Governors

I am the Executive Headteacher at Middleham VA and Spennithorne VC CE Primary Schools and was appointed from September 2021.  Both schools are in truly are beautiful locations and I feel blessed to have the privilege to help shape the future of our federation.  

I live in Richmond with my husband and two teenage-boys and our dog, Shadow.

I have been teaching for over 20 years, working in a range of primary school settings and have I have had experience of leading in small rural schools for several years.

As a Headteacher Governor I report to the Governing Body on the progress the schools are making in all areas of our development plan and advise the Chair and other Governors on a range of matters in relation to the strategic development of our federation.

It is a pleasure to work alongside a highly talented staff team who strive to make the school the best learning environment they can for all our amazing children. I am very proud of their efforts in developing the school into what it is today. I look forward to working with everyone in the future on the next stage of our development.

I am delighted to have been appointed as the Local Authority Governor for the Federation of Middleham and Spennithorne Schools in December 2022. I am a qualified teacher and have worked at The Wensleydale School & Sixth Form since 2017. My current role includes teaching Music and Hospitality & Catering, as well as serving as Key Stage 3 Progress Leader and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Originally from the Peak District in Derbyshire, I relocated to the area when I began my role at The Wensleydale School. In my spare time, I enjoy exploring the beautiful local area on my mountain bike, playing squash, and spending time with family and friends.

Within the governing body, I serve as Chair of the Governing Body, Link Governor for Safeguarding, and Chair of the School Improvement Committee. I am passionate about ensuring all students receive a well-rounded education and are fully prepared for success in future learning, careers, and as active citizens in a diverse and ever-changing global society.

Since joining the governing body, I have thoroughly enjoyed contributing to the strategic direction of the schools, and I look forward to continuing my work as part of the Middleham and Spennithorne Federation community.

I’m Liz Moody, an associate governor, and with my husband, Jeff Payne, co-rector of the local parish.

I was a school teacher before I was ordained – in primary schools to begin with, but eventually in a high school in Wembley where I was in the Learning Support department but also taught RE.

As a governor, my focus is on the vision, Collective Worship and RE. I have also recently completed the Safer Recruitment training. Myself and a small team love presenting ‘Open the Book’ Bible stories in Collective Worship each week.

In my spare time I like to potter in the garden, spend time with family and friends, and walk in the beautiful Dales countryside. I’m also trying to learn British Sign Language.

I have been a governor of the Federation for a few years.  I was initially co-opted as a governor working with Mrs Evans (previous headteacher) as a result of my background in safeguarding and skills in digital technologies and leadership.

I then succeeded Lesley Sweeting as the Chair of Governors for the Federation of Middleham and Spennithorne Schools.  Following on from Lesley’s hard work, I worked closely with Mrs Mann to implement a programme of school and governance improvement measures with a view to delivering what the children deserve: the best possible experience of primary education.  I have recently stepped back from the chair role due to increasing demands of my work, handing over to the very capable Josh Hadfield to lead the governing body.  I now continue to serve the schools on the board as a parent governor.

As a former student of Spennithorne school, a lifelong resident of the area and a parent of two children, I feel a deep responsibility to the children registered at our schools.  I’m passionate to create a multiskilled and resilient governance structure to secure the effective running of our schools for years to come.

I take great pride to have been elected as the Parent Govenor for the Federation of Middleham and Spennithorne School in December 24.

Some of you may or may not recognize me as I spent my formative years in Wensleydale but I left the area to attend a Manufacturing Engineering Degree. Having successfully obtained my degree I pursued a career in the automotive industry. From my work experience of working for several large international corporations over 2 decades I had progressed from an engineer to a senior leadership role. 

During covid and following the birth of our son Ruben, we decided to bring up our family in a nice environments whilst being closer to family and opted to return to live in Wensleydale in 2020. 

As a family we love holidays / travelling, walking our goofy labrador Barney, playing and watching football. 

I am approachable and a good listener so please feel free to express any concerns and / or positive feedback so I can ensure the parents voice is represented in the school governing body.  

I currently try to do the Friday afternoon pickups at Spennithorne so if you see me, do feel free to come and have a chat. 

I have been a teacher at The Federation of Middleham and Spennithorne CE Primary Schools since 2016, and I have recently been appointed as the Assistant Headteacher. I have over a decade of teaching experience and I am proud and excited to further my leadership career in such a wonderful school community.

I am an avid reader, and I have enjoyed developing the reading curriculum across our schools during my time here. I hope to share my love of books and reading for pleasure with every child in our Federation.

As a staff governor, I assist Mrs Mann with reporting to the Governing Body on teaching and learning within the school, whilst acting as a voice for the staff. It is a privilege to be a part of strategic decision-making to ensure that our children have access to the best education.