Upperthong Junior and Infant School

Catherine Patel – Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities – Chair of Governors, Contact for Governor Training, Governor for the Arts

Background – Parent with a child at Upperthong and a child now at Holmfirth High School. Primary & Adult Education and Training, with specialisms in Art, Psychology and Wellbeing. Governor since 2009. Current term of office 14.9.23-13.9.27

Carolyn Littlewood  –  Head Teacher/Staff Governor

Responsibilities:Member of Resources Committee & Standards and Effectiveness Committee

Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Background – See Staff section. Governor since 2008.

Alvyn Riley- Deputy Headteacher/ Staff Governor

Andy Wilson-Co-Opted Governor

I have lived in the Holme Valley for over 45 years, working locally and nationally in manufacturing as an engineering manager. I have valuable experience of dealing with both people and budgets in a team environment. I am committed to supporting both the local community and economy through my activities with the Parish Council and Rotary club. As an enthusiastic walker and cyclist, I believe in responsible and sustainable access to the countryside and the benefits it brings . The maintenance of the heritage of the Holme Valley is also important to me , whilst ensuring any developments are sympathetic to the area. Through the Rotary Club of Holmfirth I have been heavily involved in Charitable events in the local community; latterly the voluntary organisation and roll-out of the COVID vaccinations at the Holme Valley memorial Hospital.I have a deep concern for the environment - my personal commitment includes reducing my Carbon footprint through initiatives such as solar panels and biomass heating.I hope that I can use my experience constructively in my role as School Governor.

May 2022-May 2026

Sarah Smith – Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities - Vice-Chair of Governors, Governor for Safeguarding,Child Protection & PREVENT, Looked After Children Governor. Governor for Humanities

Member of Resources Committee and Appraisal Committee

Background – Career within HR and in-house recruitment, Governor since 2013. Co-opted Governor-14.9.23-13.9.27.

Steph Tully - Parent Governor

Responsibilities - Member of Resources Committee, Complaints committee and Pupil Premium Governor.

Background - Parent of 1 child at Upperthong.  Solicitor in the area of safeguarding vulnerable adults and children.  Enjoy reading and spending time with my family.

Term of Office - 27.01. 20 - 28.01.24

Morgan Wilson - Parent Governor 

Responsibilities - Member of The Standards and Effectiveness Committee. 

Background - Parent of 2 children at Upperthong. Owner of a local training and media production company. Enjoys family time, the outdoors and getting stuck into a project    

Governor term of office 16.10.20 - 15.10.24 

Hannah Eastwood - Co-Opted Governor

Responsibilities - Chair of Resources Committee, Early Years Governor, eco schools award, English, Communication and language.

Background - Parent of 2 children at Upperthong.  Osteopath and practice owner in Holmfirth.  Enjoys running, reading and spending time with my family.

Term of Office - 17.11.22-16.11.26

Sarah Durdin - Parent Governor

Responsibilities - Member of Resources Committee and SEND Governor.

Background - Parent of 2 children at Upperthong. Manager in local government. Enjoys time with family, exercising, being creative either sewing or cooking.

Governor term of office 14.-1.20-13.01.24.

Julie Harris-Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities: Chair of Standards and Effectiveness Committee

Background: Parent of a child at Upperthong. Clinical Safety Consultant who enjoys family time, beekeeping and singing.

Term of Office: from  16.11.20-15.11.24

Thomas Bray - Parent Governor

Background - I’ve got a degree in electronic engineering but my work passion is for product design and technology.  I’ve owned my own architectural lighting company and now focus on smart Internet Of Things based control. Out of work I like to fix things, especially things with engines, cycling and spending time with family.  I’ve got 2 children at Upperthong School. 

Term of Office - 09.03.21-08.03.25

Danielle Baldwin-Staff Governor

Term of Office- 29/5/22-27/5/2026