Governors

The school's Local Governing Body meets every term to make key decisions. What we do as a Governing Body is described in our Terms of Reference and the principles by which we serve is covered in our Code of Conduct.

As governors, our energies are focused on the core strategic functions as defined by the defined by the Department of Education, which are:

Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
Hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school;
Oversee the financial performance of the school, ensuring value for money;
Promote the highest possible standards for Safeguarding.

It is important to note that the governors are a team, not a collection of individuals and however much we may differ in our opinions and experiences we are united by our commitment to the school and the responsibility we share for its long-term success. In short, we have a common purpose.

"Governors and trustees have an accurate view of the school’s effectiveness. They support and challenge leaders to further improve the curriculum.

Leaders and governors are considerate of the workload and well-being of staff and take actions to address these. Staff are appreciative of leaders’ actions."

Ofsted 2022

Our Governors are:

	Nicola Jenkinson Chair Parent Governor From January 2024	I have been a parent governor at Brereton Primary School since 2020 and am proud to have recently been appointed as vice-chair of the governing body. I currently have a son in Year 5 and am passionate about supporting the school to provide the best possible opportunities and experience for both children and staff. My professional background is in the Financial Services industry, where I have led global technology and transformation teams for over 15 years, with a wealth of experience in people leadership, financial and change management. [email protected]
	Nick Mathers Vice Chair Foundation Governor From 28.2.2022	I am Nick Mathers, Vice Chair of the Local Governing Board for the school and I have been on the board since 2015. As one of the Foundation Governors on the team, I am appointed by the church to ensure that the school maintains a strong Christian ethos - something we're exceptionally proud of here at Brereton, not least because of the enormous value it adds to our school curriculum. The development of our children's long-term moral resilience and fortitude is something we hold very dear. I have worked as a teacher and manager in the further education sector for well over 20 years, so have been passionate about improving the lives of young people for most of my career. I am currently a Group Quality Manager for one of the largest education providers in Europe with lead responsibility for the training and development of our curriculum staff. I am a Chartered Manager with the CMI. I have 3 children that have attended the school; two boys that have since transitioned to secondary and a daughter who is currently attending. If you have any questions about the school's governance, ideas, suggestions, or feedback, I'd be delighted to hear from you. You can always catch me on School Lane when I drop off/pick up my daughter from school - do say "hello!"
	Richard Cotton Staff Governor From 27.9.2022	I get to work across the school and I love being a part of the whole school community. My particular subject interests are Science, Maths and History, but I am also an avid reader and love reading with my classes. At home I am at my happiest digging in the garden listening to Test Match Special on the radio, but I also enjoy eating out and watching Manchester City.
	Geoff Spilsbury Site Maintenance Officer Associate Governor
	Reverend Sandi Fisher From 23.10.2018	After spending many years in senior management in Education and Trainings, I trained as a priest in the Church of England and was appointed as Curate-in-Charge and subsequently Rector to St. Oswald’s Church, Brereton. I have two grown up children, two grandchildren and two moderately behaved dogs. As well as being a part time incumbent, I am a Pastoral Supervisor in the Diocese and volunteer at Leighton. Being a priest is the most rewarding job I have ever had but also the hardest and highlight of my week include coming to assemblies at school and having year groups in church on Thursdays.
	Helen Harper Foundation Governor From 15.3.24	My name is Helen Harper and I am a Foundation Governor at Brereton Primary School. I am a Primary School Teacher and have previously had the role of SENCO. I have worked within Stoke on Trent and Cheshire East. I enjoy working with children and their families so that they have all the tools they need for a successful future. My family is made of my husband, two wonderful children and our corgi Winston. We live locally and enjoy visiting local amenities. I enjoy knitting and crafting with my children. I also enjoy baking and cooking and even made my own wedding cake. I’ve attended St Oswald’s with my mum since I was very young and have continued to do so. I was baptised, confirmed and married there and enjoy attending either Holy Communion with my Mum or the Family Service with the whole family. I take great pride in my role as a governor at Brereton.
	Gail Dobson Foundation Governor From: 28.9.2022	My name is Gail Dobson. I am a retired specialist nurse practitioner, working in the garment industry, automotive assembly and some specialist work with the RAF. I am currently one of the Church Wardens at St Oswalds and also Parish Safeguarding Officer. I love singing, reading, going to the theatre - and enjoy meeting all the children here at school or in church
	Karen Woodall Foundation Governor From: 28.9.2022	I started my career as a nursery nurse working as a play leader in a children’s hospital. I then progressed to the role of SEN teaching assistant and later as an HLTA in a primary school in Macclesfield. I supported many pupils with physical needs, Down syndrome, visual impairments and autism. Whilst working as a teaching assistant I completed my foundation degree in supporting teaching and learning and progressed onto a B Ed Hons with QTS through Edge Hill University. In 2010 I qualified as a teacher continuing at the school in Macclesfield as a Year 3 teacher. In 2015 I took up a teaching post at Church Lawton School, specialist provision for pupils with Autism 4-19 years old. I am now Deputy Principal (teaching and learning) at Church Lawton School. I have just successfully completed my NPQH. I am passionate about supporting and serving the local community. I am a member of the congregation and PCC at St Oswald’s Brereton. I have been a Scout leader for over 30 years and currently I am the Group Scout Leader for Brereton Scout Group, leading the Beavers, Cubs and Scouts on a weekly basis. I also help to run the Brereton Food Pantry supporting families locally. I live in Brereton with my husband. We have a 19-year-old son who is a former pupil of Brereton Primary School.
	Caroline Lade Foundation Governor From: 28.9.2022	I have 25 years recruitment and assessment experience and I am currently self-employed - I work for a range of interesting private and public sector companies who have volume recruitment campaigns. I also have extensive experience in cv writing, career counselling and outplacement. I live locally and attend St Oswald's Church
	Emma Beck Parent Governor From: 27.9.2022	I’m privileged to be a Parent Governor at Brereton School and I would like to watch the school continue to thrive as my children attend over the coming years and beyond. They are the third generation of our family to attend Brereton Primary. My work background is in Office / Team Management and Administration, especially in the Agricultural sector. I enjoy being around people; especially my family and friends.
	Peter Wainwright Foundation Governor From: 15/5/24	My name is Peter Wainwright. I am a retired Electrical Engineer having been employed in the Electrical Supply Industry for 47 years. I regularly attend St. Oswald’s church, and I am also a member of the PCC. I strongly believe in Christian values, and I am privileged to be a Foundation Governor at Brereton Primary school. I am married and most of our family live in the Congleton area. In my relaxation time, I enjoy watching films, going to the theatre and watching Congleton Town F.C.
	Lindsey Rhodes Parent Governor From: 7/2/24	I have two children at Brereton in KS2 and it is an honour and a privilege to be a Parent Governor. I always look forward to attending the school church services at St Oswalds whenever possible. Professionally, I am currently People & Culture Director for over 30 children’s homes and specialist education centres throughout the UK. I also have many years experience with neurodiverse young people aged 10-25. Outside of work my partner Stuart and I enjoy weekends with the children and our 3 dogs in the Cheshire countryside.
	Gemma Reeves Clerk to Governors