Meet the Members of the Governing Board

 

Judith Ward – Chair of Governing Board / Co-opted Governor

I have been a member of the governing board of Laygate Community School since 2012, serving initially as a co-opted governor, vice-chair and now the chair since July 2016.I have lived most of my life in South Tyneside and taught in three secondary schools in the borough, until my retirement in 2014. My vast educational experience has served me well in my governor role, but I am keen to continue my education and have attended the Governors’ Leadership Development Programme.  I regularly attend courses provided by the South Tyneside School Governor Training Programme, in addition to online governor training delivered through NGA Learning Link and Clennell Education Solutions.  I also serve as a trustee on the management committee of South Shields branch of the Citizens Advice Bureau. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening, looking after my 2 dogs and cooking. I am particularly interested in politics, both local and national.  Living in South Shields, I am acutely aware of the issues faced by the families which are served by our school. I am extremely proud to be chair of the governors of Laygate Community School, and I enjoy the role immensely, leading a team of committed and knowledgeable governors.   Laygate is a wonderful multicultural school, with hard-working, caring teachers who are steadfastly determined that every child will reach their full potential, and it is a pleasure to work with them and the wonderful children who attend the school.

 

Aysha Daya – Parent Governor

I was elected to the governing board in May 2019.A graduate in Islamic Theology, I grew up in Coventry.  I have lived in South Shields since September 2014 when my husband secured the role of the Imam at the Al Azhar Mosque in Laygate. I am also a qualified ESOL language instructor and taught at the Berlitz School of Language in Makkah, Saudi Arabia for 7 years. Previous work also relates to community cohesion in Coventry. Within Laygate Community School, I felt it important to have a representative for ethnic and minority groups at the governing board level. This is to ensure all parents can feel that they have someone to whom they can relate, to voice their concerns.in an ever-growing world where people move freely, I feel I will be able to bring the views of the parents who until now, may not have been vocal. Currently I am employed by Apna Ghar Women’s Centre on Ocean Road, working on a project funded by South Tyneside Council focusing on adult wellbeing and cooking on a budget. My job takes me around South Tyneside engaging with adults and sometimes children.

 

Daniel Moffatt – Co-opted Governor

I currently serve as Chief Technology Officer at OnHand, a platform connecting charities and volunteers to collaborate and create positive impact. Since 2017, I have been involved in green energy and social good enterprises. My background in technology and leadership equips me with the skills necessary to effectively support the school.I am a local resident of South Shields, deeply invested in the well-being of our community. I am dedicated to supporting our local area and driving meaningful improvements. I believe that providing our children with a strong foundation through quality education is essential for their future success. I am honoured to serve on the Governing Board of Laygate Community School. Together with my fellow Governors, we focus on creating a positive learning environment for all students. Our collective efforts ensure that Laygate Community School delivers quality education and fosters a welcoming atmosphere for the entire school community.

 

Scott Brown – Co-opted Governor

I am currently headteacher of Hadrian Primary School and have been in post for over 18 years. I joined the school as deputy head in 2001, having moved from Marsden Primary in Whitburn. I started my teaching career at Biddick Hall Juniors in South Shields. Hadrian and Laygate have had a close association over the years, as we serve a similar EAL community. I know the school well, as I also spent time as Executive Head at Laygate, supporting the then, new headteacher. I am keen to help the school in any way I can, to ensure our children get the best possible start in life with a great education, in a safe, caring and happy environment. We are lucky to have such a range of interests and expertise amongst our governors who, as a result, bring different dimensions and viewpoints to our work to help and support us in ensuring the school continues to meet the needs of all our children.

 

Jason Pateman – Vice Chair of Governing Board / Co-opted Governor

It is a great privilege to be a co-opted governor at Laygate Community School where I have enjoyed my tenure to date and look forward to the success of the school and its pupils in the future.

I was born and raised in a truly diverse community in Northern Ireland, leaving to join the Merchant Navy in 1996 where I worked my way up to Captain, then pilot at the Port of Tyne before moving into the offshore oil industry.  I presently work as a Marine Surveyor with the Maritime and Coastguard Agency inspecting merchant vessels, fishing vessels and conducting certificate of competency exams for deck officers.

I married and made my home in South Shields over ten years ago and now have three children in primary and secondary education in the area.

Locally I am a volunteer member of two shipping organisations at Newcastle where in the past I have led on training and leadership.

Inspired by my family, in recent years I have taken a keen interest in how teaching is delivered to children of all levels of ability.  I am delighted to continue serving on the board of governors, supporting the staff to ensure the pupils realise what can be achieved and reach their full potential in a safe and enjoyable learning environment.

 

Nicole Tang – Staff Governor

I am currently a teacher at Laygate Community School and have been in this post for over 5 years. I first started working at Laygate through a supply agency, where my role continuously changed. Although I was a supply teacher, I was able to experience first-hand how unique the school was. As soon as a post for a teacher came up, I was eager to apply for the position.

