Governors Information

Our school’s governing body is made up of people from a variety of backgrounds who come together regularly to support, challenge and strengthen our school. They are responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a good quality education for all of its children. Working closely with the head teacher and senior leaders, they establish the school’s aims and the policies that will help to achieve them. In addition to this, they hold the head teacher to account for pupil attainment and progress, performance management and financial performance. Governors also have a range of duties which include appointing and managing staff, ensuring pupils and staff are safe and ensuring our admissions are properly managed. The role of our governors is crucial in our growth as a learning and faith community.

In order to get to know our children and their journey through school better, our governors requested to be linked to a class. Governors spend time with their class joining in with lessons, accompanying the children on trips, watching assemblies and joining children for worship. As well as building stronger relationships with our community, this gives our governors an insight into school life that cannot be achieved at meetings governors’ meetings alone.
 
GOVERNORS & CLASS LINKS
 
 
Governor Type Name
Diocese/Foundation Governor Mrs J Rowlands (Chair)
Ex Officio Revd R Icke (Vice Chair)
Diocese/Foundation Governor Mr M Jackson
W.E.T Mrs F Ireland
Parent Governor Ms S Smith
Parent Governor Ms B Booth
LEA Mr C Webb
Staff Governor Mrs J Jevans
Diocese/Foundation Governor Mrs J Parker
Diocese/Foundation Governor Mr S Ajayi
Diocese/Foundation Governor Mrs J Gray
Headteacher Mr A Hayes
 
 
CLASS & SPECIAL INTEREST GOVERNORS
 
Class Name
Nursery & Reception  
Years 1 & 2  
 Years 3 & 4  
Years 5 & 6  
Safeguarding  Mrs Ireland
Pupil Premium & SEND  Mrs Smith 
Training Link  
 
 
MEET OUR GOVERNORS
 
Janice Rowlands

Chair of Governors (Diocese Governor)

I am privileged to serve as a Foundation Governor for Latchford St. James Church of England School.

I have now retired after 42 years in secondary education – 10 of those as Headteacher of two Church of England High Schools. I am an active member of St. Thomas’s Church and have also served as a Governor at St. Thomas’s Church of England School. My interests include reading, travelling, Pilates and spending time with my five grandchildren!

I am looking forward to supporting the school – its staff, pupils and parents, in the important work and Christian values that underpin all that the school represents.

Term of Office: 13 July 2020 to 12 July 2023

Rev Robert Icke

Vice Chairperson (Diocese)

After spending 18 years in the education system I retired from lecturing. At my previous College / University I set up the Welfare (Wellbeing) Department and The Careers Department which earned me the Colleague of the Year Award, and membership to the Careers Development Institute (CDI).

I was elected onto the Board of Governors at the University in 2016 and I am ardent about the education and nurture of all children and I hope to bring a wealth of experience to the Governing Body of this school. As the Curate at St James Church I will enjoy working with the Headteacher and the school, in making the connection between the church and the school’s vision of supporting the belief that all children are created in God’s image and are therefore unique, special and valued.

I will be a link between Church and School by providing a variety of services and activities both at Church and School. In 2019 I became Curate at St James’s and St Hilda’s after completing my Post Graduate Studies at Durham University and moved into Latchford in June 2019 along with my wife Debbie and my English Springer ‘Patch’.

Term of Office: 1 September 2019 to 31 August 2023

Frances Ireland

Governor

I am now the Lay Reader/Minister at St. James Church after a teaching career of 36 years’ experience, 24 years of which were served at St. James School. I am passionate about the education and nurture of all children and I hope I bring a wealth of experience to the Governing Body of the school.

At present I provide the link between Church and School by providing a variety of services and activities at Church and School such as the Jesus and Me Club, Experience Days and assemblies. I also prepare families for baptism and confirmation and I am an active volunteer in the community.

I am link advisor for year 6 and also SEND and enjoy working closely with staff and classes when possible. Any spare time I have is spent at the theatre, travelling and with my family.

Term of Office: 1 September 2013 to 31 August 2023

Michael Jackson

Governor (Diocese)

My name is Mike Jackson and I am a foundation governor at Latchford St James.

I am retired having previously spent 36 years in primary education. For 25 of those years I was a primary school headteacher in three different Warrington schools, two of which were Church of England schools. During my retirement I have served on two governing bodies, one of which was St. Thomas’ C of E school. I have also served as Chair of Trustees for a MAT (Multi Academy Trust) in Cheshire. These roles have allowed me to keep up to date with what is happening in education today. I am an active member of St Mary Magdalene’s Church and am also a member of St. Thomas’ PCC. My main interests are writing, creating educational resources, travelling and our two young grandchildren.

