Our Governing Body

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Our Local Governing Body plays an important role in supporting and challenging the school to provide the best possible education for all pupils.

Governors work closely with the Headteacher, staff and the Trust Board as a critical friend. We work collaboratively to set ambitious goals, monitor progress and promote high standards across all aspects of school life. In partnership with the Trust Board, we are committed to securing the very best outcomes for every child in our school.

Governing Body Team

Helen Johnson
Chair of Local Governing Body

Helen Johnson

I’m Helen Johnson, and I am proud to serve as Chair of the Governing Body at Tyntesfield Primary School. My connection with Tyntesfield began in 2006 when my eldest daughter started in Nursery, and the school has been central to our family ever since. I first joined the governing body as a parent governor, later served as Vice Chair, and now have the privilege of leading as Chair. I also serve as Chair of Governors at Sale Grammar School, which gives me a broader perspective across phases and strengthens my commitment to excellence.

Being part of the Inspiring Learners Trust community is something I genuinely enjoy. The Trust’s collaborative ethos - schools learning from one another, sharing best practice, and placing children at the heart of every decision - mirrors my own approach to governance. Working alongside leaders and colleagues across the Trust, I’m focused on building strong, supportive relationships that help every child flourish.

 My professional background is in nursing, where I worked as an NHS ward sister before becoming a full time stay at home mum after the birth of my third child. That experience deeply shaped my values: care, compassion, and a commitment to wellbeing. I believe schools should be more than places of learning- they should be thriving communities where support and friendship are woven into daily life. Tyntesfield exemplifies this spirit, and as part of the Inspiring Learners Trust, we’re able to amplify it through shared expertise, high expectations, and a culture of inclusion.

I am proud that my priorities as Chair - inclusion, collaboration, high standards, and wellbeing - align closely with the Trust’s values. Together, we are building environments where pupils feel known, stretched, and supported; where staff are empowered to excel; and where families feel genuinely part of the journey.

Kate Poole
Co-opted Governor

Kate Poole

Hi, I’m Kate. I’m a co-opted Governor at Tyntesfield. I’ve one daughter who has completed her primary school journey through Tyntesfield, and another who is in Key Stage 2. 

Tyntesfield made a big impression on me even before my girls started. I met Kathryn Manion and, even now, I cannot think of another person who is so dedicated and devoted to their job (although her staff do give her a run for her money!) Her enthusiasm is infectious, and I couldn’t wait for my eldest to start at the school. When I was approached as someone who would meet a skill set gap on the governing board, I had to say yes. It’s a privilege to be able to contribute to the school as a governor and see how it continues to build on its successes. 

Outside of school, I work as a Solicitor at an international law firm, practising in and operationally managing our catastrophic and large loss injury insurance team. In my spare time, I enjoy baking, reading, running (slowly) and spending time with my wife and our two gorgeous girls.

Adanna Uzoigwe
Co-opted Governor

Adanna Uzoigwe

Hello, my name is Adanna. I am pleased to be a co-opted governor at Tyntesfield Primary School.

My history with Tyntesfield started in 2010 when both my boys started their year 1 and year 4 education respectively. I am pleased with the young men that they are and that is a huge testament to their time spent there.

I have worked in the Education sector for over 20 years as a Secondary school teacher and have experience in policy making, planning, budgeting and team building.  

I feel passionate about the role of education and how it can shape young people for the better. I live locally with my husband and children.

Ken Hunt
Co-opted Governor and Chair of Finance

Ken Hunt

I became a Governor in 2018 after my son started in Reception and I am now a co-opted governor, Chair of Resources Committee and Vice Chair of Governors.
I grew up in Northumberland, but my wife and I settled in Manchester after studying at the University. I work as a Chartered Accountant and Tax Adviser with M&S. Prior to working at M&S, I qualified as a solicitor working in tax litigation at PriceWaterhouseCoopers. When I can, I enjoy running with Sale Harriers.
I hope to help and be part of providing the best education to the children of Tyntesfield. Tyntesfield is a special place in our community and I’m very proud to be both a parent and a governor.

