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Helen Manners- Vaughan- Co-opted Governor

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Helen Manners- Vaughan- Co-opted Governor

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Before my retirement, my career in education spanned over 20 years - as a School Business Leader in both primary and secondary schools and academies in Leeds and East Riding of Yorkshire. Alongside Woodlesford Primary School, I have previous experience of being a co-opted governor at another Leeds primary school, where I was the Chair of the Resources Committee for six years.  School financial leadership, HR management, income generation and project management have always been at the heart of my work.  I was co-opted on the governing body in November 2023 and I am keen to use these skills as a governor at Woodlesford Primary School to ensure every young person is given the absolute best opportunities to flourish and excel.

When not spending time with my three adult children and two grandchildren, I enjoy travelling with my husband and ticking off places on our "bucket list", leading and running a local beaver scout group, cooking, spending time with friends and going to live music concerts.

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I have worked at Woodlesford Primary School since 2010. I have numerous roles within the school including HLTA and manager of Woody Fun club. The variety of my roles allows me to work across the school with all age groups giving me an insight into the teaching and learning throughout.

Woody Fun club allows me to engage with the children in a less structured way, allowing them and myself to interact and play in a less formal manner.

I have two children who both attended Woodlesford, my daughter is now a teacher, and my son is studying for a degree in business and management

In my spare time I relax at my caravan with my family enjoying many walks across North Yorkshire.

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I have been a parent governor at Woodlesford Primary School since 2021. Previously a teacher, being a governor enables me to still be involved in education and apply those skills. I am now self-employed, and run websites which connect businesses to families across Leeds & Sheffield.

I have two children at the school, and as a family we love to get outdoors and enjoy walking, bike rides and exploring new places. We’ve lived in the area since 2016, and it’s fantastic being a part of such a great community.

I look forward to seeing Woodlesford Primary School and our school community continue to thrive!

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Steph White Photography  North Leeds Mumbler_00006

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I joined Woodlesford Primary Governing Board in 2021 as a Parent Governor, becoming Vice Chair in Sept 23.

I have two children at Woodlesford, where they also attend Woody Fun Club before and after school 4 days a week. I feel provides a good insight to what our children experience across a full day in school.

I work for Opera North, based in Leeds City Centre as Facilities Manager, where I maintain the portfolio of rehearsal, performance and storage spaces and the day-to-day operations. So, when in school my auto pilot goes to supporting in areas such as team leadership, financial, health & safety and property maintenance however there is no escaping the infectious enthusiasm for knowledge from the children. I love seeing their faces in those light build moments and watching them grow into well rounded young people.

Outside of work I’m often stood on the side of Oulton Rugby club pitch where both children are part of teams. I love baking and I’m budding Ice Hockey fan, supporting Leeds Knights!

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It's a huge privilege to be the Chair of Governors for our fantastic school. I have been a co-opted governor since November 2022. I’m also a parent and have twin boys in school.

I’m committed to, and focussed on, ensuring every child can reach their full potential through high quality education alongside a nurturing approach.

I was previously a governor of a similar sized primary school as Chair of Governors for 10 years. I am also an experienced trustee and charity non-executive director so bring a deep understanding of leading through governance.

I’m currently Director of Inclusion and Diversity for the Royal Institute of British Architects having previously held senior executive director roles across healthcare and pharmacy.

I can usually be found ‘shepherding’ my children into school with a sense of relief at surviving another morning.

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The role of school governor is a voluntary one, and is made up of members from the teaching and support staff, parents and the local community.

The governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in the school by supporting the headteacher in setting the school's vision, ethos and strategic direction; holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and holding the main responsibility for the finance of the school, and it is the governors who work with the headteacher to make decisions about balancing resources. The role of governor is largely a thinking and questioning role, not a doing role. The day to day operational management of the school is delegated to the headteacher and the senior leadership team.

Governors meet as a full governing body twice a term. They may also be seen around school when on a visit to a specific area or attending one of the many events held at the school.