Rufford Park Primary School

David Cooke
Headteacher
Resources committee
Teaching and Learning committee
Pupil Support committee

This is my first headship and I am delighted to be working with the children, staff, governors and parents at Rufford Park Primary School. In my previous post, I was a governor for 10 years and I attended all the committees. For some of this time, I was chair of the Pupil Support Committee which aligned to my SEND and Safeguarding role in school.

I began my teaching career in 1999 after graduating from Leeds Trinity University. I taught at Swillington Primary School for 4 years and then moved to Farsley Farfield Primary School where I spent the next 16 years of my career before taking up the post here on 1st September 2019.

Jessica O'Hanlon
Chair of Governors
Teaching and Learning Committee

Having joined the governing body as a parent governor in 2019, I have particularly enjoyed the strategic nature of the role and have now taken over as Chair. 

I graduated in primary teaching and English from Leeds Trinity University in 2006. I have since taught in two schools in Leeds where I was leader for equality and inclusion. This has strengthened my commitment to facilitating learning for all children with all needs. I am enthusiastic about curriculum development, with a special interest in writing and art, and have also completed an MA in Education where I chose to focus my research on reading education. I am therefore dedicated to the provision of a broad curriculum at Rufford Park and believe in developing children’s skills, knowledge and creativity. I am also passionate about supporting children’s emotional well-being.

Since returning to live in the local area in 2018, I have been working part time as a private tutor for primary and secondary students. Outside of the education sector, I work with my husband who has a marine engineering business and I sell my own art work. When I get time, I also love interior design, garden design and take part in pilates, yoga, strength-training and walking.

I am proud to be chair of governors at such a wonderful school and enjoy collaborating with great staff and governors to achieve a vision for Rufford Park Primary where every child is healthy, happy, safe, has fun, achieves, and learns to be an active citizen. I am therefore motivated to develop the way I can support our school to ensure we aspire to - and achieve - the highest standards.  

Ian Brocklebank
Vice-Chair of Governors
Resources Committee

I began as a Local Authority Governor in 2009, when my daughter was in Year 5. I am now the Chair and also represent the Cooperative Trust.

I own and run a cargo bike delivery company in Leeds and Manchester, and in the past have delivered Bikeability training in Primary Schools across Leeds.

I am a local scout leader, and also run a family friendly board game club, at Rawdon Community Library. I am also the coordinator of Leeds Street Angels and a member of Trinity Church.

Sally Alfady
Resources Committee

I joined the governing board in 2023 as a parent governor. I have 2 children at the school in KS1. I love to go on the school trips with the children as a parent helper and am keen to support the school in any way I can.  I work for a Bank and have over 15 years’ experience of writing employment policies, working in dispute resolution and managing conflict. I am passionate about Equality, diversity and inclusion and fair and equal access to opportunities for all, but especially for children.

In my spare time I sing in a choir, we perform at local galas and events to raise money for charity.

Marie Bellwood
Pupil Support Committee

I work at Rufford Park Primary as a teaching assistant, currently working in Key Stage 1.

As well as this role I am also the leader of the school’s before and after school club. I have three boys and my youngest attended the school. I love working with children, watching them grow in confidence and mature as they develop their learning.

I have been lucky enough to have a role with the school Governors since 2008, which also helps my role on the Pupil Support committee.

Outside of my teaching life I am also high up with the Girl Guides after being involved with them since the age of 10.

Anna Bradbury
Teaching and Learning Committee

I joined the Governing body in October 2017 and was initially on the Resources committee, which monitors our school’s finances, premises and staff. Currently I am on the Teaching and Learning committee and I am also a named Governor for Early Years.

I think that Rufford Park is an excellent school, and I am pleased to be able to be involved in such a caring and high-achieving school, which really does want the best for every pupil.

I have three children; my eldest two children attended Rufford Park before continuing their education at Benton Park in Rawdon. My youngest child is now in Key Stage 2 at Rufford Park.

I work as a teacher in a primary school that is in the same cluster as Rufford Park. My husband and I have also worked as Foster Carers for Leeds Social Services.

Richard Briscoe
Resources Committee (Chair)

I have been a parent governor since 2010 and was Chair of governors between 2015 and 2021.  I have three sons, all of whom have attended Rufford Park Primary School and who have now moved on to Benton Park High School.

I am chair of the Resources committee, which monitors our school’s finances, premises and staff. I am also the governor with responsibility and oversight for the teaching of mathematics in school.