Stephanie Okey
Co-opted Governor

Stephanie Okey

Hi, I'm Steph, a co-opted Governor here at Tyntesfield Primary School.

I have 2 young children at Tyntesfield who have attended since 2021. My husband and I specifically moved into the area over 10 years ago due to the number of high achieving primary schools, Tyntesfield being our first choice.

With 18 years' experience in Interior Design and Architecture, spanning retail, commercial and residential sectors, I hope to bring a valuable and complementary skillset to the school.

I am delighted to have joined the Board of Governors to help contribute to the ongoing success of Tyntesfield. Through my employer's schools programme, I've previously volunteered in education, and I was passionate about continuing such work. Seeing firsthand the positive impact it has on our children, especially within a close-knit community like ours, has been incredibly rewarding.

Awais Alam
Co-opted Governor

Awais Alam

I feel very privileged to have been elected parent governor. Both of my children attend Tyntesfield Primary School and to say they thoroughly enjoy it, is an understatement! As an Associate Partner (for Slater Heelis Solicitors, Sale), having an eye for detail whilst at the same time understanding the wider picture is one of the skills I hope to bring to the governing body.

The governing body is a dedicated and enthusiastic team who work closely and collaboratively with the Trust Board to give the children the best possible opportunities to learn, to grow and achieve excellence. I am very excited about the opportunity that has been entrusted to me by my fellow parents, and I look forward to helping the school inspire a community of learners and leaders.

Sophie Knowles
Staff Governor

Sophie Knowles

I am proud to continue serving as Staff Governor at Tyntesfield Primary School while also working across two of the Trust’s full-time schools, including Tyntesfield. Over the past three and a half years, I have had the privilege of working closely with our children and families, and I am continually inspired by the warmth and sense of community here.

Since joining Tyntesfield, I have completed my SENDCo qualification and engaged in extensive professional development to ensure our SEND provision remains robust and tailored to every child. I am passionate about creating an inclusive environment where all children can thrive, with their happiness and well-being at the heart of everything we do. A key part of my role is ensuring that every child and family feels a true sense of belonging within our school community.
I am proud of the high-quality provision we offer for all pupils, and I work closely with staff to ensure that every child receives the support they need to reach their full potential.

Looking ahead, my goal is to ensure that every child continues to have the opportunity to thrive, building on our strong foundations and working in partnership with families to provide the very best opportunities for every learner.

Vicky Middlemast
Parent Governor

Vicky Middlemast

My sons started at Tyntesfield in September 2022 in reception and nursery, and we’ve been so impressed by everything Tyntesfield offers. I was delighted to have recently joined the Board of Governors as a parent Governor. Over the coming years, I hope to play a role in helping Tyntesfield continue to excel in the future. 

Working in roles in sales and marketing has given me varied experience and for the past five years, I’ve enjoyed working at Kellogg’s in Media City. I’m passionate about creating a positive culture and achieving success through bringing the right people together. 

I enjoy swimming in the pool with Trafford Metro through the year and I’ve also done a lot of open water swimming. 

Kathryn Manion
Headteacher/Governor

Kathryn Manion

I feel incredibly proud and privileged to be Headteacher of Tyntesfield Primary School and part of the Inspiring Learners Trust family. For me, education is about so much more than academic success - it’s about creating a safe, happy, and inspiring environment where every child feels valued and can thrive.

 With 16 years of senior leadership experience - including 10 years as a Headteacher and 6 years as a Deputy Head - I understand that great leadership is about creating the conditions for others to flourish and feel empowered. My extensive experience in safeguarding, curriculum development, and teaching and learning has shaped my approach and enables me to build an environment where every child thrives from the moment they join our school. At Tyntesfield, we celebrate curiosity, nurture resilience, and encourage ambition, ensuring that every child - and every member of staff - has the confidence and opportunities to reach their full potential. I am privileged to lead a dedicated team of staff and governors who share this vision and work tirelessly to make a meaningful difference together.
 
