Governance at Clapgate Primary School

Natasha Singleton – Headteacher

Subcommittees–  Teaching and Learning/ Pupil Support and Resources 

I have been passionate about teaching for as long as I can remember.  I have worked since 1992 in schools in London, Brighton and across different areas of Leeds.  I arrived at Clapgate in 2014 on a secondment.  This secondment turned into a permanent position as Assistant Head, then Deputy Head, then Head of School, followed by my permanent appointment as Headteacher in 2019. 

I am very proud of our school and the position we are in.  Clapgate is a unique place with wonderful children and highly skilled, positive and creative staff.  I am determined to continue improving the school and am committed to creating an environment where all our children thrive, discover their talents, are happy and motivated, and achieve their potential. 

Dave Bache – Co-opted Governor – Chair of Governors

Subcommittees–  Teaching and Learning/ Pupil Support – (Chair of TLPS Committee)

Linked Governor Responsibilities – Early Reading and Phonics, Complaints and EYFS

I am really pleased to be invited to join Clapgate as a governor. I have a background that includes working as a community artist, teaching in secondary and primary schools in Yorkshire and supporting schools through being a consultant and adviser. I have recently been working with families in Leeds to enable  their children to thrive and do well. 

I am passionate about supporting all children to be the best they can be through supporting all the professionals who work with them to be the best they can be. 

Jade Taylor- Partnership Governor

Subcommittees– Teaching and Learning/ Pupil Support and Resources 

Linked Governor Responsibilities – Outdoor Learning

With several years of experience supporting school software systems, I have developed a deep understanding of educational processes and operational efficiency.

My journey in education technology has provided me with valuable insights into how schools function and thrive. Outside of my professional commitments, I dedicate my time to volunteering with Girlguiding—a charity focused on empowering girls and young women to find their voice and build confidence.

This experience fuels my passion for aiding children, and I am driven to bring my skills to Clapgate to help every pupil achieve their best.

Charlie Preston- Co-opted Governor

Subcommittees–  Resources

Linked Governor Responsibilities – Attendance

I am passionate about helping schools improve student outcomes while saving staff workload and allowing them to focus on the most important thing of all—the children. Many of my close family members are teachers or work directly in education, so I’m highly motivated to play whatever part I can in making working life easier for those who teach and inspiring the next generation.

With nearly a decade of experience working in education software and having worked with hundreds of schools, I am eager to use this experience to help the fantastic team at Clapgate in any way I can.

Peter Olver – Partnership Governor 

Subcommittees– Resources (Chair of Resources Committee)

Linked Governor Responsibilities -Finance (inc Pupil Premium and Sports Premium)

I work for Belle Isle Tenant Management Organisation as Head of Governance and Finance and would very much welcome the opportunity to bring whatever financial and other skills I have, to help Clapgate School where I can. 

I have experience in working in the education and charity sectors and of voluntary work and would love to be able to contribute to the Clapgate Family, in striving to provide the best provision possible for its pupils.

Rachim Singh – Associate Governor 

Subcommittees-  Resources

Linked Governor Responsibilities – HR, Legal, Complaints support

I have been a solicitor advocate in Bradford for over 2 decades specialising in defence work at the Crown Court and I was appointed a Circuit Judge in 2019. It was noted that I was to be the first Asian solicitor to become a Circuit Judge. I went to Bradford to study law and stayed in the city after I was admitted as a solicitor in 1987. I worked for Bassra Solicitors, now Petherbridge Bassra, in Bradford, and became a senior partner in the company. In the late 1990s, I was admitted to be a high court solicitor advocate, which allowed me to work as a defence lawyer in the Crown Court. I have defended many serious cases during my time in Bradford and I now relish the challenge of working as a Judge in the high-profile Crown Court building.

Sadie Procter – Co-opted Governor

Subcommittees- Teaching & Learning/Pupil Support

Linked Governor Responsibilities – Governor Training

I have been teaching at Clapgate for the past nine years. I have loved every minute of being part of the Clapgate team, and I am immensely proud of our achievements as a school. I have a passion for encouraging a love for learning in young children and I strive to unlock each child’s full learning potential, whilst helping them to blossom into well-rounded individuals. I decided to become a staff governor 7 years ago as I wanted to gain insight into the wider running of the school and to understand how an effective governing body is structured and run. 

Lauren Brennan – Staff Governor

Subcommittees- Teaching & Learning/Pupil Support

Linked Governor Responsibilities – Website Auditing

I understand that the role of school governor is crucial to the strategic development of Clapgate and I am excited to have a real impact on all pupils, enabling them to achieve their full potential.   

