School Governors

Governors are among the people legally responsible for the efficient running and well-being of the school.

The Governors of Croftlands Junior School discharge their duties by holding two meetings per term so that they can assure themselves that both the educational process and the building are functioning properly. The Headteacher submits regular reports at these meetings, outlining significant developments in the life of the school.

Our Governing Body consists of:

• 4 Parent Governors
• 1 Local Authority Governor
• 1 Staff Governor
• 1 Headteacher
• 5 Co-opted Governors

The term of office for all Governors is term of four years. The Headteacher is an ex-officio member and does not have a defined term of office.

Other people can be added to the body as Associate Members to provide relevant skills and expertise. Associate members do not have voting rights.

Governor Committees

The Governing Body is also divided into committees that deal with

• Finance and Premises
• Staffing and Curriculum
• Community & Welfare.

These committees meet during the year and and report to meetings of the full Governing Body.

Who's Who

Pat Robinson – Co-Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor, Staffing & Curriculum.

I have been a governor at Croftlands Juniors for six years.

I have a background in education having been a primary school teacher for over 35 years, until my retirement. I have a long association with Croftlands as my two children attended and two of my grandchildren have been through school and two are still attending.

I visit school once a week to listen to children read which I really enjoy, and I help out whenever I can. Croftlands is a wonderful school with dedicated staff and lovely children, and I am very proud to be associated with it. 

Elizabeth Brown – Co-Chair, Parent Governor, Finance and Premises, Staffing and Curriculum

I have been part of Croftlands Juniors Governing Body since 2019 and I love giving my spare time and supporting such a wonderful school. My family and I live in Ulverston and my children have been to Croftlands and I’ve seen them develop and thrive, as I continue to see with every child that has an education through our school and I am very proud to be a part of that.

I have worked in finance for over 20 years and the skills and knowledge gained through this work enables me assist the school and staff in a wide variety of areas.

It is an honour to be part of this team and I look forward to many more years serving you all.

Dorothy Stirling - Vice Chair, LA Governor, Finance and Premises, Staffing and Curriculum. 

 Hi, I am your Local Authority (LA) governor. Though I am a proud Scot, I love living in Ulverston having moved here for work in 2012. I have a broad business and leadership background having worked in Logistics & Project Management for GSK (Glaxo) for over 30 years. Since retirement in 2020, I have been keen to find ways of using this experience to support our community. My role as governor fits this perfectly and I hope to bring my energy, passion and skills to help our school and children to continue to thrive in a happy and caring environment. It is a privilege to be on your governing board and I hope to serve you well.

Mrs Dianne McMillan, Staff Governor

I have been a teacher at Croftlands Junior School for over 30 years and I love being a part of our amazing inclusive school. I was brought up in Ulverston and attended local schools, leaving the area to attend University and then working as a teacher in London, until my return in 1993.

I am passionate about inclusion and put our children at the heart of everything we do. I strive to make a difference for families and we have been on many memorable journeys together.  

I am also the Art co-ordinator in school which gives me the wonderful opportunity of exploiting my creativity and enthusiasm for the subject. We pride ourselves on having a bespoke Art curriculum which includes ambitious projects tailored to the needs of our children.

Being a member of the Governing Body enables me to have a complete overview of our school and help drive it forwards to enhance and enrich the lives of our pupils.

Alison Jeschke –Co-opted Governor, Safeguarding governor and Chair of Community and Welfare subcommittee

I am a GP in Ulverston and also Health inequalities Lead for Mid Furness PCN and Clinical Lead for Mid Furness ICC.

I have lived and worked in Ulverston for 12 years now and both my children attended Croftlands Junior School and I have been a Governor since March 2017. I am happy to be part of the Governing board and bring lots of experience from a Health background and am looking forward to continuing this link and contributing to the Croftlands community.

Helen Robinson – Co-opted Governor, Staffing & Curriculum

Hello. My name is Helen Robinson. I have been a governor at Croftlands Junior School for 10 years.

I was a primary school teacher for 21 years and I am now a SENCo supporting apprentices. I use this experience to help me as a governor.

Both my children have attended the school, and my youngest is still here. I enjoy supporting the school and keeping up with all the brilliant work the children and staff do.

Amie Morrison, Parent Governor. Premises and Finance.

I joined Croftlands Junior's as a Governor in September 2023. My stepdaughter currently attends, and both my son and stepson are at UVHS having left Croftlands. I have a background in education, both in the Northeast and within Cumbria. I’m currently working at Croftlands Infants as a High Level Teaching Assistant while studying to become a teacher.

I am particularly passionate about children learning beyond the classroom after working for several years in an award-winning setting here with in the Lake District.

It is important to me to promote the health and wellbeing for our children to ensure that they have the best start in life, opportunities to thrive and can meet their full potential within education.

I strongly believe that "Every child deserves a champion – an adult who will never give up on them, who understands the power of connection, and insists that they become the best that they can possibly be." Rita Pierson.

I am extremely proud to have the opportunity to be a governor at Croftlands Junior's School and look forward continuing to support the school, staff and students in their journey. 

John Rogers, Parent Governor & Chair of Premises and Finance

I joined Croftlands as a Governor in November 2019, my wife, children, and I live in Ulverston, having children at the school inspired me to become a governor so I could help support and develop the school. I believe that all children should have access to a good local school where they can achieve their full potential, so I am thrilled to be part of a great Governing Body.

I have worked in local engineering companies for over 35 years and have been a passionate STEM ambassador for more than 10 years which allows me to volunteer my time and enthusiasm bringing STEM subjects to life whilst demonstrating their value

June Benson – Parent Governor, Community and welfare

I joined Croftlands Junior School Governing  Body in November 2023. I like being part of the team that helps the school and its children.

I am also Secretary of the Parent Teachers and Friends Association. I have a varied work background and work with schools as an Exam Invigilator. I live locally and my son attends Croftlands Junior School.

I enjoy being a Governor and look forward to many more years.

All enquiries should be directed to the Clerk to Governors at clerk@croftlands-jun.cumbria.sch.uk