Local Governance Committee
Chair of Governors Statement - Welcome from the Chair
Welcome to another academic year at Stuart Road, before looking forward to what is ahead of us, I would be remiss not to mention the fantastic things that happened last year.
A hugely successful OFSTED report – achieving some fantastic outcomes and feedback, my favourite being around the ‘community feel’ that is evident to all at Stuart Road. I take great pride in that statement as it is something I feel every single time I visit. For another year, our SATs outcomes place us above the National average and high in the Trust – I have seen first hand how much effort every single child put into these results, supported by our fantastic teaching and support group. We’ve also welcomed an interim Head of School in Mrs Riley, who has provided great leadership across the school and I’m very happy we have her in this role! Finally, our Nursery setting is fully up and running and we are seeing our first-year group of children transition from Nursery into Foundation.
The year ahead looks exciting, with lots of fun plans afoot – a renewed focus on subjects outside of the core, like P.E., Modern Foreign Languages (MFL) & computing, amongst others. There are new after school offerings and something for every child to attend and enjoy, showing Stuart Road is committed to providing opportunities for each and every child attending.
Whenever we visit, it is always impressive to see the good behaviour, politeness and engagement from students of all ages, it is our job to ensure this remains, doing so by being committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment where every child loves to learn and explore, whilst also supporting our children to fulfil their potential and be ready for the move to secondary education.
I look forward to seeing what this year brings us – if you ever have any questions for the governors, please feel free to reach out.
Daniel Swabey – Chair of Governors
Our Governors
Please read our pen portraits for the Governance Committee
If you would like an appointment with our Chair of Governors, Daniel Swabey, please contact the school office on 01752 57668 or via email to the clerk to governors Lindsey Johnson who can be contacted via: governance@reachsouth.org
Mr Daniel Swabey
Chair and Trust Appointed Governor
Responsibility: Chair of Governors, Safeguarding (including behaviour and attendance) and Looked After Children and Pupil Premium.
Appointed by the Trust Board
Term: 30.11.22 – 29.11.26
Attendance 2026-27: 1/1
Declaration of Interest: None.
I have two children who attend Stuart Road, one in Year 4 and another in Year 6, I could not think of a better provision for the girls to attend. Both are supported in achieving the very best they can, both academically and emotionally – a big plus is the creation of a girl’s football team that both enjoy! One of the things I’m most proud about is the community nature of the school, as outlined in the most recent OFSTED report, in particular the staff – I see how much care they have for the children, and this has made me want to take a more proactive role and support however possible. I have been the Chair of Governors now for 2 years and have just reached the end of my 4th year as a governor.
Charlotte Kelly
Trust Appointed Governor
Responsibility: Curriculum and teaching and Achievement and Early Years
Appointed by the Trust Board
Term: 08.05.25 - 08.05.29
Attendance 2026-27: 1/1
Declaration of Interests: Family member is an employee of the Trust.
My daughter joined Stuart Road School in Nursery in 2018, and since then I have been actively involved in the school community. I established and chaired the Friends of Stuart Road PTA from 2019 to 2025, supporting the school throughout my daughter’s time there until her graduation.
In 2020, I was elected as a Parent Governor. I initially took responsibility for SEND and Safeguarding, roles which strengthened my understanding of the importance of inclusive practice and pupil wellbeing. I have since gone on to oversee Early Years, Attendance and Behaviour. I find the educational environment both invigorating and vital, and I value the opportunity to contribute meaningfully to the school’s ongoing development.
Professionally, I am a Weight Watchers Coach, specialising in behaviour change within the adult population. My previous career includes management roles within the estate agency and public house sectors, as well as experience in the travel industry, including extensive international travel, which has given me a strong appreciation of cultural diversity.
Serving my local community as a Governor is a privilege, and I am proud to continue supporting Stuart Road School while developing my own learning beyond the workplace.
Sharon Mackenzie
Staff Governor
reception@stuartroadacademy.org
Responsibility: Staff Governor
Elected by Staff
Term: 31.01.23 - 30.01.27
Attendance 2026-27: 0/1
Declarations of Interest: None
I joined Stuart Road Primary Academy in January 2020 as Office Manager. This being my first role in a primary school but being previously employed at Stoke Damerel Community College for 13 years in various administration /data roles.
Stuart Road Primary is a wonderful community school and we are very lucky to have talented educators here, inspiring our children every day. I am a very proud to be a member of the team.
Mrs Michelle Riley
Interim Head of School
Responsibility: Whole School
Term: 20-04-26
Attendance 2026-27: 1/1
Declaration of Interest: None
I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself as Interim Head of School/SENco.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to support the children, families and staff within the Stuart Road community. I bring with me over 20 years of teaching experience and, more recently, experience as the Previous Stuart Road Primary Academy SENco. I will ensure
the school continues to deliver high-quality education during these unusual times.
Mr Carl Williams
Parent Governor
Responsibility: SEND and Inclusion and Health & Safety link governor
Term: 05.02.25 - 05.02.29
Appointed by the Local Governance Committee
Attendance 2026-27: 1/1
Declaration of Interests: Owner of Acquire Websites (Mar 2022) and Trustee of Friends of Stuart Road (Nov 2024)
Both my sister and I were students at Stuart Road Primary School until the early 90’s. In my early teen years, we moved to London, and I continued my education at Hayes Manor. From a young age, I struggled at school with my dyslexia, which wasn’t diagnosed until I became problematic at secondary school. Choosing a better path for myself I joined the Army and saw active service around the world. For the last 15 years, I’ve worked in Logistics for The Cooperative Group and have had the pleasure to expand my knowledge on a multitude of topics, from continuous improvement plans, managing health and safety, diversity and inclusion, to learning employment law, to name just a few. As well as being a busy dad and grandad, a lot of my time is taken up assisting community groups to be the best they can be. Knowing what I know now, I’m a firm believer that education is the key to unlocking everyone’s potential, yet it’s our responsibility to find the right key for every individual.
Stuart Road Local Governance Committee meeting dates 2026-27
Monday 5 October 2026
Wednesday 10 February 2027
Wednesday 7 July 2027
To find out more about Reach South Academy Trust, click on the following link : https://www.reachsouth.org/governance.
Governors who have left the Local Governance Committee over the past 12 months:
Gary Blake 12.10.20 - 23.07.26 (Reclassified 16.02.22)