Hepworth School Governors
What do governors do?
The main focus for the governing body is to be a 'critical friend' to the school. Governors work alongside school staff to achieve the best outcomes for the children of Hepworth.
The three core functions of the governing body are:
- To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and the strategic direction of the school
- To hold the school leadership team to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff
- To oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent
Members of the the governing body are committed to continuous improvement, to ensure that all children at Hepworth are given the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Who are the governors?
Hepworth is a community school, maintained by Kirklees Council. The composition of the governing body is the same as for all community schools of a similar size. Hepworth has twelve hard working governors. There are two parent governors, who are elected; seven co-opted governors; a local authority governor, nominated by Kirklees Council; a governor elected by school staff and the Headteacher. All governors serve a four-year term, which can be extended.
The governing body has a good balance of skills across its membership. Some of our long standing members have many years of experience and dedicated service. Other, newer members bring vital insights and fresh challenges and perspectives. This ensures meetings are dynamic and productive.
We, as governors, are aware of the responsibility that lies with us. As the world of education is constantly changing, we are expected to keep up to date with initiatives and their impact on the school. Governors often join staff for significant training sessions, especially on safeguarding. Until the disruption caused by Covid, governors were frequent visitors to see the school in action.
Governing body committees
Recently the Governing Body decided to change the way in which it worked by disbanding some committees and having the full governing body meet more frequently. This way of working was piloted for 2020/21. Although that was an abnormal year, because of Covid, it was felt that the new system had worked well and it has continued for 2021/22. The Finance and Resources Committee, which has specific responsibilities around the financial management of the school, still exists.
Finance and Resources (which incorporates Premises and Health and Safety)
Purpose: To ensure the school has strategic forward planning in place to deliver effective teaching and learning within the school budget. To be aware of sustainability and to review and monitor the School Building Development Plan.
Purpose: To ensure the school has strategic forward planning in place to deliver effective teaching and learning within the school budget. To be aware of sustainability and to review and monitor the School Building Development Plan.
Celia Poole: Co-opted Governor and Chair of Governors
I live in Jackson Bridge and have been a member of the Governing Body for more than 20 years. For most of that time I have been privileged to be elected as Chair, each year bringing its many challenges and rewards. I retired from my job as Academic Librarian at the University of Huddersfield where I was closely involved with the School of Education and Professional Development. I now have more free time and enjoy spending at least one morning each week in school so that I have a real feeling of what school life is like for staff and children alike. As you may guess I am deeply committed to developing the School Library as a means to encouraging independent learning skills and a love of reading. My own interests are singing, walking and reading and am currently working with the Alzheimer's Society “Singing for the Brain”.
Appointed: 27-3-2021 Term of office: 4 years
To contact Celia, please ring or email the school office.
Mary Blacka: Local Authority Governor and Vice Chair
I am a Local Authority nominated governor and Vice Chair. I have been a governor at Hepworth for over twenty years but constantly find new challenges. Most of my working life was spent in further and community education, so I am obsessive about the power of education to transform lives and the vital importance of early years and primary schooling.
Since 2019 I have been a parish councillor, on Holme Valley Parish Council, for the Scholes (and Hade Edge) ward. I am still working as a Supported Lodgings Provider (foster carer) for Kirklees Council.
Both my children are former pupils at Hepworth. I now live on the edge of Holmfirth.
Appointed: 24.05.2022 Term of office: 4 years
Alan Brook: Co-opted Governor
I am a retired product development manager and have been a governor since November 2008 initially as a community governor, more recently (2015) as a co-opted governor. One of my sons attended the school in the 1990’s and I have lived in the village since then. I am involved in many village activities, particularly those connected with the Village Hall (Community Association) and Hepworth Feast. Currently a member of the Finance and Curriculum committees.
Appointed: 12-10-2020 Term of office: 4 years
Karl Chapman: Teacher Governor
I am an elected governor and the Assistant Head teacher at Hepworth. I have been a teacher at the school for almost longer than I can recall, although I started my teaching career as a secondary school history teacher! After 6 years or so I made the change to primary and have never looked back! I am married (to a teacher!) and have two boys, who intermittently delight and infuriate me, as well as an old black cat.
I have stayed so long at Hepworth because I believe it is an excellent school with great children and highly committed staff, who try to deliver a truly broad and engaging curriculum. The governing body are a very committed set of people who give up their time to help make Hepworth J and I a great school. It is a pleasure to work alongside them.
Appointed: 30-11-2021 Term: 4 years
Hilary Fletcher: Co-opted Governor
I have lived in Jackson Bridge for many years and both my children are former pupils of Hepworth school. I recently retired from teaching at North Huddersfield Trust School where I had responsibility for design and technology. Since we moved to the area I have been involved in the community, volunteering for the Holme Valley food bank and helping with school visits at Colne Valley museum, where I bring Victorian days to life for the youngsters. In Hepworth I am a churchwarden at Holy Trinity church. I enjoy travelling and making things, particularly in textiles.
I am a co opted governor at the school and am currently part of the Children, Families and Community Committee.
Appointed: 07-11-2020 Term of office: 4 years
Paul Davies: Co-opted Governor
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As a governor I enjoy working with parents, my fellow governors, the Head and teachers, to help Hepworth J & I school continue to deliver high quality education for its pupils. I am married and live in Scholes and have 2 daughters who together with my wife work in the NHS. As a parent I feel that I have empathy with the concerns and worries parents have about their children’s education having experienced my children progressing from primary school to university. I have a varied background having left school at 16 and initially worked as a coalface electrician in the mining industry which I followed by attending university and then a career in HR and Operational Management across Europe. In the past I trained as a primary school teacher and worked as a supply teacher. My interests include photography, music and walking in the beautiful Yorkshire countryside.
Appointed: 29-03-2022 Term of office: 4 years
Helen Wheeler: Parent Governor
I moved to the edge of Jackson Bridge and New Mill in 2016 where I live with my husband, Mark, and son who attends Hepworth School. We all love nature, the outdoors and walking in our family and adore exploring the local countryside. Currently I am a full time mum, before which I worked in IT Management and then returned to university to study Fine Art. This enabled me to run workshops and teach on the Fine Art degree and Art Foundation courses which I very much enjoyed. I am really pleased to be a Parent Governor and have the opportunity to support Hepworth School.
Appointed: 30-11-21 Term of office: 4 years
Melanie Humphreys: Parent Governor
I’m new to the role of Parent Governor, only joining the team in November 2021. I grew up in the Holme Valley, returning here 20 years ago with my partner (now husband) to start our life together. Moving from Honley 8 years ago we now live in New Mill with our two sons, one of which currently attends Hepworth J&I School.
I am passionate about supporting young people to receive the best education to help them flourish in later life and in my day job you will find be working in education as part of the support function of a Multi Academy Trust. In my spare time I am a keen baker and I also enjoy spending time outdoors walking with the family dog.
Appointed: 9-12-21 Term of office: 4 years
Viv Kelly: Co-opted Governor
Hi, I am Vivien Kelly, I lived in Hepworth as a young child and returned nine years ago, I now live close to the school with my husband Gary. I began my schooling at Hepworth and now have a grandson in year 1.
I have worked for Kirklees Council for 30+ years in various departments including, Finance, Asset Management, Human Resources, and I am currently in Electoral Services. Hepworth is a lovely village to live in and I believe you get out as much as you put into village life. Therefore with the skills and knowledge I have gained throughout my career and as a parent and grandparent I want to support the school in the education of our children to develop and prosper.
Appointed: 19-2-22 Term of office: 4 years