Meet the Governors

Chair of Governors - Ian Patten
I have been a governor at Orrets Meadow for 9 years and I am currently in my third year of being the Chair of Governors. I am the class governor for class 7 and I have a particular interest in the Outreach services. I became a governor after meeting the previous chair of governors, who nominated me for a governor position. 
 
My have benefited from Orrets Meadow Outreach and I believe they wouldn't be as successful as they are without it. One of sons is attending Edge Hill University and my other attends Liverpool Media Academy. I, myself, was once a pupil at Orrets Meadow, many moons ago! I feel privileged to have been able to attend Orrets and will forever be grateful for the progress they enabled me to achieve.
 
Currently, I work full time as a Team Leader at a large charitable trust, managing weddings and functions. I enjoy taking time out to visit my adopted class and see how the children have progressed in their learning since my last visit. I believe Orrets is an Outstanding school! I have adopted class 2.
 
Vice Chair of Governors - Cindy Cooper
It is a privilege to serve as a Governor at Orrets Meadow School.  This is my second term of office and during this time I have seen many changes and seen the school move forward.

 My background as a School Business Manager gives me a deeper understanding of the wider issues in education and this has helped me to support the school in a variety of different areas.  With changes around meeting the needs of all pupils it is particularly important to stay abreast of current legislation and guidance.  This is an area that I feel I can contribute to because of the role I have and the training I undertook to become a School Business Manager over 3 years.

 I particularly enjoy coming into school to speak to the children and learn about their lessons.  They are always keen to let you know what they have done and show you their work in their books.

 Orrets Meadow is a fantastic school and the children are happy and settled.  This is testament to the wonderful team there and how they work diligently to improve self-esteem and confidence so that all children can progress and achieve their very best. I have adopted class 3.

 I look forward to another exciting year and feel confident the school will move from strength to strength. 

 

LA Governor – Christine McGowan 

I am 37 years old young (!) and I have accomplished many things since leaving school.  I left school and began my employment within Private Sector working full time where I trained in my spare time to become an CIMA qualified (Chartered Institute of Management Accountants).  Part way through my qualification I decided to move house, get married to my lovely husband Pete and gave birth to my children Rebecca now in Year 8 and Charles who is in Year 6 – stressful at the time yes but I try and think of it as character building!  

I love to socialise and enjoy nothing better than meeting up with friends and enjoying long walks at the weekend with the family.  Our very cute little dog Lexi has quickly become our 3rd baby and has ‘embarrassingly’ shown us parts of the Wirral that we didn’t know existed, despite living here all our lives!  I also enjoy running and have taken part in many organised runs raising money for charities over the years – the one I’m probably most proud of is completing the London Marathon and raising over £3000 for the RNIB, a charity very close to my heart.  However, it is true that the majority of running that I do now is in the car ferrying the children as I think they have a better social life than me at times!

I have a great sense of my enthusiasm and commitment and I want Orrets Meadow to continue to thrive as it is an amazing school and I am keen to help make a positive contribution.  I have strong financial skills and have the ability to challenge & question so I want to embrace the role and make a difference for each and every pupil. 

 Community Governor
Sue Mason
Sue Mason is a Cognitive Behavioural Therapist and the creator of the Thumbs Up Education Programme based here in Wirral.  Sue presents the programme to many primary schools throughout Wirral focussing on such aspects of child development as confidence building, increasing self-esteem, positive thinking and many more techniques based around Cognitive Behavioural Therapy.  For more information about the programme, please see:- thumbsupprogramme.co.uk.  Sue is delighted to have been invited to be a governor at Orrets Meadow. Sue has adopted class 6.
 
Parent Governors
Caroline Innes
I have a child in Year 6 who has speech and language difficulties and SpLD. I work as a dentist and have a particular interest in health issues. I have worked with a wide variety of children with a wide range of health issues. I was previously an Occupational Therapist.I have adopted class 2 this year to gain more experience of pupils with ASD.
  
Donna MacMahon
I have a third child who has recently started Orrets Meadow in Year 4 and I have another who has just left Orrets. My first child left Year 6 a couple of years ago, leaving Orrets with Level 4 in English and Maths and Level 3 in Writing. She exceeded expected progress in the three years she attended and left no longer needing an EHCP. She has gone onto a local mainstream secondary school and is doing really well. I run the PTA for the school and I have Health and Social Care qualifications. I have adopted class 1 and continue to develop my knowledge of children with ASD.
 
Linda Paul
 I have a child with SpLD who has started in Class 5 this year. I have worked as a Business Analyst and in IT and am currently working in a private hospital.  I hope to play an active role by contributing my skills, experience and time to support Orrets and also to challenge the staff and gain a deeper understanding of the running of the school. I have adopted Class 5 and am enjoying getting to know the staff and pupils through meetings and class visits.
 
Michelle King
Michelle is Orrets Meadow's Home School Link Worker. Michelle works closely with our parents and her role is to promote pupil attendance and offer support and signposting to parents on a wide range of issues. Michelle worked for Catch 22 before Orrets Meadow and has a detailed social services background. Michelle is our anti bullying leader. Michelle has adopted class 4.