Meet our governors

Donna Kellett

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Jillian Ellis

I became a co-opted governor in September 2018, have lived in Leeds my whole life and also currently have a child at Lawns Park Primary School.

After graduating with an honours degree in Business and Management, I have since gained over 16 years of experience working in client-side research, which started as analytical and later in management. Working across varied industries such as utilities, publishing, media, and for the last 8 years at a not-for-profit organisation in Leeds. Where my current role is within the Insight team where my strengths lie in quantitative research, analysis of data, attention to detail and ensuring objectives will be met by any research carried out.

This has led me to be particularly interested in the marketing and communications area of the school and for me to sit on the communication and fundraising committee. With the main aim to try to raise both the profile of our school and money to help fund all the additional resources we would like, to be able to provide an even more enriching environment for our children.

• Appointed: May 2018
• Term of Office: 5 years
• Appointed as co opted governor (Vice Chair of Governors)
• Appointed by governors

• Business, Personal & Pecuniary Interests: None

• Meetings attended in 2023 - 2024: 100%

• Jillian is a member of the following committees: Resources, Teaching and Learning. Jillian is also the Governor with responsibility for Attendance.

Simon Chapman

• Appointed: September 2023

• Term of Office: N/A

• Appointed: Ex Officio as Headteacher

• Business, Personal & Pecuniary Interests: None

• Meetings attended in 2023 - 2024: 100%

• Simon is a member of the following committees: Teaching and Learning, Pupil and Staff Welfare, Resources. 

Mark Curran

I became a governor in May 2016, I have lived in the local area all my life and have one child at the school with another that attended the school before going to High School. 

I am looking forward to working with pupils, parents and staff to drive the school forward and deliver a fun and exciting education that all our children deserve. 

I have worked for a financial company for the past 12 years in various managerial roles building transferable skills such as leadership and analytical skills which I will use to help the school deliver an education we can all be proud of.

• Appointed: May 2015
• Term of Office:  8 years
• Appointed as co opted governor 
• Appointed by governors
• Business, Personal & Pecuniary Interests: None
• Meetings attended in 2023 - 2024: 90%
• Mark is a member of the following committees: Resources, Teaching and Learning.  Mark is also the Governor with responsibility for Complaints and Reading.

Paul Harrison

I have recently been elected as Staff Governor and my roll on the Governing body is to represent the views and opinions of the Lawns Park staff.

I started working at Lawns Park in 2004 and have seen all 3 of my children happily attend the school. I have almost 40 years experience in property maintenance, building management and Health and Safety. I use these skills to ensure a safe, happy and secure environment for all.

I am proud to be a member of Lawns Park and committed in ensuring the schools continuing success.

• Appointed: February 2023
• Term of Office: 
• Appointed as a Staff Governor
• Appointed by Staff
• Business, Personal & Pecuniary Interests: 
• Meetings attended in 2023 - 2024: 100%
• Paul is the Governor with responsibility for Health and Safety, Well-being of pupils and staff. 

Cllr. Adrian McCluskey

 I became a governor at Lawns Park in 2023, though I have previously been a governor another primary school for 14 years, 9 of those as chair.

I am dedicated to ensuring our children having the best education possible as I see primary school as the most important foundation for future learning.

I worked in NHS mental services including a range of nursing and managerial roles until my retirement in 2019. In 2023, I was elected as a local councillor.

I’ve lived in Wortley for 34 years, am married and have a grown up son. My hobbies include music, reading, cooking and badminton.

• Appointed: September 2023
• Term of Office: 
• Appointed as local authority governor
• Appointed by local authority
• Business, Personal & Pecuniary Interests:
• Meetings attended in 2023 - 2024: 66.7%
• Adrian is a member of the following committees: Pupil and Staff Welfare. Adrian is also the Governor with responsibility for Literacy. 

Darren Porritt

I became a Governor in September 2017 and currently sit on the Resources Committee and Teaching and Learning Committee.

I have two children at the school  (in Foundation Stage and Year 2) and became a Governor to help make the school as good as it can be for my children and everybody else’s, both now and in the future.   

I am a chartered accountant and have worked as an auditor and in various finance roles within the financial services industry. I aim to use the finance, analysis and strategic skills I have developed, as well as common sense for the benefit of the school. I’m especially keen that the school does not limit its aspirations and has practical plans to achieve its ambitions.

• Appointed: November 2017
• Term of Office: 4 years
• Appointed as co opted governor
• Appointed by governors

• Business, Personal & Pecuniary Interests: None

• Meetings attended in 2023 - 2024: 90%.

• Darren is a member of the following committees: Resources, Teaching and Learning. Darren is also the Governor with responsibility for Pupil Premium, Sports Premium, PE, Reading and Maths.

Neil Shackleton

I am a parent governor at Lawns Park. I have a child that attends Lawns Park. I think Lawns Park is an excellent primary school, delivering high quality learning opportunities both within, and outside, the classroom.

I believe that the first years of a child’s education are crucial to their later academic achievements and – just as importantly – to the development of social and other life skills. I feel passionately about primary school education. I work with energy and enthusiasm to help Lawns Park maintain its high standards, and meet future challenges. I am at the school grounds daily and I hope that I would be approachable and accessible to all parents and carers.

• Appointed: January 2018
• Term of Office: 4 years
• Appointed as parent Governor.
• Appointed by parents

• Business, Personal & Pecuniary Interests: None

• Meetings attended in 2023 - 2024: 100%

• Neil is a member of the following committees: Teaching and Learning, Pupil and Staff Welfare, Performance Management. Neil is also the Governor with responsibility for SEND, Equalities, Health and Safety, Well-being and Training.