Governors

Our main role is to support the Headteacher and the staff – the phrase often used to describe this role is ‘a critical friend’. We help them to set and reach targets and to strive for excellence across the whole spectrum of school life.
The two key documents used for this are the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and the Self Evaluation Form (SEF). The SIP sets out a strategic plan for the school, with targets that everyone works towards and the SEF sets out how well the school is doing and where we aim to make improvements. Our legal duties include:

● Setting strategic direction, policies and objectives
● Approving the school budget
● Reviewing progress against the school’s budget and objectives
● Appointing, challenging and supporting the Headteacher

The Governing body attend training sessions to help us keep up to date with changes in schools and education and to help us do our job effectively. We also go into school to meet with the Head, other members of staff and pupils to help us find out how the school is progressing towards its targets. The Full Governing Body meets at least once a half-term. We also have a ‘Resources’ committee to determine and review financial policy; including setting the school’s budget.

There are also named governors with responsibility for priority areas; including safeguarding. Regular meetings are held between the Headteacher and Chair of Governors to discuss school matters and monitor aspects of school, such as the budget. All governors are kept well informed about the leadership of the school and are consulted about key strategic decisions, where appropriate.

NOTE: We currently have a vacancy for a new parent governor. If you are interested in this role, please get in touch.

Sue Brookes (Chair):

I joined the Governing Board in February 2018 as a Co-Opted Governor. I have a background (over considerable years!) in business and education. Over the most recent ten years I have had extensive experience with a variety of school Governing Boards and have spent time working with young people who have, in the majority, had very poor educational experiences. I am passionate about providing all young people with the best possible life skills and opportunities. I took over as Chair in July 2019.

Sandy Glossop:

I became a Co-opted Governor at Wharncliffe Side in September 2019 and I am committed to helping young people get the best possible start in life through education. Both my own children received a good education at schools in this area and I feel very fortunate to be able to support education in Sheffield by making a contribution to the development of the school. I have over 20 years experience as a governor at both primary and secondary level including 9 years as a Chair of Governors. I am now retired but previously I was a director of a large company in the steel industry, responsible for business planning.

Simon Doxford:

I joined the governing board at Wharncliffe Side as a co-opted governor in April 2023. I live locally (in Oughtibridge) with my wife and three-year-old son, having moved to the area in 2014. I currently work as an analyst at the Department for Education (DfE) where my role involves computer coding, data governance and strategic planning. My background is in biological sciences and ecology, which I studied at the University of Sheffield. As a governor at Wharncliffe Side, I hope to support the school in providing the best possible education to all its pupils, and to build knowledge and experience of the education system to apply to my work at DfE.

Lisa Almond:

I moved to Wharncliffe Side 6 years ago and live with my partner and our son, who is now in Year 2. My favourite thing about the school is its welcoming, encouraging and inclusive atmosphere. Professionally, I work as a scientist for a modelling company aiming to accelerate the development of medicines. Basically, it’s a lot of solving puzzles. I am passionate that children learn about the science all around them. As a scientist, I am naturally evidence and data-driven when making decisions; a big part of my job is also communication. I hope that I can apply these skills to the role of governor and be the ‘critical friend’ that is required to ensure Wharncliffe Side Primary School continues to serve the community effectively.

Jonathan Brailey:

I see the opening on the governing team as a fantastic opportunity to become more involved with the school and the community as a whole. I have worked as a primary school teacher for 15 years and am currently teaching at Wath Central Primary School where I am also a member of the senior leadership team. During my career, I have taught all year groups and been responsible for leading a number of different subjects. My current role is as year 6 teacher, KS2 lead and maths coordinator. I have lived in Sheffield my whole life and moved to Wharncliffe Side with my wife in 2017. My daughter is currently in Y1 following a fantastic time in EYFS and my son will also be starting his journey at the school school. With my experience in education, I feel that I could offer some valuable contributions, ideas and support as the school continues on its journey with the Peak Edge Academy. I would love the opportunity to help the school in anyway I can and build on the fantastic progress the team has already made in providing all the children with the best possible education.

Lynne Codd:

I became a Co-opted Governor at Wharncliffe Side in February 2023 as I am committed to helping young people be valued as individuals in education and enhance their life chances.

I live in the local area and work in a neighbouring multi academy trust and believe my experience of 2-19 education helps me make valuable contributions, support and ideas in the role of Governor.

I hope to help the school drive the children’s ambitions and inspire their passions by providing the best possible education experience.

David Chinchen

I am a former police Chief Superintendent having retired in 2013 after a career spanning more than thirty years. On moving to Sheffield I worked for the immigration service whilst developing a small picture framing business. I was Chair of Trustees at a volunteer-run library in Broomhill and am now an active volunteer for the Upper Don Trail Trust. 

 I was co-opted as a Governor in September 2024. I live in Oughtibridge and know the local area well. This is my first appointment as a school Governor. In taking up the role, I’m looking to learn, develop and hopefully utilise some of my experience to benefit the school. 

Downloads

Governor Attendance 23-24

Governor Attendance 24-25

Governor Constitution 24-25