Our Governors

At Cherry Grove we are extremely lucky to have a hard working and dedicated group of governors. They provide a wealth of knowledge and ideas which they use to guide and improve the school.

Meet our Governors

• John Morrow
  Chair of Governors
  John Morrow

  Responsibilities:

  • SEND link governor
  • SDP 'Learning and Development' link governor
    
  • Pay Panel

  Appointed as Parent Governor: Â October 2021.

  Appointed as Co-Opted Governor: Â June 2022. Â Term Ends: June 2026

  Appointed Chair or Governors: Â July 2022. Â Â
  

  Register of Interests:

  • Current Employment - University of Chester
  • Fellow - Higher Education Academy

  I have 3 children, 2 at Cherry Grove, currently in year 3 and Reception, and a third who is desperate to start nursery next year.

  I am a Senior lecturer at the University of Chester within the Law Department. My main area of specialism is Education Law. I have a particular interest in Special Educational Needs and Disability, having completed a PhD entitled 'Law students with Dyslexia and their experience of academic assessment', it reviews the implications of equality law for students with Dyslexia alongside an exploration of their experience within legal education. Through my teaching and research practice I have looked to develop my understanding of Special Educational needs across a range of educational settings.

• Rob Pullen
  Vice-Chair of Governors
  Rob Pullen

  Responsibilities:

  • SDP 'Curriculum' link governor
  • Supporting role to SEND link governor
  • Headteacher Performance Management Panel

  Appointed as Co-Opted Governor: Â February 2021 Term Ends: February 2025

  Appointed as Vice Chair of Govenors: Â July 2022.

  Register of Interests: Â

  • Co-Chair of Cheshire West and Chester Association of Primary Headteachers
  • Chair of Governors - Dee Banks School
  • Owner - RPE Consultancy & Training

  I Â began my teaching career in Dorset and have worked in a number of different authorities across England and Wales. Having been a governor since 1995 as either a staff member, parent or as headteacher, I have worked through periods of great change in education. As a former headteacher of two primary schools, both with Resourced Provisions, I have consistently sought to ensure the young people in my care have the very best opportunities to experience life, grow in confidence and become the best they can be. I am currently the joint Chair of the Primary Headteacher's Association in Cheshire West and Chester.

  Away from work I love to travel and enjoy physical activity. As an active member of my local triathlon club I try to swim, cycle and run as regularly as possible.

  No longer a serving headteacher within a school, I am excited to be joining the governing board at Cherry Grove where I believe my experiences can be used to assist the school in working towards its aims and vision.

• Beth Hacking
  Headteacher
  Beth Hacking

  Appointed: Â 1st September 2021

  Register of Interests: Â

  • Simon Hacking, Husband, Â Oak Academy online learning platform

  I have been  at Cherry Grove since September 2012, and became a staff governor in May 2013. After graduating from Nottingham University with a degree in History and Politics, I joined Bank of America in 2004 on a graduate scheme. During the several years I was there I worked in a variety of business development roles specialising in governance, product and project management. In 2011, I decided to change career and retrained as a teacher, gaining my PGCE at Chester University.

  I am passionate about education and have several specialisms, in particular Maths, the wider curriculum and Safeguarding. I am very committed to achieving high standards at Cherry Grove and believe the talented and hardworking staff, wonderful children and clearly dedicated governors are an asset to the school and area.

  In my limited free time I am a (fair-weather!) member of a running club, and enjoy hill-walking, cinema and spending time with my family. Â Â

• Roz Artist
  Co-Opted Governor (Deputy Headteacher)
  Roz Artist

  Appointed as Staff Governor: Â July 2019

  Appointed as Co-Opted Governor:   June 2022. Term Ends: June  2026

• Dr David Morris
  Co-opted Governor
  Dr David Morris

  Responsibilities:

  • Health & Safety link governor
  • SDP 'Computing' link governor

  Appointed Co-Opted Governor: Â May 2021. Term Ends: May 2025

  Register of Interests: None

  I started out as a marine biologist doing my degree and PhD at the University of Liverpool Marine Station on the Isle of Man. This was followed by 10 years at the British Antarctic Survey, then periods as a Project/Business/Environmental Manager working with the UK Water Industry and then the Oil & Gas industry in the Middle East, Russia & Azerbaijan. Â Â

  I returned to the UK and spent some 15 years working for a UK Government marine laboratory in East Anglia where my two children went to school. Along with a bit of mini rugby coaching I was a Parent Governor and then Chair of Governors at the local Middle School. Â

  Following some 10 years working on all sorts of marine issues I spent 5 years or so specialising in data issues before retiring in 2018. I am a registered STEM Ambassador and I spend my time taking photographs and writing.

