School Governors
Welcome to Layton’s Governance Page
Over the past few years there have been many developments in how governing bodies are expected to function. There is a growing need for greater engagement between the governing body and stakeholders in the school along with increased transparency to their activities.
In response to this the governing body as a whole are engaging in training, while individual governors are undertaking courses to enhance their understanding and effectiveness in their specific roles. A key focus is a deeper understanding of the curriculum and how it fits within the OFSTED framework.
To further this ambition, the governing body is seeking new governors with a keen interest in helping shape the school at a strategic level over the coming years.
In accordance with the Government’s requirement for all governing bodies, the 3 core strategic functions of the Layton Primary School Governing Body are:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
- Holding the Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
2021/22 Academic Year Priorities
This year, the key priorities for the school which governors will support the Senior Leadership Team with are
- To develop a reading curriculum across school
- To redesign the Foundation Subjects Curriculum to develop excellence across all areas
- To develop strategies of dialogical teaching and assessment for learning
Governance arrangements
The Governing Body of Layton Primary School has a constitution of twelve members. There are currently two parent governor vacancies, and one co-opted governor vacancy.
The full Governing Body meets once each half term.
Statutory committees (Grievance and Complaints against Staff, Staff Discipline/ Appeals Committees) are to be dealt with by the first three available untainted Governors not employed at the school, using the terms of reference set out in the relevant policy document.
Who can become a Governor?
Almost anyone over 18 years of age can become a governor. There are no particular qualifications or requirements, other than a willingness to give time to the role and a capacity for working with other people. We have a range of governor from different backgrounds, including: parents/carers, staff and local councillors and governors from the local community. If you are interested in becoming a governor and would like more information, please contact the school office who can advise you further.
Meet our Governors
Mr Roy Fisher – Chair
Co-Opted Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20: 5/6
Meetings attended in 2020/21: 3/4
Date of Appointment: 1st September 1999
Term of Office: 01/09/19 – 31/08/23
Mr Christopher Westhead – Vice Chair
Co-Opted Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20: 5/6
Meetings attended in 2020/21: 4/4
Date of Appointment: 17th March 2003
Term of Office: 01/09/19 – 31/08/23
As a Governor of Layton Primary for over twenty years I’ve supported our continuing drive towards excellence in education, embracing our ‘Growing Great Minds Together’ ethos. I value my place on the school’s Governing Body and welcome the contributions made by my colleagues. Together with the Head Teacher and staff we champion a strong focus on the individual needs of our pupils by investing heavily in the use of modern IT as a greater tool to access learning and we enable more peer-assisted learning in the classroom.
I now hold key positions of Vice-Chair and Designated Safeguarding Lead Governor. I also enjoy the role as Training link Governor supporting my colleagues to seek appropriate courses, webinars and workshops to develop our own learning and understanding of strategic issues. I believe we have to keep bang up to date with the increasing changes in education affecting pupils, staff and school leaders otherwise it is difficult for us to support and challenge the Head Teacher when necessary. We also need to scrutinise new initiatives proposed by the Government, understand updates to the OFSTED inspection framework and be able to evaluate our own progress towards improving Layton.
I’m proud Layton achieved its ‘Outstanding’ award by OFSTED and it is by no accident we are currently placed amongst the top 5% of primary schools in the UK. Layton attracts a high proportion of children from locally deprived areas in Blackpool and as a Community Governor I believe a high standard of education gives them a realistic opportunity to improve their lives and break a cycle of despair and struggle common in many families. I try to use my role as a Layton Governor to play a role supporting the provision of that opportunity during these most important years of our children’s education.
Miss Sarah Royston
Staff Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20: N/A
Meetings attended in 2020/21: N/A
Date of Appointment: 19/01/2022
Term of Office: 19/01/2022 – 18/01/2026
Sarah is Year 2 Team Leader and has been part of Layton School life since the 1st September 2022.
More information on Miss Royston to follow
Mr Mica Goldstone
Parent Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20: 5/6
Meetings attended in 2020/21: 4/4
Date of Appointment: 15th May 2013
Term of Office: 15/05/17 – 12/05/25
As a governor I have developed an appreciation of the bigger picture of what it means to co-ordinate a large school. Being a part of shaping long term goals and seeing them become part of the successful day-to-day running of the school is rewarding.
It has been very pleasing to see that the success of remote learning for example was largely due to the immediate accessibility of iPads for the children. This is something that was largely possible by the long-term strategy for increasing the use of personal technology as an integrated part of learning.
