Meet Our Governors

Chair of Governors

Mr Stephen Walker

I became a Governor at Barlby Bridge CP School in 2008. I had just retired from 37 years teaching and was asked if I would like to join the board. At that time, two of my grandsons were pupils and I had a wealth of experience in education, so I said yes. I now serve as Chair of the Governing Body, playing a small part in the continuing success of our school. I have varied interests which include cycling, walking football, travel, painting and I am a lay preacher for the United Reformed Church.

Local Authority Governor

Miss Julie Duckett

My name is Julie Duckett. I have been a Governor at Barlby Bridge School for several years. I currently hold the position of Vice-chair of the governors and chair the committee meetings for curriculum, Standards and pupil. I have always worked with in the education sector primarily in Early Years.

I became a parent governor at the school because I wanted to become more involved in my children’s learning.  I feel it is important all children are given the upmost opportunities to enable all them to reach their true potential, here at Barlby Bridge these opportunities are given along with a strong sense of belonging and friendly community approach to learning. Barlby Bridge is a wonderful school and it is a pleasure to be a part of it.

Parent Governor

Mrs Katy Spink

Co-opted Governor

Mr Ray Wells

My wife and I having recently followed our children and grandchildren to Yorkshire after 43 years of peripatetic military service, attended a school event to see our grandchildren performing and learned the school was seeking new governors. With a background in personnel, administration, finance and assurance, alongside a desire to volunteer in the community, I raised my arm and was quickly co-opted onto the Board in 2020.

Having retired into COVID-19 lockdown, my hobbies and interests have so far been limited to grandparenting, sorting our new home, reading, current affairs and suitable retirement keep-fit. In the future, we hope to add travel and local activities to our active interests.

Co-opted Governor

Dr Kim Wailling

I saw a vacancy for School Governor at Barlby Bridge primary school in the Parish magazine and I thought I would apply. I had benefited from a brilliant primary education. Many of my adult interests, such as my love of chess, reading and music came from being taught by superb teachers who enriched my education by organising clubs and out-of-school visits.

I had watched my own (now adult) children make their way through primary schools but at times felt frustrated that they had not experienced the sheer delight of school life that I was offered. As a School Governor, I felt that I could play a part in helping Barlby Bridge primary school offer children the first class education that all children deserve. I have a background in education and many of the skills I bring to the Governing body relate to monitoring pupil performance data and the implementation of school policy.

Headteacher

I joined the school in January 2013 and have been Headteacher since September 2016. I am extremely proud of the school community at Barlby Bridge. The staff, governors and children work hard to make our school such a caring and inclusive learning environment.  Learning, Growing and Achieving together are three words fundamental to our school ethos and vision and we work hard to deliver these aims; ensuring an ethos of hard work and aspiration is underpinned by kindness and care for all.

As Headteacher, I work closely with the Governing Body and welcome the many opportunities this close liaison offers including the fundamental purpose of shaping our current and future school developments. I love nothing more than taking the opportunity to visit the classrooms myself and seeing the enjoyment the children gain both in the classroom and in the wider opportunities that our school has to offer.

In my spare time I love taking time out with my own family and spending time with my two children. I have a young family and they keep me very busy! I also enjoy running and try to make time for this when I can.

Associate Member

Mr Gavin Dyer

I am extremely proud to be a member of the team at Barlby Bridge Community Primary School.  I began working here in 2016 as Deputy Headteacher and I am also Co Headteacher for 1 day each week. I also have the pleasure of teaching children in our year 1 class, so I have knowledge and experience all aspects of school life. During my career I have been a leading teacher, supporting teaching and learning development across North Yorkshire and been a member of the SLT in a large primary school in Scarborough. I have taught across all key stages from EYFS to Year 6. As a school governor I use my range of current and previous experiences to support decision making as well as ensure that, along with the headteacher, they have a clear overview of school development and progress.

I am a strong believer that all pupils should enjoy their school life and that a caring and consistent approach is essential.  They should be supported to work hard and aim high.  I would like all pupils to develop a ‘can do’ attitude, a love of learning and aspirations for their future career which will drive them to succeed in whatever they choose to do.

In my spare time, I greatly enjoy catching up with my two grown up children. I am interested in reading about current affairs and the things that shape the world we live in. I enjoy travelling to watch my favourite football team play and walking the moors and the forest where I live. I love a night at the theatre or a day in my garden.

Staff Governor

Miss J Ellis

My name is Jo Ellis and I have been a teacher at Barlby Bridge School for 22 years. I enjoy being the phase leader and a class teacher in Key Stage One and I am also the school Special Educational Needs Coordinator.

I am the staff representative at governors’ meetings and because of my knowledge of the school and my different roles I am able to represent the staff and the children so that their voices and ideas contribute to the strategic planning of the school.