Meet the Governors
Chair: Dr. Catherine Regan
Vice Chair: Mrs Kate Nield
Our Governors
The governing body of Wellfield Junior School is a pro-active, committed group of people who support the school and hold the school to account by acting as a 'critical friend.' Governors take an active role in the life of the school. They attend a variety of events, including assemblies, parents' evenings and 'Learn with Me' mornings. Link Governors regularly attend school to speak to senior leaders, subject leaders and to the children.
At Wellfield Junior School, we have the following committees:
- Curriculum, Standards and Safeguarding
- Finance and Resources committee
Both committees meet on a termly basis and report to the Full Governing Body.
Governors regularly attend training courses run by Trust GS.
Governors’ terms of office run for four years from the date of appointment and it is a voluntary role.
At Wellfield Juniors the Governing body is comprised of 12 governors:
- 7 co-opted governors
- 1 local authority governor
- 2 parent governors
- 1 headteacher
- 1 staff governor
Chair of Governors: Dr Catherine Regan
Known as | Catherine |
Role | Chair of Governors (Parent Governor) Link Governor for Safeguarding, Mental Health and Wellbeing |
Members of which committee? | Curriculum, Standards and Safeguarding |
Job Title | Clinical Psychologist |
Year Joined | 2022 |
Term ends |
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Background info I have been a Parent Governor at Wellfield Junior School since 2022, and Chair of Governors since 2023. I am also Link Governor for Safeguarding, Mental Health and Wellbeing. My children have both embraced their time at Wellfield Infants and Juniors, and are now in Year 6 and Year 8 in High School. I am a clinical psychologist working in NHS adult mental health services. Previously, I worked in independent practice with children, families and adults in Sale, and I was a University lecturer in clinical psychology. I also worked within local NHS Child and Adolescent Mental Health Services (CAMHS) for many years. The wellbeing of children and families is a core value of my working and personal life. |
Why did you want to be a governor at Wellfield Junior School I wanted to contribute some of my time and skills to the local community, and particularly to Wellfield Junior School. I found I wasn’t very skilled at face painting at the PTA summer fair, so thought I might be better placed to help elsewhere!
Governors are an essential part of the support and strategic leadership of a school. I value being able to contribute to the emotional, social and academic development of all children within Wellfield Juniors. Each member of staff at Wellfield Juniors is highly committed and innovative in their practice. Wellfield really is an inclusive school, where every child is encouraged to shine in their own way.
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How does your experience fit into being a Governor at Wellfield Junior school I bring my personal and professional knowledge of wellbeing, safeguarding, team-working and leadership, along with professional skills and experience of research and audit, and critical evaluation of data.
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What do you think is next for Wellfield I intend to support the Governing Board to continue to provide a strategic, rigorous and evidence-based perspective in holding the Wellfield senior leadership team to account. I am proud that we are developing a really strong, skilled and diverse governing board, who are all committed to supporting Wellfield Juniors on their journey; going from strength to strength.
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Elizabeth Garvey
Known as | Lizzie |
Role | Co-opted Governor |
Members of which committee? | Curriculum and Standards. |
Job Title | SEND Link Governor |
Year Joined | 2023 |
Term ends | 2028 |
Background info My family have lived in the village for over 15 years, when I moved to the area from Chester this seemed like the best place to establish my own family’s roots. I joined the Wellfield Junior school Governance committee as a Co-Opted governor in 2023. I am a single parent to one child, who also now attends Wellfield, and work full time in Infrastructure engineering. Like most parents, I spend a lot of energy juggling commitments, but really love spending time outside. We are active members of cubs – enjoy getting involved with activities together and are always out exploring with our beagle, who you may know from his distinctive impatient bark at the school gate and unique old man persona.
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Why did you want to be a governor at Wellfield Junior School I see being a governor as a great way for me to play an active role in the school community. As someone who likes to really understand the details of the big picture, I knew I’d enjoy having insight into all the elements of what it takes to run a school and effectively deliver the curriculum, whilst helping to drive continued improvement.
Proudly neurodivergent, I hope to provide useful insight helping promote accessibility and diversity via process and effective communication, and involvement in assuring the development and delivery of SEND strategy.
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How does your experience fit into being a Governor at Wellfield Junior school My career in Engineering project management brings a wealth of useful skills for governance and assurance. I specialise in audit and development of effective process controls and procedures, and have a lot of knowledge of change management, risk management and stakeholder interfacing.
