Slaley First School

About Us

Headteacher's Welcome

Meet the Staff

Our School Day

Our Ethos, Values and Vision

Governance

School Visitors Booklet

Ofsted Information

Performance Data

Pupil Premium

COVID-19 Catch Up Premium

PE and Sports Premium

Equality Information

Community

Financial Information

Mr Neil Watson

Acting Chair of Governors / Co-opted Governor / FRMC Member

For the last thirty years I have managed a small, privately owned manufacturing businesses. In 2021, with our first grandchild now on the scene, it was time for a change. After working away from home for over ten years, my wife and I gave up our jobs to start the local Newcastle Tutor Doctor franchise, providing extra tuition both privately and through schools in the area. We are a family of keen sailors, having raced sailing dingies with my son at Derwent Reservoir and more recently at Tynemouth sailing club. I joined Slaley First school as a governor at the beginning of 2023 and look forward to helping the school thrive in the local community.

Mrs Kayleigh Herdman

Co-opted Governor / responsibility for Early Years and Personal Development / SPDC Member

For the past four years I have lived on a hill farm just outside of Blanchland with my husband and two children, after moving from Hexhamshire where I grew up.

I have a first class honours degree in Hospitality and Food Management and now own and run a luxury shepherd's hut holiday accommodation business here on our farm.

It's a pleasure to be part of the governors team and be part of a great local school, which my daughter currently attends.

Mrs Denise Todd

Parent Governor / SPDC Committee

I live in Slaley and my eldest of two daughters has just started her journey at Slaley First School having attended nursery this year, ready for reception in September. I have been a teacher for the last 12 years and I currently work as Head of Geography at a large high school in Newcastle. I am extremely passionate about education and the importance this plays in shaping young people’s lives. I take a keen interest in topical issues relating to education and I am currently undertaking a National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership. Therefore, although my experience is primarily working with students aged 13-18, I hope that my wider knowledge, skills and expertise will be useful in supporting the strategic vision of Slaley First School. I am proud to be a governor at a school that has shaped so many lives over the years and I look forward to giving something back to such a welcoming local community.

All Governors can be contacted via our School Office.

Mrs Angela Hayward

Headteacher / SPDC and FRMC Member

I joined Slaley First School in September 2021 as Headteacher and Governor. I am delighted to be part of the wonderful Slaley community and I am committed wholeheartedly to providing the very best education to the children in our care. I have three children myself and so fully understand the importance of being considered and included as a parent. I view all of our parents as partners in the educational process and encourage parental involvement in all aspects of school life. We have an open door policy for new and existing parents, so please do not hesitate to contact us if you require any information or have any queries.

Mrs Rachel O’Neill

Teacher Governor / SPDC Member

I joined Slaley First School in April 2002 as Key Stage One Teacher. During this time I have worked closely with the headteachers, staff and governors to develop the provision offered at Slaley First School. In May 2013, I became a teacher Governor. In this role I share ideas with Governors, providing a valuable link between the Governing body and staff. I am passionate about everyone in our school community working together to achieve the very best for the children in our care.

Mr Mark Osborne

Parent Governor / Governor responsible for Early Years / FRMC Member

I have lived in Slaley since 2015 and have four children (two boys and two girls); both of my boys currently attend the school. I have been a governor since Autumn 2021. I work as an ecologist and am a founding director or an ecological consultancy.

Mrs Lynda Potts

Co-opted Governor / Governor responsible for SEND / Pupil Premium & COVID Catch Up / SPDC Member

I was first involved with Slaley First School when my children attended there over 20 years ago. I served as a parent governor for a number of years and also taught in school covering absent staff at times. I qualified as a teacher in 1985 and throughout my long teaching career taught mostly in special schools initially in Nottinghamshire, then Northumberland, County Durham and Hartlepool. I taught children with a wide range of special needs predominantly in the primary age range.

During this time I also became interested in alternative health and trained in a number of therapies including Bowen therapy and Reflexology. Since leaving teaching, I have qualified as a Herbalist and currently run a clinic from home near Whittonstall.

I look forward to being involved with Slaley School again and hope that my experience will prove to be a useful asset to the team.