Waterfoot Primary School

Name: Helen Fishwick

Type: Chair of Governors

Statement:

I have been a governor at Waterfoot Primary School since 2018, initially joining as a Parent Governor while my two children attended the school. When my youngest child moved on to secondary school, I chose to remain involved as a Co-opted Governor because of my strong connection to the school and the community it serves.

Since becoming a governor, I have served as Chair of the Resources Committee and Vice Chair of Governors, and I was recently honoured to be elected Chair of Governors. Professionally, I am a Police Sergeant with Lancashire Constabulary, bringing experience in leadership, safeguarding and community engagement to my role.

Having experienced Waterfoot Primary School both as a parent and a governor, I understand how important it is for families to know that their children are safe, happy and receiving the very best education. I am passionate about ensuring every child at the school feels valued, included and supported to achieve their full potential.

One of the real joys of being a governor is visiting the school, seeing pupils engaged in their learning, attending celebration events and supporting school trips. These opportunities allow governors to see first-hand the wonderful experiences and achievements that make Waterfoot Primary School such a special place.

I strongly believe in reflection, learning and continuous improvement, and I am proud to work alongside a dedicated team of governors, staff and school leaders who share a commitment to helping our children thrive.

Outside of work and governance, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, long walks with my dog and baking cakes.

I am proud to be part of the Waterfoot Primary School community and look forward to continuing to support the school, its pupils and their families.

 

Name: Ian Mills

Type: Co-Opted Governor

Statement:

I was the Chair of Governors at Waterfoot school and had held the post for over 15 years, firstly as a parent governor and now as a co-opted governor.  I am currently supporting our new Chair of Governors as part of succession planning.  My governor journey began when the first of my four children was in reception back at the old Thornfield avenue site some time ago; all are now either working or in the further stages of education having loved their time at Waterfoot. By day I am a Product Manager for a large computer software company specialising in Workforce Management, based out of Detroit but fortunately with an office in Rawtenstall. In what spare time I have left I enjoy the great outdoors; dog walking, biking, climbing, skiing, you name it. All the better when enjoyed with children, such as on the year six acrivity week, of which I have helped on a few.

 

Name: Nancy Sharples

Type- Staff

With over 30 years of experience in primary education, I have taught across Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2 and developed a deep understanding of children's educational journeys throughout their primary school years.  As the school's SENCo and Inclusion Lead, and a member of the leadership team, I am passionate about ensuring that every child feels valued, supported and able to achieve their full potential. Since gaining my NASENCo qualification in 2021, I have continued to champion inclusive practice and high-quality provision for all learners.  Serving as a staff governor allows me to represent the views of colleagues and contribute to the strategic direction of the school. I enjoy working collaboratively with governors and school leaders to support the ongoing development and success of our school community.

 

Name: Hannah Wilkinson

Type: Parent

I joined the Governing Body in 2021, not long after my daughter started her journey at Waterfoot Primary and I am delighted to be able to support the school.  I serve on the curriculum committee and am the link governor for PHSE. I work in the education sector, teaching on the Educational Psychology degree programme at the University of Manchester. I have a passion for high quality education, which develops children as a whole; principles which share a strong affinity with Waterfoot’s School Values.  In my free-time, my interests include crafting, reading and running.

 

Name: Linzi Richardson

Type: Co-opted Governor

Statement:

I became a Parent Governor at Waterfoot Primary in 2018. I am a member of the Resources Committee and am the nominated Governor for More Able and Talented Children and for Languages. I have two children: my son and daughter now attend BRGS, having loved her time at Waterfoot. I am also a Chair of Governors Governor at Staghills Nursery School, having also served as a Parent Governor, during my children’s time there. 

Before having children, I worked as a Solicitor at a large Manchester firm, though I am currently a stay at home mum.  I am also Secretary of the Constituency Labour Party and am active in local politics. My other interests include history, reading and travel

 

Name: Chris Chambers

Type:  Co-Opted

I have been on the Governing Body for more than ten years, starting at a time when my children were at Waterfoot School. I feel that the school provided them both with an excellent foundation for their future, developing in them the ability, espoused in the school motto, to think for themselves but feel for others.

I now serve as a community governor and chair the curriculum committee; in addition I am the nominated governor for English. I am now retired from my job as a Principal Lecturer in the Faculty of Education at Manchester Metropolitan University. Prior to that, I taught history for 18 years in school. I still am involved in the primary curriculum for history through my work as an Educational Consultant for BBC Bitesize. Outside of my professional life, my interests include sport, particularly cricket, and the Arts: theatre, music and literature.

 

Name: Craig Moore

Type: Parent Governor

Statement: 

I am a parent governor, appointed in February 2024. Our son is a pupil at Waterfoot and thoroughly enjoys the inclusive and nurturing environment that the school creates.

By day I am a banking litigation lawyer, which means I am used to asking questions and engaging in debate!

I believe that in life we should all have the same equality of opportunity and fair treatment, and in this regard I am proud to represent the parents on the Governing Board of our school. I’m approachable and am happy to listen to any views you may want to share with me in the playground!

As a Manchester lad, my great passion lies in football and I have been a season ticket holder at Manchester City for over 30 years. My Grandad even played for the club, although sadly his skills did not fully find their way down to me!!

My passion for honest debate, fairness, common sense and endeavour will hopefully enable me to contribute to the development of our children into a generation of adults that will be knowledgeable, inquisitive, hardworking, compassionate and inclusive.

 

Name: Charlotte Clutterbuck

Type: Parent Governor 

Statement:

I became a parent governor in November 2023. My son attends Waterfoot and loves attending here. I work as a teacher and am currently Acting Deputy Headteacher at my school. I have extensive experience working in Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) and completed Masters Level Study in Early Education. Early Education is where my passion lies! I am the EYFS governor here at Waterfoot along with ECO Team and School Council.

In my free time, I enjoy spending time with my beautiful family.  We enjoy walking, playing at the beach, skiing and visiting the park.

 

Name: Jenna Covell

Type: Parent Governor 

Statement:

My name is Jenna Covell, and I am passionate about supporting education and helping every child reach their full potential. As a Director in Governance, Risk, and Compliance within higher education IT, I have experience in governance, strategic planning, policy development, risk management, compliance, financial oversight, AI governance, and assurance. These skills enable me to contribute effectively to strong governance and informed decision-making.

I view the role of school governor as an opportunity to give back to the community, enhance the school’s future, and positively impact students’ lives. I am committed to working collaboratively with staff and fellow governors to uphold high standards, promote academic success, and create an environment where every child can thrive.