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Governors

Our Governing Body

The governing body at Manston Primary School plays a vital role in shaping the future of our school and ensuring the best possible outcomes for all our pupils. Our governors work in partnership with the headteacher and staff to provide strategic leadership and accountability, always keeping the children at the heart of every decision we make.

Our Role and Responsibilities

Our governors work with key professionals, including the headteacher, designated safeguarding leads, and special educational needs co-ordinators (SENCOs), to improve outcomes for children. We are committed to:

  • Setting the strategic direction and vision for the school
  • Ensuring the school provides a high-quality education for all pupils aged 5-11
  • Holding senior leaders to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
  • Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
  • Ensuring the school fulfils its statutory duties, including safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children

Who We Are

Our governing body is made up of dedicated volunteers from various backgrounds, bringing a wealth of experience and expertise to support our school community. We include:

  • Parent governors who bring valuable parental perspectives
  • Staff governors who provide insight into day-to-day school life
  • Co-opted governors with specialist skills and knowledge
  • Local Authority governors

All our governors undergo enhanced DBS checks to ensure the safety of our pupils.

Our Commitment to You

We are committed to working closely with parents, staff, and the wider community to ensure that every child at Manston Primary School receives an excellent education in a safe, nurturing, and inclusive environment. 

Get in Touch

If you would like to contact the governing body, please get in touch with the school office, and your query will be forwarded to the appropriate governor or the Chair of Governors.

  • Governors' Handbook Departmental advice outlining school governors' roles and duties, along with contact details for GovernorLine.

Parent Governor Vacancy - March 2026

ELECTION OF PARENT GOVERNOR 

Friday 13th March 2026 

I am happy to share that our school has a vacancy on the governing board for a parent governor.  Parents of a child at the school, are entitled to stand as a candidate and/or vote in any election of a parental governor. 

At Manston Primary, we want a governing body that represents the diversity of our local community and welcome interest in this position from all eligible parents. 

A self-nomination slip is linked below. If you wish to offer yourself as a candidate to become a parent governor, you should contact the school to request the information for prospective governors’ and complete the slip and return it to school FAO: Mr Clay via the school office or by the school email by Friday 20th March 2026.  

Although we would welcome candidates who have an interest in, or some experience of, the areas below, any eligible parent can stand for election, the most important quality is a willingness to learn more about how schools work and the role of a governor. Full training and support are available for anyone who takes on the role. 

  • Supporting the safeguarding and wellbeing of pupils, or experience with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) 

  • Experience of working with budgets or financial procedures 

  • Knowledge of health and safety matters 

  • An understanding of how performance data can be used to support improvement 

  • Knowledge of, or interest in, teaching and learning within schools 

  • Experience of human resources processes 

Please note that you are not eligible to be a parent governor if you work at the school for more than 500 hours per year. You are also not eligible to be a governor if you fulfil any of the disqualification criteria listed on the eligibility form. 

All school governors are expected to sign up to and abide by the Governors’ Code of Conduct.  

If the required number of nominations is received, then those persons will be automatically declared as parent governors. If there are more nominations than places then a ballot of all parents will be held to select the parent governors. For this purpose, nominees are invited to prepare a short statement which will be circulated with the ballot forms. Space for this is included below the nomination slip. The length of the statement should not be more than 200 words. (The Headteacher has the right to reduce any statements over and above this limit).   

Governors are strategic leaders of the school and parent governors participate positively in the vital role of making sure every child receives the best possible education. The other governors will include staff members, local authority governors and other governors appointed by the board. All governors should be appointed because of their skills and experience.  

The DfE’s Governance Handbook states: ‘Governors must govern in the best interests of pupils; it is not their role to represent a stakeholder group.’ 

 All governors are expected to attend full governing body (FGB) meetings and the meetings of at least one committee. The FGB meets four times a year and committees at least three times each school year.  To carry out your role effectively you will also be expected to attend relevant training and feedback to the governing board on any monitoring duties. 

Please note that elected governors will be asked to complete a self-declaration proforma to confirm that they are eligible to serve as a governor. 

 Before deciding whether to stand for election it is recommended that you either contact myself, our current Chair of Governors through the school office or Leeds Governor Support Service on 0113 387 5213 to discuss the role further. Parent governors serve a four-year term of office irrespective of whether their child leaves the school during the term of office. 

