Shadsworth Junior School

Role of the Governing Body

The Government's requirements for all Governing Boards states 3 core functions and they are;

Setting Strategic Direction ;

Clarity of vision and ethos

Engaging stakeholders

Meeting statutory duties

Creating robust accountability
Accountability for teaching, achievement
Behaviour safety
Strengthening school leadership
Performance management of the headteacher
Contributing to school self evaluation
Ensuring sound financial management
Solvency and effective financial management
Use of pupil premium and other resources to overcome barriers to learning

The full Governing Body meets once per term and Governors also meet as committees to consider various aspects of the school in detail.

We have the following committees:

Curriculum
Business
Community

There are also committees that meet, if required, to consider pupil discipline, staffing appeal issues, admission to school and staffing appeals and complaints.

The Governing Body was reconstituted in November 2014 and is made up of the following Governors.

Parent Governors =2
Staff Governors = 1
Local Authority Governor = 1
Co-opted Governor = 8
Head teacher = 1

Full Governing Body Committee Meetings and Attendance.

Name	Summer Term 2025	Autumn Term 2024	Spring Term 2025
Dr Angela Parry Vice Chair	Attended	Attended	Attended
Mrs K Stinson	Attended	Attended	Apologies
Mrs A Gaines	Attended	Attended	Attended
Mrs S Parkinson	Attended	Attended	Attended
Mrs J Gallagher Chair	Attended	Attended	Attended
Mr E Ofosu	Attended	Apologies	Apologies
Cllr Jim Shorrock	Attended	Attended	Absent
Mrs J Hetherington	Attended	Attended	Attended
Mr S Gimeno	Attended	Attended	Apologies
Miss D Dick	Non Attendance	Apologies	N/A
Mr L Basnett	Attended	Apologies	Attended
Mr Murphy	Apologies	Apologies	Attended
Mrs Bolton	Apologies	Attended	Absent

Business Committee meetings/attendance

Name	Autumn Term 2024	Summer Term 2025	Spring Term 2025
Mrs J Hetherington	Attended	Attended	Attended
Mrs J Gallagher	Attended	Attended	Attended
Dr A Parry	Apologies	Apologies	Attended
Mrs S Parkinson	Attended	Attended	Apologies
Mrs K Stinson	Attended	Attended	Apologies

Community Committee meetings/attendance

Name	Summer Term 2025	Spring Term 2025	Autumn Term 2024
Mrs J Hetherington	Attended	Attended	Attended
Mrs J Gallagher	Attended	Attended	Attended
Mrs S Parkinson	Attended	Apologies	Attended
Mr S Gimeno	Attended	Attended	Apologies
Mrs K Stinson	Attended	Absent	Attended
Mr E Ofosu	Attended	Apologies	Apologies
Mr N Murphy	Apologies	Attended	Attended

Curriculum Committee Meetings and Attendance

Name	Summer Term 2025	Spring Term 2025	Autumn Term 2024
Mrs J Hetherington	Attended	Attended	Attended
Mrs J Gallagher	Attended	Apologies	Attended
Mrs S Parkinson	Attended	Attended	Attended
Mrs K Stinson	Attended	Attended	Attended
Ms A Gaines	Attended	Attended	Attended
Miss D Dick	Absent	Apologies	Apologies
Mr L Bassnett	Attended	Apologies	Attended
Dr Parry	Attended	Attended	Attended
Cllr Jim Shorrock	Absent	Absent	Apologies
Mr E Ofosu	Apologies	Apologies	Apologies
Mr S Gimeno	Apologies	Attended	Attended
Mr N Murphy	Apologies	Attended	Attended
Mrs J Bolton	Absent	Attended	Attended

Dr Parry

I now work as a G.P at Bentham Road, Health Centre but I was a G.P in Shadsworth for 23 years, from 1992-2015. I have lived in Lower Darwen since 1988, am married and have 2 step-children. I am a Christian and an active member of Community Church, Blackburn.

It is an honour to be a governor at Shadsworth Junior School and to see such an amazing team at work amidst significant challenge and change over the years. Shadsworth Junior School is very special and I'm glad that even the Ofsted Inspectors could see that.

Susan Parkinson

I was a teacher at Shadsworth Junior School for over 20 years a governor for several years. In 2012 I achieved the NASC Special Needs Co-ordinator qualification and took over the role as SENCo before I retired in December 2024.

I am married with 2 daughters who are both teachers and have 4 grandchildren. I regularly attend full governors meetings and committee meetings. If you would like to contact me to ask me questions or to give me your views regarding school, you can contact me via email: office@shadsworthjunior.blackburn.sch.uk

Mrs Amanda Gaines

My name is Amanda Gaines; I'm a Staff Governor at Shadswoth Junior School. I am married to my husband Peter, and we have one son. Prior to teaching at Shadsworth Junior school, I worked as a Family Law Solicitor, practising at a local firm in Blackburn, Lancashire. In 2005, in decided to have a change of career and started my teaching degree at the University of Cumbria. During this time , I worked at Shadsworth as a Teaching Assistant. In 2009, I returned to Shadsworth as a teacher. In 2011, I successfully completed a Master's Degree in Teaching and Learning, and I have been involved in the schools Outstanding Teaching Project. More recently, I have enrolled to study towards a middle leader's qualification with the Teaching Programme. I am also the school's Computing Curriculum Coordinator; my responsibilities are to support and assist Teachers in the delivery of the National Computing Curriculum in a fun and exciting way and have the responsibility for ensuring that pupils are taught to stay safe online.

Cllr. Jim Shorrock

It is a pleasure to continue to represent the good people of Shadsworth and that includes my position as a Governor of the excellent Shadsworth Junior School. With twenty years' experience as a Councillor and School Governor, I see at first hand the hard work undertaken by the Headteacher and staff of this school, and it's a privilege to be involved.

Kim Stinson
I have been a member of a governing body for almost 30 years and I have had the pleasure of being a governor at Shadsworth Junior School for 16 of those years.
My working life has been mainly in education and I am fortunate to have been employed both at the Infant and Junior schools in the Shadsworth community. The majority of my career has been spent as a Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) Advisory Teacher.
Although, I recently retired from full time employment, I intend to continue with my professional development and utilise my skills and knowledge to support the young people, schools and families that I am involved with.

Noel Murphy

I am new to the governing body and looking forward to using my skills and knowledge to support the school. I am married and a father of one, I reside in Blackburn and work locally on Shadsworth Industrial Estate; my career has predominantly been in manufacturing.

I am committed to Shadsworth Junior School and willing to ask questions, which will challenge and support the Senior Leadership Team.

Simon Gimeno

Being a Governor at Shadsworth Junior School is a real privilege. I'm the Assistant Pastor at The Beacon Church which serves the communities of Shadsworth and Blackburn centre. A large part of my role is to engage, support and connect with the children, young people and families in the Church and surrounding communities.

I'm a big football fan and help to run The Beacon Football Academy which is aimed at children attending the Junior School. As a governor I want to see children exceeding their potential and shining in the community.

Governors

Governing Body Structure