Mr Martin Mitchell
Local Authority Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20: 4/6
Meetings attended in 2020/21: 4/4
Date of Appointment: 14th October 2010
Term of Office: 14/10/19 – 13/10/23
I’ve been a Governor for over ten years now, during which we have progressed to “outstanding” status. I’ve been delighted to have been part of the school’s success. Governors concentrate on the strategic issues, enabling staff to perform at a high level within a supportive environment.
As one of Layton’s Councillors I represent the local community. I believe the close fit between school and community helps to explain why we’ve had so much success.
Mr Andrew Scollay
Parent Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20: 5/6
Meetings attended in 2020/21: 3/4
Date of Appointment: 1st October 2018
Term of Office: 01/10/18 – 30/09/22
Mr Stephen Shaw
Co-Opted Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20: 5/6
Meetings attended in 2020/21: 2/4
Date of Appointment: 11th October 2011
Term of Office: 15/11/17 – 13/11/25
Mr Mark Smith
Co-Opted Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20: 5/6
Meetings attended in 2020/21: 4/4
Date of Appointment: 1st September 2011
Term of Office: 01/09/19 – 31/08/23
Mrs Jacqui Lane
Parent Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20: N/A
Meetings attended in 2020/21: 1/1
Date of Appointment: 13/05/21
Term of Office: 13/05/21 – 12/05/25
I have recently joined the governing board at Layton Primary School as a parent governor. I’m a mum of one son who is a pupil at Layton. He’s been there since his Foundation year and has often made me promise to never move him until he has to leave!
I was drawn to becoming a governor as I have a keen interest in child development, and I have loved watching my son thrive since being at Layton. School can sometimes be the safest place for a child – what happens there, shapes who they become and perhaps more importantly, who they think they are worthy of becoming. Becoming a school governor allows me the privilege of playing a part in that path.
I’m a therapist, speaker and trainer. I often work with adults whose early life experiences have been less than ideal and tend to speak/train where the audiences are those concerned with vulnerable client groups. My background has covered addiction treatment, domestic abuse, homelessness and vulnerable young people. Several years ago, I took time out from therapy and worked strategically within Blackpool council for the Drug Action Team, where I was responsible for community resilience against the erosive effects of drug addiction. I have travelled the world and lived in Australia for a decade. Out of office hours, I can now be found at a nearby BMX track and certainly at the school gates twice a day!
Mr Chris Maughan
School Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20: N/A
Meetings attended in 2020/21: 1/1
Date of Appointment: 13/05/21
Term of Office: 13/05/21 – 12/05/25
I am an ex-Layton pupil and I’m really glad and excited to be able to come back and support the school, its staff and pupils to be the best that they can be. A strong and effective governing body is vital to a successful school.
I am a senior manager in the civil service, currently delivering the £53bn Local Government Finance Settlement. Previously, I have led an aid mission overseas, developed Government’s Levelling Up thinking and led the preparation for and response to major incidents on the rail network. I am a strong advocate for social mobility and carry out mentoring and outreach. I hope my wide ranging experience will be valuable in this role, and that my career to date can help inspire Layton’s pupils.
Dr Stuart Ainsworth
Parent Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20 & 2020/21: N/A
Date of Appointment: To be confirmed
Term of Office: To be confirmed
I have recently joined the board of Governors at Layton as a Parent Governor, with two children currently pupils of the school.
My day job is a scientist specialising in medicines for people bitten by venomous snakes. I grew up in Blackpool before leaving for university but was ultimately drawn back home. Blackpool can be wonderful place to raise a family. However, I’m acutely aware of the lack of exposure that Blackpool’s children have to be introduced to careers in science and technology, and the amazing and fulfilling jobs that can come with them. I was fortunate enough to be given opportunities as a child in Blackpool to cultivate my interest in science and ultimately turn my passion into my job. I’m keen to ensure Blackpool’s children today are provided with similar (or better) opportunities to develop their interest in science and technology. I hope being governor will allow me to aid develop exciting science experiences and opportunities for Layton’s pupils.
Mr Peter Rumley
School Governor
Meetings attended in 2019/20 & 2020/21: N/A
Date of Appointment: 03/02/2022
Term of Office: 03/02/2022 – 02/02/2026
Peter retired as Site Supervisor from Layton Primary on 31st October 2022. He has been active in the education sector for much of his working life and active and involved member in Scouts.
More information on Mr Rumley to follow
