The Chair Of Governors
Mrs Greenwood
Chair Of Governors
I am thrilled to step up to being the Chair of Governors at this wonderful school.
I own my own Private Day Nursery in Halifax and have been a Primary School Teacher and Leader for 15+ years so I am happy to bring my enthusiasm, knowledge, experience and passion to the role. I LOVE books and I am a big believer in Early reading and learning through play.
Howard Park is such an inviting, warm and happy place and I can’t wait to visit more in this role.
My own children are in High School and Primary School. Arthur is in Y8 and Polly is in Y5.
I have loved watching their journey through school and experiencing education from a parent’s view.
I have always loved every part of my job and it all started with a fond memory of one of my teacher’s at Whitcliffe Road.
Mrs Farrell
Staff Co-Opted Governor
I became a Governor because I have worked at Howard Park for 12 years and I want to help in any way I can.
I give the Governing Body information relating to the school’s finances, the School Building and Health and Safety.
I think that we have a unique Community at Howard Park. We work together to make school a happy and enriching environment for our children and families.
Mr Muir
Co-Opted Governor
I became a Governor because my daughter was a pupil in Year 1 at the time and I wanted to know how school worked behind the scenes and what I could do to help.
Howard Park is always praised by visitors for being a friendly, welcoming school and I agree with them. The staff are all very committed and hard-working and work together as a team. The pupils are committed to learning and we get a lot of help from the parents. The school is dedicated to helping all the pupils that come to us no matter what their circumstances. I like to think we can improve the life chances of all.
My ‘real’ job is as a consultant Structural Engineer, which basically means that I make sure that buildings stay standing up.
I have a partner called Sonja who is from Austria and a daughter called Teresa who used to be a pupil at Howard Park school.
I like watching a lot of sports especially football and my favourite team is Manchester City since I grew up in and around Manchester. I also read as much as I can about as many subjects as I can.
Mrs Edmondson
Co-Opted Governor
I became a governor at school to use my skills to help where possible in the school my son attends.
I attend the meetings and I am the chair of the standards committee ensuring high standards of education are maintained.
Howard park is a friendly school where everybody appears to know all of the children. It has a real community feel where the children are well cared for and supported. The staff are caring and very approachable.
Mr Huby
Parent Governor
I have 2 children who attend the school and when I heard that a position was available to be a governor I jumped at the chance as I really wanted to contribute to the school.
As a governor you have input into matters of the school giving and hearing ideas to benefit the school and also make sure we are as a school keeping the high standards that is expected for the educational needs of the children.
The great thing about Howard Park School is the real sense of community and is a friendly environment, not just being a place of education but also source of help and encouragement if called upon.
Being a Governor is a great role to have as this allows me to contribute to already amazing team and community.
Mrs Thompson
Co-Opted Governor
I have lived locally all my life and want to give back to the community and help support such a wonderful school. I am responsible for monitoring Early Years and Nursery.
I am proud to be a governor at Howard Park; the school has a fantastic reputation with dedicated staff and wonderful children. I love coming to visit and see the children developing in a safe and happy environment.
I work full time for Citizens Advice. Outside work have 2 fantastic boys, Jake and Daniel. I have a campervan and enjoy going camping and exploring new places. I enjoy theatre and live music and love to spend time with my friends and family.
Mrs Jinks
Staff Governor
My role is to represent the staff on the Governing body.
Howard Park is the best place to go to school, we all know that! The Governors’ job is to make sure that stays the case and I love being part of that.
I teach part time in Year 5. Outside of work, I love spending time with my lovely family, my friends and pretending to play the piano.
Mr Thompson
Co-Opted Governor
I became a governor because I think it’s really important that schools are connected to their local community.
I work with the other governors to help make sure the school is helping all its children the best it can.
I love Howard Park School because everyone cares so much about helping others and caring for all in the school community.
I’m the Pastor of Spen Valley Church, and am married with one son. I love football, music, and spending time with friends
Governance Information
Please see below to find information about the Governing Body.
Minutes from Full Governing Body Meetings
| Date | Minutes/Download |
|---|---|
| 9th September 2019 |  |
| 12th November 2019 | |
| 3rd February 2020 | |
| 5th May 2020 | |
| 7th July 2020 | |
| 15th September 2020 | |
| 9th November 2020 | |
| 1st February 2021 | |
| 5th May 2021 | |
| 14th July 2021 | |
| 16th September 2021 | |
| 18th November 2021 | |
| 17th February 2022 | |
| 18th May 2022 | |
| 13th July 2022 | |
| 14th September 2022 | |
| 17th November 2022 | |
| 1st Feb 2023 | |
| 2nd May 2023 | |
| 12th July 2023 | |
| 13th September 2023 | |
| 22nd November | |
| Name Of Governor | Category Of Governor and Term Of Office | Appointing Body | Relevant Business or Personal Interests | Any Other Educational Institutions Governed | Relationships With The School Staff, Including Spouses, Partners and Relatives | Date Form Completed |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Jonathan Pickles | Headteacher - 01/01/20 | Virtue of office | None | Parent Governor at Roberttown Junior and Infant School | Married to Amy Pickles, she is a class teacher as the school | 17/04/24 |
| Vanessa Birchill-Edmondson | Co-opted 20/11/2023 – 19/11/2027 | By Full Governing Body | None | None | None | 11/09/24 |
| Vicky Farrell | Co-Opted Staff, 20/11/2021 – 19/11/2025 | Full Governing Body | None | Governor at Roberttown J&I School | None | 19/04/24 |
| Melanie Greenwood | Co-Opted (Chair) 02/02/2022 - 01/02/2026 | Full Governing Body | Polly's Private Day Nursery | Polly's Private Day Nursery | None | 23/07/24 |
| Joanne Thompson | Co-opted 06/10/2021 – 05/10/2025 | Full Governing Body | None | None | None | 17/04/24 |
| Gordon Muir | Co-Opted 12/03/2021 – 11/03/2025 | Full Governing Body | None | None | None | 23/07/24 |
| Rachel Jinks | Staff 20/01/2025 – 19/01/2029 | By staff | None | None | None | 17/04/24 |
| Kevin Huby | Parent Governor (Vice-Chair), 17/11/2024 – 16/11/2028 | By parents | None | None | None | 23/07/2024 |
| Natalie Holt | Parent Governor 19/10/2022 - 18/10/2026 | Parents | West Yorkshire Combined Authority Accountant | None | None | 28/04/24 |
| Erica Hudson | Co-Opted (Staff) 13/07/2022 - 12/07/2026 | Staff | None | None | None | 1/05/24 |
| Graham Thomson | Co-Opted 24/09/2022 - 23/09/2026 | Governing Body | Spen Valley Church - weekly hire of school premises | None | None | 07/05/24 |