Governor Profiles

Lynne Allan

Co-opted Governor - Chair of Governors and a member of the Curriculum Committee and Building & Resources Committee

I was a teacher in the Manchester area for 35 years in secondary schools, sixth-form colleges and further education. I taught English at all levels and latterly specialised in English Language and Literature at A level and was the Course tutor on an Access to University pathway.

I have had a long association with Beaver Road, as a parent, grandparent and governor. It has always been an excellent school with excellent staff who deeply care for the children in their care.

My work as Chair of the Portico Library in Manchester as Chair of the LGB at Beaver Road has given me experience in managing change and ensuring that much loved institutions have the leadership and governance that will ensure their resilience to survive in an ever changing landscape.

I feel privileged to be working alongside a dedicated Leadership, staff and governing body. Most of all I enjoy working to ensure that the children have the best educational and life experience that is possible.

Term ends: 25/02/2026

Pauline Black

Co-opted Governor

I first became involved with Beaver Road when my daughter was a pupil and was elected Parent Governor when she was in year 4 (she has now just left secondary school).  Although I am not from Manchester, my cousins and their children had also previously been at the school.  I was very impressed with the holistic education Beaver Road offers its pupils and was inspired to get (and remain) involved.

I continue to be impressed by the expertise, professionalism and enthusiasm of the whole school team who, on a daily basis, demonstrate their commitment to providing the highest quality education to the pupils.
 

In terms of my own work, I am a Senior Lecturer at one of the local universities where I teach social work.  Through this, and my previous work in practice with adults, I have come to really appreciate the value of instilling a love of learning, that can carry people through life and so I am delighted to be a part of the Beaver Road LGB and support the school to nurture that passion in our pupils.

Term ends: 11/09/2024

Anthony Boothman

Parent Governor

Beaver Road Primary School has been part of my family since my dad and uncle attended as pupils back in the 1950’s and 1960’s.  I am keen and excited to continue my family’s connection and be part of the governance and development of the school.  My daughter attends Beaver Road, currently in Year 2 with another daughter in nursery so as a parent I am very interested in the dynamics of the school and the way that it functions.

As a Partner of a large commercial property consultancy firm working with a wide ranging number of different people, professions and governing bodies, I have a wide range of transferable skills such as overseeing the management of properties and ensuring budgets and expenditure are prepared and managed accurately.

Term ends: 22/04/2024

Paris Brown-Gardner

Staff Governor

Term ends: 17/03/2027

Emma Foster

Co-opted Governor

As a Teacher, I am passionate about facilitating learning in diverse and creative environments and I thrive off being fortunate enough to work in a school every day, where I can support young people to be the best versions of themselves. I am proud to be a Secondary School Teacher of 19 years, 16 of which have been based in our local community.

I really value the opportunity to support the academic and pastoral outcomes for young people in my capacity as a Teacher, Leader and as a Governor. These values, partnered with my leadership experience as  Directory of Art, Design and Technology, KS2-3 Transition lead and more recently Director of Learning for KS3 and Pupil Premium, gives me relevant experience to support the governance of Beaver Road and fulfil the values they hold for each individual pupil.

Term ends: 24/01/2025

Emma Forrester

Co-opted Governor - Deputy Chair of Governors

Emma has 20 years HR and Recruitment Business Partnering experience in corporate environments, both in retail and pharmaceutical sectors. She specialises in change management, organisational development and talent development. She lives in Didsbury and has a son in year 3 and a 14 year old daughter who attended Beaver Road.

Terms ends: 22/01/2027

Michael Burke

Co-opted Governor

I’ve been a Television producer and journalist for the last forty years making documentaries that have taken me around the world and all over the U.K. 

I have always maintained an active interest in education. I was a parent governor at the village school my sons attended in West Yorkshire. I’ve made course materials for the Open University and for schools. I was a founding Trustee of The Conversation UK, a not-for-profit news organization that harnesses the collective expertise of academics to engage the public. During the pandemic I was a mentor to students at The University of Manchester.

I’ve lived in Didsbury for the last twenty-five years and I’m keen to contribute to this community. My work as a journalist has not only given me privileged access into people’s lives, it’s given me a set of tools to analyse issues, ask critical questions and take nothing for granted. I believe these transferable skills and what I have learnt as a Trustee will help further the values and ambitions of everyone who is a part of the Beaver Road school community.

Terms ends: 09/10/2027

Liz Hardy

Executive Headteacher

Liz has been involved with teaching and leading in primary schools and early years settings across Greater Manchester for over 25 years. Liz has served as a Headteacher for 10 years and joined Beaver Road in September 2017. In 2015, Liz was designated as a National Leader of Education. This involves supporting developments in primary schools and early year’s settings across the City of Manchester and the North West.

Liz is passionate about ensuring the highest quality and creative education and care for all children. Together with the team, she ensures each child within our school community is treated as an individual, allowing room for particular talents and skills to flourish, as well as encouraging confidence and success in areas they find challenging to accomplish. Liz is a relational and enthusiastic leader who promotes collaboration, mutual respect and community. She loves to celebrate diversity, and is inspired by culture, creativity and experiential learning.  

Terms ends: ex officio

Melissa Ulett

Staff Governor

Having worked at Beaver Road for 16 years, I am delighted to now take on the role as staff governor. I hold a degree in Education (B.Ed Hons) and since graduating, my journey in education began as a learning mentor at Manchester City Football Club, where I worked in inner city schools with a drive to improve numeracy and literacy skills.

I then moved to Beaver Road and have never looked back! I have worked in every year group, in a range of roles and am now currently an integral part of the SEND team, as the school’s Family Engagement Officer. My current role allows me to work closely with families throughout the school, offering multi-agency support, advice and guidance.

Term ends: 17/03/2027

Matthew Coupe

Parent Governor

I am a proud father to 2 children in the school who are 3rd generation 'Beaver Roaders'. As our family has a long and proud association with the school I am delighted to be able to give something back in my capacity as a parent governor.

From 15 years working in Higher Education I have a range of experience in IT, project delivery, information governance, recruitment, quality assurance and budgeting and I currently hold a leadership position at the University of Manchester.

I am a firm believer that consistent and effective communication with carers helps children to thrive at school. I will use all of my personal and professional experience, but most importantly that of a parent, to bring what I hope will be an effective voice to the role.

Term ends: 27/05/2025