Governors

Willow Primary School Local Governing Board

Each academy within Exceed Learning Partnership Multi Academy Trust has a Local Governing Board (LGB) which plays a vital role in supporting the leadership team and ensuring the highest standards of education and wellbeing for all pupils. The LGB works closely with the Executive Principal and senior staff to provide strategic oversight, monitor school performance, and represent the interests of the local community.

While ultimate responsibility for governance and finance rests with the Trust Board, the Local Governing Board is instrumental in maintaining a strong connection between the school and its stakeholders.

Key financial and governance information for the Trust, including annual reports, audited accounts, governance arrangements, and details of the Trust Board, is available on the Trust’s website. You can access this information by following this link

Members of the Local Governing Board are detailed below.  

You can contact our Chair of Governors, Ellie Churchward via email: e.churchward@willlow.elp.org.uk

Governor Pen Portraits

Ellie Churchward (Chair of Governors)
I have an extensive career working in education, working as a maths and English tutor with adults, families and communities.  I am passionate about learning, and being part of a team that creates a positive environment where children can learn, and thrive.  I have many interests that involve keeping fit, and immersing myself in local culture when time permits a holiday.

I have many aspects to my career that includes training as a chef, nine years as a soldier, and finally fulfilling my childhood aspiration to become a teacher.  I have worked for Doncaster Council for ten years, and latterly as the Quality Assurance Manager within the education directorate.  I feel that my skills, experience and expertise in the world of education, can be utilised to support the school effectively, and have a positive influence on the pathway ahead for the children. I have a passion for adult learning which can hopefully support the aspirations of families too.

Liz Barkham (Vice Chair)
I became a parent governor in June 2020, in the middle of the COVID pandemic. 

I am a Consultant Forensic Psychologist, currently working as a Head of Service for a local organisation providing specialist residential placements for adults with learning disabilities and/or autism.  I have spent my professional career developing and maintaining clinical services for many groups of people. I have authored academic textbooks for students and for over fifteen years have played a senior role in examination assessments for a national exam board.  

I am committed to assisting the school in whatever way possible, and contributing to the development and experience of all Willow students. 

Saffy Alam
Personally, I am passionate about education having been raised with the ideology that education is a ‘golden ticket’ that enables social mobility, thus improving the lives of participants and therefore the wider community / economy.

Professionally, our 3 companies are all involved with education and training in some form; from recruitment in the training / Apprenticeships sector to attracting talent for the education sector and most recently supporting the raising of aspirations via employability/careers development training and workshops for local people.

Becoming a School Governor is an opportunity to further enhance my knowledge in an area I am already very interested and active in, with the unique angle of understanding it from ‘within’.

Whilst I’ve been involved in education / training for over 10 years, I’m relatively new to being a parent so I’m learning new aspects about the education system every day, from a completely different and fresh perspective; through the eyes of a parent and the experiences of my child.

As a Governor I will be able to utilise my broad business management skills and experiences to support the school and our community and gain a deeper and wider understanding of school/parent/children’s needs.

Being involved in my child’s development is especially important to me and having seen a snapshot of the way in which Willow Primary is run combined with the way in which my son  has thrived in some areas of his learning (despite a pandemic!) has been inspiring.

Being part of a strong team that aims to help develop young people’s education and improve lives, is ultimately the key motivation for me and I’m excited to support these goals moving forward.

Simon Swain
My career began at Hall Cross Academy as a Teacher of Business & Economics. During my 30 years with the Academy, I have held various positions including middle and senior leadership roles and have been privileged to serve as the Principal since 2019.I am passionate about ensuring that students receive a broad and balanced curriculum and I believe that all schools should strive for excellence whilst also balancing that drive with a determination to ensure our students enjoy their school days.

Diversity

Exceed Learning Partnership understands the importance of diversity and the benefits of it’s boards being reflective of the communities they serve.  To view diversity data relating to our governing boards please click here