Meet the Governors
Mr M Banks - Chair
Link Governor: Health and Safety and Environment
Classification: Co-Opted
Appointed: 14 October 2023
Term Ends: 13 October 2027
Attendance 2022-23: 11/11
Martin joined the school Governing Body in October 2017 as an Associate Governor with responsibility for supporting governor development. Since joining, Martin has supported the governing body with development activities and leading governor ‘away days’ to help them focus on three key purposes of governance: strategic vision; challenge; value for money. In October 2019 Martin was elected to the Governing Body as Co-opted member and was elected Chair of HR, Finance and Premises Committee. In October 2021 Martin was elected Chair of the Board of Governors.
Martin' daughter was a Pupil at Blackrod Primary School, leaving in July 2023. In his day job, Martin works at The University of Manchester in Human Resources as a People and OD Partner and links in to the 200-strong governor network at the University. Outside of work, Martin is the Treasurer for Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and is on call 24/7 as an operational member.
Mrs M Riley - Link Governor: Child Protection and Safeguarding/ SEN & Training
Classification: Co-Opted
Appointed: 09 October 2021
Term Ends: 08 October 2025
Attendance 2022-23: 11/11
I started teaching French in 1973 in high schools, then worked in special education in Bolton from 1990, also teaching French. I was an Advanced Skills Teacher from 2002, advising on teaching and learning at Rumworth School and in other schools in the authority. Responsible for European projects, organising visits to special schools around Europe and hosting visits from European teachers, all with a view to sharing good practice.
I worked as an Education consultant from 2013 to 2015, working for a teacher training provider, observing trainees and delivering training on special needs. My interests include walking, reading, French and Italian languages, presenting a classical music programme on Hospital Radio at Wrightington Hospital
Mrs D Foster - Link Governor: Safer Recruitment
Classification: Parent
Appointed: 15 February 2022
Term Ends: 14 February 2026
Attendance 2022-23: 0/11
Mr R Needham - Classification: Co-Opted
Appointed: 18 October 2021
Term Ends: 17 October 2025
Attendance 2022-2023: 9/11
My name is Ryan Needham and I am a Co-opted governor at Blackrod Primary. I am new to the governing body being elected to the governors body in October 2021. I currently work at Rivington and Blackrod High School as Associate Assistant Head Teacher with responsibility for the Lower School provision. Before this role I had been at Rivington and Blackrod as Head of Geography for 4 years helping the school to receive the Geographical Associations Centre of Excellence Award. In my own time I play cricket in the Westmorland Cricket League in Cumbria and spend time with my family.
Mr R Bone - Vice Chair
Classification: Co-Opted
Appointed: 17 May 2021
Term Ends: 16 May 2025
Attendance 2022-23: 9/11
I have worked in primary education for over 20 years, in a range of roles and settings, in the UK and Africa. Throughout that time I have been led by the same firmly held belief; that every child has the right to an inspirational, relevant and creative educational experience. To that end, I am particularly interested in curriculum design and implementation, and in staff training and development. I believe passionately that, for the children to feel successful, happy, and loved, teachers must also feel the same!
I hope these experiences and interests will allow me to make a positive contribution to the work of the school, and the exciting and innovative projects and activities it is already engaged with.
Mrs K Howard - Chair of Curriculum, Standards and Safeguarding Committee
Classification: Parent
Appointed: 31 January 2022
Term Ends: 30 January 2026
Attendance 2022-23: 10/11
I have worked in education for over 20 years and have specialised in digital safeguarding and technology for over 14 years. I work with within primary, secondary, independent schools, Local authority, BBC and most recently within a company who specialises in safeguarding young people in the digital environment. As a digital safeguarding lead I work with Local authorities, Multi academy trusts, schools and colleges across the UK, to develop their knowledge and understanding of online safety across the 4 pillars of the school community, staff, parents, governors and students. I absolutely love my job and the opportunities I have to work with lots of establishments all over the UK.
I am the proud mother to a fun loving little boy in Milhazes. As a family we love visiting zoos and aquariums, going on long walks through our amazing countryside and gardening. We grow lots of vegetables and fruit in our garden which don't always make it to our table as our little boys usually eats them raw off the plant!
My passions include music, drama and outdoor activities. My family and I support various amateur dramatic societies in the Greater Manchester area and we are either acting, supporting with online or offline activities or filming performances. We love it. My son has also had a part or two in our performances.
My personal goals are to make sure that my children and the children I work with, through my career, are given every opportunity to flourish, be safe and grow into well rounded, happy individuals who have a love of life and learning.
I am so excited to be a parent governor and am hoping that my experiences and knowledge will add value to the governing body and the community here at BPS.
Mr D Spilsbury - Chair of HR, Finance, Health & Safety Committee
Classification: Parent
Appointed: 31 January 2022
Term Ends: 30 January 2026
Attendance 2022-23: 10/11
A systems and software engineer by training, I've always had a passion for
understanding how things work. This generally means that I'm good at taking things apart, which, combined with my love of technology, just so happens to be one of the key skills needed for my day job in cyber security. These days, I'm less hands on than I used to be as my current role means that I now lead teams and set strategy, but the desire to tinker remains ever strong and is something I like to help identify and develop in others.
However, despite my natural leaning towards the STEM subjects, many years in education as a student have taught me that learning needs to be enjoyable and that exposure to a wide variety of subject areas, including music, arts and sports, is fundamental and something for which I am a strong advocate.
With two young daughters I have a keen interest in the strategic governance and future direction of Blackrod Primary School; hopefully without taking too many things apart!
Miss C Entwistle - Classification: Staff
Appointed: 20th October 2023
Term Ends: 20th October 2027
Attendance 2022-23: N/A
Mr B Kenny - Classification: Co-Opted
Appointed: 04 October 2021
Term Ends: 03 October 2025
Attendance 2022-23: 11/11
Since joining the governing board I have enjoyed working with a fantastic team who are passionate about the school and maintaining its very high standards.
Blackrod Primary School is a huge interest of mine as my daughter attends the school. I also work part-time as a caretaker here. When I’m not at Blackrod Primary School I am a Firefighter at Bolton Central Fire Station.
As I am new to the Governor role, I am looking forward to having an influence in the future of the school.
Mrs K Mead - Classification: Headteacher
Appointed: 01 September 2022
Attendance 2022-23: 11/11
Mrs S Bridge - Classification: Parent
Appointed: 30 January 2023
Term Ends: 29 January 2027
Attendance 2022-23: 3/3
My name is Sophie Bridge and I am a parent governor at Blackrod Primary School. I currently work as the Deputy Headteacher of Sacred Heart RC Primary School in Westhoughton, just a few miles down the A6, and I am also the year 6 class teacher. I qualified as a teacher in 2011 after graduating from Edge Hill University with 1st Class honours degree, so I have almost 12 years’ experience working in Primary schools across a range of ages and phases.
In 2019, I moved to Horwich with my young family. My daughter has since started in Picasso class in 2022, and she has quickly settled in to life at Blackrod School. In my spare time, I enjoy floristry and lengthy walks in Rivington with our two lively cocker spaniels: Archie and Amber. I also enjoy running, reading and baking.