Karen Edwards

Local Authority Governor

I am chartered management accountant, with twenty years of public and third sector experience, however I retired due to ill health a few years ago.  I have two sons, both of whom have autism, and my youngest son also has ADHD.  He is in Year 9, and in the ASD Base at St Thomas More.  I have worked closely with his schools over many years to ensure that his needs were met.

I became a Local Authority Governor in order to share my personal and professional experience and to contribute to my community.  I have found Dane Bank to be welcoming and supportive and I am committed to ensuring that the provision of education at Dane Bank is of the highest possible standard for every student.

Dean McDonagh

Co-opted Governor

I have been the lead analyst within the Education service at Tameside MBC for over 4 years. This is a role that has encompassed managing, analysing and interrogating education performance data for school improvement purposes. I’m a skilled trainer, delivering courses on educational performance data to a wide range of stakeholders.

In addition I have held various roles on governing boards of schools, most recently as vice chair, and these have given me valuable insight into the world of school leadership. 

I am excited about the vision for Dane Bank Primary School and keen to offer my skills and expertise to aid the school on its journey to becoming an outstanding school.

Kathryn Chamberlain 

Co-opted Governor

As a newly appointed Governor I am still very much in a learning phase – and there is a lot to learn and understand! However working in the NHS my job involves being a member of a number of committees and also overseeing or chairing them. This has helped me settle in quickly. 

I currently work in a role funded by Macmillan Cancer Support where I am improving the care for people who have had, or are affected by, cancer. I have been doing this a 4 years, but have worked in a variety of other roles in the NHS and have a great deal of experience in leading on a large number of projects, and key part of which is working alongside the people it affects to make sure that I represent their views and opinions.

Whilst working I have always tried to do some additional volunteer activities and until recently was a Union Branch Secretary where I supported staff, advised on the workplace policies and in general helped to make improvements in the workplace. I am thrilled to be able to be working in the capacity of school governor where I can use the experience I have gained throughout my work and volunteer work to make sure that the school strives to improve constantly and does it best for each and every child. I am particularly interested in equality, diversity and inclusion.

Outside of work I spend most of my time with my family, which mainly means taking them to the various activities they do. I do enjoy reading  and going to the cinema.

Melissa Cope 

Parent Governor 

I have recently been appointed Parent Governor and I am keen to learn and understand the role very quickly so I can do the best by our children and school. 

Both of my children attend Dane Bank and seeing changes within the education setting I will be the voice of parents and children who attend. I am passionate about each child’s individual needs to ensure they can fulfil their individual potential and goals. 

I currently work in Financial Services and have done for 20 years; I have experience of overseeing financial & capability performance. My current role as Communication and Engagement Manager gives me the tools to ensure the school is communicating transparently and timely; plus having excellent communication, negotiation and influencing skills I will endeavour to ensure the school’s vision is clear, has a forward thinking direction and holds our children at its core.

Aligning my experiences to the 3 Core Functions of the Governor Body I will certainly make sure our children’s money is spent well and going to the correct resources. My experience of holding people to account will allow me to make sure our head teacher is accountable for educational performance and that the management of staff is of the high standards our children expect.

Outside of work I also play a part-time Taxi Driver taking my children to the numerous activities they do and I enjoy family holidays as this allows us time away from the hustle of daily life. I do have a gym membership…..I would say I am an ad hoc user though. 

Joanne Lennon

Staff Governor

I started working as Deputy Headteacher at Dane Bank Primary School in September 2013 and have been a staff Governor since then. Prior to working at Dane Bank, I was a Teacher and Governor in Salford LA.

I am proud to be a Governor and am passionate about ensuring our school provides high-quality teaching and learning opportunities to allow our pupils to make the best possible progress.

Adam Varley

Staff Governor

I started working as Deputy Headteacher at Dane Bank Primary School in September 2013 and have been a staff Governor since then. Prior to working at Dane Bank, I was a Teacher and Governor in Salford LA.

I am proud to be a Governor and am passionate about ensuring our school provides high-quality teaching and learning opportunities to allow our pupils to make the best possible progress.

Helen Clarke

Associate Member

I started working as Assistant Headteacher at Dane Bank Primary School in September 2016 where I also have the pleasure of teaching in Year 3 and leading Maths. Before that worked in Year 2 at a school in the Wigan LA. I studied International Management at The University of Manchester and worked as an Area Manager for Aldi before I began teaching.

I became an associate member in 2018, as I feel that Dane Bank is a fantastic school and thoroughly enjoy the opportunity to help the children and school continue developing positively.

Michael Owen

Co-opted Governor

I was appointed Chair of Governors in February 2015, whilst my son was a pupil at the school. I am an accountant by profession and worked in the Health Service for 33 years.

I am proud to be a Governor and will support the school in striving to be the very best by providing a caring, safe atmosphere in which children are respected and ensuring an environment in which they can thrive as individuals.