Current Governors

Chair of Governors - Lesley Crook

Vice Chair - Jonathan Michelbach

Clerk to Governors - Sophie Inman (Alicia Hough for Full Governors)

(See committee structure)

 

Lesley Crook

 Hello, my name is Lesley Crook, and I joined the governing body in October 2016, and I am now Chair of Governors. It is an absolute privilege to take on this new role. I am committed to using and developing the wide-ranging skills and expertise I have built up over a 43 year career within the civil services industry to the benefit of the school and to work effectively and enthusiastically with the governing body to ensure its continued success.

I am impressed with what I have learnt about the school thus far and, in particular, how engaged and confident the children are in their learning, as well as the motivation and commitment of the teaching staff.

Everyone should have the opportunity to develop to their full potential with learning at school being an integral and interactive part of that process. I welcome the opportunity to be involved in that process and to make a real contribution to Lea Community.

Johnathon Michelbach

My name is Jonathan Michelbach, and I am a Parent Governor.  I have two children in school, one in Key Stage 1 and one in Key Stage 2.  I work at BAE systems and therefore bring knowledge from industry.  I also support the school PTFA events.  I am new to the role of a governor, but I am learning quickly and particularly enjoy the curriculum side of governance and have key interests in Computing and STEM.

John Swindells

I am John Swindells I have always lived in the Larches area attending Larches primary school and Ashton Secondary school. 

I have been a governor at Lea since the early 1990’s. 

I first became a parent governor when my eldest son was in year 4. 

My three children attended Lea and all got a great grounding at the school, before going on to obtain University degrees.

I worked all my working life as a Fabricator at Springfields Fuels Ltd. before taking early retirement.

I was a Preston City councillor for more than 20yrs.

I was Mayor of Preston in 2008 – 09

Michael Balchin

My name is Michael Balchin, I joined as a Parent Governor, having two children in school.  I was keen to support the work of the school and I am particularly interested in curriculum development.  I bring experience from industry and currently work at BAE systems.

Jen Macdonald

Hello! My name is Jen Macdonald, I became a governor after leaving the classroom behind in May 2022 to take up the role as the Lancashire County Council's PSHE (Personal, Social, Health and Economic) Consultant. My job now sees me working with lots of colleagues in schools all across Lancashire to support them with their PSHE curriculum as well as teaching and learning- experience I bring with me in my role as governor. 

I worked alongside Lea Community Primary on a project before becoming a governor and quickly realised how much the ethos and values of school mirrored my own teaching philosophies: children are at the heart of the school and learning is centred around them.

I'm looking forward to being an active member of the governing body and supporting wider school activities where possible too.

Lindsay Timms

My name is Lindsay Timms. I have two grown up children and I retired in 2021 after 37 years as a primary school teacher. From 2006-2021, I was the Headteacher at a local school and so worked with Lea staff on many occasions during that period. The commitment and caring nature of Lea staff has always impressed me.

In retirement, I enjoy walking, as well as doing some private tutoring. However, a school is still my favourite place to be, and I was delighted to join Lea Governing Body in 2022.  I feel my years in primary education will be useful to Lea’s Governing Body, and I am enjoying experiencing the world of education from a different viewpoint.

Roy Whiston

My name is Roy Whiston, and I am the staff governor. I currently teach in Year 4 and wanted to join the governing body to gain a broader insight into whole school matters and represent staff voice. I am really enjoying the role, and it has been good to expand my knowledge to a broader viewpoint and see a wider perspective, not just from the teaching side.

Leanne Hamblett

My name is Leanne Hamblett, my son attends Lea Community, and we live in the local area. My full-time role is as the Head of HR at a local media and technology company based in Fulwood, where I look after 150 full-time staff and over 200 contractors. My team and I are responsible for all elements of training, recruitment, development, engagement and employment law.

I am always impressed by the staff at Lea, the way they truly care about our children, the initiatives they put in place and the values that the school instils in each child, regardless of ability and background. Each and every child I come across within school is genuinely happy to be here.  It has been an honour to join the Governing Body as Parent Governor, and I feel like my experience and background within HR as well as having a child with a number of years left to go at Lea, will help me to support the other governors and the leadership and staff within the school on a variety of different topics.