Ingram Road Governors - Introductions

Mrs Deryn Porter – Chair of Governors

I’d like to introduce myself. My name is Deryn Porter and I am the Chair of Governors at Ingram Road Primary School.

I was brought up in a tiny village in Wales called Talgarreg and I am bi-lingual in Welsh and English, although English is my first language. My family moved to Talgarreg when I was 11 years old and I only spoke English at the time but everyone in the village spoke Welsh. This experience has given me a real insight into what it is like to be surrounded by people who are speaking a language you don’t understand and I have always used this insight in my job as a teacher. I feel privileged to have had an opportunity to learn Welsh as I believe that our mother tongue, whatever it is, is a key part of our culturally heritage and should be treasured.

I have worked in many high schools in Leeds, teaching English, since the mid-eighties: John Smeaton, Wortley High School, Farnley Park, Swallow Hill and Mount St Mary’s; so, if you think I have taught you, do say hello.

One of the things I love about living in Leeds is the diversity of our city where it is possible to meet people from all over the world. Over the generations, members of my own family have worked in India, the United States, South Africa and New Zealand and, at the moment, both my sons live and work in Australia. I am looking forward to hearing all about your families and where they come from.

Since I retired a few years ago, I have been on the governing body at Cobden Primary school and have enjoyed this so much I decided to join the governing body at Ingram Road. I wasn’t sure about taking on the role of Chair at first but since meeting Mrs Millard and some of her staff (one of whom identified herself as an ex-pupil!) and seeing round the school and seeing the children hard at work, I found myself saying yes. I am really looking forward to working with you all.

Mrs Jean Birch - Co-Opted Governor

I have been a governor at Ingram Road school for many years. Previously I had been a governor and Chair of Governors at 2 other South Leeds primary schools but I particularly wanted to get involved at Ingram Road when my church, Holbeck Christian Fellowship, met at the school for several years.

In my professional life I was a teacher/advisor with responsibility for literacy and I ran a project to improve reading in inner city schools, so naturally I was happy to have oversight as a governor for literacy at Ingram Road and I have made many enjoyable visits to speak with the staff and observe lessons.

As part of my commitment to the school and the area I represent Ingram Road school on the “Voice of Holbeck” group. This is a voluntary group made up of representatives from various organisations in Holbeck. It’s purpose is to make Holbeck a better and safer place for people to live and work. To this end the group meets council officials, councillors for the area and police to discuss issues raised by residents. I think it’s important that the parents and staff of the school can bring any concerns or suggestions they have and I can raise them at the meetings. In this way we can work together to make Holbeck a good place for the pupils at Ingram Road.

Catherine Peacock - Co-Opted Governor

I work for Kidz Klub Leeds as the Community Pastoral Worker for Holbeck. As part of this role, I run after school clubs in Holbeck, visit families at home, lead assemblies at Ingram Road and other local schools and am involved in lots of other activities helping the children of our community be the best they can be. I live locally and am involved in many community activities in Holbeck and Beeston and attend Mosaic Church. Before moving to Leeds in 2016, I worked in China for 13 years as an English teacher and I speak Mandarin Chinese.  

Alan Lane - Co-Opted Governor

One of the favourite things I do is being a Governor at Ingram Road Primary School. I never fail to be surprised by how creative and energetic the children at the school are.

When I’m not doing that I am the Artistic Director of Slung Low- a theatre company in Holbeck. We run two venues here too which are Pay What You Decide.

I am also a Reservist with the Royal Engineers so I spend some of the year being a soldier as a Troop Commander helping building things and put bridges up.

I have a 7 year old son, David and a dog called Bolt.

Howard Metcalf - Co-Opted Governor

Business owner, family man, passionate Leeds Utd and Yorkshire CCC supporter but would watch Leeds tiddlywinks team if there was one. Music loving guitar player. Howard has spent the last 20 years making a difference to the built and social environments in the communities in which he has lived and worked, including the international cities of Tripoli, Libya and Cairo, Egypt. Howard is part of a team that runs a Project Management company based in Leeds and supports the delivery of complex construction and development schemes. He is passionate about his home city of Leeds and it is the thought of improving the city he loves and making sure it remains the best city in the world that gets him out of bed in the morning, that and his children who love nothing more that disturbing a lie-in! 

Howard has well established links with the communities of Holbeck and Beeston. Howard's Mum worked as a teacher locally for many years and his appreciation of the impact him Mum had on the community along with his commitment to making a difference in Leeds means he is proud to have been given the opportunity to be a governor at Ingram Road and support the amazing work that goes on within the school. 

