“We support the right of all our learners to be consulted and listened to about the key decisions that affect their lives.”

Introducing your school governors 2022/23

Mrs Sue Mawson – Chair of Governors (co-opted)

Hello, my name is Sue Mawson and I am very proud to be a part of Oastlers School, as a parent myself, I firmly believe that every child has the fundamental right to a good education, to be provided with every opportunity and to be supported to develop and reach his/her fullest potential, regardless of background or ability. Increasingly some young people face challenges and experiences beyond their years - providing good well run schools and an environment which is safe, supportive and nurturing is paramount to their longer term wellbeing. I have supported the education of young people in the Bradford District for many years.  I was previously Director of Finance for the Bradford Local Authority.  Since my retirement I have become actively involved in the governance and sit on the governing bodies of three schools across the district.  I believe that it is the responsibility of every school to provide a supportive environment with outstanding teaching so that our young people can work hard and gain the confidence to become successful young adults of the future. I will strive to support all the staff, parents and carers at the school and be a voice for Oastler’s learners so that together we can help them to achieve their very best. I will try to be available as much as possible and look forward to meeting as many parents and carers as I can at school events.

 

Mrs. Donna Vo-Brown - (co-opted)

 

Mr. David Ward – Vice Chair of Governors (co-opted)

As a liberal I believe that everyone has the right to fulfil their true potential and I have always seen education as vital for this to become a reality. I was a University lecturer for 25 years and derived enormous satisfaction from trying to help young people reach their full potential. I have been a Governor for over 30 years in ten different Primary, Secondary and Special Schools as a way of making, hopefully, a personal contribution but also as a way of learning more. I have also been on the Management Committee of a large Youth Centre for nearly 40 years. I have always been interested in politics and I have served as a local Councillor for over 30 years. Overwhelmingly, the most important thing that has happened in the last ten years has been the arrival of four wonderful Grandchildren. Youth Centre, Governor, local politics, Grandkids. Spare time? What's that?

 

Mr. Charlie Jones - (co-opted)

I was born on the edge of Ilkley Moor and attended Ilkley Grammar School.  I studied at Leeds Polytechnic and gained a degree in Social Administration.  I have been a social worker since 1981.  I have spent much of my working life supporting complex young people, particularly young offenders.  I have recently retired as the Service Manager for Bradford Youth Offending Team.  I believe removing young people from their families, friendship networks and communities has a damaging effect that is long lasting.  It does not help them to change harmful behaviours or help them mature.  I am a huge Bradford City fan but I love cricket and have played for 55 years!  I have also been known to go to Bruce Springsteen concerts!!

 

Mrs. Shazia Qureshi - (co-opted)

I am currently employed by Prospects Services as Operations Manager delivering Connexions services and targeted support for young people in Bradford.  I manage a team of Personal Advisors who work in schools and colleges to ensure young people are equipped with the knowledge and information to make informed choices about their future.  I have worked in this arena extensively for over nine years in Bradford.  Additionally, I contribute to various strategic groups which include Bradford Apprenticeship Group, Young Carers Strategy and the Looked After Children Strategy Group.  Since managing the delivery of Families First contract, I have become even more aware of the issues that our children and young people face and I am working hard to reduce those barriers and secure for them excellent outcomes.

 

Mr. Kevin Taylor - (co-opted)

Hello, my name is Kevin Taylor and I am really pleased to have been asked to join the Oastlers Governing Body.  I have never been a governor before so am looking forward to the challenges!   Before I recently retired, I was a serving police officer and had been in an officer for twenty years.  Before retiring, I was the Partnership Inspector for Bradford District.  I was a prison officer for eight years, I have even worked in the infamous Wormwood Scrub in London.  I was just twenty years old then.  I love anything mechanical, cars, motorcycles, tractors, lawnmowers and am called by those closes to me a ‘petrol head’.  I am my happiest when covered in oil under an engine.  I am really looking forward to helping Oastlers shape a future that delivers first class learning to those who come through its doors now and in the future.

 

Ms Rio Ginnelly - (Staff rep)

 

Ms. Louise Riley - (Parent Governor)

Hello, my name is Louise. I have experience working with and supporting children and young people from all backgrounds. The reason I applied to become a governor is based mainly on my passion to provide a positive contribution to the school, to be able to share my knowledge and skills and gain more experience and understanding from an educational setting with specific needs. I am a very fun and bubbly person who is approachable and interacts well with those I support. My interests are long walks, music, food and travel and I am currently studying Law and Language at University.

 

Ray Sutcliffe - (Observer)

 

Robert Fairbairn (Observer)

 

Ms Victoria Bettson (Clerk to the Governing Body)

Hello, my name is Victoria Bettson and I am the clerk to the governing body which means I look after the administration side of things for the governors.  I prepare the agendas and take notes and help governors follow relevant guidelines.  If you want to contact the governors, you can send me a letter via the school and I will pass it on to the Chair.