Governors
The members of the local governing body of our school are listed below:
Mr M Nield – Chair (Co-opted)
Term: 01/04/22 – 31/03/26
Portfolio – Safeguarding
I joined the board on Samuel Laycock in January 2021. I worked in business, and on retiring I enjoyed the challenge of moving into a new environment and trying to help a local school. The school has seen many changes since I joined, and following the Ofsted report in 2021 the previous chair and vice chair resigned, and I was asked to take on the role of chair. We have seen many improvements since joining New Bridge and the school is going from strength to strength.
I enjoy spending time with my two (lovely) granddaughters, and keep fit mainly by cycling. I am trustee at two local charities, Active Tameside and Friends of Tameside Young Carers. I also volunteer for the charity SUSTRANS, and help the local Rotary club with their fundraising events.
martin.nield@newbridgegroup.org
Helen Wilson (Headteacher)
Term: 01/04/22 – 31/03/26
I have been in education for 34 years, specifically special education for 18. Samuel Laycock is my second Headship and I have worked for New Bridge Group, on and off since 2005. I am truly passionate about children and young people and ensuring the best outcomes for those in my care. Samuel Laycock, in particular, is a wonderful school and I am very proud to be part of the amazing team that makes a difference to the children every day.
When I’m not working, I can be found singing , playing my cello or piano and spending time with my family and friends. I’m also a keen cyclist and like to get out and about, exploring the Cheshire countryside on the weekends.
Bradley Heap – Governor (Co-opted)
Term: 01/04/22 – 31/03/26
Portfolio – Vision & Sustainability
I have worked within the New Bridge Multi Academy Trust for over 10 years. I started my professional career as a part time wheelchair football coach at New Bridge School, which then lead me to gain a full time TA4 position within the PE department where I remained for 5 years. During this time, I went to university and then took up a role at Hollinwood Academy as a primary school teacher where I gained my QTS. I am now the P.E and Outdoor Education curriculum lead within Hollinwood Academy and teach both within primary and secondary.
I am a very passionate member of staff, I have had experience in developing subject curriculum offers, assessment strategies and extra curricular activities. I have recently also lead in the planning of safe outside stimulating spaces within Hollinwood Academy for both primary and secondary students.
I am looking forward to this opportunity to become a governor and hope to develop my knowledge and experience further.
Andrea Reid – Co-opted Governor
Term: 15/12/22 – 14/12/26
I’m Andrea and i joined the Governing Body in January 23. I currently work for Department for Education on T Levels – a new qualification for 16-18 year olds. I’ve been with DfE for almost 2 years and prior to this worked for Department for Work and Pensions in various roles but often working with vulnerable young people helping them to start work or return to work.
I’m looking forward to supporting the school as a Governor and particularly to focus on the career pathways as this type of support has been part of most of my working life. I have been a parent Governor previously for 2 local schools when my children were much younger. I now have a little Grandson so education is an interest inside and outside of work.
In my spare time I enjoy the theatre – particularly musical theatre as well as spending time with my family.
andrea.reid@newbridgegroup.org
Sarah Kehoe – Co-opted Governor
Term: 15/12/22 – 14/12/26
I have two daughters, aged 7 and 5, one of whom is autistic so from a personal perspective I have an interest in working to ensure the education system is well-supported, well-governed and well-challenged to make it the very best it can be for this generation and future generations of individuals with additional needs.
I am currently Head of Corporate Services and Strategy for a central government department, in which a big part of my role is leading the SLT to plan and deliver the organisational business plan, holding them to account on objectives and success measures and supporting in delivery through effective programme management. I have been a manager for numerous years in various environments so have multiple skill sets which I would like to utilise to support an important cause such as education.
sarah.kehoe@newbridgegroup.org
Steve Crompton – Governor
Term: From 28/03/2024
I was recently appointed to the Samuel Laycock School Governing Body, where I’m delighted to have joined the team and trust that my skills, attributes and network can assist the school.
I work in a few areas, one being in education, where I’m an Outreach Tutor for a specialist, independent Tameside school for children with SEMH (Social, Emotional & Mental Health) needs from years 7-11. I am able to share the work I do in this role and where I envisage that both our schools collaborate and share best practice.