Joanna Resnick - Co-Opted Governor

I am the Executive Producer for Slung Low, a theatre company based in Holbeck. We make large scale people’s theatre shows and films and run two Pay What You Decide arts and community venues in Holbeck. 

I come from a family of teachers and love learning new things. I am currently learning to speak Polish.   My favourite subjects at school were Maths and Science. I am delighted to be the lead governor for Science and chair for the Resources Committee which oversees the money, building and people at the school.

Claire Holmes - Co-Opted Governor

I am the Operations and Community Engagement Officer at Holbeck Together and have been with the organisation since 2011.

I have studied Health and Social Care 2 and 3, Leadership and Management Level 5 and most recently completed a Level 6 in Business Management and Leadership, securing a BaHons Degree. My role involves line management of the Community Engagement and Wellbeing Development workers within Holbeck Together, providing support and advice to people of the community, all ages, who are socially isolated, or in crisis, enabling them to meet their physical health, mental health and cultural needs in order to live a healthy, fulfilling life. I support, alongside the community engagement team, people with a range of things, from benefits to housing, education or job skills, as well as signposting/ referring them to other services. I manage day to day operations within the office and St Matthews community Centre. Leading on the Health and safety of the organisation and its services. I am also the Safeguarding lead at Holbeck Together.

When I am not working, I like to see friends, go for walks with my husband and dog, Bailey. My children are growing up, with one away at University, and my son plays grass roots Rugby, which takes up many a Sunday morning.

When I was asked to be a Governor of Ingram Road I felt extremely privileged to be working alongside the school and all the other governors, who have a wealth of knowledge and experience. Holbeck Together’s vision is to Empower people to make Holbeck one of the best places, to Thrive work and play, and what better way to help achieve this than been in the heart of the community in a local primary school, supporting parents a children to have the best support networks possible to help them thrive in life.

Michaela Pratt - LEA Governor

I am a primary school teacher with over 15 years’ experience working in a number of schools, most recently in Leeds and Wakefield. During my career, I have developed a particular interest in the teaching of maths and supporting pupils with special educational needs. I have also worked as a Specialist Leader of Education in which I helped other teachers to develop their classroom practice and leadership skills. I have recently completed an NPQ in leading teaching and have a master’s degree in Educational Leadership and Management. These varied roles and settings have provided an invaluable breath of experience which I hope to use in my role as a governor. I believe that schools have an important role in offering a range of experiences in order to help pupils discover their passions and realise their full potential.

When I am not at work, I love to read and spend time with my family exploring new places. I am a keen musician and enjoy playing the flute and singing as well as attending concerts.

Gloria Tachie - Parent Governor

My name is Gloria and I am a mum of 5. I work as a customer service officer for the Council after many years as an office administrator. I love spending any free time with my family especially Sundays in church.

I took the opportunity to become a school governor as soon as I was informed about it and I am glad I did. It is an honour and a great privilege to be part of the governing board.

All my children attend Ingram Road Primary School and it’s reassuring to see them eager to go to school each morning.

My family has been greatly supported by the school since we moved in Leeds 6 years ago and by taking this role I’m hoping to give something back.

Years back my husband took his first Math and English ESOL classes at Ingram Road which gave him the confidence to do functional skills, then GCSE and finally a level 3 diploma as HGV technician.

I myself got my current job thanks to the much appreciated help of Michelle from the office. Every time I have had to go to the office with a query or seek for help the staff was always available and of great help.

In these years have witnessed the great improvement in the school especially curriculum wise.

I joined the governing board because the school really plays a central role in my family’s life. I hope to be of help to the parents especially those with the language barrier and to contribute to the further improvement of the school.

Laura King - Parent Governor

My name is Laura. I am a parent to 8 children, currently expecting my 9th in November. As well as being a parent I also work part time as a cleaner in my spare time. I enjoy doing arts and crafts and attend my children's football matches with Holbeck MoorJFC which is good for the children of the community and my children love attending.

I decided to become a parent school governor as I have faced challenges in life and the staff at Ingram road helped me throughout. They have been brilliant with my children and helped them in the best possible way and catered for each of their needs. Now I want to show my gratitude and help them. I want to be the voice of other parents if they are not able to express their own  concerns , just as I, myself a few years ago, was afraid of doing. Now I want to help the school and  help the parents, as well as the children, to keep growing.