Yours sincerely, 

James Clay 

Head Teacher 

Self Nomination Form

 

Governor Meeting Attendance Log

Teaching and Learning and Pupil Progress Committee Statement of Effectiveness 

  1. Purpose

The purpose of the Teaching, Learning and Pupil Support committee is to oversee, monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching, the effectiveness of the pupil support and the learning that takes place across Manston Primary, ensuring all pupils achieve their full potential. We discuss key issues relating to the school’s curriculum delivery to guarantee it is broad and balanced and that it meets national requirements. We review and monitor the School Self Evaluation Form to evaluate the progress towards meeting targets on the Development Plan and the overall vision for the school.

  1. Meetings and Visits

This year the committee has met three times and the meetings have been well attended by its members, who each bring their own perspective and expertise, which facilitates in-depth discussions and informed decision making. There have also been Governor visits to discuss phonics, maths, English and the Pupil and Sports Premium monies.

  1. Key Areas Discussed
  1. Curriculum Review:
  • Overview of the current curriculum coverage including the impact on pupil outcomes through Governor visits to look at books and data.
  • New initiative and changes including the teaching of spelling and the new Relationship and Sex Education scheme
  1. Quality of Teaching:
  • Book scrutinies were carried out for maths and English with the subject leads and the next steps for CPD discussed.
  • The committee was informed about support being put in place for new staff.
  1. Pupil Progress and Attainment
  • A review of assessment data was discussed at each meeting with SLT informing the committee of strategies being put in place to support children.
  • Identification of underperforming groups was discussed and what interventions had been put in place.
  1. Pupil Support and Inclusion
  • The attendance figures and initiatives were discussed at every meeting
  • Special Educational Needs and Disabilities provision updates were provided, including the numbers in each SEND category and the support being accessed. The committee was given chance to consider these.
  • Pastoral support and well-being issues were discussed.
  1. Impact 
  • Governors actively engage in constructive discussion and pose challenges that stimulate strategic deliberations during the meetings.
  •  Attendance remains high and a constant focus for the Safeguarding and Welfare Officer
  • Pupil outcomes are good and the quality of work has been of a high standard across school.
  • SEND support has been effective in supporting pupils
  1. Next Steps
  • The committee will monitor the delivery and impact of the new RSE scheme and spelling scheme.
  • The committee will continue to challenge and evaluate to pupil progress data provided to ensure all groups meet their full potential.
  • The committee will support new initiatives to continue to raise attendance
  • The committee will discuss any issues which might impact on the outcomes for pupils.

Staffing and Resources Committee Statement of Effectiveness

 

  1. Purpose 

The purpose of the Staffing and Resources Committee is to oversee, monitor and evaluate the quality of the school’s financial management, budget setting, health and safety policies and staffing policies around recruitment, performance and wellbeing. 

  1. Meetings and Visits 

This year the committee has met three times and the meetings have been well attended by its members. There is a broad skill set across the membership facilitating probing and constructively critical questions and discussions. There have also been individual governor visits to audit financial records, attend budget meetings and discuss health and safety compliance. 

 

  1. Key Areas Discussed 

  1. Schools Financial Value Standards (SFVS)  

  • Required by all maintained schools and demonstrates that the school meets the standards necessary to achieve a good level of financial health. 

  1. Health and Safety 

  • Policies and procedures ensuring the safety of staff and pupils are discussed at every meeting 

  • The outcome of Governor visits and Health and Safety inspections have been fed back to and discussed by the committee 

  1. Main School Budget 

  • All Governors receive a budget report showing itemised income and expenditure for the main school budget. 

  • Spending in relation to the budget is reviewed and discussed during each meeting.  

  • Strategies to tackle any deficits have been discussed with the Head Teacher. 

  • Variances in spending have been monitored and discussed. 

  1. Extended School Budget 

  • All Governors receive a budget report showing itemised income and expenditure for the breakfast and after school clubs. 

  • Spending in relation to the budget is reviewed and discussed during each meeting.  

  • The running costs of the provision against the fees charged are closely monitored by the committee and adjustments, such as fee increases, have been approved by the committee when necessary. 

