Meanwood Church Of England Governing Body is made up of a strong, supportive and dedicated group of people who strive to push the school forward and maintain the school's already outstanding reputation.

Liz Canning (Diocese of Leeds Foundation Governor)

liz.smith@meanwood.leeds.sch.uk

Having spent over 23 years working in education, I feel I have a secure understanding, knowledge, and the required skills to support our staff and children on their continued journey of excellence. I am a learning improvement consultant with a keen interest in evidence informed curriculum and teaching and learning strategies which positively impact on the life chances of our most vulnerable children across the city.

Chris Hall (Parent Governor)

chris.hall@meanwood.leeds.sch.uk

I am a Parent Governor who was elected to the Governing Body in October 2022 and I sit on the Resources Committee. My eldest daughter completed year 6 at Meanwood in 2019 and my youngest daughter has joined reception this year. I am a strong advocate for the school with both my daughters having flourished whilst in attendance. Originally from Oldham, I moved to Leeds in 2005 to study at University. I have now lived in Meanwood since 2013 and although I am unable to shake my affection for Oldham Athletic, Meanwood is proudly where I call home.

Currently I own and run my own ground transportation business operating across North, East and South Yorkshire. I also currently sit on the Local Executive Board for Cash For Kids (Hull and East Yorkshire) which is a charity that aims to "improve the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in our communities who are affected by poverty, illness, neglect or have additional needs”.

My intention when joining the Governing Body is to provide support with the business side of school. I feel that I am well equipped to aid the school in managing its resources and budgets using the skills from running my own business.

Andy Johnson (Diocese of Leeds Foundation Governor)

andy.johnson@meanwood.leeds.sch.uk

I am a Foundation Governor and am on both the Resources and RE Sub Committees. Having four children who have gone through/going through the ranks of Meanwood C of E school I wanted to be able to give back to the school in some small way, because it has proved to be a fantastic primary education platform for all my children, both in the quality of the teaching and the early opportunities it has given them.

I have over 25 years experience in the marketing and communications industry so I bring skills to the group both creatively and commercially. There are, as you would expect ongoing budgetary challenges in schools and one of the latter projects I worked on was to bring the afterschool provision in-house.

Coming from a non-education background, this gives me the open opportunity to ask lots of questions in order to understand how we, as a Governing body, can best support the teaching staff, non-teaching staff, parents and children so that Meanwood will continue to be an outstanding school, where all our children have the opportunity to thrive. 

Jess Jubb (Diocese of Leeds Foundation Governor, Vice Chair and SEN Governor)

jess.jubb@meanwood.leeds.sch.uk

I am am foundation governor and Vice Chair of the governing body.  I currently also serve on the PCC for Holy Trinity Church in Meanwood, and have held both roles for over 8 years. One of my responsibilities on the board is as governor responsible for SEN,  as well as being part of other key committees integral to ensuring good governance of the school.  My professional career is centred around the financial services where I have over 20 years experience.  I am currently Head of Partnerships within the insurance industry, leading a team who work in partnership with banks and building societies.  Working in a highly regulated environment I recognise the need for strong governance and controls and bring this to my role in the school.  

Charis Osborne (Parent Governor)

charis.osborne@meanwood.leeds.sch.uk

I am a parent governor, my son Isaac is in Year 4. I am on the Resources sub-committee and also the Governor responsible for Safeguarding. I had been wanting to give something back to the school community for a while but wasn’t sure of the best way to do this. When there was a vacancy for a parent governor, I really thought about my skill set and of this, what could be of use to the Governing body. On a day-to-day basis I deal with staffing, finance, strategic planning, safeguarding, delivery of quality provision and education is and has always been a key element in my work. Utilising these skills I wanted to be able to support the staff team to continue to run a thriving school long into the future. Working full time and with two very active boys at home, my spare time usually revolves around them, transporting them to activities and standing shivering in the cold at football matches. However, I do go for a swim when I get a chance / child care aligns and I do enjoy theatre trips although working in the dance industry, I do try to see other shows being presented on stage

Duncan Pearse (Diocese of Leeds Foundation Governor)

duncan.pearse@meanwood.leeds.sch.uk

I have lived in Meanwood for the past five years and am married to Charlotte. We have two energetic boys, William 3 and Thomas 1. I am keen to offer my support to the team at school to create the best learning and development opportunities for children in our community. 

