Governance

Sedgefield Hardwick Primary is overseen by a Local Governing Committee responsible for ensuring the highest standards of teaching and wellbeing. The Local Governing Committee is a ‘critical friend’ to the Academy as well as a champion of pupils, teachers and the wider community.

As the Academy is part of the Laidlaw Schools Trust, there is a board of trustees who are responsible for the work of the Trust, including the running of the academies. Further information is available on the Governance section of the Trust’s website. To support the effective operation of the Trust and the academies, the Trust board has established Local Governing Committees for each Academy in the Trust.

Diversity is important to our governing committees and we strive to be reflective of the communities that we serve. We welcome applications for school governors from all areas of our school community. If you are interested in becoming a school governor or finding out more, please contact the Clerk to Governors.

The Governance Administrator can be contacted at rebecca.mayo@laidlawschoolstrust.co.uk, Laidlaw Schools Trust, Suite 2, 3rd Floor, St Nicholas Building, St Nicholas’ Street, Newcastle upon Tyne, NE1 1RF or 0191 662 2416.

Get Involved

Full annual reports and audited accounts can be found on the Laidlaw Schools Trust website.

Details of the Governors at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary can be found below:

Scott Gooding

Chair of Governors

Leadership, Finance

Scott is Project Manager at DeepOcean UK and has a diverse career spanning geophysics, offshore engineering, emergency planning, and international development. He previously worked as a Seismic Data Processor at Svitzer Ltd and Veritas CGG, as a Geotechnical Engineer at CTC Marine, and as Business Unit Director at Geomarine.

Scott studied Geophysics at the University of Leicester and completed an MSc in Geotechnical Engineering at Newcastle University. He spent two years travelling internationally, including roles with Raleigh International as Project Manager in Ghana and Deputy Expedition Leader in Costa Rica. He also worked as Emergency Planning Officer for Hartlepool Borough Council, reviewing civil emergency plans for Teesside’s industrial sites.

Scott has two children at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy and is married to Jo, whom he met in 1998 while volunteering at Canterbury Cathedral.

Interest and date interest commenced

Sedgefield Community College (Close family relationship - 20/6/2024)

Paul Taylor

Personal Development, Finance

Paul is Headteacher at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy, a position he has held since September 2022. Previously, he was Deputy Headteacher from 2012, joining shortly after the launch of the school’s philosophy of ‘Instil, Inspire, Innovate’ and contributing to the creation of a stimulating learning environment where children enjoy learning.

Paul completed his PGCE at the High Force SCITT in Barnard Castle in 2009 and began his teaching career at Ox Close in Spennymoor before moving to Sedgefield Hardwick.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Sarah McPhie

Co-opted Representative

Behaviour & Attitudes

Interest and date interest commenced

Sedgefield Primary School (Parent Governor - October 2022)

Feeding Families (Employee - March 2021)

Gemma Firmin

Co-opted Representative

Quality of Education

Gemma works in Initial Teacher Training (ITT) and is passionate about supporting trainee teachers as they begin their careers in primary education. She is currently a science tutor for High Force Education SCITT and a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE) for primary science with a National Teaching School.

Gemma was previously ITT Lead at High Force Education SCITT, based at Green Lane Primary, Barnard Castle. Before this, she taught for six years across Key Stage 2 with additional Teaching and Learning responsibilities and developed a strong interest in teaching science.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

John Close

Co-opted Representative

Behaviour & Attitudes

John is Deputy Headteacher at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary School, a position he has held since September 2022. He was previously Assistant Headteacher at the school, with responsibilities for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS).

John qualified as a teacher in 2009 and began his career as a Reception teacher at a primary school in Darlington. During his seven years there, he taught Reception for four years, Year 1 for two years, and Year 2 for one year, before being appointed Assistant Headteacher in 2014 with responsibility for EYFS and Key Stage 1.

John is particularly passionate about Early Years education and is proud to contribute to a progressive learning environment at Sedgefield Hardwick.

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Natalie Jemmeson

Parent Representative

Lead Safeguarding Governor

Behaviour & Attitudes

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Andrew Smyth

Parent Representative

Personal Development

Interest and date interest commenced

Nil

Andrea Crawshaw

Co-opted Representative

Leadership 

Andrea is a retired CEO and Executive Headteacher with extensive experience as a teacher, parent, senior leader, and headteacher. She brings this expertise to her role as a governor at Sedgefield Hardwick Primary Academy to make a positive contribution to children’s education.

Andrea has worked with and within governing bodies for over 20 years. She is committed to supporting the Headteacher and leadership team in setting the vision, ethos, and strategic direction of the school, holding the Headteacher to account for educational performance, and overseeing financial performance.

Interest and date interest commenced

The Legacy Learning Trust (Member - 1/4/2023)