Cllr P Tye

I have lived in Silksworth all my life and attended New Silksworth Infant and Junior Schools before moving over to Farringdon School for my secondary education.  I have been a school governor for over 25 years most recently here at New Silksworth Academy but previously Mill Hill Primary and The Venerable Bede C of E Academy.  I am the current chair of New Silksworth Academy Local Governing Body. 

My full-time occupation is as an Operations Director for a large manufacturing/Construction Company in the region.  My remit is to cover all operational matters for the business but predominantly our work is in the Northeast and Yorkshire Regions.  I have also been a director at Gentoo and have sat on the main group board between 2015 and 2022. 

I was elected as a Ward Councillor for Silksworth in May 2006.  I have held several internal and external appointments since that date including Chairman of Sunderland South Area Committee, Chairman of Planning and Highways, Chairman of the Sunderland West Place Board and Vice Chairman of Sunderland West Area Committee. 

I am a Chartered Member of IOSH (Institute of Occupational Safety and Health), and I am a previous chairman and secretary of the Tyne and Wear Branch.

I also have the privilege of volunteering at Youth Almighty Project, a local youth and community charity, I lead and manage sessions, plan activities and act as the organisation's Designated Safeguarding Lead. I assist the full-time project manager with the organisation's policies and procedures and offer HR and H&S advice to the organisation and its 23 members of staff.  In addition to these roles, I am also the chair of the management committee which I have done since the charity was established in 2008. 

In addition to these roles I am also the Chair of Tyne and Wear Fire and Rescue Authority which is the body responsible for overseeing the Fire and Rescue Service here in Tyne and Wear, I was appointed into this position by the Fire Authority in 2022.

Ms S Clinton

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Mrs L Park

It is a pleasure to be a governor at New Silksworth Academy. I started my governor role in the Autumn term of 2022 and have enjoyed developing my knowledge and understanding of the school context, areas of strengths and those areas of challenge throughout the last year. I am a Deputy Headteacher at a local Infant Academy within the City. I have taught for 15 years and have been a member of the senior leadership team for the last 5 years. 

Early years education is a passion of mine, specifically how we equip our youngest children with the fundamental foundations they need to develop as confident, competent learners. English is my subject specialism, including early reading and phonics. 

Teaching in a school of high deprivation, characterised by a high percentage of SEND and those with English as an additional language gives me vast experience and knowledge of the diverse needs of a school. Making a difference to young children's lives was my original motivation to train to teach. Being a governor means I can pursue this beyond my own setting. 

Mrs J Prater

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Mrs E Robins

I feel so fortunate to be headteacher of both New Silksworth Infant Academy and New Silksworth Junior Academy. I have been headteacher and governor here since September 2017. Making a difference is what I feel passionate about so I enjoy working alongside colleagues doing just that! I have over 20 years experience of teaching in both primary and secondary schools, and have spent most of my career in education as a senior leader, achieving the National Professional Qualification in Headship and the National Professional Qualification in Executive Leadership.

I am a trustee for another MAT Board in the North East, AdAstra, where I am vice-chair of their Challenge Committee overseeing curriculum, standards and safeguarding. I am also a trustee for a growing UK charity, Caring Matters Now, which provides support for children and adults affected by Congenital Melanocytic Naevi, funds pioneering research to find a cure and raises awareness to educate the general public and medical profession.

Mrs L Wellburn

I am honoured to be a parent governor at New Silksworth Academy following being a New Silksworth pupil myself throughout my primary education. I have an 18 year background within social housing in the local community and due to this, have a good understanding of the background of the families within the local area. I am in my final year of completing a childhood studies degree and have completed placements within different schools in Sunderland. I am trained in Level 2 ASD awareness and hope to move onto an Education Mental Health Practitioner role upon completing my degree this year. This would involve continuing to work within local schools. I currently work in a mental health role for a local social landlord and feel that mental health support, for both parents and children, is imperative to improving children’s outcomes.

Mr J Peters

As a native of Silksworth, I take pride in my roots, having attended both New Silksworth Infants and New Silksworth Junior School as a pupil. I work at New Silksworth Academy, serving in the main office. Moreover, I hold the position of Staff Governor, which I have held for over five years. My working journey at the school began as a volunteer when my children attended New Silksworth Academy. Later, I pursued a Teaching Assistant programme in college, which led to my employment at the school. While I enjoyed working with the students directly, my role at the office allows me to impact more students and families throughout the whole academy.

Mrs V Merrie

I am a teacher and Early Years Lead in New Silksworth Infant Academy, and Arts Lead across both Infant and Junior Academies. I have proudly been working in New Silksworth Infants since 2008 and come into school with a spring in my step each day. I am a passionate champion of early years education and advocate of the arts in education across the trust. One of my proudest achievements is 'New Silksworth Academy Arts Award Centre' which was validated by Trinity College London in 2023 and the opportunities that this creates for our children. 

I am proud to be the staff governor of New Silksworth Academies and want to strive to ensure every child who attends is safe, happy, and enabled to develop their full potential. In order to do this, I feel it is essential to support the school in its journey and I value the opportunity to be part of children’s lives and help shape their futures.

Mrs S Mincher

I have always been passionate about education and my dream of being a teacher started when I was in primary school myself. I was lucky enough to follow my dream, and after gaining my teaching degree in June 1996, I secured my first job in a small church school in Stillington, Stockton. Since then I have never looked back and have continued my education journey in a number of schools, taking on a variety of leadership roles such as English lead, SENDCo, Safeguarding Lead, Designated Teacher, SLT, DHT, OPAL Lead, ECT Mentor, Curriculum Lead...

I believe research and continued professional development are extremely important and I continue to develop my own skills and knowledge by engaging in various leadership and learning programmes – NPQSL, NPQH, GTT, TF.  

In addition to working in schools, I have experience of working for Hartlepool local authority as SEND Team Manager. In this role I managed a team of social workers and EHCP case worker and gained experience of working with 'children in need', disabled children, 'looked after' children and their families/carers.

During my career I have observed the impact of holistic educational experience in children and young people's wellbeing and outcomes. I have a passion for equality, diversity and inclusion and believe ALL children should have access to a high-quality education and enhanced experiences/opportunities to ensure they achieve their full potential.  My professional and personal experience have provided me with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of what is required from the school, parents/carers and the child to achieve this.

I feel strongly about the power that a great education has to transform the lives of young people and feel privileged to work at New Silksworth Academy and contribute to its continued success.