Our Governors

School Year 2024/2025

Minutes of meetings can be viewed in the school office. Please speak to Mr Rose, the Headteacher or Alex Hill, the School Business Manager if you would like to see any minutes.

ROLE OF THE GOVERNING BODY

This section introduces the School Governors and describes the role we play at Nabb School. Whilst Julian Rose, as Head Teacher, and supported by the Leadership Team, is responsible for the operation and management of the school, the Governing Body has three key statutory responsibilities:

setting the school’s strategic direction;
holding the Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils; and
overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

We also have responsibility for agreeing policies and procedures essential to the operation of the school. Our role is often described as acting as a “critical friend” to the Head Teacher and staff – we provide support and advice to help them set and achieve targets, raise the school’s performance standards and give all pupils the best possible education. We do this primarily by monitoring and evaluating the school’s effectiveness and asking challenging questions. We also have a responsibility to handle complaints. However, it is important to note that individual concerns or queries should always be raised initially with your child’s class teacher, and then with the Headteacher if you feel that your concern has not been resolved. It is important to follow the guidelines listed in the school’s complaints policy because if a concern is initially raised with a governor this could, in effect, ‘taint’ the Governing Body meaning that it could be difficult to escalate any concern to to the Complaints Committee if Governors have been involved in any way at the beginning of the process.

A copy of the school’s Complaints Procedure, and other policy documents can be found by following these links. See below for other information which explains who the Governors are, and how and when we meet. If you would like to find out more about the work we do, are interested in becoming a School Governor, or have any other questions or suggestions for us, then please do speak to Mr Rose, the Headteacher, or any of the other Governors (many of us will be in the playground before and after school). Alternatively, if you pop into the office you can get hold of relevant contact details or arrange to see one of us. Amy Creamer – Chair of Governors

Who we are

Amy Creamer – Chair of Governors (Co-opted Governor)

Amy Creamer Term of Office – started 9.6.15. Due to end 26.4.27

My name is Amy Creamer and I have been a governor at Nabb School since September 2015. I was elected as Chair of Governors in September 2024.

Previous to this I was a teacher at Nabb School for 7 years until I became a Deputy Headteacher of three small in the beautiful hills of the Colne Valley area. I am passionate about teaching, leadership and creating positive changes to children’s lives. I strongly believe that enjoyment is the ‘Velcro’ to learning and that an inclusive, creative and exciting environment is paramount.

I teach a class of my own 2 days a week and I am currently teaching year 4, 5 and 6. My favourite subjects are Science and PSHE and I love doing anything practical.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my young family, going off and exploring new places. My husband is a chef so we also like eating out a lot and trying new foods!

I feel incredibly lucky to be a governor at Nabb school and to work alongside and the school’s leadership team and all staff in supporting their visions for the continuous improvement, quality of education and raising standards.

Holmfirth JIN School has a special feeling and is a magical place.

Alison Ellor - Vice Chair (Co-Opted Governor)

Term of Office – started 25.4.23. Due to end 25.4.27.

Hello! My name is Alison. I hail originally from Manchester and have lived in Holmfirth since 2018. I was elected as Vice Chair of Governors in September 2024. I have been primary school teacher since 2013 and worked in mainstream education since I graduated. I specialise in mathematics and technology and I enjoy constantly developing my skills alongside the children I teach. Additionally, I am a professional artist and I relish the opportunity to help children foster a love of creativity whenever I can. Swapping city life for a more peaceful existence really was an easy decision; the beautiful countryside, warm community and vibrant life here never ceases to nourish my soul.

I have been based in Early Years education for the past decade and grow to love it more each year. The learning opportunities really do not ever stop presenting themselves! As a passionate advocate of education for our little people, I want to strive for all to receive the love of learning that I aim provide to my own children. I knew that I wanted to affect change from a leadership level and this is why I sought the position of Early Years Governor, here at the Nabb. I look forward to serving the Nabb, and the community, for as long as I can.

In my spare time I’m an avid reader, or bookworm, as my husband often comments! I enjoy walking my dog in the idyllic surroundings, spending time with my family and, of course, drawing and painting.

