Debbie Marshall - Chair of Governors

I joined the Governing Body at Bailiffe Bridge School in 2018. I currently have a daughter in Year 4 and a daughter who finished Year 6 in July 2022, so have been a part of the school community as a parent since 2015. I am currently the named Safeguarding Governor, Chair of the Pay and Performance Management Committee and will be serving as Chair of Governors for 2023-24.

My professional background is in the Ministry of Justice, working for HM Prison and Probation Service since qualifying as a Probation Officer in 2004. I have worked in a variety of roles, including Community Offender Management, Prisons, Public Protection, and I am currently an Area Manager for the North East Approved Premises. My work within HMPPS has provided me with experience in risk assessment, report writing, safeguarding, health and safety, multi-agency working, HR processes, operational and strategic management.

I am proud to be part of such an excellent school and am committed to working closely with its senior leaders and teaching staff as part of the governing body.  I thoroughly enjoy being involved in all aspects of school life, from governor monitoring visits and meetings, to assemblies and school trips!

Dave Dennett

My name is Dave Dennett, and I first became interested in being a school governor a number of years ago while working as an officer for Calderdale Council. Joining the governing body at Bailiffe Bridge School provided another dimension to my professional skills and knowledge. Now, more than 20 years later, I have enjoyed three terms as Chair of Governors, and my role as a senior governor allows me to support new governors as well as assist fellow senior governors in getting to grips with the changing face of governance.

My role as governor also enables me to work further afield; I am currently the governor representative for the East Calderdale Learning Cluster (ECLC), which involves all the Brighouse primary and secondary schools. I am also the primary school governor representative for the Schools Forum at Calderdale Council, and, most recently, I was asked to sit on the advisory board for Lightcliffe Academy to add capacity to their governing body as they strive to improve the school further.

I still enjoy attending the meetings and getting involved in the school's daily life at Bailiffe. As a governor, I have seen the school grow from strength to strength and am proud of its standing in the local community.

Sarah Plowman

I joined the governing body at Bailiffe Bridge School as a parent governor in June 2023. I live locally with my husband and have 2 children. My son is currently in Year 3, and my daughter is 3 years old.

My professional background is predominantly in education. I gained my BAhons degree in Education with QTS in 2009 and was a primary school teacher for 13 years. During this time, I was a member of the senior leadership team, the Early Years Co-ordinator, the Art subject lead, and the student mentor for aspiring teachers, and I had the wonderful opportunity to teach all year groups. I thoroughly enjoyed working in the education sector, and I hope the knowledge I gained during those years will be an asset to the governing body team. I am a very creative person and partake in many creative pursuits during my spare time. I also currently work as a freelance artist, creating custom pieces.

I am delighted to be a part of the governing team and look forward to supporting the school, getting involved in all aspects of school life and learning new skills along the way.

Heather Kolassa

After achieving my degree in Art and Design, I became a Teaching Assistant at a challenging school in Allerton, where I decided to become a teacher and do my PGCE. I started working as a teacher at Bailiffe Bridge in 2016. I was appointed as a Class 3 teacher, and I have gained experience through different year groups during my time here. I have recently completed a National Professional Qualification in Leading Teaching (NPQLT), and I am enjoying the role of a mentor for our new Early Careers Teacher as well as providing support for all teachers. I am ambitious to further my career and have been given many opportunities here at Bailiffe Bridge to do this. I have also become the Maths Subject leader and continue being a subject lead in Design Technology. In 2018, I did a Mental Health First Aid Course, which has given me the skills and knowledge to be the school’s Mental Health First Aider so that I can ensure children’s and adults’ mental health stays positive in such a busy work environment. Working at Bailiffe Bridge is challenging yet rewarding. The behaviour is exemplary, meaning learning is at the forefront of everything so that our children get the very best. I am fortunate to work with a good team so that the children get the best education.

Emz Addy - Vice Chair of Governors

I joined Bailiffe Bridge as a Governor in July 2022. I live locally with my husband and little boy - my husband and his family have a long history with the school and village, although I only moved to Yorkshire in 2007 for University. I believe that primary schools can be such formative places for young children, and I’ve always enjoyed supporting them in any way I can. As a student, I spent my volunteering time reading with children in Reception and Year 1 and loved to see their progress across a school year, so now I’m really excited to be involved with Bailiffe Bridge School differently.

Professionally, I work in a strategic HR Leadership role and have experience working in specialisms such as Talent Management, Performance and Leadership Development and Diversity and Inclusion in some big corporate organisations. I am also the Safeguarding Lead in the church I attend in Bradford, so I’m sure these two voluntary roles will be mutually beneficial. I hope my professional experience will enable me to add real value as a Governor, and I know I will learn many new skills through the role.

I’m looking forward to being involved in the local community and seeing the school grow from strength to strength.

Chris Thornton

I have worked within the area of Special Educational Needs (SEN), Disability and Inclusion for the past 18 years and I have a genuine passion for working to provide the opportunities and support systems that allow all young people to progress and achieve their individual best.

I currently work as the Head of Disability Services and Additional Learning Support at a local college, where I work directly with teaching staff and support staff to support young people with disabilities, learning difficulties, medical needs, and mental health issues. I also sit on the Bradford District Education Health and Care Panel, supporting the local authority in its decision-making around assessing and issuing EHC Plans. My current work has also given me a good grounding in funding and budget management, leading teams of people and monitoring the quality of education.

I have been associated with Bailiffe Bridge School for a relatively short period, my eldest starting in reception in September 2017. I have three children and so am very aware that my relationship with the school is likely to extend for at least the next ten years or so – apparently my youngest will leave the school in 2029! As a result, I am happy to be able to use my skills and experience to both support and challenge the school leadership team to maintain its excellent track record for delivering a curriculum, and creating an environment, that supports both the academic progress and wellbeing and resilience of all pupils.

Anna-Marie Henry 

I am very proud to have joined Bailiffe Bridge School as a co-opted governor. My youngest two children are in year 5 and Reception, so I am keen to be involved in their education as more than just a parent.

I gained a BSc in Design & Technology with QTS in 2000. Then, I joined Lightcliffe Academy. I have held many roles at the school, including Head of Department and class teacher. For several years, I was also an examiner, which gave me a deeper insight into students’ understanding, which helped me develop my teaching.

In the past, I have worked with children from Bailiffe Bridge School, helping them access Design Technology and Food Technology, which I enjoy!

I am a qualified reflexologist with a keen interest in many other holistic practices. I feel that this extra skill helps benefit others and contributes to well-being, and I’m always fascinated by the results!

As a mum of four, life is very busy, but I still find time to be part of a community group that has helped to raise funds for local charities.

I look forward to developing my role as a governor and getting to know our school even better.

Craig Roberts

I joined Bailiffe Bridge Junior & Infant School in 2012 when I was appointed as Assistant Headteacher.  Before this, I had taught at two contrasting primary schools: Hartshead Primary School and Battyeford CE (VC) Primary School.  During my 18 years as a teacher, I have taught across the primary age range (Years 1 – 6), held various roles and responsibilities, and led numerous subjects and initiatives.

Being the Headteacher at Bailiffe Bridge School is an absolute privilege, and while it can sometimes be difficult, it is also highly rewarding – no two days are ever the same.  I am fortunate to work with many great families, wonderful children, talented colleagues and an aspirational governing body.  By working with these stakeholders, I aim to ensure that the school's mission statement, vision and values are achieved and that the children get what they deserve – the very best possible start to their lives.