Local Governing Body

Key roles:

Chair of the Local Governing Body: Dr Audrey Skidmore (from 28-11-2019)

Vice-Chair of the Local Governing Body: Mr Mike Finnigan (from 26-3-2020)

The constitution of the LGB is:

3 staff members

3 parent members

3 co-opted or community members

Terms of Reference

Former LAB members (within last 12 months)

4pm Thursday 29th September 2022

4pm Thursday 24th November 2022

4pm Thursday 26th January 2023

4pm Thursday 23rd March 2023

4pm Thursday 4th May 2023

4pm Thursday 6th July 2023

Audrey Skidmore - Parent Member & Chair

My name is Audrey Skidmore and although originally from France, I settled in the UK 13 years ago whilst undertaking graduate studies. After obtaining a doctorate from the University of Manchester and practising as a research scientist for over 4 years, I decided to focus on teaching in higher education. I now teach first and second year medical students at Keele University, where I am also charged with organising practical classes and clinical skills examinations. I am also a fellow of the Higher Education Academy (FHEA).

I am the proud mum of 2 boys who are currently happily attending Wistaston Church Lane Academy. They have come on leaps and bounds as individuals thanks to the inclusive, stimulating environment and fantastic staff at Wistaston Church Lane Academy. As a governor, I have a special interest in the wider curriculum: I am keen to ensure that our children develop a broad range of knowledge and skills, encompassing a variety of subjects, so they become well-rounded learners. I am excited to be a parent-governor and I am hoping to help Wistaston Church Lane Academy be the best that it can be, now and in the future, for the benefit of all the pupils and the wider community.
 

Mike Finnigan - Community member and Vice Chair

I was delighted to be co-opted onto the Governing Body of Wistaston Church Lane Academy in 2017 and to have subsequently accepted the role of Vice Chair. Although I'm not a "Wistonian" by birth or residence, I've had and continue to have close connections with the school and community for the past 30 years, both on a professional and also personal level.

Professionally I was a Primary School Head Teacher for 27 years, having experience of Headship in three very different Cheshire Primary Schools. After "official" retirement in 2007, I continued to work as a consultant in the recruitment and retention of senior leadership candidates including Head Teachers for Cheshire County Council and until 2016 was the Lead Primary Quality Assurance Tutor for a local Teacher Training Consortium of which I remain a Trustee. This role brought me great satisfaction and enhanced my experience in visiting and supporting teachers in training in a very wide range of schools in Cheshire, Merseyside and Greater Manchester, including Church Lane.

As a neighbouring Head Teacher, I worked closely with the school on a number of projects over 16 years and was always struck by the sense of community, the excellent staff commitment and the welcoming supportive ethos which the school provides for its young people.

On a personal level, when not out walking , touring in our caravan, "treading the boards" in Musical Theatre productions or playing in our ukulele band, I have a great interest in Lifelong Learning and Languages in particular , attempting  to improve my knowledge of French and French culture with Crewe and Nantwich U3A at Wistaston Memorial Hall.

The school has developed significantly over the past years and I look forward to being part of it's bright and exciting future, working with a highly committed Principal, Senior Leadership team, staff and Governor colleagues to ensure that the young people of Church Lane Academy have all the opportunities and experiences they deserve to enable them to achieve their dreams.