Governors 

The members of the local governing body of our school are listed below:

Mr M Nield – Chair (Co-opted) 

Term: 01/04/22 – 31/03/26
Portfolio – Safeguarding

I joined the board on Samuel Laycock in January 2021. I worked in business, and on retiring I enjoyed the challenge of moving into a new environment and trying to help a local school. The school has seen many changes since I joined, and following the Ofsted report in 2021 the previous chair and vice chair resigned, and I was asked to take on the role of chair. We have seen many improvements since joining New Bridge and the school is going from strength to strength.

I enjoy spending time with my two (lovely) granddaughters, and keep fit mainly by cycling. I am trustee at two local charities, Active Tameside and Friends of Tameside Young Carers. I also volunteer for the charity SUSTRANS, and help the local Rotary club with their fundraising events. 

Mrs J Spurgeon – (Parent)

Term: 25/03/21 – 24/03/25
Portfolio – Cultural, Capital, Communities, Commissioning Agencies, Supporting Agencies

A parent with a strong interest and passion in raising awareness and understanding of the abilities of people with special educational needs.

Manages employment provision within the local authority for residents living with Intellectual, Neurological, Physical and Sensory needs. Seeking to identify and create employment opportunities for local businesses and disabled residents.

Trustee of local Children’s epilepsy charity HoPE, Chaperones for local youth drama group.

In my free time I love holidaying and long walks.

 

Helen Wilson (Headteacher)

Term: 01/04/22 – 31/03/26

I have been in education for 34 years, specifically special education for 18.  Samuel Laycock is my second Headship and I have worked for New Bridge Group, on and off since 2005.  I am truly passionate about children and young people and ensuring the best outcomes for those in my care.  Samuel Laycock, in particular, is a wonderful school and I am very proud to be part of the amazing team that makes a difference to the children every day.

When I’m not working, I can be found singing , playing my cello or piano and spending time with my family and friends. I’m also a keen cyclist and like to get out and about, exploring the Cheshire countryside on the weekends. 

Bradley Heap – Governor  (Co-opted)

Term: 01/04/22 – 31/03/26
Portfolio – Vision & Sustainability

I have worked within the New Bridge Multi Academy Trust for over 10 years. I started my professional career as a part time wheelchair football coach at New Bridge School, which then lead me to gain a full time TA4 position within the PE department where I remained for 5 years. During this time, I went to university and then took up a role at Hollinwood Academy as a primary school teacher where I gained my QTS. I am now the P.E and Outdoor Education curriculum lead within Hollinwood Academy and teach both within primary and secondary. 

I am a very passionate member of staff, I have had experience in developing subject curriculum offers, assessment strategies and extra curricular activities. I have recently also lead in the planning of safe outside stimulating spaces within Hollinwood Academy for both primary and secondary students. 

I am looking forward to this opportunity to become a governor and hope to develop my knowledge and experience further. 

 Katy Taylor – Staff Governor 

Term: 16/11/22 – 15/11/26
Portfolio – Compliance

Hi I’m Katy. I have worked with children and young people with SEN needs for 15 years and have been at Samuel Laycock for 8 years. I really enjoy my job and all the challenges it brings.

I have 2 daughters, ages 5 and 10. We enjoy spending time together, visiting different places, swimming and going to the cinema.

I decided to put myself forward as a staff governor as I feel that the school has entered a new phase joining the MAT and I would like be involved. I am a good listener and would like to be a voice for my colleagues.

Andrea Reid – Co-opted Governor

Term: 15/12/22 – 14/12/26

I’m Andrea and i joined the Governing Body in January 23. I currently work for Department for Education on T Levels – a new qualification for 16-18 year olds. I’ve been with DfE for almost 2 years and prior to this worked for Department for Work and Pensions in various roles but often working with vulnerable young people helping them to start work or return to work.

I’m looking forward to supporting the school as a Governor and particularly to focus on the career pathways as this type of support has been part of most of my working life. I have been a parent Governor previously for 2 local schools when my children were much younger. I now have a little Grandson so education is an interest inside and outside of work.

In my spare time I enjoy the theatre – particularly musical theatre as well as spending time with my family.

Sarah Kehoe – Co-opted Governor

Term: 15/12/22 – 14/12/26 

I have two daughters, aged 7 and 5, one of whom is autistic so from a personal perspective I have an interest in working to ensure the education system is well-supported, well-governed and well-challenged to make it the very best it can be for this generation and future generations of individuals with additional needs.

I am currently Head of Corporate Services and Strategy for a central government department, in which a big part of my role is leading the SLT to plan and deliver the organisational business plan, holding them to account on objectives and success measures and supporting in delivery through effective programme management. I have been a manager for numerous years in various environments so have multiple skill sets which I would like to utilise to support an important cause such as education. 

  

Steve Crompton – Governor

I was recently appointed to the Samuel Laycock School Governing Body, where I’m delighted to have joined the team and trust that my skills, attributes and network can assist the school.

I work in a few areas, one being in education, where I’m an Outreach Tutor for a specialist, independent Tameside school for children with SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health) needs from years 7-11. I am able to share the work I do in this role and where I envisage that both our schools collaborate and share best practice.

I also work in Polymers as a Global Consultant and hold a BSc Hons in Polymer Science & Technology, graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University. I have worked in the industry since 1988 and during that time have previously owned a multiple award winning polymer reprocessing business, winning Pride of Tameside Business Awards for Micro Business of the Year and Green Impact Business of the Year. Within this work, I also work closely with schools and colleges, where I present a Polymer Workshop for GCSE Science students. In addition, I also have a close working relationship with Manchester University and The Graphene Institute (also based in Manchester).

Outside of this work, I carry out Community Engagement, Employability and Wellbeing, where within this I run a Tameside Men’s Group and all of this work continues to prosper, due to the ever growing need for it. I also sit on Tameside committees relating to social housing and cancer support. I possess an excellent network of contacts which I can share to benefit and assist the school.

In my spare time, I enjoy watching local non-league football, walking, squash, table tennis, cinema, cooking, music/concerts, theatre and reading.