to 2,500 Easter eggs to local school chilren and supplied hundreds of free school uniforms. Seve is a local man who describes himself as a socialist, scientist and a bit of a local historian fighting to enable the £8 million new build for Penkford School to come to fruition.
Mrs Leah Beirne
Term of office:
Start date: 07/12/2016.
End date: 31/07/2022.
When did you first become a Governor at Penkford?
December 2016
What interested you in becoming a Governor at Penkford ?
I strongly believe in the service that Penkford provides. Mainstream schools cannot meet the needs of all young people. Nonetheless all young people are entitled to a quality, relevant and accredited education regardless of how complex their needs and however challenging their behaviour.
I gained a wealth of knowledge and understanding during the 29 years I worked in a challenging mainstream secondary school (15 years in a range of Senior Leadership positions) and the 4 years that I managed a PRU. I hope that I might be able to put my experience to good use and offer some support to Penkford.
What do you enjoy most about your role as Governor?
I enjoy working with a Head teacher, staff team and governing body who are all passionate about providing the best possible experience for their young people.
The Head Teacher and her team have worked hard to get Penkford to a ‘good’ standard but they not satisfied with this and are driving forward to provide an outstanding school.
I enjoy offering support and challenge to such an ambitious team.
What are your hobbies and interests?
My main interest is swimming. I coach at St Helen's Swimming Club several times a week and I try to swim myself three times a week. I also enjoy walking, eating out and going to concerts (classical music).
Since retiring I have revived some old hobbies - dressmaking and knitting. I have also been involved in setting up a group for dementia sufferers and their carers.
Mr Duncan Morrison
Term of office:
Start date: 31/07/2018
End date: 03/07/2022
When did you first become a Governor at Penkford?
31st July 2018
What interested you in becoming a Governor at Penkford ?
I have worked in schools for 15 years and before that I worked in the university sector. In my current role as a member of senior management team of a large secondary school I have worked with alternative provisions across the North West. I have always been amazed by the work they do in helping some of our young people who have struggled in mainstream education become successes in a different environment.
What do you enjoy most about your role as Governor?
Being part of the governing body at Penkford has many rewards. The one I enjoy most is being a small part of a hard working organisation, that puts young people and their progress at the heart of everything they do. That is a real privilege.
What are your hobbies and interests?
I am dad to two children and when I am not driving them around to various clubs and teams I love to read, hike in the Lake District, watch sport especially football and rugby league and spend time with family and friends.
Mr Peter Smith
Term of office:
Start date: 31/07/2018
End date: 30/07/2022
When did you first become a Governor at Penkford?
31st July 2018
What interested you in becoming a Governor at Penkford?
Penkford has an appeal to me because I have personal experience of children with special needs and as a result I want to help make improvements for the students at Penkford.
What do you enjoy most about your role as Governor?
Using my professional skills and experience to help make improvements.
Using my personal skills and experience to help make improvements.
Acquiring new skills, experiences and insights.
Meeting people from different and varied backgrounds
What are your hobbies and interests?
Family, Lola the Labrador and Buddy the Chug, walking, Preston North End FC, listening to radio and socializing.
Proposed dates for Governors Meetings 2023 - 2024
Term 1 |
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4th October 2023 |
Full Governing Body Meeting |
4:30pm |
6th December 2023 |
Full Governing Body Meeting |
4:30 pm |
Term 2 |
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7th February 2024 |
Full Governing Body Meeting |
4:30pm |
27th March 2024 |
Full Governing Body Meeting |
4:30 pm |
Term 3 |
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22nd May 2024 |
Full Governing Body Meeting |
4:30pm |
3th July 2024 |
Full Governing Body Meeting |
4:30 pm |
* Plus October 22 Heads Appraisal Meeting (Staff and Appeals Committee) |
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INSET Days 2023 - 2024 |
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Monday 4th & Tuesday 5th September. Friday 27th October. 2023 |
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Monday 22nd & Tuesday 23rd July. 2024 |
Below is a list of any pecuniary interests declared by current serving Governors.
