Governors

Dr Anna Hunter, PhD SFHEA FSEDA

I am an Associate Professor and educational developer at the University of Law, specialising in inclusive and creative learning and teaching in Higher Education. I hold a PhD in English and American Studies from the University of Manchester, having completed my thesis on Holocaust Literature in 2008, and I have taught at all levels of post-compulsory education, from A-Level English to supervising doctoral theses in Education. I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy and a Fellow of the Staff and Educational Development Association, and in 2022 I received a national teaching excellence award for Collaborative Approaches to Teaching Excellence (CATE).

At Highfield Community Primary School, I have been a parent governor since 2018; my youngest child is currently in Year 5 whilst my oldest recently left Highfield to attend Parklands High School. Reflecting my professional passion of developing inclusive approaches to teaching and learning in Higher Education, the ethos at Highfield embodies all of the values that are important to me and my own educational practices. I am proud to support and represent the school in its vision to create an environment in which all children can feel that they belong.

Mrs Fiona Hodson

It gives me great privilege to serve as Governor for Highfield Community Primary School. I recognise the value of being the critical friend
adhering to the Governors code of conduct and our strategic responsibilities whilst ensuring that the vision and direction of school makes a difference for every child. I have been retired from my career since 2019 where I served in a variety of senior management positions with the Fire and Rescue Service, all of which required adherence to local authority professional standards, with financial compliance and risk management to deliver a responsive service that was value for money for the public. I recognise the importance of our school being the place where children thrive, parents feel supported and teachers valued for the dedication. I am proud to be part of the Governing Board to ensure all these objectives and the best start in education is a reality for the community at Highfield.

Ros Millington MScIBM

Co-opted Governor

With 22 years in further education, I started my career as a lecturer, then on to curriculum leader of Business Studies at Southport College. I made a strong impact developing the curriculum area and raising staff and student performance. After proving myself as a confident leader and problem solver, I was asked to become a member of the cross-college observation team, looking at improving staff performance and training those who needed extra support. Whilst still an active member of the observation team, the college shifted my focus to failing areas and asked me to work as a Professional Development Manager of underperforming areas, departments and individuals. I took on 7 areas over my time as PDM, improving Ofsted grades, staff morale, and overall student performance. In 2005, I was seconded to Manchester Metropolitan University working on an Enterprise programme in Primary schools, Secondary schools, and FE colleges across the North of England. This was an excellent opportunity to work with children of all ages to understand Enrichment, Enterprise, and Employability. This ranged from planting and selling fruit and vegetables with Key Stage 1 children to opening a fully functional cafe for college students to run. It was a fantastic opportunity and I thoroughly enjoyed every moment up until my retirement. As a member of the Governing Body at Highfield, my duties include staff wellbeing and a responsibility to feedback on the performance of English lessons across the school. I hope to use my experience to ensure learners of all educational abilities have the opportunity to reach their full potential. I believe my career stands me in good stead to give back to a local school and take on the challenges and chances that are provided within my remit.

John Hobbis MD. FRCS

Co-opted Governor

I have been a Governor at Highfield Primary since 2013. I am the Governor linked to the teaching of Maths and Science. I have been involved with the development of the school over the last ten years through a number of significant changesI moved to Chorley in 1991, when I was appointed as Consultant Surgeon at Bolton Royal Infirmary and Bolton General Hospital, where I worked for 22 years. During my time in Bolton I was part of a service that underwent considerable change. The two most significant developments were the formation of Bolton Hospitals Trust, increasing the administrative autonomy of the Hospitals and the move to a single site service at The Royal Bolton Hospital, with the closure of Bolton Royal Infirmary. In addition to my clinical responsibilities, I held the post of Undergraduate Tutor for a number of years and for three years was Clinical Director of General Surgical Services.

Following my retirement from Bolton, I have continued to work part time and have enjoyed having more time to involve myself in the wider aspects of community life in Chorley. This has included taking on the responsibilities of sitting on the Governing Body of Highfield Primary School.

Kristian Garner Parent Governor

I am an Associate Solicitor with 20 years qualified experience, working for a top 10 law firm in the UK. My work consists of handling court cases, providing training, writing articles on various legal topics and mentoring/supervising a team.

At Highfield Community Primary School I have been a Pa rent Governor since 2022. My Son is currently a pupil at Highfield school, within the School’s Orchard SEN setting. As both a Parent and a Governor, having a safe and secure environment where children can be themselves and thrive, led by a compassionate and hard- working staff is paramount to me and I am proud to be associated with Highfield.

Shaguftah Hassan Staff Governor

I am a Teaching Assistant at Highfield Community Primary School with a Btec Diploma in Childhood Studies.

I have a number of years’ experience working in early years and also twenty years’ experience of working in retail, both in a bank and for a major retailer. Over the years working in different environments I have developed my skills in excellent communication and good listening.

At Highfield Community Primary School, I am a Staff Governor. I also have a number of years’ experience as a Parent Governor.

I have the best interests of the school, staff and the pupils at heart. As a member of the governing body I want to help the school make a difference in the lives of children by supporting them in their education.