• Liam McCaughey
  Co-Opted Governor
  Liam McCaughey

  Responsibilities:

  • Safeguarding link governor
  • LAC/pLAC link governor
  • HT Performance Management Panel

  Appointed Parent Governor: February 2022

  Appointed Co-Opted Governor: March 2023. Term Ends: March 2027
  

  Register of  Interests:

  • Current Employment - Independent Social Worker
  • Membership - Â Surfers Against Sewage

  I have two children who have been educated at Cherry Grove, my youngest is still in the school, Â with my eldest being supported by the staff in his transition to High School. I have been supporting the PTA including the Christmas time festivities. The highlights of my involvement with Cherry Grove includes going on some of the school trips, wandering round muddy pumpkin fields and art galleries.

  I have a background in social work and residential childcare, including early intervention and family support. Child protection and fostering. I was lucky to gain some experience working in children's centres spending time with health visitors and family support workers. I have been supporting foster carers for several years now. I am currently a self employed independent social worker continuing to support fostering agencies and residential settings.

  When I am not working, I enjoy kayaking and wandering around Chester Zoo or hills looking for a good photograph with my camera, often much to the annoyance of my children who are complaining I have stopped again!

• Eleanor Wilson
  Staff Governor
  Eleanor Wilson

  Appointed: July 2022 Terms Ends: July 2026

• Sarah Smith
  Local Authority Governor
  Sarah Smith

  Responsibilities:

  • Rights Respecting link governor
  • HT Performance Management Panel

  Appointed Local Authority Governor: March 2023 Term Ends: March 2027

  Register of Interests:

  • Occupation: SBM, Saighton C of E Primary

  I have a long association with Cherry Grove as my son and daughter, both now at University, attended the school. I served on the PTA, was a parent governor, had a short spell as clerk to the governing body and was appointed Clerical Officer at the school in 2013.

  I am the full-time School Business Manager at Saighton Church of England Primary School in Chester, where I have worked since I left Cherry Grove in 2018 and I hope that my experience in school finance, HR, health & safety and Safeguarding will benefit the school and help the committed governors and staff continue to provide the best learning experience and outcomes for pupils.

  Being a governor at Cherry Grove is my second volunteering role as I dedicated 6 years to being a Visitor Enhancement Volunteer at Chester Zoo and handed back my uniform just over a year ago. Now at weekends and during school holidays I enjoy walking my Cocker Spaniel, swimming, going to the cinema and spending time with family.

• Sophie Lawrence
  Co-Opted Governor
  Sophie Lawrence

  Appointed Co-Opted Governor: April 2023 Term Ends: April 2027

  As a parent with a back ground in child care I was keen to join the governing body at Cherry Grove and support the important work of the school and the staff.

  I am a member of the committee for my daughter's preschool which I have loved and I was keen to take on a primary school role as my daughter is soon to be starting reception.

  I have worked in the child care sector for more than 10 years. My experience has mainly been in early years settings monitoring and assessing developmental stages. I am passionate about the importance of education and inclusivity of all children and I am pleased to be a member at a school with such high standards. I am wanting to bring my skills and experience to the governing board here at Cherry Grove where I hope to have a positive impact.

• Dorothy Turnbull
  Parent Governor
  Dorothy Turnbull

  Appointed Parent Governor: April 2023 Term Ends: April 2027

  Register of Interests: Teacher at Bishops' Blue Coat Church of England High School

  I have always been impressed by Cherry Grove, and am delighted with the warm and nurturing environment it has provided for my two children, my son in year 3 and my daughter in nursery, due to start Reception in September.

  When I took on a volunteering role, I was able to see the day-to-day life of the school. This experience confirmed my own beliefs that the school was a place that encouraged creativity, curiosity and compassion, and this led me to stand for election as a parent governor, contributing to maintaining the excellent work that is already happening within the school.

  I work as a teacher at a Chester secondary school and have lots of experience within an educational setting, particularly around good teaching practice, curriculum structure and planning, and educational policy. I have also completed an MSc in Child Psychological Development which has enabled me to understand the developmental journey of children throughout their schooling, and what great education looks like when it is focussed on the whole child, cultivating individual interests and prioritising the mental wellbeing of pupils. I hope to bring this expertise to the role and know that this is very much in line with the current vision and ethos of the school.

• John Heselwood
  Parent Governor
  John Heselwood

  Appointed Parent Governor: May 2023 Term Ends: May 2027

  I have two daughters at Cherry Grove and I welcome the opportunity to contribute to a school that provides such a welcoming and nurturing environment for children.

