Governors

Dr Sharon Smith

Co-opted Governor

Co-Chair of Governors

Dr. Sharon Smith has been a governor at Meadow Primary School since 2017. With a background in education spanning over 20 years, she has experience in both classroom teaching and leadership roles in mainstream schooling, alternative provision and higher education. Dr. Smith holds a Master’s in Teaching and Learning and a Doctorate in Education, with a research focus on inclusive educational practices and teacher-led professional development.

As Co-Chair of Governors and Link Governor for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Dr. Smith works with the governing body and school staff to support the school’s commitment to high standards and inclusive education. She contributes to the strategic direction of the school, aiming to ensure all children can thrive.

Dr. Smith also works as Assistant Head of Teaching and Learning in an alternative provision setting, where her role focuses on establishing high quality teaching and learning practices and delivering curricula that meet diverse learner needs. She is also involved in education research as a Research Associate and Visiting Lecturer at the University of Chester and co-convenes a British Education Research Association Special Interest Group on alternative education.

Through her work as a governor, Dr. Smith values collaboration and evidence-based approaches, and she is dedicated to supporting the Meadow Primary School community.

Mrs Kate Field

Co-opted Governor

Co-Chair of Governors

Kate Field has been a Governor since 2018 and brings over 25 years of experience in Human Resources and Organisational Development, with a strong focus on leadership development and organisational culture improvement. As a qualified coach, Kate has a deep understanding of the importance of empowering individuals and teams to achieve their potential and  works closely with the leadership team to ensure the school fosters a positive, supportive work environment that enables staff to perform at their best. 

As Co-Chair of Governors and Safeguarding lead, Kate works collaboratively with the governing body and school leadership team to provide strategic direction, ensuring that the school delivers high standards of education and a safe, supportive environment for all students. Kate takes a proactive role in supporting the development of effective governance practices and is dedicated to promoting a culture of accountability, transparency, and continuous improvement. Kate brings strong leadership skills, a wealth of experience in HR, strategic planning, and a passion for helping the school community reach its full potential.

Mrs Amy Kendrick 

Co-opted Governor

Vice Chair of Governors

Amy’s career has always been in education and training, delivering and managing a wide range of training programmes and quality assurance roles alongside this. She is passionate about learning and ensuring that all individuals have access to the best possible education and opportunities in life.  Her work is now strongly focussed on Trauma Informed Practice, delivering training in this and working with partners across Cheshire West and Chester to support embedding this into all aspects of their practice.

Mrs Sarah Curtis

Headteacher Governor

Sarah has been a teacher for over 30 years, and a headteacher at  Meadow Primary since September 2010. 

She has taught at several primary schools in West Sussex, Cheshire East and Cheshire West which have included large two form entry schools to small rural schools with only two classes. 

She has had extensive experience of school improvement, having moved Meadow Primary from an ofsted judgement of Inadequate in September 2010, to Outstanding in May 2015.  Meadow has continued to flourish with a strong focus on continuous improvement. The curriculum has been completely overhauled and reflects her commitment to giving our pupils the best possible education. She is constantly looking for ways to improve and use current research to ensure that changes are positive and have impact. 

As an Associate School Improvement Adviser (ASIA) for Cheshire West and Chester LA she has supported local schools. Several of Meadow’s teaching staff are also involved in school improvement for the LA as Subject Specialist Leaders, or the Maths Hub.  Succession planning, distributed leadership and encouraging opportunities for professional growth is a key focus at Meadow. 

Her passion is supporting pupils with Special Educational Needs (SEND).  She led a Moderate Learning Difficulties Unit for 6 years and has been a SENCo for the majority of her career. She currently sits on the SEND panel making decisions about EHCPs and is part of the Local Authority SEND Strategy board.  She established and leads the Cheshire West and Chester SENCo network on behalf of the Local Authority. 

She is also the Vice Chair of Governors at Upton-by-Chester High School. 

Mr Matt Rutter

Governor

Matt Joined the Governing body in 2023.  As a Senior Leader in a large local secondary school, Matt is passionate about the value of education and life-long learning.  Initially starting as a Science Teacher in 2002, Matt has held numerous Pastoral lead posts and is now a Senior Leader with the academic and pastoral overview of Key Stage 4 learners.  Matt is enthusiastic about ensuring that all young people are offered the chance to thrive in an ever changing world and that irrespective of background are able to embrace the opportunities available.

Matt is clear that the care and guidance provided by a primary school sets up young people to achieve both at secondary school and beyond, something that Meadow excels at.