As a year 6 teacher and previous leader of computing and LKS2, I have appreciated the chance to enable pupils to make rapid progress in line with the National Curriculum. I am currently phase leader for UKS2 and lead reading for the school. 

I am passionate about leading change for improvement in a diverse system and have relished the roles I have been fortunate enough to experience thus far. I honestly believe that every child, regardless of their socio-economic background or any other challenges they may face outside of school, should have every chance to succeed through high-quality teaching and exciting experiences that inspire them to challenge themselves so they achieve their full potential. It is this that motivates me and consequently means I will always be reflecting on how I can be a better teacher and leader.  

Megan Hodgkinson – Co-opted Governor

Subcommittees- Teaching and Learning/ Pupil Support

Linked Governor Responsibilities – Safeguarding and Looked After Children

I have always been passionate about raising young peoples’ aspirations and expectations of themselves, and creating inclusive education environments where all students are treated fairly and can access equal opportunities. I work for Into University, a national educational organisation that supports young people from disadvantaged neighbourhoods to attain their chosen aspiration, including further and higher education, employment and work-based training. Working with young people in Leeds, including Clapgate students, has inspired me to become more involved in the local community and has brought me to this governing body. My background includes working in primary schools, charities and higher education institutions across North Wales and West Yorkshire. I have also had the experience of being a charity trustee for Leeds University Union and a Council Member for the University of Leeds. I am very excited to be joining Clapgate and I am thoroughly impressed by the school’s dedication to highlighting the value of the creative arts, creating leadership opportunities for students, and emphasising pupil voice.

Raluca-Diana Anghelina – Parent Governor

Subcommittees- Teaching & Learning Pupil Support

Linked Governor Responsibilities –  Science and Maths

I am honoured to have been chosen one of governors of this wonderful place called Clapgate Primary School.

Current Co-president of Leeds Society of Architect, qualified in Architecture, Urban Design, Psychology and Business, with a wide range of led projects across a variety of sectors including residential, education and healthcare, my most important ‘projects’ are my two daughters. I have always loved children and believed that, with the right approach, any child can bloom in the best version of themselves. My aim is to offer my whole support in making all children here gain as much knowledge as possible, while enjoying every minute spent in this magical place.

Lyndsey Singh — Parent Governor

Subcommittees- Teaching & Learning/Pupil Support

Linked Governor Responsibilities – SEND

Hello my name is Lyndsey Singh and I currently have a daughter in Reception and a baby boy who will be joining the Clapgate family before I know it. I applied to be a parent governor to be involved with my children’s learning and to better understand their educational journey. Now that I have the privilege to be in the role, I am excited to be part of such a positive and inspirational setting, which encourages and supports the family as a whole to learn together whilst having fun.

Ever since completing my degree in Childhood Studies, children’s development and education have been important to me, particularly in regard to seeing the whole child and not just the exam results. This is because I firmly believe that, by recognising the child as an individual, they will have the opportunity to flourish and thrive.

I have been a primary school teacher for nearly 9 years, and as such I also understand the education system and some of the challenges faced from a professional viewpoint. I feel that this will allow me to be fair in my judgements for high quality learning and experiences for all the children to aspire to fulfil their potential.

Mary Cooper – Co-opted Governor

Subcommittees- Teaching and Learning/ Pupil Support

Linked Governor Responsibilities – Writing (including Oracy)

I’m a writer, mother of two sons, and Leeds-based for more than 30 years. I’ve also worked as a Senior Lecturer in Creative Writing for universities in the north of England. Much of my work for theatre has been written for children and young people and has toured to primary and secondary schools throughout the city.  I’ve always had a keen interest in creative education and enabling children and young people to think for themselves about what matters in their own lives and the world around them. By joining the governing body of Clapgate I hope I’ll be able to support staff and pupils to foster curiosity, creativity and kindness in a thriving and happy school.

Emma Pogson-Golden – LA Representative 

Subcommittees – Resources

Linked Governor Responsibilities – Parental Engagement 

I was very happy to be asked to become a governor at Clapgate Primary School. 

I have a child in the school but have also had the pleasure of working with the amazing staff here.

My background in education as a teaching assistant for many years, as well as part of the lunch staff. I was also part of a community centre that helped many families in the area.

As you can see, I’m very much a people person and will always help where I can. Recently I was elected as a Councillor for Middleton park ward. Through this I will continue to help our school and families in and around the area.