Welcome to the section of the website where you can find out more about the school’s governors, and the work that we do. Our main role is to support the Executive Head Teacher, Head of School 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 Development 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 Head of School and Executive Head
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 every term. Currently all governors also attend at least one committee meeting on a half termly basis, these are held in the evening. The committees are as follows
  1. Strategic
  2. Standards.
  3. Resources
There are also named governors with responsibility for safeguarding. Regular meetings are held between the Head of School, Executive Head 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.

Nick Hughes

Code of Conduct for School Governing Boards
Wharncliffe Side Primary Governors’ Pecuniary Interests
Resources Sub-committee Terms of Reference
Standards Sub-committee Terms of Reference
Strategic Group Terms of Reference
Wharncliffe Side School Governors Constitution Jan 2019
Governor Attendance 2017-18
​Governor Attendance 2018-19



Meet the Governors


Nick Hughes (Chair):
I have been a governor at Wharncliffe Side Primary School since 2011 when my eldest daughter was in Y1.  My son has recently left the school to go up to Bradfield  and my youngest daughter is now in Y5.  I became the chair of the governing body in December 2017 having previously been the chair of the resources sub committee. I am passionate about education and the future of this amazing school and will continue to work tirelessly to ensure every child reaches their full potential and make a successful transition to secondary education.

Matt Borg:
I’ve worked in and around education for over 15 years. During that time I’ve been a Governor and lecturer at Sheffield Hallam University, librarian and governor at another Primary School in Sheffield. I’ve been on the board at Wharncliffe Side since 2018, and am Vice-Chair and Chair of Resources. I have one child at Wharncliffe Side, and I am currently retraining to become a Primary School Teacher. I’m interested in how the Governing Board can help the school deliver fun, creative and exciting memorable educational experiences to all the children at Wharncliffe Side. 

Sue Eglinton:
I have been a parent governor at Wharncliffe Side Primary School since 2012 and have recently been appointed the chair of the Strategic Committee. I am also a member of the Standards Committee. I have two children in the school, my son is in Y2 and my daughter is in Y5. Part of the role of a governor is to come into school and do Learning Walks to see the school in action. It is always a privilege to see the children enjoying their learning and making progress. Education has always been a big part of my life and I currently work in a large secondary school as a French/German teacher. Outside of work I am learning to play the saxophone and enjoy long family walks in the countryside.

Sue Brookes:
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. 

Katie Leonowicz:
I am the local Methodist Minister serving Brightholmlee Methodist Church and 2 other local churches in the area. I’m part of the Sheffield Methodist Circuit which covers the whole city of Sheffield and part of my role for the Circuit is supporting work with children and young people. I became a Governor in 2016, so that I could be more involved and support the life of the School. I also come into School to take monthly assemblies (with my friend Jake the dog!), help with Harvest Festivals, Carol Services and come into Nursery to do storytelling.  I really enjoy coming into school and being part of the Wharncliffe Side Primary School community.   

Sarah Wasteney:
I joined the governing body as a parent governor in 2014, a few months after my daughter started in reception. My decision to do this was that I wanted to be confident that the school was successful and understand how this was achieved. I am passionate and believe that each and every child should be valued as individuals, allowing them to excel both academically and creatively. As a parent, I value education highly and want to make a positive contribution. I am proud to represent the schools standards. Out of school I previously worked as a regional auditor within the leisure industry. More recently I work at a local brewery. I have extensive experience in audit practices, policies and risk management to offer the governing body. 

Chuanyan Zhu:
I am the chair of the Standards Subcommittee in the governing body. As a full-time researcher, I have done intensive research into adolescents’ moral development and university students’ career-planning and employability. I care about the next generation’s development and have a strong sense of responsibility to support them. I work enthusiastically with the other governors to make this school a better place for all the children to have all-round development and to achieve their full potential.

Sarah Gillott:
I am a parent governor at Wharncliffe Side Primary school. So far I have found this a fascinating and hugely rewarding position. I am proud to be involved in helping to maintain the positive nurturing ethos of the school, preserve it’s many strengths and constantly strive for better. I have a passion for effective learning in education and a particular interest in the Creative Arts, Science, Technology and Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND). I have 2 boys at the school. I firmly believe that all children have the right to access the curriculum and be taught in a way that they not only understand, but which excites and fires their imaginations! As a governor I pledge to continually represent the interests of every child and defend their right to the best education possible. Outside of school, my husband and I own a graphic design business and when I have any free time I like to do anything creative, I particularly enjoy designing and making bespoke jewellery and photography. I love the outdoors and spend as much time as possible walking or running in our beautiful scenic countryside. I also volunteer at my church as a youth leader, organising weekly activities and supporting young people.

Joanne Bagnall: