Governors information 2020-21

Angela Pratt : Chair of Governors

Angela Pratt : Chair of Governors

I am passionate about learning and believe that schools play an important role in a child’s life. I am delighted to have been elected as Chair of Governors at Meadowside Primary, my local school. I see this role as both a support and critical friend to the school that ensures all children are given the opportunities and experiences that will enable them to become independent and fulfilled young people.

I have valuable leadership experience having been a headteacher for over 10 years at a successful Primary school in Northampton. I have worked with schools in challenging circumstances and led school improvement activities in both my previous school and others in the locality. As I am now retired, I have the time to devote to my role as Chair of Governors and I am a regular visitor to the school. I keep up to date with educational policy and practice through reading and marking leadership assessments for a national organisation.

Janet Goodliffe : Vice Chair of Governors

Janet Goodliffe : Vice Chair of Governors, Chair of Quality of Education Committee

I was a Governor for over 20 years at a successful local Secondary school where I worked for almost 29 years; semi retiring in July 2017. I was on the Senior Leadership team and one of my roles was working with primary schools in the area to support the move from year 6 into year 7. I joined the Meadowside governors in April 2017 and I have loved getting to know the staff and lots of the pupils. Learning about everything the pupils do at Meadowside has been fascinating, and we have a really strong team of teachers, senior leaders and support staff. A particular interest of mine is supporting young people to improve their mental health and I have been working with staff at school to support our young people in this ever changing and exciting world in which we live. I am currently Vice Chair of Governors and I chair the Quality of Education Committee. I am delighted to be on the Governing Body at Meadowside and hope that the experience I have had in secondary can assist the school in achieving the absolute best for our pupils.

Kim Mount : Safeguarding Governor

Kim Mount : Safeguarding Governor

I was very fortunate to be elected as a Parent Governor in September 2018 to help present a parent’s perspective and voice within the Governing Body. I currently work as a Technical Director within an ICT Services company which affords me flexibility within my schedule to support the school. Within my role, I am linked with the ICT/Computing Curriculum, Sports Premium, and most recently, Safeguarding.

I am a firm believer that no single person can do everything, but that everyone can do something and we will succeed together.

Ashley Clarkson : Chair of Finance & Resources Committee

Ashley Clarkson : Chair of Finance & Resources Committee

I have been a member of the Full Governing Board since October 2016, I am also a member of the Quality of Education Committee, Finance & Resources Committee and the link Governor roles for Inclusion and SEND.  Why did I want to be a Governor for Meadowside?  Meadowside Primary school has educated all of my four children over the past 15 years and I wanted to give something back to the school and the Community.  I feel passionate about education for our children and to  provide them the best start in their life long learning journey.

During the day, I am Accountant serving clients across the Northamptonshire and beyond focused on the Rural Economy.  I am also a Governor for Moulton College which provides Specialist Further and Higher Education.  During my spare time, I like to relax with the family, watching Sport and Gardening.

Kirsty Blake

Kirsty Blake

I have been a member of the Meadowside Full Governing Board since 2017 and I am also a member of the Quality of Education Committee.  I am extremely proud to volunteer as a parent Governor supporting education in the local community.  I am passionate about education and the wellbeing of young people, I work as the Director of Pastoral Curriculum in a local Outstanding secondary school, so my knowledge, and experience help my role at Meadowside. I am also very passionate about outdoor education and support the delivery of the Duke of Edinburgh Award. My hobbies include the outdoors, reading  and during lockdown I have taken up gardening! 

Chris Smith-Haynes

Chris Smith-Haynes

I am your County Councillor.  That means I represent the needs of people in Burton Latimer, Pytchley and Broughton on Northamptonshire County Council.  You can come to me with problems like potholes in the roads and to get help with different services.  I am a member of the Overview and Scrutiny Committee and the Corporate Parenting Board. I am 58 years old, I have 5 children and 10 grandchildren.  I lived in Burton for many years and 2 of my children attended Meadowside (Infants and Juniors as it was then).  Several of my nieces and  nephews, their children and even grandchildren also attended Meadowside, so you can see that the school is very important to me.  That is why I asked to become a Governor.

I used to be a social worker, and specialised in working with adults with learning disabilities and mental health problems.  I continue my work for vulnerable people in my roles as Governor of Northamptonshire Healthcare Foundation Trust (NHFT), trustee of Accommodation Concern and volunteer for C2C Social Action.  Feel free to ask me about these organisations and what I do to support them.

I love to watch live music; I am still a rock chick at heart.  I support Northampton Saints Rugby Club, although I don't get to many matches these days.  I am still involved in the local wrestling school, but don't get involved in training since a recent illness reminded me just how old I am!  I live with 4 chihuahuas and try very hard to grow fruit and vegetables in my garden (sometimes my chihuahuas decide to dig up what I have planted).

Governor Recruitment : Exciting opportunity?

We are actively seeking new governors to join our Governing Body. Do you have an interest in primary education? Would a link with a local school add value to your business? Would you like to support young people to develop their talents for the future? Have you ever considered becoming a governor in a school? MPS is a thriving school with a superb leadership team. We have strong values – Respect, Responsibility, Reflection and Resilience –We all love what we do as governors and we are actively involved in supporting and challenging the staff to be the best they can be for the local children. You don’t need any governor experience, just a willingness to get involved and make a difference. We are looking for a range of skills to support the team and would love to hear from you. Please contact  or  for further information.

There are 6 Full Governing Body meetings per academic year. We also have 2 committees – Finances and Resources and Quality of Education and there is an expectation that governors attend the 5/6 meetings per year of one of the committees. All meetings are usually 6 – 8pm on the school site. Governors are always welcome in school. We support the Senior Leadership Team ambition  to become an ‘outstanding’ school.

Ideally, we would like new governors to start in September so please get in touch to find out more.

Janet Goodliffe - Vice Chair of Governors at MPS