Our Governing Body

	Mrs Nina Tomlinson - Chair of Governors Local Authority Governor To contact Mrs Tomlinson please call the school office
Appointed by:	Local Authority
Term of office:	15th March 2025 to 14th March 2029
Committees:	Resources Curriculum and Standards/Pupil Welfare Complaints Committee Appraisal Committee Pupil Discipline Committee
Other responsibilities:	Chair of Governors SEN & Child Protection Governor Online Safety History
Relevant business interests:	None
Membership of other educational establishments:	None
Interests and experience related to school governance:	I am the Chair of the Governors and have been a member of the governing body since 2017. My working life has been in the Health Service where I was a senior ward sister at The Royal Preston Hospital. I have lived in Penwortham most of my life and my children have attended local schools. My grandson was a pupil at Middleforth and I became a volunteer helper with a specialist interest in reading which is a role I still enjoy today. I continue to be impressed with the caring and nurturing attitudes in school and the dedication of all staff which enables the children to receive a high quality education with encompassing Christian values.
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?	For the last six years I have been a Volunteer Helper within the school. This role has included a special interest in reading with KS1 children. I have continued to be impressed by the caring and nurturing attitudes in school and dedication of the staff to enable children to receive a high standard of education.

	Mrs Laraine Southwell Vice - Chair of Governors Local Authority Governor
Appointed by:	Blackburn Diocese
Term of office:	10th October 2023 to 9th October 2027
Committees:	Resources Curriculum and Standards/Pupil Welfare Pay Committee Pupil Discipline Committee
Other responsibilities:	Vice-Chair of Governors EYFS Outdoor Learning inc Forest School Music
Relevant business interests:	None
Membership of other educational establishments:	None
Interests and experience related to school governance:	As a retired infant teacher I have a lot of experience which I can use to support school both as a volunteer in the classroom and as a governor.
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?	As an active member of St Leonard's Church I was asked if I was interested in becoming a governor. I am very keen to foster and maintain the excellent relationship between Church and school.

	Mrs Nicola Pilkington Headteacher
Appointment:	Ex Officio
Term of office:	1st January 2022
Committees:	Resources Curriculum and Standards/Pupil Welfare
Other responsibilities:	Headteacher roles and responsibilities including PREVENT & Mental Health
Relevant business interests:	None
Membership of other educational establishments:	Ex Officio St Michaels C of E High School, Chorley

	Ms Elizabeth McKay - Co-opted Governor
Appointed by:	Governing Body
Term of office:	13th November 2021 to 12th November 2025
Committees:	Curriculum and Standards/Pupil Welfare
Other responsibilities:	English Phonics Curriculum
Relevant business interests:	None
Membership of other educational establishments:	Water Primary School (Assistant Headteacher)
Interests and experience related to school governance:	I am currently the Headteacher of a small primary school in Lancashire, a position I have held for the past four years, however I have worked at my current school for 15 years. Throughout my career, I have remained passionate about education and dedicated to fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment for all pupils. In addition to my role as Headteacher, I have served as a governor at my own school for 14 years. This experience has provided me with valuable insights into school governance, strategic planning, and the importance of effective leadership in driving school improvement.
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?	I have been interested in expanding my experience as a governor by contributing to another school for some time. When I became aware of the vacancy at Middleforth, I took the opportunity to learn more about the school and was impressed by its welcoming ethos and strong sense of community. Middleforth’s positive reputation and commitment to providing high-quality education resonated with my own values and aspirations as an educator. I am excited by working with the governing body as well as working with staff and the wider school community to support the school’s ongoing development and success.

	Mrs Emma Wear - Parent Governor
Appointed by:	Parents
Term of office:	3rd November 2020 to 27th October 2028 (re-elected October 2024)
Committees:	Resources
Other responsibilities:	Maths
Relevant business interests:	None
Membership of other educational establishments:	None
Interests and experience related to school governance:	I am a Chartered Accountant and have worked within finance for over 15 years. I support senior management understand financial information to help inform decision making. I enjoy visiting the school each week and supporting Mr Noblet with the library. I strongly believe that reading unlocks the whole curriculum; we should encourage children to access all types of books and develop a love of reading.
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?	I have two daughters attending Middleforth, and applied for the parent governor role as I have a skill set to offer support to the Governing Body. I had a very happy childhood as a Middleforth pupil, and delighted I can now help our school continue to offer an excellent space for children to thrive.

	Mr Joe Noblet Staff Governor
Appointed by:	Staff
Term of office:	24th January 2022 to 23rd January 2026
Committees:	Curriculum and Standards/Pupil Welfare
Other responsibilities:	None
Relevant business interests:	None
Membership of other educational establishments:	None
Interests and experience related to school governance:	I am currently in my fourth year of Primary Teaching and enrolled on my NPQLT (National Professional Qualification in Leading Teaching).
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?	I love teaching/working at Middleforth and feel as though it is the suitable time to progress in my career, as well as being able to represent the staff at the school. As a school, Middleforth has supported me in developing further as an individual, and when the opportunity to become a governor arose, I had to take it! I look forward to understanding how a Governor can influence a school and learn from others already on the governing body.