At the heart of my leadership is a values-based approach, where collaboration, integrity, and authenticity guide every decision and action. I believe strong relationships with families, staff, and the wider community are essential to building a culture of trust and shared ambition. Being part of Inspiring Learners is something I truly value as the Trust’s collaborative ethos - schools learning from one another, sharing best practice, and placing children at the heart of every decision -reflects and supports me in achieving everything I believe in. Working alongside passionate colleagues across the Trust, I embrace innovative opportunities that help every child and my staff to flourish.
 
Beyond my role at Tyntesfield, I’m committed to improving education for all children. I’m extremely proud to serve as a member of the Virtual School Governing Body, act as the primary representative for the Local Authority’s Ambition Board, and mentor fellow Headteachers. These roles allow me to share expertise and work collaboratively to make a real difference. I believe education is strongest when we work together. Inspiring Learners gives me the platform to collaborate, innovate, and create opportunities for every child to thrive - and I’m very proud and privileged to be part of that community.

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Our Role

The Governing Body is responsible for:

Setting the school’s strategic direction, policies and objectives
Monitoring the school budget
Reviewing progress and impact against school priorities
Appointing, supporting and constructively challenging senior leaders

How We Work

The Local Governing Body meets termly, usually in the evening. Much of the work is carried out through two termly committees:

Strategic Full Governing Body Meeting – curriculum, standards and pupil welfare/safeguarding
Operational Full Governing Body Meeting – staffing, safeguarding, finance, estates, and health and safety

Working in Partnership

Our Governors work closely with the Headteacher and school leaders to provide both support and challenge, ensuring the school continues to move forward and achieve the very best outcomes for all pupils.

In addition, Governors work in partnership with the Head of Trust, the Board of Trustees, and the Local Governing Bodies of our partner schools within the Trust. This collaborative approach enables a rich diversity of skills, experience and perspectives to be shared across the Trust. By working together, governors provide consistent support and constructive challenge, encourage a joined‑up approach to school improvement, and strengthen decision‑making across all schools. Governors also attend training to keep up to date with education and governance requirements.

This partnership ensures that best practice is shared, responsibilities are aligned and, most importantly, that the Trust works collectively to deliver the highest possible standards and opportunities for every child.

Link Governor Roles

Governors regularly visit the school to meet staff and pupils, helping us understand how the school is progressing and see learning in action. Every governor is a Link Governor, with responsibility for a specific area of school life. These roles strengthen communication between governors and staff and support effective oversight.

Link Governors:

Support high standards and school improvement
Work alongside staff in key areas
Help fulfil the Governing Body’s statutory responsibilities
Report back to governors to support informed decision‑making

Link Governor areas include:

Safeguarding
Pupil Performance
EYFS
SEND
School Development Plan priorities

Link Governors meet termly with their linked member of staff and report back at the next Governing Body meeting.

Types of Governor

Our Governing Body includes:

Community Governors
Parent Governors
Staff Governors

All governors have equal status and share collective responsibility for the success of the school.

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Our Governor Ambassadors

The Tyntesfield Ambassador role is a unique position created specifically at Tyntesfield, reflecting the strength of our school community and the value we place on long‑standing relationships. It is offered to long‑serving governors who, while stepping away from formal governance, wish to remain closely connected with the school. This role enables us to continue working with individuals whose experience, knowledge and commitment have made a lasting difference to our community.

We are delighted that John Bowhay and Jean Arnold who stepped down as governors in 2022, have continued their involvement with the school by taking on this ambassadorial role. Each has been an exceptionally valued member of the Tyntesfield community over many years. Collectively, they contributed over 80 years of dedicated service, and we are immensely grateful that they remain part of our school family.

Governor Ambassadors

Jean

Jean’s association with Tyntesfield also started as a parent and after all these years Jean is like stick of rock - cut her in half and Tyntesfield runs through her! Jean has been a constant warm and friendly presence over the years and we are certain she has ever missed a nativity or a school fair. In her role as a member of the previous Personnel Committee Jean has been involved in many recruitment panels but, most of all, Jean’s heart and passion has been for SEND and her dedication to the role of SEND governor was inspiring.

John

John’s association with Tyntesfield started when his children were at our school and he has never left! For many years he was the backbone of the Finance Committee and more recently Chair of the Resources Committee and has always been a source of wisdom and advice and been an amazing support over the years.