David Sharp – (Co-opted Governor)

Term of Office – started 30.9.20. Due to end 26.12.25

I moved to Holmfirth in 2002 and love living in a town with such a vibrant atmosphere which very much reminds me of Northern Ireland where I grew up. My two children both attended Nabb, my eldest has now moved to High School and my youngest is in Year 6.

I have worked in banking for 29 years and am now an Area Director for Business Banking across West and South Yorkshire. I manage a team of 13 Relationship Managers and, through this role (and my own 18 years previous experience as a Relationship Manager), I have had the pleasure of working with some brilliant and innovative local businesses, helping them to achieve their growth plans and strategic ambitions.

My career has helped me to develop strong analytical, judgmental, and interpersonal skill sets which I can bring to this role. This is my 7th year as a School Governor at NABB – my motivation for being part of the Board of Governors is to help develop the buzz and energy in the school which has always impressed me.

From a personal perspective, as well as trying to achieve a work/life/kids’ clubs balance, I enjoy sport – I play 6 a-side football and cricket for Cartworth Moor. I also love sailing and would love to have the opportunity to crew for Sir Ben Ainslie – in life everyone needs a dream!

Moses Crook (Parent Governor)

Term of Office – started 18.1.21. Due to end 19.1.25

My name is Moses Crook, I live just up the hill from the school and both of my children have attended Nabb from Nursery. My children have now moved on to HHS. I feel extremely lucky that my children have been able to attend such a lovely school which has offered both a vibrant, varied learning experience and a happy, confidence building environment. I have volunteered in the school helping with reading groups and range of other activities for many years and have loved every minute of my time with the children in such a positive setting.

I feel indebted to the school for the impact it has had on my children’s young lives. I would like to support the school in continuing to offer that happy, nurturing environment where children are free to learn and to develop their own individual characters. I feel privileged to be able serve the school by being a governor.

In a past life I worked in IT here in the UK and in Australia but for the last 15 years I have run a small (environment conscious) building company based in Holmfirth. I hope that I will make a positive contribution to the governing body by putting my experience in planning, project management and building maintenance (as well as my experience as an involved parent) to good use to benefit the school and I am willing to invest my time to do this. I also have some insight into the pressure schools are under through my partner who works as a primary teacher.

I enjoy walking in the local area with my family, attempting to keep fit with various martial arts and gardening, when I get the time.

Jill Johnes (Co-opted Governor)

Term of Office – started 28.11.21. Due to end 28.11.25

Having been born, brought up and lived all my adult life in Lancashire, I braved the move over the Pennines (with my husband!) and relocated to Holmfirth in 2020. We love the town and the surrounding area, and we really enjoy all that this fantastic area has to offer e.g. beautiful walks, a great local gym, lovely independent shops, and, of course, great places to eat! I see getting involved in the local primary school as a good way to embed myself in and contribute to the community. Moreover, having had 3 children and seen them go through all levels education, I am very interested in education and pupil outcomes.

Professionally too I have a strong link to education; I have worked as a university academic for around 35 years, moving to the University of Huddersfield as Professor of Production Economics in 2015, and becoming Dean of Huddersfield Business School (one of 6 academic schools in the University) in 2016. My area of research interest relates to the measurement of efficiency of providing education, and I have published widely in this area, and also done work for governments and research bodies in e.g. the EU, Sweden and Kuwait as well as the UK.

As Dean, I oversee and am responsible for the research, teaching and external engagement functions of Huddersfield Business School. This is a very varied job and I am privileged to engage e.g. with students (many of whom are first generation students) and staff, in developing curriculum, in supporting local businesses, and in working with international researchers.

Professional and personally I am very committed to education and I hope to bring the skills developed over many years in the home and in the workplace to the Board of Governors.

Tracy Clark (Co-opted Governor)

Term of Office – started 25.4.23. Due to end 25.4.27.

Originally from Sheffield, I moved into the Holmfirth area in 2003 and I love it! Both my children have attended local schools and I feel part of a wonderful community. Recently, I have taken a break from teaching and thought this was a perfect time to give back to the community I love so much; hence becoming a governor at Nabb.