I also work in Polymers as a Global Consultant and hold a BSc Hons in Polymer Science & Technology, graduating from Manchester Metropolitan University. I have worked in the industry since 1988 and during that time have previously owned a multiple award winning polymer reprocessing business, winning Pride of Tameside Business Awards for Micro Business of the Year and Green Impact Business of the Year. Within this work, I also work closely with schools and colleges, where I present a Polymer Workshop for GCSE Science students. In addition, I also have a close working relationship with Manchester University and The Graphene Institute (also based in Manchester).
Outside of this work, I carry out Community Engagement, Employability and Wellbeing, where within this I run a Tameside Men’s Group and all of this work continues to prosper, due to the ever growing need for it. I also sit on Tameside committees relating to social housing and cancer support. I possess an excellent network of contacts which I can share to benefit and assist the school.
In my spare time, I enjoy watching local non-league football, walking, squash, table tennis, cinema, cooking, music/concerts, theatre and reading.
steve.crompton@newbridgegroup.org
Dawn Gibbons – Parent Governor
Term: From 27/09/2024
My name is Dawn Gibbons, and I was appointed as a Parent Governor in September 2024. I bring over 20 years of experience in early education, including 10 years in managerial roles, and currently lead a successful childcare company in Tameside, overseeing a team of 60 early educators. Throughout my career, I have been dedicated to ensuring that children are at the heart of every decision and initiative I undertake. As a Designated Safeguarding Lead, I am passionate about fostering a safe, inclusive environment where children, staff, and families can thrive.
My expertise encompasses curriculum development, staff leadership, and the implementation of best practices in early years education, always striving to deliver the highest standards of care and learning. I am committed to supporting the school’s mission and believe in nurturing every child’s potential while ensuring their well-being and development. I look forward to bringing my skills, experience, and enthusiasm to the governing body and contributing to the school's continued growth and success.
In my free time, I love creating lasting memories with my children, niece, and nephew by planning fun days out. Family time is important to me, and I enjoy nature walks, discovering new places, and making meaningful experiences together.
dawn.gibbons@newbridgegroup.org
Steven Nelson – Parent Governor
Term: From 15/10/2024
As a special guardian of over 11 years for two grandchildren with needs and family experience of ADHD and Autism, I would like to offer my skills and experiences to serve as a parent governor.
I retired in 2014 as a Specialist Projects and Development Manager in the construction industry to be available for my family. I bring over 30 years, experience in team-ship with skills including communication, finance, planning, development, analysis and problem solving.
I have relevant and recent experience and a keen interest in SEN and I would like this opportunity to help support and contribute to the schools development.
steve.nelson@newbridgegroup.org
Jenny Barrington – Staff Governor
Term: 07/11/2024 - 06/11/2028
I would like the opportunity to represent the staff on the governing body, to ensure the interests of our students and staff alike are continued.
Having served in various capacities within the school, I am passionate about my role and the school as a whole, believing wholeheartedly in our mission to provide an outstanding education for all students. I would like to further my involvement within the school community, and I believe that by working together, we can ensure that both the governing body and the school staff continue to function as a supportive and outstanding team.
Meetings Attended and Business Interests
School Governance_-_Meetings Attended and Business Interests
Governor Information
N.B. All training undertaken by the Governors is held at a school level.
Full details of the New Bridge Multi Academy Trust’s governance structure are available here and explain how our robust system of accountability works.
The 2018 Trustees Annual Report and audited accounts for the New Bridge Multi Academy Trust are available here.
Latest Governor Information Available here:
https://get-information-schools.service.gov.uk/Establishments/Establishment/Details/148936
Governor Diversity
As a school we recognise that a diversity of thought, voices and perspectives is essential to good governance and the effective running of any organisation.
We regularly collect diversity information from our governors and, depending on current data, can use this to:
– target recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity
– develop and adapt board practices to ensure full participation
– prioritise training and awareness-raising in identified areas
– address potential ‘blind spots’ through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risks
However, we are unable to publish this information as it would mean that individual members of our governing body are identifiable.
To discuss current Governor vacancies, please contact the school.
