Governors at Ashton Hayes

Mr James Lutton

I have been on the governing board for a number of years and have recently taken over as Chair whilst also supporting the resources committee.

My background as a chartered surveyor gives me a broad range of experiences in property/finance and business industries across a range of sectors and look forward to being able to use my skills at the school.

I live in Ashton with my wife (who was raised in the village) and two small children, which means I’m not left with much spare time! 

Mrs Ann Lowry

Role: Co-opted Governor
Committees: Curriculum Committee 
Subject Link: EYFS
Link for: Outdoor learning

I was appointed a community governor in 2012 and have taken on a wide range of governor roles including Chair of Governors.
Being a governor has allowed me to give something back to the community, to help make a difference and, to ensure pupils receive the best education possible by raising and maintaining the standards and performance of the school by supporting the headteacher and staff.  I am enthusiastic and committed  and care about the educational attainment of all our pupils.  

My background was in event organising, primarily within the motor sport industry, therefore, I believe I am a good 'team player', which can be useful on committees. 

Since becoming a governor I have volunteered in school on a regular basis and during my term of office I have assisted on school residential visits to Burwardsley, Tattenhall, Condover and Ironbridge.

Mr Martin Willis

Role: Local Authority Governor, Vice Chair of Governors
Committees: Resources committee
Headteacher Performance Committee 
Subject link for: Science, PE and PSHCE

I moved to Ashton Hayes in 2017 with my wife, repatriating after 7 years in Singapore. Later that year our son arrived and we have become more involved in village life and the community.  When the governor vacancy was advertised I was keen to apply to contribute to the community, invest in the school that we hope our son will attend and bring my experience to support the school.

As the head of strategy and business development in a global water treatment company, and with experience gained from previous technical, commercial and operational roles, I can bring broad knowledge and expertise to the board.  I feel this will help to continue the positive journey the school is on, aid it’s effective running as efficiently as possible and give the very best for every child and the staff.

In my spare time I love to run and am an active member of the local Delamere Spartans running club.

I am grateful for this opportunity to serve the school and community and look forward to getting stuck in.

Mrs Mary Jefferson

Role: Parent Governor, Vice Chair of Governors
Committees: Resources Commitee Char
Headteacher Performance Committee 
Subject link for: History and Geography

I have been a Governor at Ashton Hayes Primary since 2015. Having had two children previously at the school, I have been keen to play a part in the running of the school as I believe in the importance of the partnership between families and school. 

The children have great opportunities to learn in a school with a rich outside area, enthusiastic and committed staff and a really fantastic PTFA.  I work in the public sector and believe that my professional skills can be put to good use in my governor role. The school has really grown since my children attended, particularly in relation to the establishment of wrap around care facitlities and outdoor learning opportunities which the children have in abundance now. 

I am now Vice Chair of the Governing Body and sit on the Curriculum Committee, supporting a diverse group of governors who are committed to the school's ongoing success.

Miss Dani Fray

Role: Teacher (Staff) Governor
Committees: Curriculum Committee
Subject Link: Mathematics and Music

Mrs Jess Deighton

Role: Co-opted Governor
Committees: Curriculum Committee
Subject Link: Outdoor learning

I have been a Governor at Ashton Hayes Primary since 2023. I have lived in Ashton since 2001 but grew up nearby. Having had two of my children previously attended Ashton Hayes Primary School, I was very keen to give something back to the place that gave them both such a great springboard into their later life. 

As a Professor in child mental health and wellbeing, my day job involves researching the ways we can foster resilience in children and young people, and how schools, families and communities can best support children to achieve their full potential.  These interests feel fully consistent with the ethos and ambitions of the school, and it is encouraging to see the value that the school places on supportive relationships and the wellbeing of pupils alongside its focus on the children's educational progression. 

