Meet the Governors

'Staff told us that leaders support their well-being as well as ensuring that their workload is manageable' 'The arrangements for safeguarding are effective. There is a very strong culture of safeguarding in the school.' (January 2020)

Tom Jackson - Chair of Governors

Tom is a Co-opted Governor. He is a qualified accountant and  has 30+ years of service for the NHS, half of which is at Director level. Other interests include being Chair of Liverpool St Helens Rugby Club and Chair of a local charity, St Helens Autism Support. As a parent with special needs children, Tom is committed to ensuring his skills and experiences, along with those of fellow governors, can contribute to making Lansbury Bridge an outstanding school.

Nichola Moorcroft - Vice-Chair of Governors/CEIAG Governor

Nichola is a highly skilled School Improvement Advisor and currently works for St Helens Local Authority. Nichola has worked across many education sectors and has previously been a Vice-Chair of Governors in a Primary School. Nichola has experience in leading Quality of Education and has written educational programmes for children with SEND for the charity sector.

Tom Howard - LA Representative

Tom is Head of Service for Early Years and TESSA (Triage for all Education, Specialist Support and Advice) for St Helens Council and has previously been Interim Head of Service for SEND and Inclusion stepping up from his post of Head of SEND (0-25). Tom is trained in Speech and Language Therapy, is a qualified Makaton Tutor and has experience of many programmes that are supportive of SEND across the country. He has had a good working relationship with Lansbury Bridge since he joined St Helens Council in 2017. 

Carole Austin - Headteacher

Mrs Austin has been the Headteacher of Lansbury Bridge School since January 2022. The Headteacher is a member of the Governing Body.

Jenny Crawford - Co-Opted Governor/Pupil Premium Governor

I am retired and whilst I have no knowledge of the working in the education sector I am looking forward to my association with Lansbury Bridge School and hope to use the skills and  knowledge I gained when working for the benefit of all who are involved in this wonderful school. 

Marie Garnett - Parent Governor

As a parent carer, my journey is rooted in a commitment to supporting children with special educational needs. I'm not just a parent; I'm an advocate for the success of Lansbury, driven by my daughter's attendance at the school. The triumph of her, children like her, families like ours, and Lansbury as a whole. I appreciate the hard work that goes into running the school and recognise how complex that can be. It's not just a role; it's about asking questions that truly matter for our pupils and the school as a whole.  I'm dedicated to helping create an inclusive and supportive learning environment.

Gill Golden - Parent Governor

I am passionate about giving every child the opportunity to be the best version of themselves possible. I believe this should be in an environment which is inclusive, supportive and safe. I am a qualified teacher who has been able to widen my knowledge and skills working in industry. I am committed to using this experience to support the children, parents and staff of this exceptional school.

Shannon Hill - Co-Opted Governor/Safeguarding Governor

I am passionate about the well being of the children and feel whilst they may have a disability this shouldn’t effect nor restrict them from gaining their full potential with the correct support. I am thankful to the school for all they have done and feel I can help to support the school in various of ways. I am trust worthy, passionate and my background is health and social care. I am not afraid to stand up for what I believe to be right. I currently volunteer for SENDreform which are currently fighting for a change in the SEN system and to secure much needed funding and extra spaces to grow with the demand on the service. Lansbury Bridge will forever hold a huge part of my heart, the school helped my son go from existing to living his best life. I am PSA accredited and currently advocate for families who are trying to access support all the way to tribunal. 

Gemma Lea - Co-Opted Governor

Gemma has previously been a Parent Governor on the 27th September 2019 and became a Co-opted Governor in July 2023. Gemma has enjoyed working as a primary school teacher in a local mainstream school for the past 16 years. She is looking forward to helping Lansbury Bridge be the best possible place for our children to attend. 

Nicky Monk - Co-Opted Governor/Governor Forum Representative

Becoming a School Governor is a deeply personal decision that stems from a passion for education and the wellbeing of students. Nicky believes that education is the cornerstone of a prosperous society and that every child deserves the opportunity to receive a high-quality education tailored to their educational needs. Nicky is keen to contribute her skills and expertise to support the school in developing educational initatives, fostering a culture of continuous improvement and helping provide the students with the tools they need to thrive in an ever-changing and challenging world. Nicky has experience in Health & Safety and is part of a number of local community groups.

John Waszek - Co-Opted Governor

John served as Principal of St Edwards College, Liverpool for 24 years securing 7 outstanding Ofsted inspections during this time designating them as 'exempt' from inspections by the DfE. John joined St Helens LA as a School Improvement Advisor in 2016 before undertaking the role of Principal of Rydal Penrhos School in North Wales for 4 years and has recently returned to his role with St Helens LA. John has a keen interest in sports including football and rugby. He was appointed Non-Executive Director of Royal Liverpool Children's Hospital (Alder Hey) following the organ retention revelations and has served as Chair of Governors of St Aidan's Primary School, Huyton.

Sharon Webster - Staff Governor

Sharon has worked for the council for 31 years, she has been a member of staff since the school opened working as a level 3 TA until the last 9 years when she became a HLTA, she is the Moving and Handling lead, Communication lead, provides outreach training to schools in the local area and provides Learning Through Play Sessions in Little Lansbury. Sharon is very proud to work at Lansbury Bridge School; she feels all children should be encouraged to be as independent as possible, have a voice to make choices and decisions, be happy and reach their full potential. As a governor she will endeavour to support the school, staff and of course the children to the best of her abilities. 

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