I enjoy listening to live music, so having the Picturedrome on our doorstep is a real bonus. I am part of The Hepworth Players amateur dramatic group which is thoroughly enjoyable. Also, I have two dogs, a cat and chickens at home, which keep me busy!

For most of my career, I have been a secondary school teacher and I have always worked in education. Over the years, I have moved into pastoral and safeguarding. I have always thought it is really important that children feel safe, so they can thrive. I think there is no better feeling than seeing a child ‘get it’ and blossom.

The first time I walked in the building, I felt that Nabb school was special. It retains that village school feel but has the drive to keep moving forward. As a new governor, I want to get involved with school life and support the school anyway I can.

Isabell Dawson (Parent Governor)

Term of Office – started 15.11.23. Due to end 15.11.27.

My name is Isabell Dawson and I’m delighted to introduce myself. I live in Hade Edge, and my life revolves around a diverse set of roles and responsibilities. As a proud parent, my daughter attends the school and thoroughly enjoys school life.

Professionally, I hold the position of Regional Director at a local recruitment agency, where I oversee and manage various aspects of staffing and recruitment, setting and managing budgets, human resources, and marketing.

I was a member of most recent Tiger Club committee, helping and supporting throughout the transition of moving from a committee led organisation to a stand-alone business. I look forward to continuing to support the school (staff, pupils and the wider community); we are in challenging times right now, especially for schools with funding and ever-increasing costs, and I have experience within a professional capacity of navigating these challenges on daily basis.

Alison Bray - LA Governor

Term of Office 2.7.24 - 2.7.28

Hello!

My name is Alison Bray and I am very proud to be elected as the LA Governor at Holmfirth Junior, Infant and Nursery School. I have lived in Holmfirth all my life, where I attended a local Primary School and High School. Married to Andrew we have 3 grown up boys of which I always took a very active part in their education. This inspired me to train and become a Primary Class Teacher. I qualified through Bradford College in 2007.

Professionally I have had many roles in education and in a variety of Primary Schools in Kirklees starting out as a Learning Mentor, Higher Level Teaching Assistant and now Class Teacher. I currently work in a Special Educational Needs School teaching children in KS1 with Autism which is both very challenging and rewarding. During my career I have been an English, R.E, Music Specialist as well as being part of the Senior Leadership Team. During these roles I was lucky enough to be part of developing a new curriculum. I am extremely passionate about my role in education and have always been committed to supporting and making a difference to many young children.

I enjoy spending time with family and especially our two young grandchildren. As I am extremely proud of and follower of our British Royal Family I have been privileged to attend many Royal events. I enjoy travelling and having days out with family and friends. Theatre visits and attending live music concerts are also something that I enjoy doing.

I have enjoyed many years’ experience of being a Parent and Staff Governor in very different Primary Schools. At Holmfirth Junior, Infant and Nursery School I am looking forward to supporting a very well established and proactive team of Governors. This is an opportunity for me to show my support to the community I am very proud to live in.

Julian Rose – Headteacher/SLT

Term of Office – started 1.1.16

Stacy Worsley – Teacher (Staff Governor)

Term of Office – started 12.4.16. Due to end 20.4.28

OBSERVERS

Jon Warrener – (Deputy/Headteacher/SendCo/SLT)

Observer/Associate

Alex Hill – (School Business Manager/SLT)

Observer/Associate

School Development Plan

School Development Plan 2024 2025

Previous Years’ Register of Business Interests & Committee Structure

School Year 2023/2024

Committees and Committee Terms of Reference 2023 2024

Governing Body Meetings attendance register 2023-2024

Governors Code of conduct- 2023-2024

OTHER INFORMATION

Complaints Policy

Complaints Procedure

Whistleblowing Policy

Responsibilities of the governing board

Governing Body Induction Pack

National Governors Association

Minutes of meetings can be viewed in the school office. Please speak to Mr Rose, the Headteacher or Alex Hill, School Business Manager, if you would like to see any minutes.

Kirklees Whistleblowing Policy