St Peter's C of E Primary School

John Dowler – Chair of Governors

Appointed by Foundation/Trust

Term of Office - 27/09/2023 to 3/05/2027

Declaration of Interest - none

I am delighted to briefly introduce myself as the recently appointed Chair of Governor for St Peter’s Primary School. I am very much looking forward to working as a Governor with the school community across St Peter’s Primary School. It is a school with much to celebrate and, like all good schools, it is always looking to improve and develop so that all young people at St Peter’s can achieve their full potential through “firm foundations and shining bright”. I am a longstanding Heswall resident and my two sons (now 32 and 35) attended St Peter’s school. I am a member of St Peter’s church and my other interests include sailing, golf and supporting Tranmere Rovers. I have over 22 years’ experience as a senior leader in three successful secondary schools. I started my teaching career back in 1981 in Cheshire, firstly as a Physics teacher at Neston High School and then as Head of Physics at Blacon High School. My career then took me to St Helens (for 16 years) and then as Headteacher in rural west Northumberland, from 2004 – 2010. In 2010 I then returned to Cheshire as Headteacher at Helsby High School, from where I retired from full time work at the end of 2018. Since that time I have worked as a part time educational consultant. I support a number of Cheshire schools in my role as their SIP (school improvement partner). I also work as a performance coach and assessor for school leaders who are working towards leadership qualifications, such as the NPQH (National Professional Qualification for Headteachers). Since 2021 I have been Chair of the Cheshire Teaching School Hub.

Jayne Brown – Parent Governor

Appointed by parents

Term of Office - 1/09/2023 to 31/08/2027

Declaration of Interest - None

My name is Jayne Brown and I am really excited by my role as a Parent Governor at St Peter’s. One of the best investments we can make in a child’s life is high quality education and this is something that I am extremely passionate about. I have been teaching for 10 years and I am currently an F2 teacher, art lead and member of the Senior Leadership Team at another local primary school. I have two daughters, Evelyn (Year 3) and Livi (F2) and I am excited to share my experience both as a parent and a teacher, to build upon the existing work of the team and ensure that our wonderful school continues to thrive and flourish.

Emma Birmingham – Staff Governor

Appointed by Elected by school staff

Term of Office - 1/10/2021 - 1/10/25

Declaration of Interest - none

I have worked at St Peter’s as the Early Years Lead for almost 10 years. My other roles include phonics and early reading leader as well as being an actve member of our senior leadership team. I am delighted to have been elected as staff governor, a role which I have held for the past 5 years.

My passion is Early Years and I am particularly interested in improving standards of how children learn through play. This is something that I strongly believe in. My personal pedagogy surrounding what ‘good education’ should look like stems from the belief that teaching is about finding the right key to unlock the learning of each individual child. This can only be achieved when expectations are high and the teacher has belief and faith in each and every child, regardless of ability or background.

I view myself as a lifelong learner, not only professionally but in furthering my own personal interests and pedagogy. I have three children and when I am not in work, I enjoy spending time with them and my husband exploring the outdoors, shopping and meeting up with friends.

Caroline Gavin - Foundation Governor

Declaration of Interest - None

I am excited to take up this new position as Local Authority Governor at St Peter’s School. My own children, who are now 12, 15, and 16, all attended St Peter’s so I am familiar with the school, staff, and its wider community.

While I will support in any way I can, I hope to offer specific support, and challenge, in the areas most aligned with my own skills and expertise, including wellbeing, performance, and strategic growth.

My background includes over 20 years of experience leading teams and delivering strategic growth within the corporate environment. More recently I have been running my own coaching and consultancy business, focusing on improved performance and wellbeing, empowering individuals, teams and organisations to be at their best.

While I work across a variety of sectors, I am passionate about making a positive impact in the health sector, and even more so, in schools and education. This is a key reason for me taking on the role of Governor at St Peter’s.

On a more personal note, I love travel, cooking and entertaining, walking, cycling and swimming. Our two dogs ensure I get out every day, come rain or shine! I’m also a volunteer swimming coach at Woodchurch Swimming Club, where our children also swim, and I regularly support 4th Heswall Sea Scouts, mostly with water-based activities.

Rev. Martin Cannam - Vice Chair

Ex-officio foundation governor (appointed by foundation by virtue of the office they hold)

Declaration of Interest - none

I have been the Rector of Heswall since September 2015 and therefore an ex-officio Foundation Governor throughout that time. It is a great joy to have a Church School in the Parish of Heswall and to work with good staff committed to the distinctive Christian ethos of St. Peter’s. I and the church take this responsibility very seriously, not only as a Governor, but also through our weekly provision of Collective Worship and the strong relationship fostered between the church and school. I’ve seen the school through two good SIAMS inspections and regularly meet with the Headteacher and other staff members to co-operate in providing the best education and life-learning experience we can for our children. Seeing first hand the challenges of teaching and the changing context of education I carry a concern for staff well-being and understand the need to invest in developing school for the longterm. I’m married to Sarah who works as a GP serving the homeless in Chester. Our two children both really enjoyed and benefited from the years they spent at St. Peter’s Primary School.

Sophia Nelson – Foundation Governor

Appointed by Foundation/Trust

Term of Office - 17/09/2023 to 17/09/2027

Declaration of Interest - None

I am just starting my second 4-year term as a foundation governor at St Peter's. I have three children - two currently still in St Peter's (Y6 and Y3). I am a GP and a large part of my 'real' job is clinical governance; interpreting data and maintaining accountability for continuously improving quality, so I am able to bring these skills. I also hold the role of safeguarding governor and am link governor for maths this year. I regularly attend St Peter's church and I am passionate about supporting and uplifting our school and it's Christian ethos.

Peter Johns – Foundation Governor

Appointed by Foundation/Trust

Term of Office - 14/09/2020 to 14/09/2024

Declaration of Interest - None

I am one of the Foundation Governors appointed by the Diocese, having been a Governor since September 2020. I am on two of the school's committees, Health & Safety, of which I am the Chair & also Assets. I regularly attend either St Peters' or the new Lighthouse Church where I am one of the Sunday School teachers and live locally in Heswall. I am also undertake the street crossings outside the school on Thurstaston Road, but prior to my retirement was a practising Chartered Surveyor.