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Governance

The Governing Body

Ebor Gardens Primary Academy is part of the Wellspring Academy Trust and is a federated governing body with our sister school Victoria Primary Academy, within Leeds.

A single governing body is responsible for both schools with three key roles:

  • in consultation with the Trust, we decide the vision, ethos and strategic direction of our schools;
  • we hold the Principals and senior staff to account for the educational performance of the schools and their pupils;
  • we oversee the financial performance of the schools and make sure that money is well spent.

We formed a new Local Governing Body in October 2020 and have a compliment of governors who come from all walks of life within and beyond the local community in Leeds. These governors bring a wide skillset to the LGB which helps support the school from the quality of education to the business and financial aspects of school management. The details of the current members of the LGB are below.

Our Governors have a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experience which they bring to this important role, and meet at least every half term to look at all aspects of the life and work of the schools.  Many of the Governors are linked with specific aspects of the life of the schools and make regular reports to the governing body.

Meet the Team:

 Michael Sanderson – Trust Appointed Governor – Chair of Governors
Term: 26.06.23 – 26.06.27
Links: Leadership and Management
Bio: Michael has wide and long experience of school governance, and been a Wellspring governor for over 10 years.  He shares Wellspring’s belief in the importance of high quality local governance and the power of education to transform children’s lives.  A former chair of the Trust’s Board and National Leader of Governance, Michael previously had a long career in policy and planning in the public sector.
Natalie Wathen – Ex Officio – Principal (Ebor Gardens Primary Academy)
Term of Office: n/a
Links: n/a
Bio: Natalie Wathen is the principal of Ebor Gardens Primary Academy.
Jessica Jenkins – Ex Officio – Executive Principal (Victoria Primary Academy)
Term of Office: n/a
Links: n/a
Bio: Jessica Jenkins is the Executive Principal of Oakwell Rise and Victoria Primary Academies.
Mark Wood – Ex Officio
Term of Office: n/a
Links: n/a
Bio: Mark Wood is the Chief Finance Officer for Wellspring Academy Trust.
Jade Milne – Staff Governor (Ebor Gardens)
Term: 20th October 2024 – 21st October 2028
Links:
Bio: Hey, my name is Jade Milne and I am a Cover Supervisor in Year 3/4 and support SEN/SEMH children. I am from East Leeds and really enjoy giving back to the community. I have worked at Ebor Gardens for one year and have previously worked in other Primary School settings in the area for over 10 years.
Bhavna Gupta – Trust Appointed Governor
Term of Office: 16/1/23 – 16/1/27
Links: Safeguarding
Bio: I have worked as a teacher in both mainstream and in special needs schools for around 14 years.  I believe in strengthening support and raising standards for pupils of all abilities in a challenging environment. Currently I am working as a safeguarding manager for a college. In my spare time I like socialising, having a good laugh and enjoy going out for walks with my family and friends.
Ben Leach – Trust Appointed Governor
Term of Office: 16.10.2023 – 16.10.2027
Links: Finance
Bio: In my professional life, I’ve worked in financial services for over 17 years, holding various advice and headship positions. I currently work for the UK’s largest mortgage broker network as a business consultant.  In my personal life, I live with my partner Kelly and step daughter Lilly. We all love to travel, explore and try the local food, although it’s hard to keep Lil away from Carbonara! I’m incredibly passionate about how we provide the most engaging and effective education experience for our students and how we maximise the resources available to deliver on that goal.
Muhammed Majid Aamir – Parent Governor
Term of Office: 17.10.22 – 17.04.26
Links: Community
Bio: I am an experienced educator with a background in teaching at primary, GCSE, and A-levels. Currently, I work as a Data Manager at NHS England. I am passionate about education and dedicated to helping students achieve their full potential. As a community governor at Ebor Gardens Primary Academy, I am committed to providing effective support to the school and contributing to its continued success. In my personal time, I enjoy traveling, watching movies, and paragliding.
Kathryn Thompson – Staff Governor (Victoria)
Term of Office: 15.07.24 – 15.07.28
Links:
Bio: Hi I am Kathy, mum of 3. I have been with the wellspring family for the last ten years. I am the wellbeing champion at VPA and am currently training to be a SEND HLTA and THRIVE practitioner.
Surfraz Ahmed – Trust Appointed Governor
Term of Office: 09.12.2024-09.12.2028
Links:
Bio: Coming soon

Key Information: 

Upcoming Meetings

  • Monday 21st October 2024
  • Monday 9th December 2024
  • Monday 10th February 2025
  • Tuesday 6th May 2025
  • Monday 23rd June 2025

Key Contacts

Please address all correspondence to the Chair of Governors: Mr Michael Sanderson, Wellspring Academy Trust, Digital Media Centre, County Way, Barnsley, South Yorkshire S70 2JW

Interested in Becoming A Governor?

If you are looking for information regarding joining the Governing Body or for Local Governing Body minutes, please contact the Clerk to the Governing Body on 01226 720741 or emailing m.cotney@wellspringacademies.org.uk

Trustee Information

For information on trustees for Wellspring Academy Trust, please visit the website below:

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