Our Local Governing Board
Mrs Jean Hinkley - Appointed Governor, Chair of Governors - until 2025
Governor since 2009, term ends 31st August 2027
"I have lived in Walmersley most of my life and I have had a connection with Springside school for many years. My daughter attended the school following the amalgamation of Hillside CPS and Walmersley CPS during which time I was a parent governor. My experience is in health and safety and I maintained a link with the school during my career with Bury Council.
Following my retirement in 2009 I became a governor of the school and I have been able to use my skills and knowledge to advise on matters of health and safety.
I became Chair of Governors in November 2014."
"I am a chair of the School Effectiveness Committee, the link Governor for Safeguarding, Child Protection and have a responsibility for Governor Development. I have attended 3/3 full Governing Board Meetings, and 1/1 School Effectiveness Committee meeting in the last 12 months."
"I have read the document entitled 'Register of pecuniary or business interests' and I declare I do not have any interests which may conflict with my duties as a Governor of school. I agree in the event of any interests arising after making this declaration I will declare to the Governing Board such interests."
Miss Gill Thornicroft - Headteacher
"I have over 25 years experience in teaching and I have taught in all year groups from reception to year 6. I have recently moved to Bury from an outstanding school in Rochdale where I was Acting Head Teacher and Special Needs Co-ordinator.
I have been teaching for about 25 years. I spent my newly qualified years, in Oldham where I was a Science co-ordinator. I then moved to a school in Rochdale to co-ordinate Science and Assessment. I very quickly became interested in becoming a Senior Leader so I moved to another Rochdale school where I was Deputy Headteacher and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator (SENDCO) for 12 years. I came to Springside as Headteacher as I was really interested in supporting both children and families to get the best out of their time at this school. In my spare time I enjoy taking my two nephews out on day trips and I enjoy Zumba classes."
"I am a member of the School Effectiveness Committee. I have attended 3/3 full Governing Board Meetings and 1/1 School Effectiveness Committee meeting in the last 12 months."
"I have read the document entitled 'Register of pecuniary or business interests' and I declare I do not have any interests which may conflict with my duties as a Governor of school. I agree in the event of any interests arising after making this declaration I will declare to the Governing Board such interests."
Mrs Michelle Pearson - Appointed Governor
Governor since February 2009, term ends 31st August 2027
"I am a member of the non-teaching Staff in school. This is my third term as a Governor, having been a Staff Governor previously."
"I am a member of the School Effectiveness Committee . I have attended 3/3 full Governing Board Meetings and 1/1 School Effectiveness Committee meetings in the last 12 months."
"I have read the document entitled 'Register of pecuniary or business interests' and I declare I do not have any interests which may conflict with my duties as a Governor of school. I agree in the event of any interests arising after making this declaration I will declare to the Governing Board such interests."
Mrs Margaret McDonald - Appointed Governor
Governor since 18th October 2016, Term ends 17th October 2024
"I am a retired teacher. Many years of my career were spent in special education. Since moving to Bury, I have been involved in helping at my church. I felt I would like to help my local community and Springside school is virtually on my doorstep. I am hoping my past experience and qualifications can be put to good use in helping all children to achieve their potential within the education system. I have completed the induction programme. I will be a link Governor for writing and reading. These are two areas in which I have completed research as part of a degree course and as part of a certificate in special educational needs. I am looking forward to the challenge of being a Governor."
"I am a member of the School Effectiveness Committee and a link governor for English and Attendance. I have attended 3/3 full Governing Board Meetings and 1/1 School Effectiveness Committee meetings in the last 12 months."
"I have read the document entitled 'Register of pecuniary or business interests' and I declare I do not have any interests which may conflict with my duties as a Governor of school. I agree in the event of any interests arising after making this declaration I will declare to the Governing Board such interests."
Mrs Katherine Brooks - Appointed Governor - Vice Chair - until 2025
Governor since 19th May 2013, term ends 20th May 2025
"I was a Parent Governor for two terms and since my daughter left Springside, I have become a co-opted Governor. I became a Governor in order to give something back to the local community and to learn more about the education system. My experience is in communications, customer service and energy efficiency, working with individuals, community groups and professional organizations. I have also worked in school as a lunchtime supervisor and on website maintenance as well as volunteering to read with children in Year 1. I live in the neighbourhood and represent both parents and neighbours."
"I am a member of the School Effectiveness Committee and the link Governor for Maths and have a responsibility for Governor Development . I have attended 3/3 full Governing Board Meetings, 1/1 School Effectiveness Committee in the last 12 months."
