Our Governing Body

Manor Wood PS has a Local Governing Body which has a vital role in making sure every child gets the best possible education. A key role is to act as a ‘critical friend’; to support, to challenge, to ask questions and to oversee the financial performance of the school, ensuring that money is well spent.

The Governing Body works in close partnership with the Headteacher, staff and the Trust.  Whilst the Headteacher is, of course, responsible for the day to day running of the school, the governors are involved with such things as staffing, curriculum, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the proper range of academic and social objectives.

The Chair of Governors is Mrs Kim Adams.

They are instrumental in terms of ensuring that the school has strategies in place to enable children to achieve their full potential and an education which will equip them to achieve future successes.

---

Information regarding the governors of MWPS

Kim Adams (Chair of Governors)

Term of office: June 2023- Present

I started as a parent governor at Manor Wood Primary when my now adult child was in reception! I am now a co-opted governor.  I have worked for lots of different charities, developing services for people and bring lots of experience of spotting opportunities and turning these into actions.  I currently work for the NHS in Leeds joining up health and social care with community services.  As a senior manager I have a breadth of experience including finance, HR and strategic planning.

Colette Kurylo (Vice Chair)

Term of office: June 2023- Present

I joined the Governing Body of Manor Wood in October 2023 as a Co-opted member, and I am thoroughly enjoying the experience. I work for the 2gether Cluster as the Cluster Leader, and my role involves working with 12 schools (both primary and secondary) offering a wide range of services to children and their families. My career has always involved working with children and families, most recently as part of the Senior Leadership Team of a LA maintained Primary School. I have a vast experience in safeguarding within education and am trained as a Designated Safeguarding Lead. I enjoy spending time with family and friends and travelling to Greece.

Kate Humphries (Headteacher at MWPS) 

Term of office: January 2024 - present

I have proudly been a part of the Manor Wood community for over 15 years, serving in the senior leadership team for eight years before stepping into the role of Headteacher in January 2024. I am incredibly proud of our school, our exceptional staff and the wonderful children we have the privilege to teach. I am passionate about making a tangible difference every day and firmly believe that our pupils deserve a nurturing environment that actively fosters their growth and well-being. I aim ensure every child has a happy, successful and enriching experience with us. I champion a universal ambition for our school: that regardless of their background or starting point, every child feels safe and valued. By providing an inspiring environment and a rich curriculum, we aim to empower all our pupils to become confident, resilient learners equipped for the future.

Ellen Lowry (Deputy Headteacher at MWPS) 

Term of office: June 2023 - present

I have been fortunate enough to be a teacher at Manor Wood since 2008 which is testament to what a fantastic place it is to work and to be part of. During that time, I have taught across KS1 and KS2 (most recently in Year 6), and led various subjects including Literacy, Geography and Computing. I love books and given half a chance can be found curled up with a new novel in my spare time, so I am proud to have led Literacy across school for many years, creating a "reading school" culture and supporting our staff in the effective planning and teaching of reading, writing and phonics. I took up the role of Assistant Headteacher and DSL, continuing to lead Literacy but also mentoring and supporting staff and trainee teachers across school, as well as facilitating the NPQ qualifications in teacher leadership for the Leeds Teaching School Hub. I am now Deputy Headteacher and my role has expanded to include responsibility for development of the wider curriculum. I love my job and I know the staff here are all just as passionate about making a difference for the children we teach. As a governor and senior leader, I am proud to help shape the future of our school.

Darren Lansiquot 

Term of office: October 2023 - present

I have two children that attend Manor Wood Primary School. I have always been hugely impressed with the quality of teaching provided throughout the school. It was a great surprise and honour to be asked to become a Governor at the school, and I look forward to helping it maintain the high standards it has achieved. I work as a Network Engineer for a financial company based in Leeds. Outside of work I enjoy walking and cycling and travelling with my family when time permits.

Yasir Elhaggaz

Term of office: October 2023 - present

Greetings! I am honoured to serve as a Governing Board member at Manor Wood Primary School, commencing my role on October 23, 2023. As a dedicated parent governor with two children enrolled at the school, I am deeply invested in fostering a positive educational environment. I am enthusiastic about contributing to the school's growth and development over the next 4-5 years. Together with fellow governors, staff, and parents, I am committed to ensuring a nurturing and thriving educational experience for all students at Manor Wood Primary School.

Shruti R Sharma

Term of office: June 2023 - Present

I have been a LEA Governor at  Manor Wood Primary School for a number of years now and I am thoroughly enjoying the experience. I work for a large global bank as a Senior Credit Risk Analyst and have 10 years of experience working within this sector. It was through a work open day that I was first presented with the idea of becoming a school governor. The idea of using the skills gained from the analytical nature of my job to help a school really appealed to me and I immediately signed up! Outside of work I am a trained danced and still regularly attend classes, enabling me to interact with people across different age groups and sections of society. I enjoy travelling and reading in my spare time.

Sandeep S Lall (Parent)

Start Date to office: October 2023 - present

I started as a parent governor at Manor Wood Primary in October 2023. I've worked in Construction Consultancy and Client Side roles for 20 years and have been involved in projects with the NHS, Ministry of Defence, Department for Education and the Ministry of Justice. I was previously Vice Chair of Governors at Primley Wood Primary School before I joined Manor Wood. I'm currently developing the estate at Alder Hey Children's Hospital which will address many health and social care needs for Liverpool and it's surrounding areas.  As a Senior Manager I have a breadth of experience including finance, leadership and project management.

Deborah Kenny

Term of office: January 2024 - present

I have been in the teaching profession for 40 years and have a wealth of experience. I have been a governor at a number of state funded schools and the Grammar Schools at Leeds, where I was a governor for 13 years. I have been a Headteacher in 2 schools and the Executive Principal in 2 others. I worked as a Senior Advisor for the Local Authority for 5 years and am now employed by OMAT as Director of Teaching and Learning. I am totally committed to ensuring that children receive their full potential and that they are fully prepared for future life in an ever changing world. That they receive a rounded education and have access to many and varied experiences in their primary years. Manor Wood PS is very dear to my heart and it is a privilege to continue to be able to play a part in the life of the school.

Carmel Barton

Term of office: October 2023 - Present

I am a Staff Governor and have managed Manor Wood Children’s Centre since February 2017. In addition to managing the 50 place day care and family services, I also support the school’s practice around Safeguarding. I am a member of the Senior Leadership Team and am proud of the excellent services families can access here.

Manjit Matharoo

Term of office: Jan 2025 - Present

I am delighted to have joined Manor Wood’s governing body during the 2024-25 academic year as a parent governor. I have two children at the school, one in foundation and the other in key stage one. I am also a member of the school’s PTA committee and like to contribute my time to raise money for the school. Outside of my role as a proud Mum, I am a teacher with over 20 years’ experience in education, predominately in EYFS and Key stage one. I am deeply committed to supporting the learning, well being and development of every child. I have a genuine passion for helping pupils reaching their full potential and I look forward to supporting the school to continue to provide a nurturing and inclusive environment for all pupils.