Governors' Pen Portraits
MR PAUL EMMETT - Chair/Designated Governor for DISADVANTAGED LEAD
Having now been in the LGB for the last few years, it is my pleasure to take over as the Chair of Governors. I’m excited to be working alongside the other members of the LGB, as well as the SLT, the Academy and the Trust. Entering my 4th year as a governor, and having both of my children at the Academy, as well as coming into school regularly wearing my piano teacher hat, I am fortunate to have a good working relationship with the staff, as well as the children, and can use this to help support and inform my role on the LGB.
Since 2009 I have been working as a professional musician and teacher around Lincolnshire and the East Midlands, and am currently studying composition at the University of Nottingham and have had the extraordinary opportunity to work with world-class musicians and will be studying a Masters in Composition at Birmingham Conservatoire in 2024. Prior to this, I have also spent time working in logistics, retail and hospitality – a real mixed bag.
Continuing in the LGB my experience as a Governor will be invaluable, and I will continue to build on my knowledge and continue to put my other experiences to use in the role. I am passionate about education and look forward to continuing to work with the LGB and the school.
MR JOSHUA Aspden - Parent Governor
I am currently working as a Resettlement Policy Officer at East Midlands Council - Strategic Migration Partnership. My role is specifically working with Local Authorities on UKRS, ARAP, ACRS (Afghan Resettlement Schemes) and Community sponsorship My previous roles in the migration / refugee sector include working in research, community development, frontline casework and policy. I aim to support the Huntingtower CP Academy through my experience in project management, equal opportunities, strategic partnerships and community cohesion .
As a Dual National (British -Ecuadorian adoptee), my experience of being from a minority ethnic demographic, has also inspired my passion around Diversity, Equality, Equity and Inclusion. I wish to continue and support the excellent work around on this at Huntingtower CP Academy for the years to come.
MR STEVE PLATTS - COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE/DESIGNATED GOVERNOR FOR CAREERS LEAD
I have two children that attend Huntingtower, and I’m passionate about the education of the pupils within the school. I come from a background where culture and ethos are massively important, and therefore feel I can make valuable contributions in line with the school’s values and behaviours.
I am a bank manager, currently looking after a team of colleagues that are supporting customers through financial difficulty. In my role, I am constantly looking for continuous improvement across a matrix of different areas, including budgeting, profitability, impact on the local community, risk management, and networking, all of which are relevant in an education setting.
I have a keen interest in all things digital, and understand the importance of digital presence in the evolving world we live in, whether this is in the classroom, business or at home. I understand the importance of educating children around being safe online, and have delivered ‘safer internet’ discussions at local primary schools.
With a naturally curious, analytical mind, high level of enthusiasm and problem-solving ability, I’m able to act as a challenging friend to the governing body and academy by bringing my own experiences and perspectives to the board.
MR JON CLACK - COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE/DESIGNATED GOVERNOR FOR SAFEGUARDING
I am an experienced primary school practitioner with headship experience for 15 years. I have been a Governor/Trustee of a primary and secondary school since 2011. I currently support a number of schools through my roles at Inspire+.
MR MIKE WENTWORTH - COMMUNITY REPRESENTATIVE
My career in education comprised 29 years headship, including Huntingtower for over 20 years.
I have always had a passion for the delivery of equal opportunity for all.
I strongly believe in the inclusion of pupils with additional needs in the mainstream setting, whenever possible.
From 1998 onwards I was a regular participant of Lincolnshire Statementing Panel which served to determine appropriate support for pupils in a range of setting of settings. This gave me a wealth of opportunity to visit a variety of schools both mainstream and special. Consequently, in 2006 I was invited to manage Garth Special School, Spalding as an Interim Headteacher for the summer term prior to my full retirement.
In 2006, I began a 5-year period of part-time teaching at HMP Stocken. I focussed upon teaching inmates basic skills: many of whom had been failed by the school system.
IN the last 10 years I have enjoyed the opportunity to jointly develop a charity, Foxdale Equine Assisted Learning in Oasby. I am a founding Trustee and a Volunteer Support Worker. The charity supported numerous clients from school age with additional needs, through to senior citizens with Dementia.
I am pleased to make a contribution to the Priory Federation of Academies Trust, as a Governor at Huntingtower CP Academy.
MRS VICTORIA STEPHENSON - STAFF GOVERNOR/DESIGNATED GOVERNOR FOR SEND
I have been a teacher at Huntingtower since 2014, having completed a PGCE after a career in retail.
I have been involved in school governance for over 15 years having previously been a governor for a local nursery school.
My family and I have lived in Grantham since 2005 and my 2 of my 3 children attend local Secondary schools.
I have been a staff governor for over 5 years.