Please find below a link to the Governance arrangements of our school in relation to our membership of the Children First Learning Partnership Multi Academy Trust
http://www.childrenfirstlp.org.uk/trustees/
For information about the Governance of the Children First Learning Partnership please click here:
http://www.childrenfirstlp.org.uk/governance/
Full Name: Tammy Drinkwater Email: governor-drinkwater@cflptrust.co.uk
Role: Chair of Castlechurch Primary Local Advisory Board & Safeguarding Link Governor
Date appointed: January 2020 Appointed by: Children First Learning Partnership Directors
Term of Office: 4 years
Relationships between other governors or school staff: None
Relevant Business and Pecuniary Interests including governance roles in other educational institutions: None
I am an enthusiastic, forward thinking highly motivated Social Work Manager who is keen to improve, develop and promote high standards of education and outcomes for children, whilst always supporting the wellbeing of the children. I attended this school many years ago and now have the pleasure of seeing my own children grow and develop within the same school.
I have supported many social work teams through a period of change and recognise that everyone reacts differently to change. However, I have always remained positive myself and reinforced the messages relating to moving forward. This being a skill which I believe will be transferable to this role with the many changes which are occurring in response to the Pandemic and will continue to develop, as the school has transitioned to an academy status.
I have overseen financial recovery plans for the districts that I have managed and have challenged colleagues, Again, I believe my experience will support this role to manage, guide and direct funding available to the school and how this is best spent to improve outcomes for our children.
As a manager, I have overseen many complex adult safeguarding investigations and have been responsible for chairing investigation review meetings with a range of professionals and outside agencies, including the police, CQC and care providers. I have also had direct experience of carrying out investigations as a practitioner and know what a good investigation should look like. I will be able to offer advice and support in terms of safeguarding procedures, ensuring that the school is adhering to such important legislation, the welfare of the children is paramount and should be our main priority.
I feel my personal skills; knowledge and experience will support me to excel in this position. I am committed to improving not only my children’s future but the future of all children who attend the school. I am delighted to be given the opportunity in making a difference to their education along with really promoting the well-deserved positive recognition of this forever improving school.
Full Name: Lee Anderson-Pugh
Role (s): Headteacher
Date appointed: 1st Sept 2025 Appointed by: Children First Learning Partnership Directors
Term of Office: 4 years
Relationships between other governors or school staff: Colleagues
Relevant Business and Pecuniary Interests including governance roles in other educational institutions: None
Pen portrait:
With over 22 years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of working across a range of primary schools in Stoke-on-Trent and Staffordshire, dedicating my career to ensuring every child receives the highest quality learning experience.
I joined Reginald Mitchell Primary School in 2016 as Deputy Head Teacher, later becoming Head of School. During my time there, I played a key role in the school’s successful transition to the Children First Learning Partnership as part of its academy conversion. Alongside my leadership roles, I also served as a Specialist Leader of Education (SLE), where I focused on overcoming barriers faced by disadvantaged pupils, working to increase engagement, raise aspirations and improve attainment for children from all backgrounds.
In the summer of 2025, I began supporting Castlechurch Primary School—a school that quickly captured my heart through its warmth, strong community values and commitment to its pupils. I was appointed Headteacher in September 2025, proud to lead a school where children, staff and families work together with a shared sense of purpose.
Castlechurch is a truly special place: a nurturing, ambitious and vibrant school where everyone is encouraged and supported to flourish. It is a privilege to serve this community as Headteacher, championing our motto, “Working together to achieve our best!” every single day.
Full Name: Zara Parrish
Role (s): Vice Chair & Inclusion Link Governor
Date appointed: 18th May 2022 Appointed by: Local Advisory Board.
Term of Office: 4 years
Relationships between other governors or school staff: None
Relevant Business and Pecuniary Interests including governance roles in other educational institutions: None
Pen portrait:
I am a parent-LAB member at Castlechurch Primary School. I currently have two children who attend the school. As a parent governor I take pride in the fact that I can contribute to the journey the school is on in ensuring that the school offers a positive, inclusive and safe learning environment for all of its pupils. It is very important to me that we have a school which is inclusive and meets the needs of every single child.
In my professional life I lead a targeted health team who go out into our communities to ensure equitable access to health services and continually address health inequalities in Staffordshire and Stoke on Trent. I work collaboratively with system partners and other organisations and communities to ensure ‘no one gets left behind’ regardless of race, gender, religion, disability, social or economical status and that everyone’s needs are met when accessing health services.
I am a very organised person (admittedly more so at work than at home!). I’m very friendly & personable and can adapt well in many different environments. I love reading, writing and drawing and going to see live music.
Full Name: Judy Whitney
Role (s): LAB Member – Curriculum Link Governor
Date appointed: March 2023 Appointed by: Local Advisory Board.
Term of Office: 4 years
Relationships between other governors or school staff: Ex Colleagues
Relevant Business and Pecuniary Interests including governance roles in other educational institutions: None
I am recently retired after spending almost thirty years either volunteering for, or being employed by Castlechurch Primary School. Both myself and my daughter spent our primary years at the school so being a pupil, parent and employee have given me a unique perspective which I can take forward in my new role as Governor.
I have a lifelong interest in Science and Mathematics which has helped to foster a love of sustainability, eco consciousness and an interest in the local, and wider, community. As a Teaching Assistant I was passionate about helping and supporting children with special educational needs, something that I continue to care about deeply.
I consider myself to be a positive and optimistic person who through my long loyalty to the school is committed to its continued improvement.
Full Name: Joanna Cranwell
Role (s): LAB Member – Staff member
Date appointed: March 2020 Appointed by: Local Advisory Board.
Term of Office: 4 years
Relationships between other governors or school staff: Colleagues
Relevant Business and Pecuniary Interests including governance roles in other educational institutions: None
I am a teacher-LAB member at Castlechurch. I have been teaching at here for 10 years and this is my 26th year of teaching in total. I am currently in the year 3-4 phase team. In addition to my teaching role, I have responsibility for RE, Collective worship and Personal Development including PSHRE. Well-Being and School Council/pupil leadership are my passion and through assemblies ensure British Values are taught. I am an active member of the school PTPA and I have a very positive relationship with our parents and the school community.
I feel great pride in being part of the Castlechurch family. I have a broad experience in education and passion for my job. I believe that staff LAB members are in a unique position to make a real contribution to the school. I intend on supporting Mrs Goodyear to move the school forward on a day to day basis and share the leadership’s vision in making Castlechurch the best it can be. My own daughter attended Castlechurch and during her time here she became a confident young person and had a rich learning journey. I believe Castlechurch cares and puts the child at the heart of everything it does-children come first. I take great pride in working hard for the benefit of the children in my role as class teacher and LAB member.
Vacancy: Health and safety Governor Role
Castlechurch LAB Skills audit Analysis 2026
Findings and recommendations LAB skills audit CC 26
Academy Trust Handbook - Guidance - GOV.UK (www.gov.uk)
Mrs T Drinkwater - Safeguarding
Mrs V Bowyer - Health & Safety
Mrs Z Parrish - Inclusion
Mrs J Whitney - Curriculum