Meadowhead Junior School Governance

Welcome to the section of the website where you can find out more about the school’s Governors and the work that we do.

All Governors are encouraged to take an active part in the life and governance of the school. They are encouraged to attend training courses on all aspects of the curriculum and school management to develop their knowledge and skills to help the children at Meadowhead Junior School gain as much as they possibly can from their time at our school.

Governing Board Diversity Data

At the present time we do not collect and publish information about the diversity of our Governing Board.

The role of the Governing Board

The Governing Board has three core functions:

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction of Meadowhead Junior School

2. Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance at Meadowhead Junior and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff, and

3. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure that money is well spent

Governance Structure

Our Governing Board consist of:

• The Headteacher
• One elected staff governor
• Two elected parent governors
• Seven co-opted governors
• One Local Authority governor

The standard term of office for a governor is four years. The chair and vice-chair are elected annually at the first full governing board meeting of the academic year.

The Governing Board meets four times each year. 

We have a Pay Committee which usually meets once a year. There are also committees that meet, if required, to consider pupil discipline, staffing issues, appeals and complaints.

Membership of our Governing Board

Mr Christopher Dugdale

I have been a Headteacher of Hoddlesden St Paul's Church of England Primary School since September 2016 and from July 2024 became the Executive Headteacher, inconjunction with the role of Headteacher at Meadowhead Junior School. Prior to this, I have held the post of Executive Headteacher, Deputy and Acting Headteacher in a number of schools in Blackburn and our neighbouring authority of Lancashire (Area East). 

I graduated from St Martin's College in 2006 and have taught in a variety of school settings across Lancashire. During 2008/10 I was able to support a Fylde based hospitality company, and general manage a number of medium to large businesses, along with successfully supporting a large redevelopment application and bid.

From September 2017 to 2019, I represented Primary Headteachers on the Local Authorities Employment and Skills Board, mapping and implementing opportunities for Career Related Learning. In 2020/21 I was elected as the President of NAHT Blackburn with Darwen, my role is as a representative for the National Union. One of my main roles is representing the NAHT view on the local SACRE board and I sit as the Vice Chair of this Board. From 2022, I have the privilege of representing headteachers in the North West on Ofsted's Headteachers Referencing Panel. 

I have had the privilege of coordinating Teaching and Learning improvement across our cluster of schools, with huge improvements in attainment, teaching & learning and developing collaborative approaches with our teachers. 

Mrs Carrie Ramsbottom

Co-opted Governor Term of office 30/12/2022 to 30/12/2026

Hello parents of Meadowhead Community Junior School. As most of you will recognise me from the office, I would like to introduce myself as one of the governors of Meadowhead Juniors. My main role in the office is Attendance Officer. I deal with all aspects of attendance and punctuality alongside Laura Duckworth (Pupil Wellbeing Coordinator) and our Headteacher; Mr Christopher Dugdale. I am also finance assistant to our School Business Manager Mrs Andrea Hartley. I have been a governor for about 9 years now being on 2 committees; Education Standards and Business. I am link governor for Maths and Safeguarding. My decision to be part of the governing body was because I wanted to challenge and scrutinise a curriculum that is in my opinion excellently taught across the school and have every confidence in the teaching staff at Meadowhead Junior School. If anyone has any questions or queries about their child’s attendance and our school policies, please do not hesitate to track me down in or around school, I’m always around before and after school. Kind regards Mrs Carrie Ramsbottom.

Miss Laura Duckworth

Staff Governor Term of office 12/07/2023 to 11/07/2027 

My name is Laura Duckworth I am the staff governor for Meadowhead Junior School. I am the Pupil Wellbeing Co-ordinator here at school and have been in post for the last 2 years. I really enjoy my role and will always do my best to support families. I work closely with Mrs Ramsbottom to support with attendance. 

Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my little boy. We are Bolton Wanderers supporters and enjoy going watching the games. I also enjoy playing rounders and tennis during the summer months.