  My background started in environmental management, which I graduated in and my career began working in a commercial laboratory. But early on discovered I love to work with people (rather than soil samples!) so I’ve spent the last 17 years working in the not-for-profit sector on a diverse range of initiatives including setting up community groups to: develop affordable housing, create land use plans for their neighbourhoods, and assess housing needs to inform new developments. Recently I distributed funding in Cheshire West for ‘warm spaces’ to help people through the cost of living crisis, which has been both inspiring and rewarding. I also help community buildings to reduce their energy costs and carbon footprint.

  My skills and experience include over 15 years of working on boards with partners in the not-for-profit / charity sector and local authority to deliver community services, influence policy, develop strategies and bring in funding.

  My values are based around honesty, fairness, and compassion, and I hope to bring all of my experience and expertise to the Cherry Grove Governing Board to make a positive contribution to a fantastic school.

  ,

  Appointed Co-Opted Governor : July 2023 Term Ends: July 2027

• Jeanette Makings
  Co-Opted Governor
  Jeanette Makings

  Appointed Co-Opted Governor: July 2023 Term Ends: July 2027

  I am excited to be joining Cherry Grove and to have the opportunity to use my skills and experiences in the role of governor to support the school in developing children with a love of learning and the confidence and knowledge to reach their potential.

  After working for 16 years as a chartered accountant, I joined the corporate world and for the last 20+ years I have led a team that delivers financial education programmes to large UK businesses, helping them to improve their employees’ financial wellbeing. For the last 5 years I have also headed up my workplace charitable giving programme, leading colleagues in all fundraising, donating, and volunteering activities across the UK.

  Supporting good causes through volunteering is a passion; when my (now grown up) son was little, I volunteered on the PTA as treasurer and fundraiser, coached his football team, made endless cricket teas, and clogged my washing machine with muddy team kits. In recent years, I have found fulfilment in mentoring women through the 30% Club, volunteer reading with the children’s literacy charity Bookmark, and volunteering at my son’s former primary school.

  Outside of work, I love my vegetable garden, going to the cinema, cooking, and spending time with family and friends.

Governors who served in the last 12 months:

• Judith Alix, Parent Governor [October 2022 to March 2023]
• Sarah Connolly, Co-Opted Governor [May 2018 to March 2023] 
• Zoe Lochlin, Co-Opted Governor [Dec 2015 to July 2023]

School governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education.  It is an immensely rewarding role that allows you to be involved in raising standards within school. Please contact our clerk at sclarke@cherrygrove.cheshire.sch.uk for information about any vacancies.

The role of the Governing Body:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;

• Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and

• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

We do this by getting to know the school and the wider educational context, reading meeting paperwork and attending meetings where we ask questions to ensure that the best possible decisions are made for the benefit of the children in the school, attending training and development events to improve our skills and knowledge and adhering to the Governors’ Charter. 

The minimum commitment expected of a governor is that they attend scheduled Full Governing Body meetings.  These are usually held on a Thursday evening.  Most governors also take on additional responsibilities, e.g., Safeguarding link governor, Health & Safety link governor or Curriculum link governor. 

In addition to being over 18 years of age, governors need a strong commitment to the role and to improving outcomes for children, the inquisitiveness to question and analyse, and the willingness to learn.  They need good inter-personal skills, appropriate levels of literacy in English, and sufficient numeracy skills to understand basic data.  There are certain circumstances in which a person is disqualified from holding or continuing to hold office as a governor and they are listed in the document at the bottom of this page.

If a governor incurs reasonable expenses such as travel costs as a result of performing their duties as a governor, they can be reimbursed in line with the Governors Allowance policy available on the policy page of the website. 

More information about our Governing body:

• The Headteacher is automatically entitled to be a governor

• Parent Governors are appointed by the parents at the school

• Staff Governors are appointed by the staff at the school

• Local Authority Governors are appointed by the Local Authority

• Co-opted Governors are appointed by the Governing Body

You can find out more about the role of a governor on the National Governance Association website.  

Contact

If you would like more information, please contact the Clerk to Governors at sclarke@cherrygrove.cheshire.sch.uk.  The Chair of Governors can also be contacted via this email address.

Governoring Body Meetings

Governing Body meetings will be held either virtually or at school at 6.30pm on the following dates.  Members of the school community wishing to attend should contact the Clerk to Governors.  

Full Governing Body Meetings 2023-2024:

5th Oct, 25th Jan, 13th Mar, 16th May, 4th June

Governor Attendance 

Governor attendance at a glance for 2023/24:

Governor attendance at a glance for 2022/23:

Financial information