Mr M Banks - Chair

Link Governor: Health and Safety and Environment

Classification: Co-Opted

Appointed:  14 October 2023

Term Ends:  13 October 2027

Martin joined the School Governing Body in October 2017 as an Associate Governor with responsibility for governor development, focusing on the three key purposes of governance: strategic vision; challenge; value for money. 

In October 2019, Martin was co-opted to the Governing Boday and was elected Chair of HR, Finance and Premises Committee (now known as Resources, Premises and Sustainability Committee). In October 2021, Martin was elected Chair of the Board of Governors. 

Martin is a Trustee of BYB@Blackrod.

Martin's daughter was a pupil at Blackrod Primary School, leaving in July 2023. In his day job, Martin works at The University of Manchester in Human Resources as a Lead People Partner and links in to the 200-strong governor network at the University. 

Outside of work, Martin is the Treasurer for Bolton Mountain Rescue Team and is on call 24/7 as an operational member.

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs M Riley - Chair of Child Protection and Safeguarding/ SEN & Training

Classification: Co-Opted

Appointed:  22 September 2025

Term Ends:  21 September 2026

I started teaching French in 1973 in high schools, then worked in special education in Bolton from 1990, also teaching French.

I was an Advanced Skills Teacher from 2002, advising on teaching and learning at Rumworth School and in other schools in the authority. Responsible for European projects, organising visits to special schools around Europe and hosting visits from European teachers, all with a view to sharing good practice.

In my AST role, I led the Outstanding and Improving Teacher Programme in Bolton and have a profound interest in pedagogy. BPS are outstanding in this field, always adding to their excellent practice through research and CPD.

I worked as an Education consultant from 2013 to 2015, working for a teacher training provider, observing trainees and delivering training on special needs. My interests include walking, reading, French and Italian languages, presenting a classical music programme on Hospital Radio at Wrightington Hospital.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr R Needham  

Classification: Co-Opted

Appointed:  22 September 2025

Term Ends:  21 September 2028

My name is Ryan Needham, and I am a Co-opted governor at Blackrod Primary. I currently work at Rivington and Blackrod High School as Associate Assistant Head Teacher with responsibility for the Lower School provision. Before this role, I was at Rivington and Blackrod as Head of Geography for 4 years, helping the school to receive the Geographical Associations Centre of Excellence Award. In my own time, I play cricket in the Westmorland Cricket League in Cumbria and spend time with my family. 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr R Bone - Vice Chair

Classification: Co-Opted

Appointed:  17 May 2021

Term Ends:  16 May 2025

I have worked in primary education for over 20 years, in a range of roles and settings, in the UK and Africa. Throughout that time, I have been led by the same firmly held belief; that every child has the right to an inspirational, relevant and creative educational experience. To that end, I am particularly interested in curriculum design and implementation, and in staff training and development. I believe passionately that, for children to feel successful, happy, and loved, teachers must also feel the same!

I hope these experiences and interests will allow me to make a positive contribution to the work of the school, and the exciting and innovative projects and activities it is already engaged in.

 

 

 

 

 

Mrs K Howard - Curriculum, Standards and Safeguarding Committee 

Classification: Co-opted

Appointed:  13 October 2025

Term Ends:  12 October 2029

I have worked in education for over 25 years. I have worked within primary, secondary, independent schools, local authority, the BBC, and most recently within a company that specialises in safeguarding young people in the digital environment. As a digital safeguarding lead, I work with local authorities, multi-academy trusts, schools and colleges across the UK, to develop their knowledge and understanding of online safety across the 4 pillars of the school community, staff, parents, governors and students. I absolutely love my job and the opportunities that I have to work with lots of educational establishments all over the UK.   

I am the proud mother to a fun-loving little boy in Blackrod Primary School. As a family we love visiting theme parks, going on long walks through our amazing countryside and gardening. We grow lots of vegetables and fruit in our garden which don't always make it to our table as our little boys usually eats them raw off the plant! 

My passions include music, drama and outdoor activities. My family and I support various amateur dramatic societies in the Greater Manchester area, and we are either acting, supporting with online or offline activities or filming performances. We love it. My son has also had a part or two in our performances. 

My personal goals are to make sure that my children and the children I work with, through my career, are given every opportunity to flourish, be safe and grow into well-rounded, happy individuals who have a love of life and learning. 

I am so excited being a parent governor, and I am hoping that my experiences and knowledge will add value to our community here at Blackrod Primary School. 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr D Spilsbury - Lead of Health & Safety Committee 

Classification: Parent

Appointed:  31 January 2022

Term Ends:  30 January 2030

A systems and software engineer by training, I've always had a passion for understanding how things work. This generally means that I'm good at taking things apart, which, combined with my love of technology, just so happens to be one of the key skills needed for my day job in cybersecurity. These days, I'm less hands-on than I used to be, as my current role means that I now lead teams and set strategy, but the desire to tinker remains ever strong and is something I like to help identify and develop in others.
However, despite my natural leaning towards STEM subjects, many years in education as a student have taught me that learning needs to be enjoyable and that exposure to a wide variety of subject areas, including music, arts and sports, is fundamental and something for which I am a strong advocate.
With two young daughters, I have a keen interest in the strategic governance and future direction of Blackrod Primary School; hopefully without taking too many things apart!

Ian Smith - Chair of Resources, Premiss & Sustainability 

Classification: Co-opted 

Appointed:  January 2024

Term Ends:  January 2028

I’m a father of two children and my eldest started Blackrod Primary School in Picasso in 2023, so I have a real interest in the performance and future direction of the school.

Professionally, I’m a qualified accountant and work within the Finance function of a large manufacturing company.   Working in industry, I see the importance of broader interpersonal and practical skills in the modern-day working environment just as much as individuals reaching their potential academically.  As a result, I’m keen to understand the skills and learning to be developed at an early age and to help ensure all children have a safe and fun environment to thrive in school. 

In my spare time, I enjoy watching sport and love to get out sailing as often as I can.  As a family, we enjoy outdoor activities and visiting new places. 

 

Charlotte Farnworth 

Classification: Parent 

Appointed:  October 2025

Term Ends:  October 2029

I currently work for Wigan Governor Services based in Wigan Council and I support the Boards of 14 different settings ranging from nurseries through to secondary schools, special school and alternative provision which gives me a broad insight in the education sector and the important work the Governing Body of school undertakes.

Before working for Wigan Governor Services, I was a primary school teacher predominantly working in Key Stage One. I completed a degree in Sport, and I am an avid supporter of the Outdoor Play and Learning (OPAL) program.

In my own time I enjoy walking my cocker spaniel called Sherlock, reading, baking and spending time with my family.

 

 

Danielle Richards - - Classification: Co-Opted

Appointed:  10th June 2024

Term Ends:  10th June 2027

Miss C Entwistle - Classification: Staff

Appointed:  20th October 2023

Term Ends:  20th October 2027

 

 

 

 

 

 

Mr B Kenny - Classification: Co-Opted

Appointed:  22 September 2025

Term Ends:  21 September 2028

Since joining the governing board, I have enjoyed working with a fantastic team who are passionate about the school and maintaining its very high standards.

Blackrod Primary School is a huge interest of mine as my children attend the school. I also work part-time as a caretaker here. When I’m not at Blackrod Primary School, I am a Firefighter at Bolton Central Fire Station.

I am looking forward to having an influence on the future of the school.

 

Mrs K Mead - Classification: Headteacher

Appointed:  01 September 2022