Meet the Governors
Introduction
The Governing Body has responsibility to oversee the effective performance of the school, to give strategic guidance, to allocate resources and, above all, to support the school in its work. We keep a close eye on pupils’ achievement and targets; we monitor the curriculum; we visit the school throughout the year to meet staff and observe lessons. We manage the school’s finances in conjunction with the Head Teacher. We also help to appoint teaching staff and are involved in the staff performance and pay system. For further information, please see the Department for Education (DfE) website:
http://www.education.gov.uk/schools/leadership/governance
Our committees include:
- Curriculum
- Finance
- Personnel and General Purposes
- Premises
For details of the structure and remits of our committees, please see the attachments below.
Governors also undertake Link Governor roles. This means that they take a special interest in a key area such as SEND / inclusion, Pupil Premium, Safeguarding, Mental Health and Wellbeing, Language (English and EAL), STEAM (Science, Technology, Engineering, Art and Maths), EYFS and Diversity, Race & Inclusion. These Governors visit the school regularly to liaise with staff members involved and report back to the Board of Governors.
If you wish to contact the Governing Body, you can do so via the school office or by emailing our Chair at chair@spprimary.org.uk
Our Governors
| Governor | Information | Governor profile |
|---|---|---|
 |
Mrs Emily DeAbaitua Chair of Governors Co-opted Governor (Appointed by the Governing Board) 18 Nov 2019 - 17 Nov 2027 Member of the Finance Committee and the Link Governor for English (Writing). |
I work full time, have two children and enjoy playing netball and swimming. I have been a governor for just over 2 years and love the community of our school. I hope to see more inclusion, more opportunities and a growth in confidence for all our children. |
 |
Ms Pippa Ravenscroft Vice Chair of Governors Co-opted Governor (Appointed by the Governing Board) 8 Oct 2022 - 7 Oct 2026 Member of the Curriculum, Finance, Pay and Personnel & General Purposes Committees and the Link Governor for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) and English as an Additional Language (EAL). |
I have been a governor at Stamford Park Juniors and now at the Primary school for almost 16 years. I am one of the co-opted governors and am a member of the Personnel and Curriculum committees. Personally, I am a teacher of EAL (English as an additional language) with two grown up children who both attended the school and in my free time I enjoy walking and playing badminton badly, but enthusiastically! |
 |
Mrs Sarah Price Headteacher (Ex-officio) Appointed 1 Sept 2022 Member of all committees |
I have taught at the school for many years and am delighted to have been appointed as the Headteacher here. Working alongside such a supportive Governing Body means that we can really focus on what's important for the children here. |
|
Mrs Alexandra Chiorando Parent Governor (Appointed by Parents) 9 Nov 2025 - 8 Nov 2029 Member of the Premises Committee and the Link Governor for Early Years Education. |
I have two boys, and my eldest started at Stamford Park in 2013. He has now left and my youngest is in the juniors. I am a qualified teacher and former SENCO, now working independently as an early years consultant. I’m passionate about creating nurturing, play-based environments where every child feels they belong and can be their authentic self. It’s a privilege to support the school as a governor and help foster a community where children experience connection, joy and a love of learning. |
 |
Mrs Sinead Hesp Co-opted Governor (Appointed by the Governing Board) 10 May 2021 - 9 May 2029 Chair of the Finance Committee, a member of the Personnel & General Purposes Committee and the Link Governor for Humanities. |
I have lived in Altrincham since 2010 and have 3 daughters, all of whom attended Stamford Park and who are now all doing other things. I have been on the Governing Body since 2012 and have been privileged to support our wonderful staff in seeking to ensure that every pupil can learn and develop in a supportive and enriching environment. |
 |
Mrs Emma Jackson Parent Governor (Appointed by Parents) 18 Nov 2023 - 17 Nov 2027 Member of the Curriculum, Personnel & General Purposes and Premises Committees and the Link Governor for Curriculum. |
I have two children at Stamford Park Primary School; one in infants and the other in juniors. For me, it’s crucial for every child to thrive in an enriching learning environment that nurtures their personal growth and skills to allow them to be their true authentic selves. I believe that embracing diversity in every way is key to achieving this. |
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Mrs Jane Mitchell Butler Parent Governor (Appointed by Parents) 9 Nov 2025 - 8 Nov 2029 Member of the Premises Committee and the Link Governor for English (Reading & Phonics). |
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Mr Richard Odell Co-opted Governor (Appointed by the Governing Board) 18 June 2022 - 17 June 2026 Member of the Premises Committee |
I am a co-opted governor here at Stamford Park Primary School. I have taught here since 2009 and enjoy providing a direct link between all staff and governors in our shared goal to make our school the best it can be. |
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Mr James Phillips Parent Governor (Appointed by Parents) 18 Nov 2023 - 17 Nov 2027 Chair of the Premises Committee, a member of the Finance Committee and the Link Governor for Science. |
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Mrs Nuala Powell Co-opted Governor (Appointed by the Governing Board) 4 Feb 2023 - 3 Feb 2027 Chair of the Pay and Personnel & General Purposes Committees and the Link Governor for Pupil Premium and the Opal Primary Programme for play. |
