Governor Biographies

Helen Nurse– Chair of Governors -­Parent Governor

Helen has been involved with Statham Primary as a parent since 2011. She is an active member of the PTA and has been a governor for the past 3 years. She enjoys working on the governing board with the staff and community and being part of such a strong, vibrant and positive school community which provides a first rate primary education experience to the children who attend the school. Having been part of the school for the last 10 years means she has a good understanding of the school ethos and values. She is not afraid to ask challenging questions or bring information and feedback from parents and the wider community to the attention of the governing body for exploration and consideration. Helen runs her own business in media and children’s events and works a lot in the field of children’s education and entertainment so she brings creativity and excellent communication skills to the role. Helen is the link governor to The Beam Trust. 

Simon Howarth – Vice-Chair of Governors – Parent Governor

Simon is currently Head of Department (ICT and Computing) at an outstanding secondary school in Macclesfield where he manages a successful team and delivers a curriculum which students find exciting and engaging. Prior to teaching, Simon worked for ten years in the IT industry as a Developer for a global finance company. His work in industry has given im an insight into changing work roles, and the need for schools to adapt to prepare children for the future and for jobs which don’t yet exist. He has enormous drive and passion for excellence and a strong understanding of academic aspects of learning. He greatly values the importance of the wider curriculum, fitness and wellbeing at school. Simon is the link governor for Curriculum.

Liz Simmons - Co-opted Governor

Liz is passionate about education and particularly the education of those with challenging starting points. She lives in Warrington but works in Salford and is keen to support Warrington children as well those she currently works with. The senior leadership role she holds at her school has given her great experience in strategic planning and delivering school improvement. She is part of the leadership team that took her school from ‘Good’ to ‘Outstanding’ when inspected in 2016. She is a caring and compassionate person who believes that the views of all should be considered whilst recognising that pleasing all is not always possible. She has a wide ranging skill set suited to an aspirational school like ours. Liz is the link governor for Safeguarding and Inclusion.

Emma Thompson

Emma was appointed as staff governor in July 2023. She has responsibility for The Arts at Statham and both of her children attend the school.

Tim Beardmore

Tracy Kinsella