Our school Governors are a crucial component of our school’s leadership. The Feniscowles Primary School's governors are there to ensure the standards of our school are the best that they can be and to provide strategic oversight to the development of 'A Feniscowles Child' who can 'live life in its fullest'.  They are there to represent the views of parents on how to best improve the school.

If you would like to speak to the governors or raise any concerns that you may have, please contact the school office and they will pass on your request.  

Minutes of Governors' meetings can be requested from the school office.

Cllr D Hardman (Chair) - Local Authority Appointed Governor

Catherine Woodhouse (Vice - Chair) - Co-opted Governor

I am proud to have been a governor at Feniscowles Primary School since 2019 and vice-chair since 2023. Both my children attend the school and so I am really passionate to support the school in striving for excellence. Outside of this governing role, I work within the field of Child Protection. Prior to this, I oversaw an anti-bullying project for several years and initially started my career as a primary school teacher.  Child protection is my strength and so I was proud to be asked to become the safeguarding and online safety governor for the school. I am really enjoying this challenge and am excited at seeing how the school is developing and growing! 

Link Governor: Safeguarding 

Julian Arnold - Co-opted Governor

I joined our governing body a number of years ago, and am currently our Vice Chairman. I am a former pupil of the school. I am a local businessman with a number of varying interests in the local community and I bring my business skills and expertise to our school. I am involved in a number of local charities as an ambassador and am currently Vice Chairman of Livesey Parish Council. I have four children and have lived in the area all my life.

Gabrielle Cooper - Staff Governor

I am currently in my second year at Feniscowles Primary School as a Key Stage Leader and class teacher in Year Six. I am delighted to be Staff Governor as I am extremely passionate about providing our children with a high-quality education that ensures each ‘Feniscowles Child’ lives life in its fullest. I am looking forward to working alongside staff, families and our community to ensure our pupils receive an enriching and inspiring curriculum.

Daniel Lord - Parent Governor

I am an experienced secondary school PE teacher and year lead with Designated Safeguarding Lead responsibilities, where I also help lead on behaviour and student welfare. Previously I have been Head of Education at a Football club for 4 years, after 6 years of being a PE teacher in Accrington. Having been a governor at a successful local high school for 5 years, until September 2020, my expertise in the governor role has been with safeguarding and curriculum while also having sat on different sub committees including finance/resources. I have a passion for a high standard of education for all.

Link Governor - English & Health & Safety

Paul Doherty - Parent Governor

I have a son currently in Year 6 at the school. I work as a Logistics Planner and live in Cherry Tree. I was elected as a parent governor in 2019 and I sit on both the Finance and Curriculum committees. I was a part of the team which recruited the Headteacher and I always put the needs of the children in my rationale when in discussions at committee and full governor meetings. 

Jennifer Strahan - Co-opted Governor

My name is Jennifer Strahan and I have been a parent governor at Feniscowles Primary School since November 2019. My current areas of responsibility are Maths and Special Educational Needs and I form part of the Curriculum and Finance Committees. I am a qualified teacher myself and teach in another school in the local area. I am passionate about and committed to supporting the school in providing the very best      education for its pupils to ensure the ‘Feniscowles Child’  lives life in its fullest.

Link Governor: SEN

Scott Panaro - Co-opted Governor

I am delighted to have recently joined the Governing Body, bringing a unique blend of experiences to the school. As a dedicated secondary school teacher specialising in Business and Computer Science, I have had the privilege of guiding students in their academic journeys. In my current role as a Careers Lead, I am deeply committed to preparing students for their future endeavours. Additionally, my prior experience as a Head of Year has provided me with valuable insights into student support and well-being. Outside of education, I have proudly served in the military, which has further honed my leadership and adaptability skills. I am eager to leverage this diverse background to contribute to our school's mission and the success of our students.

Alex Slater - Co-opted Governor

I am delighted to have joined the Governing Body in September 2023. I am passionate about ensuring our children receive the best possible start in life, in which school is a key part. I look forward to working with the rest of the team and the wider community to help deliver the best outcomes for our school and its pupils. Day to day, I am a Commercial Director for one of the UK’s most popular property websites, so hope my skills in business, finance, budgeting and proving / assessing return on investment can be an asset to the school.

Observers

Carley Dootson (Deputy Head)

Robyn Turner (School Business Manager)

On 18 March 2016 the School Governance Constitution Regulations 2012 was amended so that all serving governors in maintained schools will be required to have an enhanced criminal records certificate (ECRC). This means that, by 1 September 2016, all serving governors must have an enhanced CRC and, from April 1 2016, governing bodies must have applied for an ECRC within 21 days of the election or appointment of a new governor.
We can confirm that all governors at Feniscowles Primary School have had this completed.