Mrs Amy Whitmore

Role: Parent Governor
Committees: Vice Chair of Resources Committee
Subject Link: Religious Education

I have been a parent governor at Ashton Hayes since 2023 and had wanted to take an active role in the school being an ex-pupil of the school and local resident of Ashton Hayes. As well as providing a link between parents and the teaching body, I am also Vice Chair of the resources committee and RE subject link governor. 

As a RIBA Chartered Architect for 10 years and Associate for a north-west based Architects, I have experience in the design and construction project management for residential, educational and healthcare projects. 

I have a deep passion for education and believe that every child should have the opportunity to thrive, both academically and personally. I am committed to making a difference in the lives of our pupils and supporting the fantastic work that happens at our school every day.

Mr Matt Vickers

Role: Co-opted Governor
Committees: Resources Committee
Subject Link: Music and Mathematics

I joined the Governing Body in early 2024 and am excited about how I can help contribute to the school's continued success. Whilst not a local resident, I have been a member of the Senior Leadership Team at Helsby High School for the last 12 years so I am familiar with the local community. I have also been a parent governor at my son's school in Cheshire East so have experience of school governance, hopefully that will be useful! 

I am very passionate about education and want all young people to have the opportunity to thrive and enjoy their time in school. I have 4 children of my own, though 3 are adults now, so I have many years' experience of supporting children through the various key stages of education. Whether I've been successful or not you'd have to ask them!

Mr Jack Mellor

Role: Community Governor
Committees: Chair of Curriculum Committee
Subject Link: Computing and Modern Foreign Language
Key Link: Safeguarding

New to the board of governors in 2020, I will be supporting the Sub B committee. Having moved to the village in December 2019, I was keen to get involved in the community. I am a Secondary Mathematics Teacher also studying for a Masters degree in Learning and Teaching at the University of Oxford. Working in a secondary school has highlighted to me the importance of a well-rounded primary education, for all students, which I hope to help continue in my time as a governor. 

In my spare time I enjoy playing and watching sport along with long walks with my dog Bertie!

I look forward to working with the other governors and staff in the years to come.

Mrs Tracy Snell

Role: Parent Governor
Committees: Vice Chair Curriculum Committee
Link for: English, Art and Design Technology

I became a parent governor in June 2018 and currently have a child at the school in Key Stage 2. My eldest child has nowleft the school. I am part of the Curriculum Committee and the link governor for English, Art and Design Technology. I am also the new governor mentor and staff well-being governor.

I am a Chartered Landscape Architect working as a Garden Manager for the Royal Horticultural Society at their newest garden in Salford (RHS Bridgewater). I have spent the past 20 years managing and designing large-scale projects, managing budgets and balancing development with environmental benefit, to provide sustainable places for people to live, learn and work. Outside of work I love spending time in my garden or enjoying the outdoors.I started volunteering in the school in September 2017 and during this time I have worked closely with the school to develop and expand the school garden, forest school, advising and contributing to funding bids and arranging local volunteers help to deliver improvements. I have previously helped the school through my role as link governor for outdoor learning, science and PE and am currently link governor for English, Art and DT.

I enjoy my role as a parent governor as I feel I can contribute positively to helping the school deliver learning excellence for all.

 Mrs Liz Toombs

Role: Co-opted Governor
Committees: Sub B Committee
Headteacher Performance Committee
Link for: SEND and EYFS

I am a former parent, having had two children attend the school. As a parent I was actively involved in the PTFA and helped out with trips and reading when I could.

My background is in engineering, I worked in the automotive industry for over 15 years. More recently I have been a full time mum and Carer for my eldest child who has severe learning difficulties and autism, which has given me relevant experience for my role as SEND governor.

When my family and I moved to Mouldsworth in 2013 from Cambridgeshire we were completely new to the area and Ashton Hayes School provided the perfect environment for my 2 younger children to feel welcome, settled and make great academic progress. As a governor I have maintained a close link to the school by coming to read with the children on a regular basis. I hope I can make a positive contribution to the effective running of the school over the coming years.