Meet the Governors!
Welcome to the section of the website where you can find out more about the school’s governors and the work that we do. Wharncliffe Side School is part of Peak Edge Academy Trust; the 'Scheme of Delegation' below explains the levels of responsibility agreed. For more information about trustees etc, please visit www.peakedge.org.uk. The remainder of this page is about our 'Local Governing Board'.
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:
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.
Chair of Governors: Sue Brookes (chair@wharncliffeside.sheffield.sch.uk).
For any postal communication, please use the school's address.
Peak Edge Scheme of Delegation
Peak Edge Code of Conduct for Governors & Trustees
Wharncliffe Side School Governors Constitution September 2023
Governor Attendance 2022-23
Governor Attendance 2023-24
Welcome to the section of the website where you can find out more about the school’s governors and the work that we do. Wharncliffe Side School is part of Peak Edge Academy Trust; the 'Scheme of Delegation' below explains the levels of responsibility agreed. For more information about trustees etc, please visit www.peakedge.org.uk. The remainder of this page is about our 'Local Governing Board'.
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
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.
Chair of Governors: Sue Brookes (chair@wharncliffeside.sheffield.sch.uk).
For any postal communication, please use the school's address.
Peak Edge Scheme of Delegation
Peak Edge Code of Conduct for Governors & Trustees
Wharncliffe Side School Governors Constitution September 2023
Governor Attendance 2022-23
Governor Attendance 2023-24
Meet the Governors
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.
Vanessa Lowe:
I have recently joined the governing board as a co-opted governor. I have a background in primary education and special needs, most recently working with adults and young people with learning disabilities at a local charitable organisation. I think school should be a happy place where each child can reach their potential and this is what I have seen at Wharncliffe Side. I am used to looking critically at plans and trying new ways of working and am looking forward to making a contribution to the school.
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.
Alison Bryce:
My name is Alison Bryce and I represent the parents of Wharncliffe Side as a parent governor. I have three children at Wharncliffe Side school. I have been an active part of the school community for the last 6 years and as my children have progressed through the pre-school and school system, I have loved watching them develop and learn under the guidance of staff at Wharncliffe Side Nursery and School. Professionally, I have worked in the NHS for 20 years. My career in diagnostic radiography started in Leeds where I completed a BSc before settling in Sheffield in 2010. I worked in primary care at Sheffield Northern General for over a decade and more recently moved into a position as ICE systems manager. During my career I have built a wealth of knowledge in the healthcare setting, academically during the completion of my postgraduate studies in 2016 in medical imaging and more recently specialising in administrating IT systems. As a parent governor I would provide a fantastic insight to the governing body for 3 different current year groups in juniors and infants as well as current safeguarding guidance and up-to-date legislation via the governing bodies of the NHS. I can also provide a voice for the vast network of parents and members of the community. I have a vast IT literacy and project management qualifications.
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.