The Governing Body is responsible for the overall management of our school. Full Governing Body meetings are held once a term. There are subcommittees that meet to deal with specific issues, for example finance. These committees meet as often as is necessary and report to the whole Governing Body.
Governors at Elm Tree School
Chair of Governors - Mrs D Hodgson
"I became involved in school governance about twelve years ago and currently sit on three special school governing bodies being Chair of two, one primary and one secondary.
Before retiring I was a police officer for over thirty years and then a lecturer in further education.
I am a member of the Executive Committee of the Lancashire Association of School Governing Bodies and of the Lancashire Schools Forum (High Needs Block Working Group)
I am the Chair of the Board of Trustees for the Birchwood Centre, a supported accomodation project for young people, based in West Lancashire and act as an Independant Person for L.C.C. Customer Feedback Services, which deals with complaints, current and historic, lodged against L.A. staff, by vulnerable children, young people and adults.
I hold a Diploma in Applied Social Science, and a B.Sc.(Hons), also in applied Social Science."
Contact address: Elm Tree Community Primary School. Elmers Wood Road, Skelmersdale, WN8 6SA
Vice Chair of Governors / Local Authority - Mr M Montgomery
"I am passionate about education and improving outcomes for children and young people; particularly those with special educational needs. I am a qualified teacher with over 20 years’ experience. I have taught in both mainstream and special schools. I am currently an Independent Education Consultant/Adviser specialising in the areas of SEND, Behaviour, Leadership and School Improvement. Prior to this, I was Headteacher of a primary special school in Lancashire.
I was designated as a Specialist Leader in Education (SLE) for SEND, behaviour and phonics. I have additional qualifications in Social, Emotional and Mental Health (SEMH) and have successfully achieved NPQH.
Since 2011, I have been a governor in several schools and it is a role I thoroughly enjoy.
My partner and I are proud adopters of sibling boys. This experience alongside my education background has led to my appointment as Independent Panel Chair and Education Adviser at an Independent Fostering Agency in Liverpool. I am also an Independent Panel Member at a North West based Voluntary Adoption Agency."
Headteacher - Mr D Lamb
"I have worked within education for the past 22 years, teaching in both mainstream and special schools across Lancashire. In September 2009, I was appointed as Headteacher of Elm Tree, and over the past 8 years, the school has gone from strength to strength. We have been recognised by Ofsted as being an Outstanding school on two occasions, which is our current standing. I am incredibly proud to lead a committed and passionate workforce that embodies our school's visions and values.
I am honoured to lead a diverse school community of pupils and staff, which reflects a variety of backgrounds and experiences, making Elm Tree such a special place. In addition to my role, I am currently undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL), further enhancing my ability to lead and inspire our school community."
Co-Opt - Mrs K Taberner
"Currently I am Acting Headteacher at Woodland Community Primary School.
I started my teaching career in Croxteth, Liverpool and moved to Skelmersdale in 1992.
Having worked in Skelmersdale for 30 years I am passionate about encouraging children to be the best version of themselves.
I am looking forward to working with all the schools in our community, including Elm Tree, where we can share good practice and continue to learn from one another."
Co-Opt - Mr P Gaskell
“I applied to be a Governor at Elm Tree Community Primary school as I have long since had an interest in supporting local communities. Playing for a local brass band for upwards of 40 years I helped raise thousands of pounds for local and national charitable organisations. In addition to playing in the senior band, I also helped in the running of the junior band helping to develop and nurture a love of music within children of all ages. Having worked in local government for 38 years, I held a range of positions, many of which entailed working within multi agency networks on some of the most socially deprived areas in the country. Upon retiring from my management position within a neighbouring local authority, I continued to support young people within my community by becoming an invigilator at a local high school. As an invigilator I had the responsibility of supporting young people with a range of special educational needs to access exams. I am looking forward to continuing to support SEND children in my new position at Elm Tree Community Primary School.”
Staff Governor - Mr H Cartwright
"As Staff Governor, I am dedicated to supporting Elm Tree's Visions and Values and enhancing the educational experience for all pupils. With my role as the Designated Safeguarding Lead and School Manager, I bring a comprehensive understanding of the operational aspects of our school, including Health and Safety, and the coordination of Education, Health and Care Plan reviews and admissions.