Term of Office: 29 August 2020 to 28 August 2024

Sarah Smith

Parent Governor

My name is Sarah Smith and I have been a parent at the school for almost 11 years. Whilst my eldest child has moved on to High school, my second eldest still resides at Latchford St James and I am planning for my youngest to start at the Nursery in the next couple of years. During this time I have volunteered at the school on day trips, helped out in the classroom and even spent some time in employment at the school as a lunch time assistant.

As a mother of 4 (my 3rd child goes to a special school here in Warrington), I keep myself very busy, but I always make time for important issues and I believe strongly in the education system. I’m looking forward to working alongside the other governors, contributing ideas and tackling crucial decisions in order to make a brighter future for our children.

When I’m not busy being mum, carer, and chief cook and bottle washer, I enjoy craft of all kinds, especially crochet, singing, and spending time with my friends.

Term of Office: 17 October 2016 to 17 October 2024

Bushra Booth

Parent Governor

My name is Bushra Booth and I have just recently taken up the role of parent governor at Latchford St James. I have 1 child in the school and my other child has moved onto high school.

Currently I am working for the NHS in the mental health sector. I’m hoping my finance background of 23 years will bring some valuable contribution and will help to take forward the school in giving the children the best possible opportunities to succeed.

I am very passionate about supporting the children, parents, staff and the other governors in being the best school we can be. In my spare time I enjoy kickboxing, reading, watching films and spending time with my friends and family.

Term of Office: 3 February 2020 to 2 February 2024

Mrs Jen Jevans

Staff Governor

Hello, my name is Jen Jevans. I have had the privilege of working at Latchford St James CofE school since January 2001. My roles have included teaching assistant and nursery nurse. My current role is as the school learning mentor.

During my time here, I have worked across all of the Key stages and so have experienced all of the ages and stages of development that children go through during their school journey. In the 21 years that I have been at this school, I have gained a vast knowledge and experience of our children, our school and its needs. This enables me to provide support, motivation and guidance to help our young people to succeed.

I’m committed to ensuring that every child receives the support and experiences that they deserve.

I wanted to join the school governing body because I’m passionate about our children, our school and ensuring that our school is a happy and positive place to be.

My hobbies are knitting, eating copious amounts of cake and I do love a good cheese board too!

Term of Office: 13th October 2022 to 13th October 2026

Mrs Jennifer Gray

Foundation Governor

My name is Jennifer Gray and I have been a foundation governor since September 2022. In my first year as a governor, I spent time each week reading with children in Year 1 and 2, which helped provide an insight into Latchford St James. In August 2023, my husband and I were approved as foster carers so I now care full-time for a child in care. We also have 2 children aged 21 and 15.

I am an active member of Hill Cliffe Baptist Church and have been involved with teaching children in our church for over 20 years. My interests include: playing the piano and flute; pilates; reading; and watching cricket whenever I can!

Term of Office: 26th September 2022 until 25th September 2026

Mr Samson Ajayi

Foundation Governor

My name is Ademuyiwa Samson AJAYI. I have been appointed by the diocese as a Foundation Governor for Latchford St James Primary School.

I am a trained educationist from a reputable Nigerian university and have spent a good part of my working years with school children teaching Mathematics mostly at the Upper Basics. In those years, I was privileged to act as the Head of Department (HOD) of sciences and received the Wexford College’s Best Staff of The Year Award in 2015. In addition, I also pursue my ministerial calling as a priest of the Anglican Communion.
Presently, among other things I do, I offer Teaching Assistance to schools within Warrington through agencies.

As a Foundation Governor of Latchford St James Primary School, I am very much eager in offering my wealth of experience to give my best contributions to the governing board of the school as we mould the lives of the young ones.

Term of Office: 8th June 2022 to 7th June 2026

CONTACTING GOVERNORS

Our governors are keen to be a visible and accessible part of our school community. Look out for them at special assemblies, community events like the Christmas Fair, the KS2 Carol Concert, the KS1 Nativity, the summer fair and Parents’ Evenings. They also keep in touch through our school newsletter, sharing information on their meetings and visits to school.

If you have any comments, queries or compliments you’d like to share with our governors, they would like to hear from you. Please contact them on the e-mail;

schoolgovernors@latchfordstjames.co.uk
 
GOVERNING BODY COMMITTEES
 
Committee Governors
Teaching & Learning
Mrs J Rowlands
Mrs F Ireland
Mr M Jackson
Mrs S Smith
Mrs J Parker
Resources
Mrs J Rowlands
Revd R Icke
Mrs B Booth
Mr C Webb
Personal Development, Behaviour and Welfare Mrs J Rowlands
Revd R Icke
Mrs F Ireland
Ms S Smith
Headteacher Performance Review Mrs F Ireland
Mrs J Rowlands