	Rev Simon King - Foundation Governor (St Leonard's Church)
Appointed by:	Blackburn Diocese
Term of office:	19th June 2025 to 18th June 2026
Committees:	Resources Appraisal Committee
Other responsibilities:
Relevant business interests:
Membership of other educational establishments:
Interests and experience related to school governance:
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?

	Vacancy - Foundation Governor
Appointed by:	Governing Body
Term of office:
Committees:
Other responsibilities:
Relevant business interests:	None
Membership of other educational establishments:	None
Interests and experience related to school governance:
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?

	Mark Woods - Parent Governor
Appointed by:	Parents
Term of office:	31st March 2025 to 30th March 2029
Committees:
Other responsibilities:
Relevant business interests:	N/A
Membership of other educational establishments:	N/A
Interests and experience related to school governance:	I am a parent of three children currently attending the school and have a strong personal investment in the continued success and development of our school community. Professionally, I have worked as a sales professional in the health and safety sector for the past 15 years and I hold an IOSH Managing Safely qualification. My career has given me valuable experience in communication, compliance, and supporting organisations to create safer, more effective working environments.
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?	As a parent of three children at the school, I care deeply about the environment they learn in. I’ve always been grateful for the support, encouragement, and dedication shown by the staff. Becoming a governor felt like a meaningful way to give something back. I want to help ensure that all children continue to have the best possible start in life and that school is somewhere they feel safe, supported, and inspired to reach their potential.

	Mrs Emma Castle - Parent Governor
Appointed by:	Parents
Term of office:	29th January 2024 to 28th January 2028
Committees:	Resources Curriculum and Standards/Pupil Welfare

Relevant business interests:
Membership of other educational establishments:
Interests and experience related to school governance:
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?

	Rachael Hickson - Parent Governor
Appointed by:	Parents
Term of office:	31st March 2025 to 30th March 2029
Committees:
Other responsibilities:	Forest School/OPAL Play and Outdoor Education Online Safety
Relevant business interests:
Membership of other educational establishments:
Interests and experience related to school governance:	I have lived in Penwortham all my life and feel very lucky to now have two children at Middleforth Primary School. I love spending time outdoors and enjoy encouraging children to be curious, adventurous and to explore the world around them. I decided to become a school governor because I want to give something back to the school and support the fantastic work that the staff do every day. I’m passionate about helping our children to learn, grow and thrive, and I’ll do my very best to support the school, staff, children and families in any way I can.
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?	I was inspired to become a governor after seeing first-hand how wonderful the school is and how much my children have grown since joining Middleforth. The care, encouragement and support they’ve received has been invaluable. By joining the governing body, I hope to play a small part in supporting the school, its staff, children and families, and to give something back to both the school and the local community.

	Mrs Susan Dabell - Foundation Governor

Term of office:	4th July 2024 to 3rd July 2028
Committees:	Curriculum and Standards/Pupil Welfare
Other responsibilities:	Modern Foreign Languages Religious Education
Relevant business interests:	None
Membership of other educational establishments:	None
Interests and experience related to school governance:	I am a retired teacher who has taught at Middleforth Primary School for 15 years. For much of that time I taught RE and French to all classes in the school. I would be delighted to use my enthusiasm and experience to support our school.
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?	As an active member of St Leonard’s Church and a former member of the teaching staff at Middleforth Primary School I was asked if I would be interested in becoming a governor at the school. I have held a keen interest in the school for many years as both my children are former pupils. I would be delighted to foster and maintain the excellent relationship between St Leonard’s Church and the school upholding the welcoming Christian ethos.

	Mr Tim Young - Co-opted Governor
Appointed by:	Governing Body
Term of office:	13th November 2024 to 12th November 2028
Committees:	Resources Curriculum and Standards/Pupil Welfare Pupil Discipline Committee Pay Committee
Other responsibilities:	Training link Governor Geography More able
Relevant business interests:	Railway Mission - Company SecretaryTravel Watch - Director
Membership of other educational establishments:	Community Governor & Link Governor at Howick CE Primary School (07041)
Interests and experience related to school governance:	Governor at the above school since 2003
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?	Very impressed with the school on recent visits, especially to judge ‘Penwortham In Bloom’ , so when I knew there was a vacancy, I offered and was accepted.

	Mrs Caroline Boughey - Co-opted Governor
Appointed by:	Governing Body
Term of office:	14th June 2021 to 13th June 2025
Committees:	Resources Curriculum and Standards/Pupil Welfare
Other responsibilities:	Health and Safety PPG
Relevant business interests:	None
Membership of other educational establishments:	None
Interests and experience related to school governance:	I have been School Business Manager at Middleforth since 2019 and enjoy being involved in all areas of school life.
What made you decide to become a governor at Middleforth?	As Business Manager my work is very relevant to the Resources Committee (Finance and Buildings, Health and Safety), and being a Governor is an excellent opportunity to work closely together on key stategic decisions.