Mrs Natalie Young

Vice Chair, Term of office 03/10/2022 to 3/10/2026

My name is Natalie Young, I am vice chair of Meadowhead Junior School and I have been a governor for two years. My aim as governor is to ensure our core principles are upheld, as well as having a vested interest in ensuring equality for families and children with SEN. I am on two committees; education and finance, and I am a link governor for SEND and Pupil Premium. I have a science background with an interest in pedagogy and I'm currently undertaking a master's in environmental health. I have lived in Blackburn and Darwen for over 18 years, and my children have attended both Meadowhead infants and Junior school. Both of my children have SEN, which has enabled me to experience both sides of the SEN process. Outside of my governor role, I like playing video games, watching musicals, and enjoy spending time with my family. I am also a governor for Meadowhead Infant School.

Mr Steve Wolski 

Local Authority Governor, Term of office 6/12/2023 to 5/12/2027

My name is Steve Wolski, and I am a Local Authority Appointed Governor. I am retired from a long career as an Engineer and, over the last twenty years before retirement, a Management Consultant dealing with Health and Safety and Human Resource Management. I have been a Governor at The Old Shadsworth High School and a long serving member of the Governing Body of Blackburn College.

I hope to contribute to the success of Meadowhead Junior School in the future by using my knowledge and experience of governance in both companies and organisations.

Outside of school, my wife and I both like to walk to keep healthy and travel mainly in Europe.

 

Mrs Joanne Mackey

Co-opted Governors, Term of Office 20/9/24 to 19/9/2028 

I have over two decades of service in schools across Blackburn with Darwen, my role has included financial management, operational efficiency, and strategic planning within the education sector. My experience has enabled me to navigate the complexities of school budgets, resource allocation, and compliance, ensuring that the school I work at operates smoothly and optimally supports achievement for all of our children.

In addition to my role as an SBM, in the past (whilst my own daughter was at school) I contributed 15 years as a school governor. This role gave me a comprehensive understanding of the broader educational landscape, including policy development, staff management, and stakeholder engagement. I am committed to the ongoing improvement of school communities, with a clear focus on fostering positive educational environments for both staff and students.

Mr Michael Stanley

Co-opted Governor, Term of office 14/5/2024 to 13/5/2028 

I am retired from a long career in the manufacturing industry where I held positions; up to and including factory manager, and also in the education sector, teaching at Blackburn and Burnley Colleges. I have been a Governor at St Mathews and Brunell Nursery, Meadowhead infant school, and a governor/director of St Wilfred’s C of E High School. I am committed to improving the school community. My main hobby is fly fishing and I tie my own flies, my wife and I enjoy walking our dogs.

Mrs Jenna Harty

Co-opted, Governor Term of Office 20/9/2024 to 19/9/2028

I’m Jenna Harty, and I joined Meadowhead Juniors as a Co-opted Governor in Spetember 2024. Iam the the serving Principal at Sudell Primary School and have been in this post since April 2023. Prior to this role, I spent 13 years as Deputy Headteacher and SENDCo at another Darwen primary school, where I developed a strong foundation in leadership and a deep commitment to inclusive, student-centered education.

My background includes a BA (Hons) in Physical Education with Qualified Teacher Status from Lancaster University, and I later pursued a Postgraduate Certificate in Education, obtaining my SENDCo Award from Edge Hill University in 2016. I’m incredibly passionate about education and believe that a strong start is essential for lifelong learning.

I’m excited to bring my experience to Meadowhead Juniors, supporting the school’s growth and helping it continue to thrive. My goal is to work closely with the governing board to ensure that we’re providing the best possible environment for every child to succeed.

Mrs G Hull 

Co-opted Governor, Term of office

I have been married for 33 years to Paul, I have 2 grown-up daughters who went to Meadowhead Junior School. My eldest is Mrs Livesey, a teacher in year 6 at the school. Sam (my other daughter) works with me as Production Manager. I have a young Grandson, Freddie, who keeps me on my toes. There is nothing more I love than spending time with him in my caravan near Skipton. I am the Director/Owner of Total Insignia Ltd, producing and manufacturing woven, ties, badges, labels, decorating workwear and sportswear. I have been in the textile business for over 40 years starting off as a weaver in Withnell.

I’ve been a Brown Owl at the local Brownie unit for over 20 years, where we have been on adventures all over the UK. I have taken up quite a lot of hobbies in the past, but I have to say my favourites are reading, knitting and crochet.