Governance
Welcome to our Governors section:
West Street Governors are from a wide cross section of society, including staff, parents and members of the local community, bringing with them valuable skills and experience for the benefit of the school. Mrs Jaclyn Bird is our Chair of Governors and there are 9 other Governors kindly volunteering their time and energy. The Governing Body helps provide strategic management while supporting the work of the Headteacher and the staff.
We have 3 types of formal meetings :-
- Full Governing Body
- Resources Committee (Building, Finance, Staffing, Resources)
- Standards and Effectiveness Committee (Teaching, Curriculum, Standards, Pupil Welfare)
Each Governor is assigned to be part of at least one of the committees and each Governor is responsible for at least one area within school.
We are always welcome to “drop in” to visit children and staff, to take part in school events and to meet subject leaders. We also hold informal termly meetings for parents.
Governors 2026-2027
Mr Jack Thompson Headteacher
As proud headteacher of West Street Primary School, I am automatically part of the schools Governing Board. What makes West Street so special is the resilience and determination of our children, the dedication and care shown by our staff and the unwavering support of the Governing Body. Having lived in Colne for more than 30 years and worked in local schools throughout my career, it is a privilege to serve the community that helped shape me.
Mrs Jaclyn Bird (Chair) Co opted
I’m Jac, Chair of Governors at West Street Community Primary School, where I have the privilege of working alongside our staff, governors, pupils and families to help make sure our school continues to move forward in the right direction. I bring experience in governance, compliance, data protection and organisational improvement, along with a healthy appreciation for asking awkward questions at precisely the right moment. My role is to provide challenge, support and strategic oversight.
I’m passionate about making sure that decisions are evidence-based, risks are assessed and children remain firmly at the centre of everything we do and that accountability works both ways.
Mr Ian Graham Local Authority
I have been a Governor at West Street Community Primary School for several years now, having served as Chair of Governors for a number of those. I am extremely proud to be part of the West Street team taking forward this amazing school, where there is a team in place dealing with our children’s education and diversity so professionally.
Mr Ru Igbodipe Parent
Mrs Lauren Sharp Parent
As a parent with 2 children currently at West Street , I am very passionate about trying to make the school the best it can possibly be and maintaining a high standard across all areas. As a qualified dance teacher and former dental nurse, I have gained lots of experience and skills to help me with the role of school governor and to enable me to contribute positively to the school.
Mrs Caroline Hargadon Parent
Hi, I’m Caroline. I’ve been a governor at West Street for around nine years now, so I’ve been part of the school for quite a while.
I’m a mum of eight and four of my children have attended West Street, with two still at the school, so the school is very much a big part of our family life. I work as a Senior Support Worker at a day centre for adults with learning disabilities, which I really enjoy. I believe every child should be in a safe, supportive environment where they feel valued and are able to thrive socially, emotionally and academically. I’m really proud to be a governor at West Street and enjoy being involved in the school and doing what I can to support the pupils, staff and wider school community
Mrs Joyce Jenkinson Co-opted
Miss Pauline Street Co-opted
I have enjoyed the role of Co-opted Governor at West Street Primary for several years now. As Pastor of New Life Christian Centre, I am interested in the local community and find that governing at West Street gives me great insight into the needs of local people. Prior to being a Pastor, I was a youth and children’s worker so observing how children at West Street are encouraged to be the best they can be is important to me. West Street is a fantastic school and my hope is that, as a Governor, I can assist the fantastic work being done there.
Mrs Carole Shorrock Co-opted
I became a Governor in 2018 to help make a contribution to the school and community. I have a background in Education and, having retired, wanted to positively bring my experience to share with the staff and other Governors. I am proud to support the continued development of the school and see first-hand how hard the staff work to fulfil each child’s potential, sometimes in challenging circumstances. My personal interests are going to the gym, walking the great Rossendale hills, theatre trips, and I am an avid reader- spending far too much time with my head in a book!
Mrs Deb Westwell Co-opted
Mr Sam Smith Staff Representative
I am proud to be the Staff Governor at West Street. I have taught at West Street for over 10 years and been a Governor since 2022. Being a Governor has allowed me to have a wider view of how our amazing school works. It is my firm belief that happy and engaged children learn best and, as a Governor, I work with the rest of the Governors, staff, parents and, most importantly, our pupils to ensure that they believe in themselves and make maximum progress. I am passionate about ensuring that children access a wide and varied curriculum and ae able to take part in experiences which widen their knowledge and understanding of the world.