Meet the Governors

The governing body have an important role in school setting the school’s vision, ethos and direction. They hold the co-Headteachers to account for the school’s performance, and that of our children. In addition, they also oversee the finances of the school. Most importantly, the governing body act in the best interest of all the pupils of the school, so they feel safe and happy. They listen to the views of all the school’s stakeholders, including pupils, parents, staff and the wider community.

Constitution of Governing body

The Constitution of the Governing body is as follows:

1. 2 Co Headteachers
2. 3 Associate members
3. 1 LA (Local Authority) governor
4. 1 elected staff governor
5. 7 co-opted governors
6. 1 parent governor

Here is an introduction from some of our Governors

Judith Norfolk (Chair Of Governors) 

I am a retired headteacher with over thirty years of experience in primary education.  I am passionate about ensuring that children are given every opportunity to be the best they can be and reach their full potential. As a governor I see my role as being one of offering support and challenge to the school in establishing and maintaining a strategic vision and set of values. At the heart of this is the school’s commitment to deliver high quality teaching and a learning experience full of enrichment which removes barriers and supports each child to become a positive member of the school and wider community. I have enjoyed being part of the school’s journey so far and look forward to many more successes in the future. 

Sandra Evans

Hello, my name is Sandra Evans. As well as being a governor of Castleton Primary and Children's Centre, I am also the Business Manager, mainly in charge of the school and centre finances.  I started working at Castleton in 1990 as an administrator and joined the governing body in 1995.  I am very proud to be part of a highly committed and caring team, who strive, not only to make a difference to the pupils of Castleton, but to the whole community.  Being a member of the governing body enables me to help make decisions to keep the school and centre moving forward to become 'the best'.

Amal Abdulkader

I am passionate about my children’s education quality and cultural behaviour. I can see the significant improvements my children have shown throughout the last two years. I believe in the parental viewpoint of the school and its effect in enabling the children with a broadening, wide and inclusive educational methods. I believe in the continuous learning for teachers, administration staff and school governors. Because, I believe it is an honourable responsibility to support and serve children that is best done in a qualified, competent and masterful way.

 .

 .

 .

Mike Donoghue

Throughout my working life I have seen the difference that a positive educational experience can have upon the future of any child.  So  I  was  pleased to become a governor and,  while  seeing  first-hand how the team at Castleton supports the children and the Community,  become  a small part of that team . I bring to this role over 40 years professional experience of working with families in a variety of settings. Also as Pastor of Bethel Free Church believe I can bring a spiritual dimension to the role.

 . 

 .

Nancy Obinwa

I am a legal practitioner with over 20 years’ experience in legal advisory and litigation. I am passionate about the welfare of children and protection of their rights, ensuring their safety, education and overall well-being. My volunteer work in advocacy for the rights of children has resulted in positive changes to policies and improving the lives of children. I am delighted to be part of the governing board of Castleton Primary School and I am committed to work, in collaboration with other governors, in the best interest of the children at Castleton to achieve good outcomes for all of them.

Georgina Summers (Vice Chair of Governors)

I originally became a governor because professionally I was looking to move into Non-Exec Director work and the two roles are very similar: bringing constructive challenge to give confidence that decisions taken are right for the organisation and its stakeholders, in this case not only the pupils, but also the staff, the parents and the local community. However, it has become much more than that; over time I have really begun to appreciate how small things a governor can offer - a contact, an idea – can make a huge difference to the local community and it feels good to be able to give something back.

Katie Benn

I became a parent  governor because over the past 22 years I have had at least one of my three daughters attending Castleton Primary School. My eldest daughter is now a fully qualified high school teacher, which makes me very proud. I believe in education and what teachers do for the children at Castleton. Being a governor helps me give something back by supporting the school and pupils.

Erin Cowdell

 I am new to the School Governing Board as a Parent Governor at Castleton Primary School, but very much look forward to being further involved in the school and helping it continue to offer such a supportive and diverse environment for education. I wanted to be part of the SGB at Castleton because I could see how much the school’s leaders, teachers and support staff truly care about the pupils, about making their educational experiences the very best they can be. I would very much like to play my part in helping ensure that all children who attend Castleton Primary are able to thrive, to be safe and to enjoy their time in primary education as much as my daughter has. I currently work at Yorkshire Water as a financial data analyst and I am originally from Texas, USA.

Lisa Gleadhill

I have worked at Castleton Primary School for a number of years. I believe my experience, passion and dedication as a classroom teacher will provide a different perspective for the governing body. As a governor I see my role as being a voice for the children, staff and local community.