Welcome from the Chair of Governors
As Chair of Governors, I am delighted to welcome you and your children to Cop Lane C.E. Primary School.
This is an excellent school where the dedicated team of staff work tirelessly to achieve the highest standards for all our children and ensure the school lives up to its Christian vision and ethos.
A welcoming Christian community, committed to one another, giving our very best at all times – this is the school’s mission statement.
Our school is caring and inclusive, which allows the children to settle in quickly and feel part of school life.
The school is friendly, supportive with a very caring team of staff and all the children are made to feel valued and belong within the school community.
The learning environment is extremely stimulating and offers the children a wide range of opportunities that is fit for purpose in the 21st century.
The staff work very hard, are dedicated, professional and are constantly striving to improve to provide a first-class education for our pupils.
The governing board works collectively in a supportive and challenging role with the Senior Leadership Team and the collaboration brings out the best in everyone.
My aim as Chair of Governors is to continue to offer the best education and preparation for life that we can for all of the children at Cop Lane C.E. Primary School.
Governor Pen Portraits
Mr Chris Teague – Chair of Governors
I am the Chair of Governors at Cop Lane and have held this position for over 15 years. I am very proud and privileged to serve on the Governing Board and to help to move the school forward strategically and work with and support the staff team.
I am also the Safeguarding, Well-Being and GPDR Governor and sit on all the standing committees.
I live locally and am married to Wendy Teague, who teaches at the school.
I work part-time in social care but prior to this worked in the retail sector for 25 years working for Marks and Spencer, PC World and Makro and I always aim to bring my wide working experience to support the Governing Board.
I have 2 grown up children, who were both educated at Cop Lane. Amy is now a primary school teacher and Andrew a Quantity Surveyor.
I am also chairman of a local scout group, enjoy running and am a PNE supporter.
Vice Chair of Governors – Miss Ellen Palmer
I am a secondary school teacher. I enjoy walking my dog and meeting friends in my spare time.
Mr Ian Ashmore – Headteacher
As the Headteacher of Cop Lane C.E. Primary School, it gives me great privilege to serve our school community through my position on the governing body. I have had many years experience as a staff governor at my previous school, which has given me valuable experience of school finance, policies, building projects and accountability. I am excited by the opportunity to work with a fantastic governing body to strategically move the school forward, so that Cop Lane continues to go from strength to strength, benefiting all the children in our care.
I am no stranger to Cop Lane and started my teaching career at the school in 2005. It is an honour to be returning to the school family as the Headteacher. Throughout my teaching career, I have taught across the two key stages as well as in Year 6. In my role as a deputy, I was responsible for the curriculum, mathematics, assessment, Religious Education/ church school distinctiveness and data. I also led several projects with other local schools.
Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my wife and two young children. I enjoy swimming, walking and cycling.
Mr Iain Jenkins
I am retired and have lived in Penwortham for over 35 years. Both my children went to Cop Lane (as did my wife) and enjoyed it immensely. Their time here really prepared them well for their futures. I have been a Foundation Governor for over 12 years and I am also the RE Link Governor and Chair of the Resources Committee. The Christian ethos of our school together with caring and professional staff, children with a keen spirit of enquiry and supportive parents make Cop Lane a truly fine and outstanding primary school.
Miss Gaby Westgarth
Mrs Harriet Cookson
I have been a parent at Cop Lane since 2010, my youngest is currently in the juniors. My background is in Business Information Management. I am passionate in supporting the schools continued success.
Mrs Jill Howe
I am a retired teacher, having taught at Cop Lane for over 38 years. I have also been a governor for over 40 years and have had the privilege of being involved in many changes over the years. I am a Church Warden at St Mary’s Church and enjoy the important relationship with school. I enjoy drama and gardening but particularly the continued relationship with everyone at Cop Lane.
Reverend Chris Nelson
I am the parish priest for St Mary’s Church in Penwortham. I am married and have three children. My granddaughter is in Year 5. I am a familiar face around school and visit regularly to lead worship. I am on the school’s ‘Ethos and Distinctiveness Committee’.
Mr Derek Webster
I am a Foundation Governor appointed by St Mary’s Church where I worship and where in early 2021. I was elected to the Parochial Church Council (PCC). I have over 10 years experience working within local government, helping the residents of Lancashire on a variety of educational matters including school admissions. My faith and helping others to the best of my ability are at the core of everything I do; I will give everything I can to ensure the school’s continued success.
Miss Neetal Parekh
My name is Neetal Parekh. I am a Community Education Liaison Officer at Lancashire County Council. I work with the Equality and Diversity team to guide, support and enhance Equality and Diversity within schools.
I also actively work in the local community to create education opportunities for the ethnic minority who may require further support in the learning.
I am very excited to be part of the Governors Team at Cop Lane Primary School; I have been incredibly impressed with the school especially the Equality and Diversity work.
Mrs Laura Webster
I have two boys; my eldest is in year 3 and my youngest is in Y1. I have been teaching English at secondary level for over 15 years and currently work at Penwortham Priory Academy. In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family and friends, and I love to read. I am really looking forward to fulfilling my role as school governor and hope to support the school in the next stage of its journey.
Mr Brett Spence
I have one child at Cop Lane in Year 6 and I’m proud to serve as a parent governor. I’m passionate about supporting the school’s continued success, helping it thrive as a place where every child is encouraged, valued, and given the best chance to grow in confidence.
I’ve seen first hand how Cop Lane has helped my daughter develop in this way, and I want to play a part in ensuring the same for every child.
My background is in Local Authority Commercial Real Estate and Property Management. I hope to use the skills and experience gained through my career so far to contribute positively to the work of the governing body. I’m also the subject link governor for Modern Foreign Languages, and I look forward to learning a thing or two from the pupils myself!
In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, family days out, and reading.
Mr David Tuke
