Governors
Hello from the Governing Body
Heath Primary School (HPS) is an academy school within the Embark Federation of schools, a growing multi academy trust (MAT). Our school has a local governing body which helps the trust interpret and understand the unique local needs of our school. Our governing body works with, supports, monitors and challenges the work of the Headteacher and staff at the school as they strive to achieve the very best for all the children who attend the school.
Currently the governing body is made up of a number of senior staff from the school, and parent representatives from families who have children who attend, or who have recently attended the school. You will find further details about all the governors below. As governors we all place great value on the role of the school within the local community and aim to best prepare the children who attend the school for ‘life after HPS’.
Heath Primary School has experienced much positive change since we were last judged as ‘good’ by Ofsted in 2016. We joined Embark in 2019 and as one of the ‘founding’ schools we have a strong voice within the trust. We are lucky enough to have seen major investment in a significant programme of building and refurbishment works which will improve the structures within which our teachers teach and our learners learn. We have also, like all schools in the UK, been challenged by COVID and have changed how we do some things and positively adapted as a result. The local community is also changing with some major housing developments impacting local areas, and we aim to meet these changing needs.
As a governing body we really are at the heart of the school and aspire to steer the school effectively as it moves forwards. We are always keen to understand where there are opportunities for improvement and we welcome opportunities to speak with stakeholders. Should you have any queries, suggestions or ideas you would like to raise with the governing body please feel free to email us (enquiries@heath.derbyshire.sch.uk).
James Swain
Chair of Governing Body
Meet our Governors
James Swain - Parent, term of office: 13.06.19 - 12.06.23.
My name is James Swain. In September 2021, I started a two year commitment to act as chair of the governing body at Heath Primary School. As a parent governor who lives in the local area I am committed to helping the school effectively serve local children and families and be a valued part of the local community. I am keen to make myself available to parents/guardians, staff members, children and other stakeholders to ensure that any views, ideas or concerns are taken forward with a view to improving the school experience for all involved.
I currently work as a teacher at a local residential special school working across Key Stages 2 and 3 with children who have severe social, emotional and mental health difficulties that impact upon their behaviour. I have a background in education settings both in the UK and overseas. I have also worked within private companies and been self-employed.
As a governor I hope to work with, support and challenge the school in order to keep the children safe, healthy, happy and learning. I also hope to help staff feel valued and encouraged as they set out to educate, mentor and inspire each and every one of the children. I aspire to help Heath Primary School ‘get it right’ for the children who attend the school and will support parents/guardians, children and staff at the school to achieve that objective.
Jonathan Lynch - Staff.
As Headteacher of Heath Primary School I feel I am privileged to be able to be part of a school community that works hard to enhance the learning opportunities for our children. I have been at Heath since September 2015 and have always been impressed by the behaviour and attitude to learning of the children and how they rise to challenges. We have a strong team of governors who help to shape the future of the school.
Chris Swales - Co-opted, term of office: 08.02.17 - 07.02.25.
My name is Chris Swales, and I am very grateful to have been appointed to the Governing Body in January 2017, joining at a particularly exciting time for Heath Primary School. I am a Head of Department at a high school in Nottingham, having previously worked at schools in North Nottinghamshire and Derbyshire. Across these schools I have had first-hand experience of the role a high-quality education, along with outstanding care and guidance, plays in shaping the future aspirations of children.
My son attends HPS, where he has absolutely thrived. For me, being part of the Governing Body means that I can work alongside the school staff and leadership, to play a part in supporting many other young people in this community, allowing them to thrive, and achieve their potential at this fantastic school.
Nigel Twigg - Parent, term of office: 18.10.18 - 09.11.26.
Hi! My name is Nigel Twigg and I live in the village of Holmewood with my wife and two children. I have a background in manufacturing and engineering management with an emphasis on quality management, continuous improvement and risk assessment.
I currently own and manage a small business that provides on and offshore technical services to the energy industry and also installs the fibre optic infrastructure in the UK. I previously lived in Nottingham where I volunteered for a charity involved in social justice helping disadvantaged families and children at risk of homelessness, and also helped to run a city centre youth club called Destiny.
I have 2 children that attend Heath Primary School and my wife provides keyboard and ukulele lessons. My children enjoy their time at school and all the extra curriculum activities the staff provide. I have witnessed first-hand the passion the teachers and support staff have for their pupils and their desire to give them the best start in life. I believe it is a privilege to join this team, to journey with them as a governor and to help create a nurturing, exciting and challenging environment for all the children. I will use my skills and experience to support this school to the best of my ability!
Laura Inglis - Parent, term of office: 24.03.22 - 23.03.26.
Lorna Peltell - Parent, term of office: 24.03.22 - 23.03.26.
My name is Lorna Peltell and I have 1 child currently at Heath primary. I was lucky enough to join the governors here at Heath in 2022 .
I have a background in working with children and families and promoting positive wellbeing for families in need including children with a range of disabilities over the past 19 years . I aim to use my skills , knowledge and experience to ensure Heath puts the children's wellbeing at the heart of everything that they do.
Charlie Hamilton-Kay - Parent, term of office: 10.11.2022-09.11.26.
My name is Charlie Hamilton-Kay and I am a parent governor at Heath Primary School. I work as a project manager with a national charity and I feel this brings experience in anti-social behaviour, safeguarding and emotional and practical support to our team.
Rebekah Childs - Parent, term of office: 10.11.2022-09.11.26.
My specialist area is Sensory integration, and my passion is making sure environments are accessible for everyone.
I have two sons currently at the school with my third joining the Nursery two's next year. When my eldest joined the school in year 4 I was instantly impressed with the opportunities he was offered and the caring approach of the staff.
I was lucky enough to join the governors in 2022 and I enjoy being part of supporting the school to meet the needs of the children.
Hi I am Lucy Carley and I currently work as a public servant, previous to this I worked in a secondary school in the P.E Department. I live with my husband and 4 year old little girl in Doe Lea, where we have lived for the past 8 years. I enjoy doing sport in my free time, mainly Crossfit competitions and swimming. I also enjoy spending my weekends watching the local rugby team and going to watch Sheffield Steelers.
My little girl is currently in the nursery provision at Heath Primary School and has been since she was 2 years old, she loves going to school and is thriving through the education that she has received. I am looking forward to her spending the rest of her primary school time at Heath as the school, has created a caring and kind environment.
I am privileged to join the governors, and be part of helping to further the caring environment that the school has created for all the children.
Bethany Youldon - Staff, term of office: 10.11.2022-09.11.26.My name is Bethany Youldon and I am a Year 1 teacher and Key Stage 1 Phase Lead at Heath Primary School. My roles allow me to work collaboratively with my colleagues within the incredibly supportive environment we have at Heath. I have previously worked in a Primary School in Manchester,
working across Key Stage 1 and 2. I became a governor as I am passionate about making positive changes to support our school and children. I also want to ensure that staff at Heath have a voice and that their input and feedback is supported.
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