Newker

At Newker Primary School, we have a very proactive Governing Body that is committed to maintaining and raising standards across every aspect of school life.

Please see below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

 You can find out about individual Governors below.

Co-optedGovernors

Kathryn Athey - Chair

Laura Armstrong- Vice Chair

I am a Parent Governor and have been for approximately 2 years. I have one child at Newker Primary school. I am a fully qualified teaching assistant. I also volunteer at the school, currently working with a Reception class giving extra support to reading groups on a weekly basis. With my daily involvement at Newker school, I feel I have a strong insight as to the needs of staff, parents and children, understand educational issues, and look for solutions to them as they arise.

Keith Davidson

I was first appointed as a Local Authority Governor many years ago but more recently have been appointed as a Co-opted Governor. After working for the NHS I am now retired and also currently Chair of Garden Farm and West Lane Community Association.  My particular subject interests are in Music, and Maths, being an accomplished Northumbrian Piper.  I have two grandchildren currently at Newker Primary School.

Diane Ruggles

I am a 66 year old Community Governor. I previously worked as an administrator at a blue chip company for 15 years. I am proud to be a Governor at Newker Primary School and hope I can help the school become outstanding.

Simon Meacher

I have been a governor at Newker since 2013 and have two children at the school. My professional background is in the governance of higher education. Since becoming a school governor I have served on several committees (Standards and Curriculum, Finance and Premises, First/Pay Review, and Headteacher's Performance Management), participated in training, and contributed to the School newsletter and blog. As a governor my role is to provide challenge and support to help the School go from strength to strength.

Lynn Weddle

My association with our school began back in 1986 as a parent when my daughter started the Reception class, followed two years later by her brother.  I then became a volunteer parent helper in Newker Junior School, as it was then known, for approximately nine years.  I accompanied staff on school visits as well as helping out in the classroom on a regular basis.  In 1999 I joined the office staff in a clerical capacity becoming the Administration Manager in 2009.  Joining the Governing Body back in 2002, and a member of the Finance and Premises and Personnel and Staffing Committees too.  Over the years I have gained a vast knowledge and experience in all areas of our school, enjoying every minute and long may this continue.

Bill Green

I am a Co-opted Governor with a granddaughter in school.  I am a retired Local Government Accountant dealing with Education Finance and School Budgets for the last 20 years.  I am also chair of the Finance and Premises Committee and Link Governor for Pupil and Sport Premium.  I hope to ensure that all pupils get the correct resources to ensure a full and enjoyable educational experience at Newker Primary School.

Lisa Curtis

I first joined the school in September 2017 as Acting Deputy Headteacher, and then permanently from April 2018. Prior to this I have worked in other Senior Leadership posts within primary schools. I am delighted to be part of such a dedicated and hard-working team here at Newker. Within my role, I work closely with the governing body and staff to celebrate success and identify areas for school development. I am passionate about improving the life chances of young people and enjoy working in partnership with the Governors to ensure that our pupils develop personally and academically and become lifelong learners. 

Local Authority Governor

John Dobson

 I have been an LA Governor at Newker for over 10 years.  However, my interest in the school goes back to the 1980s and 1990s when both of my sons attended the school. From the 2015 Autumn term, due to the statutory changes in the composition of the governing body, my role will change to that of a Community Governor. In this role, I look forward to supporting both the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher, in the school making good progress.

Parent Governors

Chris Cullen

 I previously served as a senior leader of schools in County Durham and am now the director of a local commercial finance brokerage. As an experienced mathematics teacher, I work with the numeracy lead in school on curriculum development and monitoring. I have two children at Newker and as a parent governor, I help to ensure that the current school leadership is supported and challenged to bring about positive outcomes and prospects for our young people.

Frank Gowdy

I am a parent governor at Newker.  My youngest child attends the school and has done so since nursery. My wife Claire is also involved with the school being an active member of the PTA. My work background has been predominately in sales and sales & marketing working for specialist equipment companies. I now run my own business, based in Ely with my business partner supplying Suction Excavation and Trenchless Installation equipment across the UK and Ireland. Hopefully my life and work-related skills can enable me to contribute to the school over the coming years.

Joanne Chapman

I am a parent to one child in Newker Primary and spent my primary years here too. Currently I work in a comprehensive school as a Student support assistant working with children and young people with special education needs. I believe Newker Primary is a great school with a valuable ethos and vision. My job in education gives me experience for my role as parent governor. My aim as a governor for Newker Primary is to play an active part in ensuring our school is always moving forward in the right direction giving our children the best possible primary experiences. 

Melinda Izomor

I am a parent to one child who is currently in Year 3 at Newker Primary. I work for Durham County Council as an intensive family support worker. I am a keen participant in school life being part of the PTA and volunteering whenever I can.

Staff Governor

Sarah Lonsdale

This is now my third year at Newker Primary School and I love working with such a dedicated staff team. I hope that as a staff governor I can help bring knowledge of the working classroom to our governing body in order to support the development of our school so that every child leaves Newker as a successful individual.

Headteacher Governor

Melanie Kirkland

I started as Headteacher at Newker Primary School in January 2018. In my teaching career I have worked in a variety of roles: ICT Advisory teacher, Deputy Headteacher, Acting Headteacher and enjoyed the challenges of teaching all ages of Primary children.  I am very excited to work with all the children, staff, parents and governors to make Newker Primary a place of outstanding learning and creative enjoyment.