Local Governing Body

Meadowside has been part of Elevate Multi Academy Trust from the outset and is happy to be part of the educational vision of the Trust, whilst retaining their own strong identity.  The Trustees have allowed its Academies to retain the same composition for their local governing bodies, which is set out below. 

The three core functions of the local governing board are:

To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;

To hold the head teacher to account for the educational performance of the Academy and its children;

To oversee the financial performance of the Academy and make sure its money is well spent.

 And to monitor the Ofsted Framework priorities of intent, implementation, impact, behaviour & attitudes, personal development and leadership & management.

Responsibilities:

Together, the Governors are responsible for:

• Setting aims and targets for the Academy and checking the Academy’s progress towards attaining these.

• Monitoring how well the Academy’s policies and plans are working.

• Accounting for the performance of the Academy and the Local Governing Body.

• Working with the Head teacher to make sure that teaching at the Academy is effective and good quality and the children are making the best possible progress.

• Taking general responsibility for the Academy and its budget.

• Challenging and supporting the senior management team and taking opportunities to show interest in and appreciation of staff and children.

• Promoting the interests of the Academy and its children in the wider community.

 Types of Governors 

There are several different types of Governor:

• Parent Governor

  Elected from parents at the Academy by parents at the Academy.

• Staff Governor

  Elected from staff at the Academy by staff at the Academy.

• Co-opted Governors

  Appointed by members of the Local Governing Body. They are intended to be representative of the local community and may add particular kinds of expertise.

   

 Chair of Governors: Sam Turner

 Contact: cofg@meadowsideacademy.org  or

Meadowside Academy, Halfpenny lane, Knaresborough, North Yorkshire, HG5 0SL

 Rebecca Maiden: Head teacher

Rebecca was born in Manchester and lived and studied in the City until she moved to Yorkshire in 2006. She attended Manchester University and completed a BSc in Psychology then later a PGCE in Primary Education at Manchester Metropolitan University. Rebecca moved to Yorkshire in 2006 after taking a gap year to travel around the world.  

Rebecca began teaching in Mannigham, Bradford and during this time she completed an MA in Special Educational Needs at Leeds University. Rebecca then moved to Harrogate and began teaching at Meadowside as well as taking on a Senior Leadership role. She became an SLE for the North Star Teaching School Alliance and has worked with other schools to support their school development priorities as well as providing training across the Alliance. 

Alongside teaching at Meadowside, Rebecca was the SENDCo for many years then became the Associate Headteacher, whilst studying for an NPQH. In 2019, Rebecca became the substantive Headteacher at Meadowside and has since continued to develop further, with the ILM Coaching qualification. 

Rebecca works closely with other schools in Elevate to support collaboration and continue to develop improvement and research in education.

Helen Corkhill: Staff Governor

Having worked at Meadowside since 2011, Helen feels very privileged to have been part of such a dedicated team who work tirelessly to bring about changes for the benefit of all.  Helen previously worked as an SLE (Senior Leader in Education) for Elevate, where she worked to support other schools in the development of Outstanding practices in Key Stage 2 and in Mathematics. 

On securing the role of Assistant Head teacher, Helen has remained focused on in-school development as she leads on all Pastoral aspects of school, Pupil Premium and Disadvantaged, along with teaching full-time in Year 6. Helen is extremely proud to be able to lead her Meadowside family in her role as all stakeholders are nurtured in the development and growth of their curiosity, courage and kindness. 

Sam Turner (Chair)

Sam is a HR Business Partner in the Civil Service and has worked in a wide variety of different organisations and industries. She hopes to bring some of this experience to the role of governor and make a positive contribution to the management of the Academy and the experiences of staff and children. One of her children currently attends Meadowside Academy and another will join the Academy in September. As a SEN parent, Sam has a particular interest in inclusivity and ensuring that all children can be supported to achieve their potential in education. 

Tess Beaumont: Co Opted Governor

Tess is a co-opted Governor and a parent of 2 children at Meadowside Academy.  As a Governor  she really hopes to contribute usefully and positively to the life of the Academy.  Tess has a degree in Languages and Management, and a Post-Grad. in Personnel Management.  She am currently working in a local Secondary School supporting the Recruitment and Selection of staff.  As the daughter and niece of Primary School teachers Tess is absolutely sold on the importance of a strong primary Education.  She knows that Children and Young People have the opportunity to acquire the Knowledge, Skills and Experiences that will set them up for life, given a broad, engaging and fun curriculum!  Tess absolutely believes that the Ethos that drives, and the Culture that pervades Meadowside, are both created by the fantastic Teaching and Support Staff across the Academy setting. She hopes that as a Governing body they can harness and support this expertise, and keep the flag flying for this Outstanding Academy! 

Grant Woodfine: Co Opted Governor

Grant is a head of faculty at a West Yorkshire secondary school and has held a range of responsibilities during his 10 years as a teacher including coaching teachers to achieve outstanding practice to leading subject areas.  

Having moved to Knaresborough he wanted to use his experience within secondary education to challenge and support a primary school where students are inspired to reach their full potential. Grant fully supports the ethos of Meadowside academy and looks forward to developing as a governor with the academy and trust.

Malcolm Gardiner: Co-Opted Governor

Malcolm is a qualified accountant who has held a number of high profile positions in industry and commerce. He relocated to North Yorkshire in 2016 with his wife from Peterborough to be near his two daughters who live in Harrogate and Knaresborough. His twin grandchildren both attend Meadowside. In addition to being a governor, Malcolm plays an active part in the running of Friends of Meadowside.

 Jo Crouse: Parent Governor

Jo is one of two parent governors at Meadowside Academy, having taken on the role in September 2019. She lives in Knaresborough, having moved back to Yorkshire from London in 2014 with her husband and child. She works as a solicitor in Leeds at a large commercial law firm. When she is not in the office or running her child around to their various activities,  she likes to play golf, walk her dog, Betsy, and cook.

 Jo wanted to take the opportunity to stand as a parent governor so that she could better understand how the Academy is run and ensure that the parents’ views continue to be heard. Jo strongly believes that the early school years should be a positive experience and that they have a huge influence on the development of our children. She is looking forward to playing an active part in helping the staff at Meadowside achieve that goal.

Sophie Smith: Parent Governor

Sophie was appointed as parent governor in September 2019. Her background is in law, working as a corporate lawyer for the last 15 years. 

Clerk to the LGB: Dianne Mousley

Resignations: 

Keri Standen Co opted 29.09.2020

Dan Styles Associate Member 

Governor Attendance: