Governors
At present our members are:
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Mr Grattage (Chair & Co-Opted Governor and member since October 2015. Has no pecuniary interests related to the school);
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Mrs Rowe (Member since formation of school. Co-opted and is a staff member);
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Miss Baskeyfield (staff member and member since formation of school);
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Mr Evans, (Parent governor and member since January 2023. Has no pecuniary interests related to the school);
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Ms Foster (Parent Governor and member since January 2024. Has no pecuniary interests related to the school);
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Ms Tomkinson (Parent governor from November 2019. Has no pecuniary interests related to the school).
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Mrs Fryer (Co-Opted Governor and member since May 2019. Previous teacher and volunteers in school with small groups. Has no pecuniary interests related to the school).
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Mrs Woollacott (Headteacher and staff member and member since April 2023);
The governor committees
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Teaching and Learning & Leadership and Management (LF, MF, ET, SB, JR, VW, LG, AE)
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Finance, Staffing, Premises and Health & Safety (JR, SB, VW, LG, ET, AE)
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Nursery (VW, JR, LF, LG, SB)
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Appeals panel (AE, LF, Vac)
Pen portraits
Mr Lee Grattage
Lee joined the board of governors in 2015 when his youngest daughter was in year 5. At the end of his term of office in 2019, Lee was invited by the board of governors to stay on as a co-opted governor. Lee was honoured to be elected Chair of governors in 2022 when the previous chair retired from the role.
Lee is a self-employed Chartered Accountant and lives in Blythe Bridge with his wife and two children. Lee is passionate about education which can make such a difference to outcomes for children from all backgrounds. He is also very committed to the principle of ‘giving back’ to your local community and believes that supporting and challenging the school leadership to continue providing an excellent education and experience for the pupils is an excellent way to do so.
Mrs Marilyn Fryer
Living locally for over 50 years means I know the area and community very well forming links with other school, the church and village based organisations. During my career of over 50 years I have taught in all the stages of primary education. In the last several years at the William Amory I have again worked across all the Key Stages as a support teacher, especially in Reception and Year 6, meaning I have an in depth knowledge of the school community.
I was co-opted to the Governing Body while working there, in May 2019. I so enjoyed the responsibility, insight and interaction in a different area of the school life that I am continuing in the role, even though I am officially retired now. I am on the committees for Teaching and Learning and Leadership :Management and Policy with the governor responsibility for Maths. I feel I can support the school with my years of experience, attendance at events and voluntary teaching of groups.
I enjoy spending time with my family, especially the grandchildren.My hobbies are cooking, gardening, word puzzles, reading and exploring new places with my husband and friends.
Mrs Judith Rowe
My name is Judith Rowe and I am a co-opted governor. I am also an ex-parent of the school to one daughter who has gone on to be a Primary School Teacher. Education is very much a part of our family life.
I have been proud to be a governor at The William Amory school since its formation in 2006. I am passionate about giving children their very best start in life.
As a member of the local community, I have a long standing association and commitment to the school.
My background in a professional capacity has been working as a Group Manager for Education Support Services.
Ms Ellen Tomkinson
My name is Ellen Tomkinson and I am currently a Parent Governor at The William Amory Primary School. I have been a member of the school’s community for over five years, ever since my son started in Reception and my daughter joined the Nursery shortly afterwards.
From the first moment I had the opportunity to visit the school, it was evident that the school is a very welcoming place for all with a strong value base. I felt a sense of confidence that this was the right environment for my children to be able to thrive within their learning, develop confidence in their abilities and above all feel safe, happy, and supported throughout their primary years.
I have lived in Blythe Bridge for over 10 years and enjoy everything the local area has to offer. I have been a qualified Social Worker within Adults’ Services in Stoke on Trent for over eighteen years and have a wealth of practice and managerial experience. My background has provided me with a vast knowledge of Safeguarding for both Adult’s and Children’s statutory services, which I am able to share as part of the Governor role.
When I am not at work, I enjoy spending time with my partner and our three children. I enjoy going for walks, travelling, attending concerts, visiting the theatre, and a good film night or two!
I thoroughly enjoy being a Parent Governor and I am grateful for the opportunity to be a part of the Governing Board, helping to ensure best possible outcomes for the children.
Ms Lisa Foster
I have a passion about ensuring children get the best education and want to work with the school so they can fulfil their potential, whatever their background or educational needs.
I am keen to support the school and all the dedicated staff who work hard to keep the school running smoothly.
I want to make sure that The William Amory Primary School and Nursery keeps its reputation as an amazing school to attend for years to come.
Miss Samantha Baskeyfield – Staff Governor
As a teacher at The William Amory Primary School, I represent the staff on the school governing body.
I have a particular interest in Early Years and am passionate about providing all our children in school with the best possible education so that each individual reaches their true potential.
I thoroughly enjoy my role as Staff Governor as I feel it provides me with further opportunities to work alongside staff, families and our community to ensure our pupils receive an enriching, inspiring and varied curriculum in a warm and inviting environment.
Mrs Vicki Woollacott
Throughout my school years, I had many good teachers who made school enjoyable and interesting and gave me confidence. They inspired me to become a teacher because I wanted other children to enjoy learning as much as I did.
After teaching for some time, I realised that becoming a head teacher would give me the opportunity to have more influence on children’s education. I have been a head teacher since 2003, firstly at Westwood First School in Leek, and now at the William Amory Primary School where I started in April 2023.
I believe it is really important to work with parents, carers and families to encourage children to enjoy learning and to develop their different interests and talents so that they become the best they can be.
All children deserve to receive a high-quality, broad education and have opportunities to try new experiences. We want our children to try their best and be happy at school so that they become well-educated, confident, independent individuals who have friends and are considerate and respectful towards others.