Hello, my name is Susan (Sue) Penman.

I am a mother, grandmother, and great-grandma. Before I retired, I worked in the finance department in local government for over 20 years. During this time, I also taught swimming to people of all ages for 36 years.

I have been involved in governorship for over 18 years, clerking meetings in BwDBC in numerous schools. I became a governor at Spring Hill in 2018 and was proud and honoured to be elected as Chair of Governors in 2020.

As Chair of Governors, I volunteer my time to support the school and stay actively involved. Being committed to the school’s success I am regularly on site speaking with staff and pupils so I can stay connected with school life. I also take part in governor afternoons which give me the chance to see learning in action and celebrate the achievements of our school community.

I have significant experience in school finance, because of my background, so I ensure that there is a robust budget oversight, support the financial efficiency and ensure value for money.

I believe that learning is a key to every child’s future, and, in the right environment children can have a positive attitude to learning and thrive to their full potential by receiving a well-rounded, enriching, and inspiring curriculum.

Being on your governing board has enabled me to see the opportunities being given to your children and I am one of the people who ensure there are effective policies in place and the resources it needs to provide the rich and stimulating learning environment for all pupils.

I fully support the wonderful dedicated staff and will continue to support the future changes in school, so that your children can have the best start to their learning journey that Spring Hill can give.

My name is Kamran Mahmood, and I have proudly served as a governor at Spring Hill Community Primary School since 2024. I have lived and worked in the local community all my life, and I am deeply committed to its growth and wellbeing.

In addition to my role as a school governor, I have been part of the Management Team at the local Mosque and Madrassa since 2016. I play an active role in supporting the education of the children who attend our classes, helping to shape their learning and development in a nurturing environment.

Our Madrassa serves over 350 children, most of whom are from the local area and either currently attend or have previously attended Spring Hill. This close connection allows me to help bridge the gap between the school and the mosque, ensuring that the voices and concerns of the community are heard and addressed collaboratively.

I became a governor at Spring Hill to contribute to positive change. I believe that meaningful transformation in our community begins with our children, who represent our future. My aim is to support the school in providing the highest quality education, accessible to all, and reflective of our diverse community.

As part of my governor responsibilities, I focus on Equality and Diversity and English, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive academically and socially in an inclusive environment.

Emma Gardiner

It has been a real pleasure and a privilege to be a Governor at Spring Hill since 2022.

I live in Oswaldtwistle, and I wanted to use my experience as a headteacher to give something back to the community I’m proud to be part of. 

I love travelling, cooking, and spending time with my family. 

Being a governor has given me the chance to support the wonderful vision and ethos that Mrs Wilson and her team have created at Spring Hill, to celebrate the school’s many successes, and to help make sure that all pupils continue to flourish and thrive in a safe and inspirational environment.

I share Spring Hill’s belief in giving every child the best possible start in life—recognising their individual gifts and personalities, and encouraging them to be the very best they can be, both in their learning, and in the way they behave and care for others.

My main area of responsibility as a governor is ‘Achievement’. 

Helen Tyson

I was delighted to be appointed as a Co-opted Governor at Spring Hill Primary School in late 2023.

I have worked in the PE, School Sport and Physical Activity (PESSPA) sector for over 16 years, building strong and trusted relationships with schools across East Lancashire, including Spring Hill. My role involves supporting schools with their PE, school sport and physical activity provision, leading the delivery of the National School Games programme, ensuring the PE and School Sport Premium is used effectively, and providing professional learning opportunities for staff.

My connection to Spring Hill has grown through this work, and I have seen first-hand the school’s commitment to giving every child opportunities to be active, confident, and healthy.

As a self-confessed fitness enthusiast, I hold a degree with honours in Leisure and Sports Development and began my career managing fitness gyms. When I’m not working, I can often be found training for races, taking on fitness challenges, or enjoying any kind of sport or exercise. Physical activity and movement are central to my life, and they have always been my ‘go-to’ during challenging times.

From lived experience, I know that sport and physical activity can transform lives. This belief drives me as a governor,  to help every child experience the power of play, movement, and belonging. I am passionate about supporting Spring Hill to achieve its vision and am honoured to have the opportunity to help shape the lives of young people and the wider school community.

Within my role, I have specific responsibility for overseeing the PE and Sports Premium funding, ensuring it is used to make a measurable difference to pupils’ wellbeing, engagement, and enjoyment of school life.