In my day to day life, I am a Chartered Tax Adviser, having worked for many years in a large regional accountancy practice in the centre of Leeds, but have recently moved on to become an Inspector with HM Revenue and Customs. I am proud to be part of a happy, inclusive and successful school and I believe that our school is an excellent learning environment for our children.

 Michael Crolla
Resources Committee

Councillor Ryk Downes
Pupil Support Committee

I was a governor at South View Infant School before Rufford Park Primary School was built and so when Rufford Park opened, I transferred across as one of the initial governors.

I am a Leeds City Councillor representing the Otley and Yeadon ward since 2004 that includes Rufford Park, thus I am able to help with council matters. I am also my party’s spokesperson for Education and young people, so keep up to date with matters concerning pupils and their well-being.
 
My main hobby is ultra-distance running and I often take part in races more than 60 miles in distance. I also organise ultra-marathons locally.

Georgina Harris
Pupil Support Committee

I have worked at Rufford Park Primary School since 2004, having previously taught at Yeadon South View Infant school.  I have been in my current role as Deputy Headteacher since 2014 and have responsibilities for SEND; safeguarding and child protection; behaviour; and I am the designated teacher for children looked after.

I am currently an associate governor but have been a teacher governor in the past. 

Cat Jefferson
Resources Committee

I joined the Governing Body as a parent governor in 2022.

Richard Lewis-Ogden
Teaching and Learning Committee

I have been a coopted governor on the governing board of Rufford Park Primary for around 14 years.  Prior to that I have been an elected parent representative at the schools where my children attended although they are grown up now!  I am also currently a coopted governor at Thackley Primary School in Bradford.

I was employed for over thirty years by the Leeds City Council and Education Leeds in the Staffing and Personnel service; becoming service manager in 2006. I left this role in 2017.  I had a secondary role as Clerk to Governors which I continued until 2021. I am a chartered governance professional and currently work as the Data Protection Officer for around 170 schools and academies within Leeds and Bradford and also advise on personnel related matters.

Additionally, I act as Company Secretary for the Aireborough Learning Partnership and The Leeds Learning Alliance which are two charitable trusts acting as the foundation for member schools in Leeds.

In my limited time away from education, I enjoy travelling and spend as much time as I can with French friends in the south of France,

Clair Miller
Teaching and Learning Committee

I was pleased to join the Governing Body as a Parent Governor in November 2020 and am keen to fulfil the role provided.  I have 2 young boys - 1 attending the school in year one and the other due to begin school in 2022.  I was a primary school teacher in South Leeds for over 12 years before setting up my own business running active classes for toddlers and pre-schoolers.  I, therefore, have a good knowledge of the school environment and the development of children.  I am passionate about children being offered varied and exciting learning opportunities to ensure they fulfil their true potential.  I truly believe Rufford Park Primary has a great vision for the children that attend, and I look forward to helping in any way I can. 

Ruth Sellers
Pupil Support Committee

I became a parent governor in 2022 when my daughter was in Year 3 at Rufford Park.

Professionally I have worked for Leeds Childrens Services for 20 years. I am a children’s therapist and work with children and their families to support their social, emotional and mental health issues. I also offer support for the schools that the children attend, around creating nurturing environments and bespoke timetables.

I am a firm believer that children need to be emotionally healthy to be in a position to learn and I hope that in my role as parent governor, I can ensure that the pupils of Rufford Park continue to enjoy a nurturing school environment.

Tom Spence
Teaching and Learning Committee

I joined the Rufford Park governing board in June 2023 as staff governor. Having grown up in the local area, and attended the school as a pupil, I have a good understanding of the community and backgrounds of many of our families. I began my teaching career here in 2018 and have since taught across all age ranges in the school which helps me to have an unbiased and fair overview of teaching and school procedures at all ages. In school I also lead on PE and have an invested interest in PE, School Sport and extra-curricular activities, which I believe to be an important part of school life for each and every pupil.

Rebecca Swinfen
Committee TBC

I have recently joined the Governing Body as a parent governor in 2023. 

In my day-to-day life I am a manager at an airline where I have worked for 19yrs now. I am also doing a Management Degree at the same time, and I can already see where I can apply some of the degree within the Governing Body. 

I have a daughter in KS1, who has developed so much since joining the school. 

Since having a child within Rufford Park, I can see what exciting opportunities it gives to children. I am looking forward to working with the Governing Body and the School to see these opportunities continue to grow and succeed and offer my support wherever I can.