Trust (foundation) governor

About Lucy

Hi. My names Lucy Balmer and I have been a school governor for nearly 20 years now. I have 4 children who have all attended Central Walker Primary School.

What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?

Over the years I have also been involved in school through the PTA (Parent Teacher Association)/parent group, helped on trips and with events happening within school.

What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?

I became a governor to be able to understand how it all works behind the scenes of a school and to help make a difference to not only my children’s lives but the other children and the wider community in which the school is centre of. I enjoy being part of the decision-making and providing an insight from a parent’s view as well.

Staff governor

About Rachael

I am the Deputy Headteacher at Central Walker Church of England Primary School. I joined the school as an NQT 13 years ago and have gained experience in both teaching and leadership across EYFS, KS1 and KS2. When I began teaching I was drawn to the ethos and values of the school, which are still pertinent 13 years later.

What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?

I became a governance volunteer to have the opportunity to make a difference, not only for the children in school now, but for children in years to come.

What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?

I am in a position to be well placed to understand staff views across school and how decisions being discussed could affect staff. The role of the staff governor offers me an opportunity to make a real contribution to the strategic management of the school, providing an interesting and rewarding dimension to my role.

Trust (foundation) governor – Co-Vice Chair

About Sandra

I am married, with 2 grown up daughters and a house full of pets (dog, cat, hamster, tortoise, snakes, spiders and more)! Originally from Yorkshire, I studied at Newcastle University, returning to Yorkshire for a number of years until moving back to the North East in 2006. I have worked in school administrative roles and more recently in HR in a large secondary school. A committed Christian, I attend Welbeck Road Evangelical Church just up the road in Byker.

What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?

Having seen and experienced the great benefits that a good education can bring, I have been involved in school governance since the early ‘90s in both primary and secondary schools.

What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?

Close connection to the school and the opportunity to work with a great team of skilled staff who care deeply about the children and community that they serve.

In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?

Valued, joyful and tired!

Trust (foundation) governor – Chair

About Claire

I have been a school governor in Church of England Primary schools in Walker for
25 years.

What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?

I love being part of the team working to make Central Walker Primary School a place of safety for learning where aspirations can be nurtured and children thrive.

What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?

It is a great privilege to work alongside school leaders to ensure the children are given the best possible education, which is set in the framework of the Christian vision and values of a church school.

Trust (foundation) governor

About Nigel

What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?

What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?

In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?

Parent governor

About Kelly

I moved from Scotland to Newcastle 26 years ago. I have raised all 4 of my children in Walker. I am a qualified nursery nurse although I do not work as one at present.

What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?

I came school volunteer as governor by accident just over 20 years ago when my first child entered reception and I thought it was going to be like the PTA (Parent Teacher Association) my parents talked about from my childhood.

What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?

Over the years I have learned so much about what it takes to keep a school going and have loved getting to watch staff flourish and grow into roles. I also hope to have helped make the school what it is today.

In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?

Happy, trusted and fulfilled.

Trust (foundation) governor – Co-Vice Chair

About Stuart

My name is Stuart Walker, and I live in Gateshead though I am originally from Yorkshire. I am privileged to be the Co- Vice Chair at Central Walker after teaching in schools in Walker for almost 10 years, though I taught children in schools abroad for 15 years prior to that, in such exotic places as Borneo, Naples and Germany. I have always enjoyed travelling, reading and education, and have been fortunate to combine all three of those interests through working. Since retiring in 2018, I have become a student at Newcastle University and become a governor at Central Walker and at a different school in Gateshead.

What inspired you to become a governance volunteer?

I have always thought that education, in its many forms, is incredibly important, and after retirement, still wanted to play a part in the education of young people. I have worked with governors in schools previous to retirement and I thought that becoming a governor would be an ideal way to continue that important work. I was asked to apply to become a governor and did so immediately.

What are the benefits you get from being a governance volunteer?

The benefits I get from being a governor are that I continue to work in the education system, ensuring that all children receive the best education that they can, and they are able to receive the greatest benefits from their education. Education is vitally important at all ages, but especially so at Primary School where the foundations of a life full of learning are laid.
Being a part of the most important job that there is.

In three words, how does being a governance volunteer make you feel?

Curious, determined and satisfied.