Mrs Kerry Inglis

Staff Governor

Kerry has been a teacher at Meadow for over five years and has worked in education for over 12 years. Kerry brings with her a wealth of experience which she gained as a Teaching Assistant across various key stages. This background has given her invaluable insights into the diverse needs of students and has been instrumental in shaping her approach to teaching.

In addition to her classroom responsibilities Kerry serves as the Subject Leader for Maths at Meadow Primary. In this role, she leads the development and implementation of the school's mathematics curriculum, ensuring it provides engaging and challenging learning opportunities for all students. Her expertise and enthusiasm for Maths is evident in the passions and enjoyment she shows for the subject. Recently, Kerry has broadened her Maths role by becoming a  Primary Mastery Specialist for the Cheshire West and Chester Maths Hub, where she works to support other schools with an ultimate aim to improve practice and share innovative strategies for teaching mathematics.

Furthermore, Kerry serves as the Senior Mental Health Lead at Meadow Primary, a role that involves overseeing the Mental Health and Wellbeing curriculum. Her leadership in this area reflects a strong commitment to supporting both the emotional and academic development of students, ensuring that the mental health of pupils is given the same priority as their educational progress.

Mrs Stacey McDowell

Parent Governor

Before joining the Governors Stacey was already committed to supporting Meadow through weekly voluntary work, her governor role now allows her the opportunity to have a positive impact on the education and safety of all the children at Meadow.

Stacey’s skills and background are within education, She was a Deputy Head Teacher with 13 years teaching experience. Her passion is the teaching and learning of Maths. She was a Primary Mastery Specialist and worked very closely with the North West 3 Maths Hub, delivering Maths training for a number of schools and School Direct Training programmes. She is currently the Senior Manager of an Alternative Provision that runs a programme called Changing Lives through Horses. She is committed to changing the lives of young people who for whatever reason are unable to attend full time education or employment.

Mrs Emma Gore

Parent Governor

Emma has been a dedicated science teacher in Flintshire and Cheshire Secondary Schools since 2007, with expertise in teaching science at Key Stage 3, Key Stage 4 Biology, Chemistry and Physics and KS5 Biology. After completing a combined science degree, Emma went on to earn a PGCE and later a Postgraduate Diploma in Education, Leadership, and Management, further enhancing their skills in educational leadership and strategic planning.

Having previously served as an Assistant Curriculum Leader and Curriculum Leader, Emma brings a wealth of experience in curriculum development, team leadership, and improving student outcomes in the sciences. Their deep understanding of the challenges and rewards of classroom teaching, combined with a strong background in educational leadership, makes them a valuable asset to the governing body.

With a strong commitment to raising educational standards and supporting the development of both students and staff, Emma is dedicated to ensuring the school provides a high-quality, inclusive learning environment where all students can thrive.

Mrs Emma Fletcher

Parent Governor

Emma transitioned from a successful career in the travel industry to join the University of Chester in 2008, where she now works within Learning & Information Services. Her role spans finance, customer service and administration. She recently implemented an institution-wide asset management procedure that has significantly enhanced budgeting, sustainability, software licensing and the management of asset lifecycle. Beyond her work at the University, Emma has been actively involved in the Meadow school community since 2016 as chair of the PTA, where she has cultivated a deep understanding of its families and the broader community it serves.

Mrs Jacqui Roberts   Governor 

Jacqui brings a wealth of experience in finance, resource planning, and health and safety, offering a skill set that contributes to the effective governance and strategic direction of the school. With a background in financial management, Jacqui ensures that resources are allocated efficiently, enabling the school to maintain financial sustainability and support its long-term goals.

Jacqui has had extensive experience in resource planning, which aids in optimising the use of available assets and facilities to enhance the learning environment. Their knowledge of health and safety regulations and best practices ensures that the school remains a safe, compliant, and supportive environment for staff and students.

Passionate about improving outcomes for all students, Jacqui is committed to ensuring that every decision is made with the best interests of the school community in mind.

Jo joined the board of Governors in 2023 and practises as a Barrister, specialising in criminal law, for over 25 years. Her professional work often involves cases involving safe-guarding issues and children or young persons and vulnerable people . Jo is fully trained in dealing with cases involving people with vulnerabilities and communication difficulties and in equality and diversity also.  Jo’s work helps to bring a wider perspective to the Governing body and she is keen to learn more about the Meadow school community and support the development of the students and teachers through a high-quality learning environment.

Autumn term 2021

Spring term 2022

Summer term  2022