Purston Infant School Governing Body for 2024 – 2025 is as follows:
Mr A Johnson – Chair
Hello my name is Alan and I am a retired Chartered Surveyor with almost 50 years experience in construction – the last 23 years spent in the Estates Departments of Huddersfield and Leeds Universities.
Purston Infant School to me epitomises everything a local community school should be. All the staff employed there have the children’s interests at the forefront of all they do. I particularly like the reference to ‘children’s voice’ repeated in all the school’s strategic documents.
Outside of school I am a keen rugby league fan and like to keep fit by walking and attending a local gym
I love being part of this school and am really looking forward to taking on the role of Chair of Governors.
Mr A Barnaby – Vice Chair
My Name is Andrew Barnaby and I am Vice Chair of Governors and Chair of the Resource Committee at Purston Infants. Purston Infants epitomises everything a school should be – it has the best interests of the children at heart, it encourages them to “be the best they can be” – it nurtures them, it develops them and it gives them the best possible start in life.
I hold many years experience working in Local Government at a Strategic Level, and I love being able to bring that knowledge and experience into my role at Purston. I am proud to be on the board of Governors and help shape the way that the school runs. Every decision that we make is for the children here at Purston. Every pound we spend is in the best interests of the children.
My daughter has recently moved on from Purston and my son is due to start in September 2026. Purston is at the heart of the Community in Featherstone, it plays a big part in all of our lives, and I can think of no better school to be a part of than Purston Infants.
Mr P Barnett – Headteacher
Hello.
My name is Philip Barnett and I am lucky to be the Headteacher and one of the Governors who are responsible for ensuring the children of our wonderful school get the absolute ‘best start in life.’
I have been involved in education for the last thirty three years with experience in both Infant and Junior schools as a teacher and Headteacher. I love my job as the children make me smile and I learn something new every day, often from them.
During the last sixteen years I have been a governor at 4 different schools as a parent governor, staff member, co-opted member and a Vice Chair. I have been the governor responsible for special educational needs, finance / resources and learning.
The role of a school governor is essential to the successful leadership, safety and progress of a school and more importantly to the children who learn in it.
I have two grown up children and love walking my dog and watching local football.
We have to be the best we can possibly be so the children in our care have every chance and opportunity that they deserve.
Mrs S Ainge – Parent Governor
From the first time I visited ahead of my daughter joining I was impressed with the beliefs of the school and the encouragement of all children to be the best they can be, not trying to compare to others. The culture assists in this happening and I can’t imagine sending my daughter anywhere else knowing the hard work and commitment that goes into helping her and all children in their care be part of their family and to grow during their time there. When the opportunity arose to put myself forward for parent governor I was keen to be part of this and am proud of the conversations we have and decisions that are made to support all our children.
Mrs L Attwood – Teacher – Staff representative
Mrs A Gascoyne – Deputy Headteacher – Associate member
My association with Purston Infant School began over 29 years ago when I came as a student from college. Fast forward to now, and I am Deputy Headteacher of our wonderful school. We pride ourselves in providing a warm, friendly and stimulating learning environment which is fully inclusive and strives to support our children to ‘be the best they can be.’
Alongside my Deputy Headteacher role I am also SENDCO.
Out of school I am mum to a daughter who keeps me very busy and I enjoy going to the gym and keeping myself fit. I am proud to say I work at Purston Infant School.
Cllr Mrs M Isherwood – LA Governor
Mrs E Tingle – Parent Governor
Purston Infant school is a hugely important piece of our family life with all 3 of our children attending, the youngest still exploring his time here. The school provides a community for the children and its families, often described as its own ‘Purston family’. The atmosphere is always warm and welcoming, staff are approachable and kind, reassuring to parents that the child’s whole wellbeing is being cared for.
It is an honour to be able to serve the school community as a co-elected governor, helping to ensure the warm friendly atmosphere and high standards are maintained.
I am a full-time mum of 3 children in a very neuro diverse household, I enjoy swimming and reading and the peace and quiet of school hours.
Mrs N Tonkinson – Co-opted
My name is Nichola Tonkinson, I have two children aged 14 and 10 and I am the EYFS lead for a primary school in Pontefract.
Ever since I started primary school, I knew I wanted to become a teacher. I am passionate about education and strongly believe that every child deserves to be provided with the opportunities to become the best they can be. As the mantra for Purston Infants, I was keen to be on board when I found out there was a chance of becoming a governor.
Being a school governor at such a warm, friendly and inclusive school as enabled me to assist in the school to run as effectively as possible, working alongside senior leaders and supporting teachers to provide excellent education for children. It is a pleasure to be part of a school classed as ‘one big family’ and has allowed me to bring some expertise from my professional life whilst benefitting from working with such skilled volunteers.
I am proud to be a governor and proud to be part of the learning journey at Purston Infant School.