Hayley Dibnah-Headteacher 

Appointed by: Governing Body

Term of office: 30/04/18-01/09/2050

Committees: Full Governing Board

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Westwood Primary School has been a huge part of my life for many years and I am incredibly proud to say I am the Headteacher here. I arrived at Westwood as an NQT in 2005, meaning I have been at the school for 17 years. During my time here, I have worked my way up from NQT, to Assistant head, Deputy head, Head of school and now Headteacher. In this time, I have helped to drive the school forward and ensure its success. I was appointed as permeant Headteacher in 2019.

Westwood is a fantastic school and I am incredibly proud of everyone who makes Westwood what it is. Our children are confident, caring individuals with great ambition, our staff are warm, caring and nurturing with an abundance of creativity and enthusiasm and our parents and governors are supportive of all that we do. All of this contributes to making Westwood the special place it is.

Claire Popplewell -Chair of Governors    

Appointed by: Governing Body

Term of Office: 08/02/22-07/02/2026

Committees: Teaching and Learning/ Pupil Support (chair) and Resources

Specific Responsibilities: Early Reading, Phonics, EYFS and complaints 

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Westwood Primary will always be a special place to me. I was a teaching assistant here for 8 years, both my children have attended, with my youngest leaving last year and I was also a pupil myself many moons ago. I know from experience, the children at Westwood are extremely lucky to have a wonderful team, teaching and supporting them. I’m excited to take on this new role as chair and work with the governing board to maintain the high standards of educational achievement that your children are used too. 
 

Debbie Hitchcox- Vice Chair

Appointed by: Governing Body 

Term of Office: 19/10/2021-18/10/2025                                                                Committees: Teaching and Learning/Pupil Support                                          Specific Responsibilities: Child Protection and safeguarding and SEND, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Literacy

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 I have worked within primary school settings since I was 17 starting as a lunchtime and breakfast club assistant and then became a teaching assistant, mostly working as a 1:1. I am also a trained beauty therapist and fully trained in Makaton. My hobbies include arts and crafts, reading and singing (although I have never said I'm any good!) This is my first time being a governor and I am looking forward to this new role. 

  Amanda Street-Parent Governor                              

 Appointed by: Elected Parents                                                                                                  

Term of Office: 07/11/2016-6/11/2024

 Committees: Teaching and Learning/Pupil Support

 Specific Responsibilities: Attendance 

Carla Ramsey- Co-opted Governor

Appointed By: Governing Body

Term of Office: 20/10/2020-19/10/2024

Committees: Resources & Teaching and Learning/Pupil Support 

Specific Responsibilities: Pupil Premium and training 

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I have been part of Westwood for the last 15 years. My role has developed through this time. I first joined Westwood as an Office Administrator, took on the role as Attendance officer and further progressed to my current role as School Business Manager. 

All my three children attended Westwood and continue to progress and thrive in their current career choices. I certainly believe that the school motto and core values that are promoted throughout the school ‘if you believe you can do it you can and you will’ was instilled in them and continues today. 

For those of you that know me in my role you will often see me rushing around from one place to the next but I always ensure I have time to speak to children and parents and take great pleasure in assisting people in any way that I can. 

I absolutely LOVE food! Anything and everything! If you ever see me in your favourite Restaurant come over and say Hello.

Kimberley Partridge- Staff Governor 

Appointed by: Elected by Staff

Term of Office: 04/11/2015-04/11/2024

Committees: Teaching and Learning/Pupil Support

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I have worked at Westwood since September 2011 when I joined as an NQT. Throughout my time here, I have mostly worked in year 6; I enjoy guiding the children through their final year at Westwood, making memories that will last a lifetime as well as preparing them for the next big step in their education. I also lead maths across the school, making sure that teaching and learning of the subject is of the highest quality. Westwood has shaped who I am as a teacher and I can’t imagine working anywhere else!  

Oluboyega Onimole- Co-opted Governor

Appointed By: Governing Body

Term of Office: 25/09/2020-24/09/2024

Committees: Teaching and Learning/Pupil Support

Specific Responsibilities: Music

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This is my first appointment as a school governor and I am incredibly delighted and grateful to serve in this role. Whilst my educational background is centered around Metallurgical Engineering and Geographical information Systems (I absolutely loved Geography whilst at school!), my professional experience cuts across Web Design, Teaching, Customer Service, Call Centre Quality Assessment, Call Centre Training, Social Care, Health Care and Data Analysis. I feel incredibly honored and privileged to serve in the role of a governor at Westwood Primary School and I look forward to drawing on all of my training, passion and life experiences to create the very best environment for the children and families at Westwood Primary School.

Rhianne Githaiga

Appointed by: Governing Body

Term of Office: 08.01.23-08.01.2027

Committees: Teaching and Learning and Pupil Support and Resources 

Specific Responsibilities: 

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I am very excited to be part of the Westwood Primary community. I am a trained primary school teacher and I work at Hope community Church Middleton as a children’s worker. It’s a joy to help out as a Governor and getting stuck in at Westwood.  I love walking in Middleton Park with my husband and baking for friends. You might see me around the school on Thursday  afternoons helping out with reading and RE!                                                          

Tracy Duggan

Appointed by: Governing Body

Term of Office: 25.10.23-25.10.2027

Committees: Teaching and Learning/ Pupil Support and Resources 

Specific Responsibilities: Literacy and Wellbeing 

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This is my first appointment as a school governor. I am looking forward to meeting the staff and the pupils and learn more about Westwood.

I have worked for Manchester Library services for 38 years, working in various roles within a community setting. I have over 20 years background in working with local schools and community groups so I hope my experiences will be beneficial to the school governor role. Part of my job involves managing a team of staff over seven district libraries, all with different service needs and challenges within that community, being able to make a difference is so rewarding. My biggest achievement is being a mum to two grown up daughters, who I am extremely proud of. In my spare time I love reading , cooking and music.

                                                                            Governors

The Governors in conjunction with the Headteacher are appointed as strategic leaders of the school. this includes the appointment of all members of staff, teaching and non teaching, monitoring the school budget share and overall responsibility for the aims,ethos and implementation of policies of the school. The Governors are there to support the learning journey of every child and to ensure safeguarding measures are in place and adhered to.

All our governors are volunteers and have either been appointed by the governing body, elected by parents, the local authority or by staff members.

Our Governors are supported by LCC Governor Support Service.