  1. Staff Recruitment and Performance Management 

  • Policies are discussed and application of these policies is monitored by the committee. 

  • There is a Governor presence on the majority of interview panels. This includes Governors trained in “Safer Recruitment” practice. 

 

Diversity and Inclusivity of the Manston Primary School Governing Body 

The governing body at Manston Primary is diverse but highlights opportunities for broader representation. The data is correct as of June 2024 and is updated annually.  

  • Birthplace: 77% were born in the UK, with 23% bringing international perspectives. 
  • Ethnic Background: Predominantly White (94%) with 6% Asian; no representation from Black, Hispanic, or other groups. 
  • Gender: Balanced with 53% Female and 47% Male. 
  • Sexuality: 94% Heterosexual, 6% Bisexual. 
  • Disabilities: No members identify as having a disability. 
  • Religion: 40% Christian, 7% Buddhist, and 53% Atheist; no representation from other faiths. 

While gender balance is strong, there is scope to improve representation across ethnicity, disability, and religious diversity. 

Privacy Notice: Governors

Nick Field, Co-opted Governor 

Appointed 03.10.25 - 03.10.29  

Committees   

Co-Chair of Governors elected 26.02.26

Personnel and Resources (Chair) 

Responsibilities   

Curriculum  

Profile  

 

Other Interests  

Nick Field does not have a governance role in any other school and has no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School.

Carly Bowker, Parent governor 

Appointed 02.03.2022 - 02.03.27   

Committees

Co-Chair of Governors elected 26.02.26   

TLPS and Staffing and Resources  

Responsibilities: SEND Governor   

Curriculum  

Profile  

 

Other Interests  

Carly Bowker does not have a governance role in any other school and has no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School. 

Darren Scotland, Local Authority Governor

Vice Chair of Governors  

Appointed 02.03.23 - 02.03.27  

Committees  

Vice Chair of Governors - elected 02.10.24 

Personnel and Resources   

Responsibilities  

Safeguarding 

Profile  

After going to art school in York, I moved to Leeds in 2003 with my girlfriend (who's now my wife). We've been in Cross Gates since 2013 and our daughter has been a pupil since 2017.  

By day I work as a consultant across the creative industries. Outside of that, I have broad range of interests and experience across art, culture and sport.  

Other Interests  

Darren Scotland does not have a governance role in any other school and has no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School.   

Vacancy, Parent Governor

 

Gale Walton, Parent governor  

Appointed 02.03.2022 - 02.03.27   

Committees   

TLPS & Personnel and Resources 

Responsibilities   

Reading  

Profile  

 

Other Interests  

Gail Walton does not have a governance role in any other school and has no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School.  

Henry  McVittie, Co-opted Governor

Appointed 30.11.23 - 30.11.27.  

Committees  

TLPS 

Personnel and Resources 

Responsibilities 

Pupil Premium and Sports Funding Governor 

Profile 

 

Other Interests  

Henry does not have a governance role in any other school and has no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School. 

Charice Lee, Co-opted Governor

Appointed 30.11.23 - 30.11.27. 

Committees  

Staffing and Resources 

Responsibilities  

School fund auditor  

Profile 

 

Other Interests  

Charice Lee does not have a governance role in any other school and have no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School. 

An Joul,  Co-opted Governor

Appointed 05.02.15 - 05.02.27.  

Committees  

TLPS 

Responsibilities  

Wellbeing Governor  

Profile  

I work at school as a HLTA (Teaching French and covering classes), LSA and Learning Mentor. I have been appointed to Wellbeing Governor which ties in very well with my Learning Mentor role. I was born in Belgium and lived there till I was 21. I have a degree in translating. Before working at Manston Primary, I worked at the Berlitz School of Languages and was also a free-lance translator. I have two children who are now grown-up but attended Manston Primary School when they were younger. I’m an avid reader and love meeting up with friends.  

Other Interests  

An Joul does not have a governance role in any other school and has no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School's.  

Olivia Galbraith, Staff Governor

Appointed 29.10.25 - 29.20.29   

Committees  

 

Responsibilities  

  

Profile  

Staff governor.  

 

Other Interests  

 

Suzanne Roxby , Co-opted Governor 

Appointed 02.10.24 to 01.10.28. Co-opted Governor. 