"I have read the document entitled 'Register of pecuniary or business interests' and I declare I do not have any interests which may conflict with my duties as a Governor of school. I agree in the event of any interests arising after making this declaration I will declare to the Governing Board such interests."
Mr Rob Daniels - Parent Governor
Governor since 27th March 2023, Term ends 26th March 2027
"I am currently Head of Estates for a Multi-Academy Trust in which I look after various aspects of multiple schools, ranging from primary to secondary education. In my role I am also the Trust Lead for Health and Safety. "
"I am a link governor for Health and Safety. I have attended 2/3 full Governing Board Meetings, 1/1 School Effectiveness Committee in the last 12 months"
"I have read the document entitled 'Register of pecuniary or business interests' and I declare I do not have any interests which may conflict with my duties as a Governor of school. I agree in the event of any interests arising after making this declaration I will declare to the Governing Board such interests."
Mrs Joanne Clee - Appointed Governor
Appointed Governor since 13th July 2023, Term ends 12th July 2027
"I am an Assistant Head teacher and SENCO and am also the Chair of the SENCOs Roundtable across Prestolee Multi Academy Trust. I have been working within education for twenty years and have a specific focus on ensuring that every child receives a high quality education that will prepare them with the knowledge and skills to fulfil their potential – regardless of their background or barriers. I am keen to empower our future leaders and value the voice of all stakeholders within every primary school".
"I have a range of knowledge, skills and experience that I believe will benefit Springside primary School and the families they serve: I have moderated writing across a range of schools; I have taught all classes across the primary phase; I am a Community Lead and have effectively made links within that local area; I am member of the SACRE Bolton Board and have successfully lead a range of core and foundation subjects across primary schools".
"Whilst I am new to Springside’s governance, I have been a staff governor upon a highly effective board of governors. This has given me a full understanding of the responsibilities of a governor in overseeing the management of schools and in enabling schools to run as effectively as possible. I am keen to become an active member of the governance at Springside and look forward to all aspects of the role".
"I am a link governor for SEND and Curriculum. I have attended 2/3 full Governing Board Meetings, in the last 12 months"
"I have read the document entitled 'Register of pecuniary or business interests' and I declare I do not have any interests which may conflict with my duties as a Governor of school. I agree in the event of any interests arising after making this declaration I will declare to the Governing Board such interests."
Miss Emma Mullineux - Teaching Staff Governor
Elected 12th November 2020, term ends 11th November 2024
I am the Key Stage 1 Lead and Reading and Writing lead at Springside.
"I am the Staff Governor and a member of the School Effectiveness Committee. I have attended 0 full Governing Board Meetings in the last 12 months."
"I have read the document entitled 'Register of pecuniary or business interests' and I declare I do not have any interests which may conflict with my duties as a Governor of school. I agree in the event of any interests arising after making this declaration I will declare to the Governing Board such interests."
Mr Ben Connor, Deputy Headteacher - Associate Governor
"I have been teaching for over a decade and have taught most year groups in school, although most of my experience in in Lower Key Stage 2. Before joining Springside as Deputy Head I taught in Primary schools in Bolton and Rochdale. My previous role was as a Senior Leader, leading on Curriculum and English amongst other roles, having led nearly every curriculum subject at various points in my career.
Outside of school, my main hobbies revolve around music. I have achieved music grades in piano, flute and singing as well as playing guitar and drums in orchestras and rock bands over the years. In school, I have led award-winning choirs and been involved in supporting orchestras and instrumental groups. I also enjoy spending time with my family and our labrador, Rufus."
"I am an associate Governor and attend any meetings when invited by the main Governing Board. I have attended 3/3 full Governing Board Meetings in the last 12 months. I am invited to attend these meetings and do not have any voting rights."
Mrs Tracey Wynn - Associate Governor
"I am an associate Governor and attend any meetings when invited by the main Governing Board. I have attended 0 full Governing Board Meetings and 0 School Improvement Committee meetings in the last 12 months. I am invited to attend these meetings and do not have any voting rights."
Governors who have served in the last 12 months
Mrs Amy Edwards
Elected 1st December 2022, Resigned 31st August 2024
" I have attended 1/3 full Governing Board Meetings and 0 School Effectiveness Committee meetings in the last 12 months."
"I have read the document entitled 'Register of pecuniary or business interests' and I declare I do not have any interests which may conflict with my duties as a Governor of school. I agree in the event of any interests arising after making this declaration I will declare to the Governing Board such interests."