Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

The Executive Board Members are:

Clerk to Governors: Mrs Jayne Littlewood

Chair: Mrs Ann Cruickshank 

           Mr Paul Bennett

           Mrs Christina Shewring

           Mrs Claire Lakin - Parent Governor

           Mrs Katie Cowley - Teacher Governor

           Miss Louise Tate - Headteacher

Poolsbrook Primary Academy joined the Flying High Trust on 01.01.21. 

The governing board was established in January 2021 and has grown over time, taking responsibility for the school.  The governors fully understand and support Poolsbrook Primary Academy in the urgency with which improvements are being made.  Support for school improvement is given by the FHP Education Team and Systems Lead from the Trust. 

The governing board consists of several experienced governors: Chair Ann Cruickshank, Vice Chair Tina Shewring, Trust governor Paul Bennett,  staff governor Katie Cowley and parent governor Claire Lakin.

Ann Cruickshank

I worked in schools in Norfolk, Staffordshire, Derbyshire and Derby City for over 40 years as a teacher, deputy head, head teacher and Local Leader of Education. Since retiring a few years ago, I have worked as an independent educational consultant, specialising in safeguarding, as well being the chair of governors for two schools in Derby City. I look forward to working with Poolsbrook and Whitecotes to support them on their journey of improvement.

Paul Bennett

I worked for over 40 years in primary education as a teacher and headteacher in Birmingham, senior primary school inspector in Warwickshire, and Director for Primary School Leadership at the National College for Teaching and Leadership in Nottingham.  Now retired I retain a passion for primary education.   I am pleased to be able to support a Trust committed to making a difference to the lives and life chances of children.  As well as being a Trustee of the Flying High Trust, I am also a governor at Bilsthorpe Flying High Academy.  I hope that by joining the Interim Strategic Board of Poolsbrook and Walton Peak Primary Academies I can support the schools on their journeys of improvement that will ensure that children receive the quality of education they deserve.

Tina Shewring

Katie Cowley

If you wish to contact any of our governors, please direct your enquiry in the first instance to Mrs Jayne Littlewood c/o Poolsbrook Primary Academy, Cottage Close, Poolsbrook, Chesterfield. S43 3LF; telephone 01246 472540 or email: office@poolsbrook.derbyshire.sch.uk