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What do you think it next for Wellfield Successful delivery of the 3 year school development plan, providing quality education to all of its pupils without exception, and inspiring children to be themselves by promoting the passions and diversity of its community. I’d really like to see the relationship with the infant school flourish further with collaboration on events and shared resources. |
Jo Gray
Known as | Jo |
Role | Governor |
Members of which committee? | Send, Curriculum, Standards and Safeguarding |
Job Title |
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Year Joined | May 2024 |
Term ends | May 2025 |
Background info
I have lived in Ashton on Mersey all my life and attended Wellfield Junior School as a child. The school has always been close to my heart, several of my family members have worked here, and my eldest child attended the school (my youngest is currently in the infants). I am passionate about the community of Ashton on Mersey and I am committed to ensuring that our current and future communities have the best possible opportunities to thrive and succeed.
I work full time as Head of Educational Development Services at One Education, where my vision is simple, putting children first. I have over 19 years of experience in education, having worked as a deputy head in Sale, and I now hold the NPQH and got a distinction in my Master’s in Educational Leadership. I have two children and a very energetic dog who keeps me busy when I’m not working, I am writing a book about education and I love to read whenever I can find a quiet moment!
Why did you want to be a governor at Wellfield Junior School?
Wellfield’s belief that children can achieve in many different ways, not just through the statutory curriculum, is one I deeply share. I believe all children have the right to be independent, inquisitive learners through a hands-on, inclusive, and enquiry-based curriculum that values play. This alignment in values was the first reason I wanted to become a governor, the second was my lifelong connection to this wonderful community.
How does your experience fit into being a Governor at Wellfield Junior School?
My professional experience in educational leadership allows me to bring insight into curriculum development, staff development, and the creation of inclusive learning environments. My background in teaching, leadership and my ongoing academic work help me to view school improvement strategically while always keeping children’s needs at the centre of decisions.
What do you think is next for Wellfield?
I am excited to see how Wellfield continues to adapt and innovate in an ever-changing educational landscape. I hope to contribute to strengthening our curriculum, embedding play and enquiry as powerful tools for learning, and ensuring every child at Wellfield has the chance to flourish.
Matthew Cook
Known as | Matt |
Role | Local Authority Governor |
Members of which committee? | TBC |
Job Title | Independent Financial Adviser |
Year Joined | 2025 |
Term ends | 2028 |
Background info - I’m a dad of two high school kids and a constant embarrassment with my awful jokes. I enjoy walking around the peak district, running slowly with friends and having a natter. I feel very fortunate that I have a job that allows me to spend a little time trying to help the community where I can. We are active in our church (based in Ashton under Lyne) and help with the youth club plus we help on a youth camp with around 100 kids.
I’ve always enjoyed helping with youth activities and have a huge respect for the hard work teachers put into looking after our children. My mum was a teacher and my dad an accountant, so being a financial adviser, I followed in his footsteps professionally but when it comes to doing the things I enjoy such as being on the PTA or running youth events is me giving a nod to my mum and the wonderful work she did in education.
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Why did you want to be a governor at Wellfield Junior School - My children were at both Wellfield infants and Juniors and whist they were here I wanted to help with the more fun, short term and operational side, organising discos, dress down days and school fairs. Now they have left I want to say thank you to Wellfield by offering help at a more strategic level and focusing on a long-term vision and oversight.
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How does your experience fit into being a Governor at Wellfield Junior school - As a financial adviser my job is to help clients work out what their short, medium and long term objectives are and to help them achieve them, and if they are not achievable then we adapt and make changes so that we can work within the resources available. I can only do this by asking a lot of questions, not making assumptions but truly researching the needs of the client and finding bespoke solutions. This fits perfectly with the needs of a Governor, someone to work with the resources available, to plan for future events, react to immediate needs and importantly to question the data presented rather than assuming that all is running well.
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What do you think it next for Wellfield – As a new governor I am still in the research stage, so it is hard to set out a plan. What I do know is that in the short term we are working on communicating to the parents, carers, pupils and teachers what our role is as Governor. In the medium to long term, we need to focus on the potential low birth rates that will impact on the school attendance as this will have a large impact on the overall finances of the school which in turn will impact on the services provided to all those involved. By planning for this we will continue to help Wellfield provide a high standard of education. |
Nina Perry-Forshaw
Known as | Nina |
Role | Co-opted Governor |
Members of which committee? | Full Governors, Finance & Pay committees |
Job Title | Area Manager for Recruitment business |
Joined | 25.09.2024 |
Term ends | 24.09.2028 |
Background info I grew up in Altrincham and have lived in Ashton on Mersey Village for the past 9 years. I have an 8-year-old son who attends Wellfield Junior School. I am a single parent with a full-on full-time job and all of my spare time is taken up looking after my pride and joy! We enjoy outings together and quality time with our friends.
