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.

Catherine Woodhouse (Chair) - Co-opted Governor

I am proud to have been a governor at Feniscowles Primary School since 2019 and chair since 2024. Both my children have attended the school, and my youngest child is currently in year 3. Outside of this governing role, I work within the field of Child Protection and prior to this I oversaw an anti-bullying project for several years. I am really passionate in supporting the school and work closely with the governors and senior leadership team within school to make sure that all children have the opportunities to receive the best education possible and to become a ‘Feniscowles child’.  

 

 

Link Governor: Safeguarding & Attendance, Health & Safety

Julian Arnold (Vice-Chair) - 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.

 

Link Governor: Health & Safety

Derek Hardman - Local Authority Appointed Governor

Derek has been a dedicated member of our school’s Governing Board for over 15 years, bringing a wealth of experience, stability, and passion to the team. Having served through several key chapters in the school’s history, Derek has been privileged to support and guide our journey of continuous development. He remains deeply committed to helping the school reach new heights, ensuring every child receives an exceptional education in a safe and inspiring environment. He is proud to champion our school community and support our staff, students, and families toward a bright future.

Gabrielle Cooper - Staff Governor

I am currently in my fourth year at Feniscowles Primary School as the Key Stage 2 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.

 

Courtney Reed-Homer - Parent Governor

I’m a parent governor who joined the governing body in summer 2025 and I sit in the curriculum committee. I have a child at the school and am proud to be part of the local community. I currently work within the emergency services and also bring experience from my previous role as a teaching assistant. I’m passionate about supporting the school, helping it continue to thrive, and ensuring all children have the best possible opportunities to learn and grow.

 

Link Governor: English

Paul Doherty - Parent Governor

I have previously had a son who came right through Feniscowles Primary School and I wanted to stay on the governing body once he left for high 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 current 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

I am proud to have been a Governor at Feniscowles Primary School since 2019. Initially, I served as a Parent Governor with both my children attending the school. I am a passionate and dedicated primary school teacher myself, specialising in the areas of SEND, phonics and early reading. As the Link Governor for SEND, I am able to use my professional skillset to further challenge the decisions made by its leaders. Above all, I am 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

Matt Diffey - Co-opted Governor

I am a proud local who was born and raised in Feniscowles and still live in the area with my wife and 2 children. My background is a time served electrician before moving into construction project management and facilities management where I currently oversee regulatory compliance, financial budget management and Health & Safety. I am a strong believer that our children are our future and the effort you put into them today will make a better future. I am hoping my professional background will be useful in providing the best possible facilities and infrastructure for both staff and teachers alike. 

 

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.

Link Governor: Maths and Website

Louise Shorrock - Parent Governor

I am excited to become a parent governor at Feniscowles Primary School. I  am looking forward to supporting the school to contribute to highly effective  governance. I work as a Senior Manager for Blackburn with Darwen Council in children’s services - I bring 25 years of experience, knowledge, leadership and management skills and a varied skillset to the role in supporting all children and families with services and Early Help. Identifying safeguarding, SEND needs and trauma are a few of my lead areas. It is so important that we listen to our children and families, as their voices matter in shaping the service to be delivered, to ensure that all children receive the best start in life, to be given equal opportunities to thrive.     

Link Governor: Early Years                   

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.