Structure of Governing Body
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils; and the effective and efficient performance management of staff
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
The Governing body consists of fifteen Governors and we currently have 3 Co-opted, 1 Foundation and 1 Local Authority governor vacancies
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Mrs Helen Bruce
Headteacher
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Mrs Leanne Clay
Chair of Governors
I am Leanne Clay and I am an Assistant Headteacher at a local high school. I was previously a parent governor and was newly appointed as Chair of Governors in January 2019. I'm the Vice Chair of the Governing Body and I am involved in the performance management of the Headteacher.
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Ms Andrea Tarran
Co-opted Governor
Hi I’m Andrea Tarran and I have been a governor for 8 years. I’m an experienced teacher in Year 4 and I’m KS2 co-ordinatior and numeracy subject leader.
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Mr Neil Willis
Co-opted Governor
As a biology graduate I started my working life as a marine biologist which brought me to the North East many years ago. I later qualified as a secondary science teacher at Newcastle University teaching and moving into middle and senior school leadership for the next 17 years. As a STEM education consultant I supported department improvement along with a wide range of other education based contracts. I currently work for the North East Local Enterprise Partnership leading work across the region in bringing industry and education closer through meaningful engagement. I hope that my skills and experience can contribute to supporting our excellent staff in ensuring all our children achieve their potential in a stimulating learning environment. I have two boys one who is currently in the school and it is a wonderful opportunity to be able to actively participate in their education.
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Ms Caroline Tindell
Foundation Governor
I am very happy to be joining Appletree Gardens as a governor, appointed through North Tyneside Learning Trust. After completing my degree in Human Resource Management, I went on to do my PGCE with North Tyneside SCITT in 2007. I was then lucky enough to spend 10 years as Teacher, Key Stage Lead and Assistant Head Teacher in a wonderful North Tyneside School. With three energetic sons of my own, my teaching career has changed pace for the meantime and I feel that becoming a governor will enable me to draw upon the knowledge, skills and experience I have built over the last decade whilst continuing to learn and develop in a profession that I love. I look forward to making a positive contribution to the Appletree Gardens community.
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Rev Hannah Cleugh
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Mrs Caroline Cross
Parent Governor
I'm Caroline and I'm married with two children. My seven year old is in Y3 and my 5 year old is in Reception at Southridge.
I am originally from the East Midlands and moved to Newcastle in 2007 to read English at the University of Northumbria and then completed my PGCE at Nottingham University. I left teaching whilst I was pregnant with my second daughter to take up a role with Puddle Ducks and I then worked for them as both a swimming instructor and an administrator until April 2018.
I am currently taking a career break but volunteer as a befriender for Age UK, listen to Class 8 read weekly and spend a lot of time walking our dog. I am also a keen bridge player, love going to the theatre and seeing live music.
Whilst not currently working in education I am extremely interested in keeping up to date with developments and policies and am likely to return to education in some capacity in the future.
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Mr Sean Foster
Foundation Governor
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Mrs Katie Oates
Parent Governor
I’m Katie Oates and I have two children at Appletree – since they joined the school, I have been impressed with the caring and nurturing ethos of the school and the dedication shown by staff to ensure every child has a positive learning experience. I have lived in Whitley Bay most of my life and I now own a local business delivering cooking classes to children. Before starting my business in 2016, I spent 14 years working as a teacher in a variety of schools including Primary, Middle and schools for children with SEND, with SENDCO roles in two Middle Schools. I hope that my teaching and business skills and experience will mean I can make a positive contribution to the Governing body at Appletree.
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Miss Debbie McGregor
Staff Governor
I am Debbie McGregor and I have worked at Appletree for 6 years. I am currently a teacher in year 1 having previously worked in both Nursery and Reception.