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Why did you want to be a governor at Wellfield Junior School Due to my working hours I never get to drop off or collect my son from the school. Initially I thought being involved as a Governor would give me some insight into what goes on behind the scenes so I could be involved in my sons’ school life another way. I am keen to provide my opinions and values to ensure the school runs well and can continue to look after mine and everybody else’s little ones. I thought I would find it very interesting, and I do!
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How does your experience fit into being a Governor at Wellfield Junior school I have been in the recruitment industry for over 25 years employed by the same company. I am very experienced with staffing, salary benchmarking, financial budgeting and forecasting, data analysis and sales techniques. We supply a lot of staff to schools across Trafford and the Northwest and I have met with a lot of school business managers and people responsible for recruiting staff within schools and trust HQ’s.
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Scott Huddy
Known as | Scott Huddy |
Role | Parent Governor |
Members of which committee? | TBC |
Job Title | Business Development Manager |
Year Joined | 2025 |
Term ends | 2029 |
Background info
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As a parent of five children: Evie, Lucas, Harper, Bodhi & Sammy, all of whom attend Wellfield, I have a deep personal investment in the school and its future. My family and I love the school and the wider Ashton upon Mersey community, and I am eager to contribute to its continued success.
Beyond my role as a parent, I actively engage in the local community, including coaching the U8’s football team, which has strengthened my skills in teamwork, leadership, and mentoring young people. Professionally, I have extensive experience in leadership, strategic planning, financial oversight, and stakeholder engagement, which I believe would be valuable to the Governing Board. While my career background may or may not be directly relevant, my ability to analyze challenges, work collaboratively, and drive improvements would allow me to make a meaningful contribution.
I am committed to undertaking any necessary training to ensure I can be an effective Governor. I am particularly interested in helping the school maintain and enhance its strong foundation, ensuring the best possible learning environment for all children. I am confident that my experience, problem-solving skills, and passion for education and community will allow me to make a positive impact on the school’s future.
| Name | Category | Appointed By | Term of Office | Committees |
| Steve Worrall | Headteacher | Governors
| From 24/04/22 | All committees |
| Catherine Regan | Chair Parent | Parents | 17/10/2022 – 16/10/2026 | Curriculum, Standards and Safeguarding. Safeguarding governor |
| Kate Nield | Vice Chair Co-opted | Governors | 06/03/2024 -05/03/2028 | Curriculum, Standards and Safeguarding Pay Committee |
| Tom Cusack | Co-opted | Governors | 17/06/2023-16/06/2027 | Finance and Resources (Chair) Pay Committee |
| Jennifer Moore | Co-opted | Governors | 26/6/23 -25/06/27 | Finance and Resources
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| Nina Perry-Forshaw | Co-opted | Governors | 25/9/24 -24/9/28 | Finance and Resources Pay Committee |
| Scott Huddy | Parent | Parents | 21/05/25 - 20/05/29 | Finance and Resources |
| Elizabeth Garvey | Co-opted | Governors | 13/5/24-12/5/28 | Curriculum, Standards and Safeguarding (Vice Chair) |
| Jo Gray | Co-opted | Governors | 13/5/24-12/5/28 | Curriculum, Standards and Safeguarding (Chair) |
| Charlotte Mee | Staff | Governors | 28/11/2022 – 27/11/2026 | Curriculum, Standards and Safeguarding |
| Sarah Nesbitt | Associate (Deputy Head) | Governors | All committees | |
| Vacancy | Co-opted | Finance and Resources | ||
| Matthew Cook | Local authority | Governors | 21/05/25 - 20/05/25 | Curriculum, Standards and Safeguarding |
Declarations of Interest 2025-26
Name | Type | Name of Business / Associated Person | Nature of Business | Nature of Interest | Date Interest Ceased |
Matthew Cook | Local authority | None |
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Tom Cusack | Co-opted | None |
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Elizabeth Garvey | Co-opted |
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Jo Gray | Co-opted | One Education | Education Consultancy Service | Employee | On-going |
Jennifer Moore | Co-opted | None |
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Kate Nield | Co-opted | Turing NW Maths Hub | Lead School: Ashton on Mersey | Employee | On-going |
| Nina Perry-Forshaw | Co-opted | None | |||
| Catherine Regan | Parent | None | |||
Sarah Nesbitt | Associate/ Deputy Head | None |
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Steve Worrall | Headteacher | None |
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Charlotte Mee | Staff governor | None |
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