Committees  

TLPS (Chair) 

Personnel and Resources 

Responsibilities 

English Subject Link Governor 

Profile 

I was a teacher at Manston for over 20 years and I am honoured to be a governor now I have retired. I have two grown-up children. I love reading, cooking, running, walking and cycling with my partner, David. 

 

Suzanne Roxby does not have a governance role in any other school and has no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School's

 

Jo O'keefe , Co-opted Governor 

Appointed 04.12.25 -03.12.29. 

Committees  

Staffing and Resources 

Responsibilities  

Profile 

I moved to Cross Gates in 2022 and enjoy being part of the local community. 

I’m a Civil Servant and I work full time in the Digital space, leading teams who design and deliver websites, software and apps. 

My interests include live music, cooking and eating out, the gym and yoga, travelling to new places and reading fiction. 

Jo does not have a governance role in any other school and has no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School's.  

Amy Shaw , Parent Governor 

Appointed 28.10.25 - 27.10.29. 

Committees  

Staffing and Resources 

Responsibilities  

Profile 

Other Interests  

Amy does not have a governance role in any other school and has no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School's.  

James Clay, Ex-officio

Headteacher - ex-officio  

Committees  

Personnel and Resources   

TLPS  

James Clay does not have a governance role in any other school and has no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School's  

Karl Delahaye  - Associate Governor

Appointed 04.12.25 to 04.12.29. Associate Governor.  

Committees  

TLPS 

Responsibilities  

EYFS governor  

Profile  

I have been an LSA at Manston Primary since 2014. Prior to this I worked in market research for 10 years.  

I live in Leeds, but am originally from South Wales and have lived in Australia and Indonesia.  

I live with my wife and daughter. My interests include photography, cycling, running and music.  

Other Interests  

Karl Delahaye does not have a governance role in any other school and has no business or financial interests that conflict with Manston Primary School's.  

John Spinks  

Deputy Head – Associate member  

Committees  

TLPS 

 

Kirsty Thorpe 

Safeguarding and Welfare Officer - Associate Member  

Committees  

TLPS 

 

Sharon Pritchard 

School Business Manager 

Committees 

Staffing and Resources 

 

 

Past Governors

Tero Väänänen

Last appointed 03.10.23 Resigned 26.02.26

Kerri Meah

Last Appointed 22.03.2021 Resigned 03.10.25 

Helen Hill 

Last appointed 29.09.2022 Resigned 02.10.23 

Shaun Major-Preece 

Appointed 27.01.21 - 03.07.23  

Sarah Wishart  

Last appointed 23.06.22 Resigned 31.08.23  

Donna Towers  

Last appointed 08.07.21 Resigned 31.07.23  

Chloe Halls  

Appointed 07.10.22 Resigned 29.09.2022  

Alina-Elena Gumeni   

Appointed 27.01.2021 Resigned 16.03.2022  

Lewis Elliott  

Appointed 04.06.20 Resigned 27.07.2021  

Neil Mitchell  

Appointed 07.02.20. Resigned September 2020  

Brian Stewart  

Appointed 17.12.18. Resigned September 2020  

Diane Ambrose  

Appointed 09.12.14  Parent Governor. Resigned October 2016.  

Daisy Cox  

Appointed 04.02.2016  Co-opted Governor. Resigned 18.1.17.  

Daniel Foster  

Appointed 04.02.2016 Co-opted Governor. Resigned 4.9.2017.  

Eleanor Turner  

Appointed 05.02.15 Co-opted Governor. Resigned 4.10.17  

Jo Tickhill  

Appointed 04.02.2016 Parent Governor. Resigned  5.7.18  

Andrew Ward  

Appointed 23.01.17 Parent Governor. Resigned 1.10.18 

Governors

Nick Field - Co-Chair of Governors; Chair of Staffing and Resources

Darren Scotland - Vice Chair of Governors; Safeguarding Governor

Karl Delahaye - Co-opted Governor

Carly Bowker - Co-Chair of Governors; Parent Governor

Jo O'keefe - Co-opted Governor

Jo O'keefe - Co-opted Governor

Suzanne Roxby - Co-opted Governor

An Joul - Co-opted Governor


 

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