Governor List 2023 |
No Interest Declared |
Interest Declared |
Ms Anne Kyle |
X |
|
Mrs Maggie Neale |
|
Governor at Newton le Willows Primary School |
Mr Philip Round |
|
Governor at St Helen’s College and Wargrave House School |
Counsellor Seve Gomez Aspron |
X |
|
Mrs Leah Beirne |
X |
|
Mr Ged Farley |
X |
|
Mr Peter Smith |
|
Contracts Manager Corporate Procurement St Helens Council |
Mr Ben Bennett |
X |
|
Please find information regarding Governor committee membership 2023 2024. Full governors meetings for 2023 2024 will cover all committee areas listed below.
Forum Governor Representative
-
Cllr S Gomez Aspron - (Local Authority Governor)
Finance and Resources Committee
-
Ms A Kyle - Headteacher
-
Mrs M Neale - Chair (Co-opted Governor) and Committee Chair
-
Mr P Round - Vice Chair (Co-opted Governor)
-
Cllr S Gomez Aspron - (Local Authority Governor)
-
Mrs L Beirne - (Co-opted Governor)
-
Mr G Farley - (Co-opted Governor)
-
Mr P Smith - (Co-opted Governor)
-
Mr B Bennett - (Staff Governor)
Standards and Effectiveness Committee
-
Ms A Kyle - Headteacher
-
Mrs M Neale - Chair (Co-opted Governor) and Committee Chair
-
Mr P Round - Vice Chair (Co-opted Governor)
-
Cllr S Gomez Aspron - (Local Authority Governor)
-
Mrs L Beirne - (Co-opted Governor)
-
Mr G Farley - (Co-opted Governor)
-
Mr P Smith - (Co-opted Governor)
-
Mr B Bennett - (Staff Governor)
Staffing and Appeals Committee
-
Ms A Kyle - Headteacher
-
Mrs M Neale - Chair (Co-opted Governor) and Committee Chair
-
Mr P Round - Vice Chair (Co-opted Governor)
-
Mr G Farley - (Co-opted Governor)
Attendance Full Governor Meetings September 2023 to July 2024.
Meeting Dates:
Governor |
04/10/2023 |
06/12/2023 |
07/02/2024 |
27/03/2024 |
22/05/2024 |
03/07/2024 |
Mrs Maggie Neale (Chair) |
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Mr Philip Round (VIce Chair) |
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Ms Anne Kyle (Headteacher) |
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Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspon |
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Mrs Leah Beirne |
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Mr Ged Farley |
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Mr Peter Smith |
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Mr Ben Bennett |
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Summary of Attendance:
Governor |
% Attendance |
Additions and/or Retired |
Mrs Maggie Neale (Chair) |
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Mr Philip Round (VIce Chair) |
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Ms Anne Kyle (Headteacher) |
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Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspon |
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Mrs Leah Beirne |
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Mr Ged Farley |
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Mr Peter Smith |
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Mr Ben Bennett |
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Attendance Full Governor Meetings September 2022 to July 2023.
Governor |
07/12/22 | 22/03/23 | 05/07/23 |
% Attendance |
Additions or Retired |
Mrs Maggie Neale (Chair) |
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Mr Philip Round (Vice Chair) |
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Ms Anne Kyle (Headteacher) |
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Cllr Seve Gomez Aspron |
Local Authority Governor | ||||
Mrs Leah Beirne |
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Mr Ged Farley |
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Mr Duncan Morrison |
Retired Jan 2023 | ||||
Mr Peter Smith |
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Vacancy |
Co-opted Governor |
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Mr Ben Bennett |
Staff Governor |
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Vacancy |
Parent Governor |
Attendance at Committee Meetings September 2022 – July 2023.
Governor |
Standards & Effectiveness 12/10/22 |
Finance & Staffing 23/11/22 |
Standards & Effectiveness 08/02/23 |
Finance & Staffing 01/03/23 |
Standards & Effectiveness 17/05/23 |
Finance & Staffing 14/06/23 |
Mrs Maggie Neale (Chair) |
Y | Y | Y | Y |
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Mr Philip Round (VIce Chair) |
Y | Y | Y | Y |
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Ms Anne Kyle (Headteacher) |
Y | Y | Y |
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Cllr Seve Gomez-Aspon |
Y | Y | Y |
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Mrs Leah Beirne |
Y | Y | Y | Y |
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Mr Ged Farley |
Y | Y |
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Mr Duncan Morrison |
Y |
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Mr Peter Smith |
Y | Y | Y |
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Mr Ben Bennett | Y |
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