I have been lucky to be a teacher at Laygate as we are a close-knit team and every member of staff within the school is supportive and hard-working. Being a part of the governing board will continue to broaden my experience within an educational setting and I am looking forward to continuing to being involved in school-related discussions and seeing how each of the governors share their expertise with one another and strive to ensure the needs of all the children are met.

 

Kathleen Cunningham – Co-opted Governor

I have worked in schools in Inner London and South Tyneside and have gained experience across different curriculum areas. I also spent time teaching at an International College in Spain. I have enjoyed the challenge of teaching students from a diverse range of backgrounds and ages. I am passionate about early learning as every child deserves the best start in life.

I have been a volunteer for the International Association for Human Values and have taught stress management programmes around the world to school children, university students and adults. I love to travel and meet people from diverse backgrounds.

I enjoy being a governor and appreciate my time spent in school. I live in Newcastle, but my father grew up in South Shields during the 1930’s so I have grown up with strong connections to the region.  I love reading and have read many local history books as well as the stories of Catherine Cookson.

 

In my first year as a governor, I have learnt so much from the staff and children. The other governors, likewise, have been incredibly supportive and I look forward to continuing in my role as a governor.

 

Wayne Kenneth Jones – Co-opted Governor

I joined the governing board of Laygate Community School in June 2024. I have a background in Computing and Electronics, and recently completed a MSc in Computer Science with Artificial Intelligence at Northumbria Uni. Professionally, I work as an Electronics Technician, for the last 12 years in an offshore marine environment.

My connection to Laygate Community School is personal, as I attended the school as a child and have lived in the area all my life. I am passionate about ensuring that the children in our community receive the best education possible, believing that a good education is paramount to creating a thriving and safe community.

In addition to electronics and microelectronics, I have a keen interest in butterflies, moths and the natural sciences. These hobbies reflect my curiosity and dedication to continuous learning and exploration. I am excited to serve as a co-opted governor and contribute to the ongoing success of Laygate Community School, working alongside a dedicated team to support our students in reaching their full potential.

 

Duncan Allcoat – Co-opted Governor

I have worked most of my adult life for Barclays Bank, for over 20 years now and have spent much of my career as a relationship manager, working with people to overcome financial difficulty, supporting with helping families through further education, budgeting, buying first homes and right through to supporting in retirement.

I have lived in South Shields for over 20 years, within minutes from Laygate school and consider the town my forever home.  I have fallen in love with the coastline, walking my greyhound Walter along it often, and I love the area’s rich and varied history and culture and so feel it very appropriate to be supporting on geography and history in my newly elected role as governor.  have been married for 21 years, my wife being a children’s specialist bowel nurse for the NHS,and have two children in secondary education, years 9 and 13, and have seen them come through the education system and am passionate about doing all I can to support other children in their journey through school.

Abigail Maureen Shaw – Co-opted Governor

I joined the governing board of Laygate Community School in May 2024.

In 2016 I graduated Westminster University with a Foundation Degree in Spanish, followed by a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Business Marketing at Northumbria University. After spending a year volunteering at Mortimer Primary School I decided to complete my PGCE at Northumbria University and began teaching at Hedworthfield Primary School. After a year I decided to accept a job at an Independent School, Newcastle High School for Girls, where I have worked at ever since.

I have a passion for languages and ensuring that all children have a rewarding and comforting school life, making sure their personal needs are met and they are encouraged to enjoy their education journey.

In addition to being a teacher, I am also the Sustainability Coordinator for the School, a position which has allowed me to have a more operational role within the school and ensure sustainable choices are made toward bettering our environment.

I am delighted to be serving as a co-opted governor as we drive Laygate Community School towards success.

 

Graeme Stobbs

Since leaving University after studying Education I have been fortunate to have worked for South Tyneside Council for 28 years in various roles. I began my career as an Education Welfare Officer working closely with schools, children and families to support children regularly attending school. From this I went on to work with the Youth Justice Service where I worked with some of the most vulnerable young people. Whilst there my roles were in education and family group conferencing before I moved into a management role.

2 years ago I began my role as Attendance Manager going back to the area of work I have been so passionate about. Within my employment I have been fortunate to also continue my studies where I gained an MA in social work, social welfare and also a foundation degree in Youth Justice. These studies have assisted my to increase my knowledge and skills.

 

Kieren Laverick

I am currently the Community Engagement Manager at the Premier League Charitable Fund and have worked in football for nearly 15 years. My experience spans professional academies, schools, youth leadership, and the charitable sector. I have a strong passion for supporting young people and deeply understand the importance of engaging with them to improve their experiences. This commitment began early in my career when I chaired The Football Association’s National Game Youth Council and worked with FA board members to develop the sport’s offer for young people.

In my current role, I work nationally with the charitable arms of professional football clubs, focusing on engaging underrepresented fan groups, enhancing the wider fan experience, and supporting the delivery of Premier League Kicks.

Outside of work, I volunteer with a local grassroots football club, helping young players take their first steps into the game. I’m excited to bring this same energy and commitment to my role as a school governor—supporting children as they begin their educational journey, while also learning about the challenges and responsibilities involved in school governance.