My early career was in sports development and further education before moving to work in the youth work sector. Following success as a regional manager for a national youth organisation and a period of 1:1 work in children’s homes and semi-secure units, I led a community engagement & youth voice project in the Northwest, before moving into a national operations role. Here I was responsible for a variety of youth programmes, education services and employment contracts. 

I currently lead a regional Mental Health charity, based in Leeds, overseeing delivery of therapeutic and emotional support services to children, families and adults across Yorkshire and the surrounding areas.  

A proven and successful social sector leader, I am a Clore Social Fellow, I hold a certificate and diploma in Company Direction with the Institute of Directors and have completed the School of Social Entrepreneurs Leader’s programme. 

I have previously been vice chair of a multi academy trust and currently I sit on the Resources and RE committees. 

Rev John Rogers (Diocese of Leeds Foundation Governor and Parish Priest)

john.rogers@meanwood.leeds.sch.uk

I became the Vicar of Holy Trinity Meanwood in September 2019. Previously I spent 10 years in Oakworth where I had the privilege of being involved with two secular primary schools and a school governor at one of them. I am passionate about young people’s education and the opportunity to be involved with a C of E school was one of the main reasons I came to Meanwood. As the Vicar of Holy Trinity I am an ex-officio governor of the school and serve on the Resources and RE Sub Committees. I believe the mutual partnership between Meanwood C of E Primary School and Holy Trinity is a key part of our excellent community relationships here in Meanwood by helping our young people to connect with others in the wider community.

Before ordination 17 years ago I worked as an electrical engineer and latterly became a contracts manager for a Leeds based company. In my spare time I ride a motorcycle and have a passion for road racing and one of my favourite destinations is the Isle of Man to watch the TT. My other passions are hospitality, cooking and photography.

Verity Stewart (Diocese of Leeds Foundation Governor and Chair of Governors)

verity.stewart@meanwood.leeds.sch.uk

I have lived in Meanwood since 2010, having been born and raised in Sussex.  I am honoured to have been involved in the governing body of the school since 2018. I am passionate about the ethos of the school and the kindness that is at the heart of the school community. I am also lucky to be a parent at the school with my eldest son now in year 1.  I am a solicitor by profession and I work for central government as an employment lawyer. I am proud to be able to use my legal expertise to support the school and I currently chair the resources committee of the governing body. In my spare time - of which there is little with two young sons - I enjoy dancing, pilates and spending as much time as possible by the sea!

Ruth Watson (LEA Governor)

ruth.watson@meanwood.leeds.sch.uk

I have been a parent of children in school since 2015 and joined the governing body in September 2021. I have worked in the education sector for 15 years as an early year’s teacher and member of school senior leadership teams, and more recently in Special Educational Needs advocacy and family support with Leeds Mencap. I hope I bring a breadth of relevant experience and knowledge with me to the role and I am proud to support the leaders and staff of such a successful and happy school.

Vanessa Riley (LEA Governor)

vanessa.riley@meanwood.leeds.sch.uk

Committees

Resources Committee

Chris Hall (Chair)

Verity Stewart

Duncan Pearse
John Rogers

Vanessa Riley

Teaching and Learning Committee

Liz Canning (Chair) 

Ruth Watson

Jess Jubb
Verity Stewart

Andy Johnson

Charis Osborne

Admissions Committee

Jess Jubb (Chair)

John Rogers

Jamie Chapman

Headteachers Performance Management Committee

Verity Stewart (Chair)

John Rogers 

Andy Johnson

R.E Committee

John Rogers (Chair)

Jess Jubb 

Verity Stewart

Duncan Pearse

Andy Johnson

Liz Canning

Governor Attendance

Governors Attendance Sheet (Full Governing Body)

Y= Governor present

N= Not in attendance

A=Apologies were accepted

NA= Apologies given but not accepted

Res= Resigned

Terms of Office