My two sons, now in their mid 20s, attended Stamford Park Schools and enjoyed a wonderful education and a very happy time there. By becoming a Governor, I hoped to assist in some small way, in maintaining the great educational experience the school continues to provide for all children. |
 |
Dr Maria Ratnarajah Co-opted Governor (Appointed by the Governing Board) 18 Nov 2019 - 17 Nov 2027 Member of the Curriculum, Finance, Pay and Personnel & General Purposes Committees and the Link Governor for Safeguarding, Attendance and Mental Health and Wellbeing. |
I have been part of the Stamford Park Primary School community for many years, with two children who are now in high school and two currently attending the school. This long association has given me a deep appreciation of the positive and nurturing environment the school provides, and I am committed to supporting the school’s continued success. In my role at SPPS, I am especially committed to supporting developments in safeguarding, mental health and wellbeing. Recognising that a child’s emotional and psychological wellbeing is as important as their academic progress. I also take a keen interest in how the curriculum supports resilience, motivation and lifelong learning. |
 |
Mr Martin Wharton Staff Governor (Appointed by staff) 10 Oct 2022 - 9 Oct 2026 Member of the Curriculum and Finance Committees. |
I have taught within the Infant Department for the past 5 years, and have recently been elected as staff governor. I am delighted to be sharing the views of the staff within the governing body, striving for excellent standards within our school. |
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Mrs Laura Garcia-Alfaya Resigned 22 July 2025 Parent Governor (Appointed by Parents) 9 Nov 2021 - 22 July 2025
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Mr Nigel Lea Retired 8 Nov 2025 Parent Governor (Appointed by Parents) 9 Nov 2021 - 8 Nov 2025
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Committee Remits 2025-26
For details of the committee remits, please click on the links at the bottom of the page:
Attendance at Governing Board Meetings
| Governor | Governor Type | 2022/23 | 2023/24 | 2024/25 | 2025/26 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs Alexandra Chiorando | Parent | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0/0 |
| Mrs Emily DeAbaitua | Parent | 5/5 | 2/3 | 2/3 | 1/1 |
| Mrs Sinead Hesp | Co-opted | 5/5 | 1/3 | 3/3 | 1/1 |
| Mrs Emma Jackson | Parent | N/A | 2/2 | 3/3 | 1/1 |
| Mr Nigel Lea | Retired (Parent) | 3/5 | 3/3 | 2/3 | 0/1 |
| Mrs Jane Mitchell Butler | Parent | N/A | N/A | N/A | 0/0 |
| Mr Richard Odell | Co-opted | 4/4 | 3/3 | 3/3 | 1/1 |
| Mr James Phillips | Parent | N/A | 2/2 | 3/3 | 0/1 |
| Mrs Nuala Powell | Co-opted | 5/5 | 2/3 | 3/3 | 1/1 |
| Mrs Sarah Price | Headteacher | 5/5 | 3/3 | 3/3 | 1/1 |
| Dr Maria Ratnarajah | Parent | 5/5 | 3/3 | 3/3 | 1/1 |
| Ms Pippa Ravenscroft | Co-opted | 5/5 | 2/3 | 3/3 | 1/1 |
| Mr Martin Wharton | Staff | 4/4 | 3/3 | 3/3 | 1/1 |
| Mrs Laura Garcia-Alfaya | Retired (Parent) | 5/5 | 2/3 | 3/3 | N/A |
Declaration of Interests (last updated October 2025)
|
Name of Governor |
Role |
Name of Business/ Associated Interest |
Nature of Business |
Nature of Interest |
Date Interest Commenced |
| Mrs Alexandra Chiorando |
Parent Governor |
Nothing to Declare |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Mrs Emily DeAbaitua |
Parent Governor |
Nothing to Declare |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Mrs Sinead Hesp Co-opted Governor |
University of Manchester |
University |
Employee |
2010 |
|
| Campaign for Science and Engineeing | Independent advocate for Science & Engineering | Director/Trustee | 2019 | ||
| Hopwood Hall College | Further Education College | Governance Role | 2024 | ||
| Mrs Emma Jackson | Parent Governor | Victrex | Developer & manufacturer of thermoplastics | Strategic HR Business Partner |
2022 |
|
Mrs Jane Mitchell Butler |
Parent Governor |
Nothing to Declare | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|
Mr Richard Odell |
Co-opted Governor |
Stamford Park Primary School |
School |
Employee, Assistant Headteacher |
2008 |
| Mr James Phillips | Parent Governor | Nothing to Declare | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|
Mrs Anne Nuala Powell |
Co-opted Governor |
ANM Powell Engineering Ltd |
Engineering Consultancy |
Director |
2007 |
| Mrs Sarah Price | Headteacher | Stamford Park Primary School | School | Employee | 2015 |
| Department for Education Standards & Testing Agency | Education | Assessment Advisor | 2014 | ||
| Clicked by Kate | School Photography Service | Personal Friend | 2022 | ||
|
Dr Maria Ratnarajah |
Parent Governor |
Ratnarajah Medical Services Ltd |
Provider of GP Services |
Director |
2014 |
|
Extracellular |
Private GP & Lifestyle Medicine Co |
Director |
2018 |
||
|
Ms Pippa Ravenscroft |
Co-opted Governor |
Nothing to Declare |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Mr Martin Wharton |
Staff Governor |
Mr David Wharton |
Father is an employee |
Father is employed at Stamford Park Primary School as the Site Manager. |
2022 |
| Mrs Laura Garcia-Alfaya | Retired (Parent Governor) | Nothing to Declare | N/A | N/A | N/A |
|
Mr Nigel Lea |
Retired (Parent Governor) |
Citation Group |
HR, Health & Safety & Employment Law Services |
Employee |
2022 |
How to contact the Governors
You can contact the governors via the school office. If you wish to contact the Chair of the Governing Board please e-mail chair@spprimary.org.uk or leave your details with the school office, and she will get in touch.
Clerk to the Governors
One Education, Alexandra House, 133 Moss Lane East, Manchester M15 5GX. Contact: Emma Capp, 0161 276 0160