Currently, I am pursuing my NPQSL, which equips me with the skills to lead effectively in education. My journey began at the University of Leeds, where I graduated with a degree in Theology in 2016, and I initially worked in the NHS before transitioning into education. My passion for nurturing young minds drives my commitment to making a positive impact at our school.
My role as Senior Mental Health Lead allows me to advocate for the wellbeing of our students and staff, ensuring that mental health support is prioritised. Additionally, I lead the Family Support Network, fostering strong connections between the school and our wider community.
I also serve as a governor at another primary school in Preston, which enriches my perspective and dedication to our educational community. I continue to be excited to contribute to our school's growth and success, ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive."
Staff Governor - Miss K Wainwright
"I was delighted to be elected as a staff governor for Elm Tree. I have worked in education for over 20 years, 14 of these at Elm Tree. Over the years I have watched Elm Tree blossom into a caring and supportive environment, in which children are encouraged to flourish, educationally, socially and emotionally. I am immensely proud to be part of such a wonderful school. I am currently working as a member of the therapy team, my specialist area being speech and language. I am also part of our outreach team, providing support to other schools in the area. I am passionate about ensuring all children have the skills they need to be successful and happy. I hold a BA Hons in teaching, learning and mentoring."
Co-opt - Ms R Burbidge
"After spending three years as a Parent Governor, I am delighted to have been co-opted to the Board to continue working with the fantastic staff and pupils at Elm Tree. Over the past 11 years, I have worked in a number of educational settings from nursery through to Sixth Form in various roles from a 1-1 SEND assistant to Head of Department and Pastoral Manager. I have beneficial experience of the education system and an understanding of the challenges it currently faces to help Elm Tree continue to remain Outstanding. Having battled through the early stages of an SEMH/ASC diagnosis with my son, whom recently journeyed through Elm Tree, it has driven me to ensure that no child, especially with SEND, is left behind so that they can achieve their full potential in a caring, supportive and safe environment. As a teacher and a mother, children are at the centre of everything I do. I am so very thankful for the opportunity to support and develop the team and provision at Elm Tree to guarantee the best outcomes for all pupils, staff and the school community are reached."
Parent Governor - Ms N Dailey
"I am honoured to have the opportunity to be appointed as parent governor at Elm Tree, I am looking forward to making a positive contribution to ensuring that the school remains an outstanding provision and a safe nurturing and stimulating environment for pupils and staff. My son has benefitted from a smooth transition and has settled very well at Elm Tree thanks to the dedication of the staff team. I believe that all children deserve the best opportunity to enjoy school life and achieve educationally regardless of their needs and any challenges they may face. As a parent, I am well aware of the challenges within the SEND system and those faced by our children. I have been employed as a Social Worker for 14 years and worked with both children and adults, with varying needs and diagnoses, completing assessments to ensure they receive the right support. I am currently a lead practitioner in my role and have excellent knowledge of procedures and processes within health, education and social care. I am also an Approved Mental Health Professional and i am dedicated to promoting good mental health outcomes and wellbeing for all."
Parent Governor - Ms N Quayle
“I am excited to undertake role of Parent Governor at Elm Tree Community Primary School, a place that has been an integral part of my family's life. As a parent of two children who have attended Elm Tree, I have gained comprehensive insight into the school's environment, culture, and ethos. This experience has equipped me with a deep understanding of the school's strengths and areas for improvement.
Before becoming a parent, I worked as a Sales Coordinator for BT, where I developed strong organisational and communication skills. These skills will be invaluable in my role as a governor, enabling me to contribute effectively to the school's strategic planning and decision-making processes.
One of my primary goals as a member of the governing body is to collaborate closely with the school to establish and maintain appropriate road safety measures at the front of the school. As a parent who regularly drops off and collects my children at the school gate, I am acutely aware of the safety concerns and the importance of a secure environment for our children.
My involvement with the school community extends beyond just being a parent. I actively participate in Community Days and events, which has allowed me to build strong relationships with other parents and carers. I am committed to being a voice for the parent community, ensuring that their views and concerns are heard and addressed by the school's leadership.
I look forward to the opportunity to contribute to the continued success and development of Elm Tree Community Primary School.”