Meet the Governors

In the interests of transparency, governing bodies are required to publish up-to-date details of governance arrangements.

The school's Instrument of Government defines the structure of the Governing Body; there are currently two co-opted vacancies.

Additional information is as follows:

All members of the Governing Body have affirmed that "neither I nor my close family have any financial interest in any company / organisation from which the school may wish to purchase goods or service".

All governors except Associate Governors and our Clerk have voting rights on full Governing Body decisions. Associate Governors may be given a vote on decisions made by committees to which they are appointed.

Governing Body Members

^Governors	^Category	^{Date Appointed}	^{Term of Office}	^{End of term}	^{Appointed by}	^{Attendance 2023/24}
						^Meetings	^Attended
^{Jo Dunn (Chair)}	^{Co-opted by GB}	^20/05/2023	^{4 years}	^19/05/2027	^GB	¹²	¹²
^{Thomas O'Keefe}	^Headteacher	^01/01/2023	^n/a	^n/a	^n/a	¹²	¹²
^{Jo Breakell (Vice-Chair)}	^{Co-opted by GB}	^21/12/2021	^{4 years}	^20/12/2025	^GB	⁹	⁹
^{Hannah Senior}	^{Co-opted by GB}	^05/04/2023	^{4 years}	^04/04/2027	^GB	⁹	⁹
^{Laura Fleming}	^{Co-opted by GB}	^10/03/2021	^{4 years}	^09/03/2025	^GB	⁹	⁹
^{Diane McVey}	^{Co-opted by GB}	^12/02/2025	^{4 years}	^11/02/2029	^GB	^n/a	^n/a
^Craig^McGuire	^{Parent elected}	^11/02/2022	^{4 years}	^10/02/2026	^{Parent elected}	⁹	⁹
^{Lisa Oakes}	^{Staff elected}	^01/01/2022	^{4 years}	^31/12/2025	^{Staff elected}	¹²	¹⁰
^{Ian Culligan}	^{Parent elected}	^05/04/2023	^{4 years}	^04/04/2027	^{Parent elected}	⁹	⁹

^{Former Governors (within the last 12 months)}

^Governors	^Category	^{Date Appointed}	^{Term of Office}	^{End of Term}	^{Appointed by}
^{Kate Unwin}	^{LA appointed}	^06/02/2023	^{4 years}	^{Resigned 15/07/2024}	^LA

Biography of Governing Body members

Thomas O'Keefe, Headteacher

Before becoming Headteacher at Lindow in January 2023, I spent 6 years as Deputy Headteacher at English Martyrs RC Primary School in Urmston, teaching across both Key Stages. I have worked in education for all of my professional career and have a range of experiences from different settings.

I am thrilled to be the Headteacher at Lindow Community Primary School. I knew the second I walked through the door that this was the school for me. The warm, welcoming atmosphere, exceptional children and talented staff really sold it to me!

Jo Dunn, Chair of Governors – Co-opted Governor

After completing a Law & Financial Services degree at Sheffield Hallam University, I have worked for over 25 years within the financial services industry in a risk and compliance role, with responsibility for accounting/finance, human resources and training, in addition to risk and compliance.

I have two children who both attended Lindow Primary School before moving on to Wilmslow High School and beyond. They gained so much from attending Lindow, and I am pleased to be able to continue being a part of the school's community and its further development.

I have been a governor at Lindow since 2015 and became Chair of Governors from September 2017.

Jo Breakell, Vice-Chair of Governors – Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Wilmslow since 2007 with my family. I have two children who previously attended Lindow but are now both at Wilmslow High School.

I currently work on a casual basis at Wilmslow High School as an Exam Invigilator and I volunteer on a weekly basis at Fareshare UK, a surplus food charity. Previously, I worked part-time in the Business School at Manchester Metropolitan University where I ran a student work experience programme and before that I spent 14 years in the recruitment industry working for Hays.

I believe I am pragmatic, passionate and personable with a career that has given me a real insight into the skills our children will need as they travel through life. Lindow is a fantastic school and I am very happy to be able to play an integral role in developing the school further to the benefit of all the children, teachers and parents.

I am currently Vice Chair of the Governing Body and Co-Chair on the Curriculum & Achievement Committee as well as serve on the Personal Development, Behaviour & Welfare Committee.

Laura Fleming – Co-opted Governor

I have lived around this area all my life and read Music at Bangor University and completed my PGCE at MMU.

I taught Music at Priestnall School in Stockport and then Parrs Wood High School in Manchester for 17 years and for 13 years was Head of Music. My husband, Richard, owns a growing Accountancy Practice in Wilmslow and so in 2012 I took the decision to leave my job in order to spend some time with my family.

I have three children, my twin boys Jamie and George and daughter Sadie have now moved on to Wilmslow High. Lindow has helped them all to become happy, confident individuals who strive to achieve.

I am delighted to be able to give some of my time and experience to Lindow and play a part in enabling our fantastic school to continue to move forward.

Hannah Senior – Co-opted Governor

I am originally from South Wales, I moved to Manchester after completing my degree in English and Drama in 1997, and to Wilmslow in 2004. My children, Harry and Lydia, are in year 8 (at Wilmslow High School) and year 5 at Lindow. I am a full time Trade Union Officer, a role which frequently involves problem solving, in a wide variety of scenarios, where good communication and attention to detail are essential skills. I believe our most important job is helping our children achieve their full potential, and I became a Governor as I am keen to contribute and support the school community that I am proud to be a part of.

I am Chair of the Personal Development, Behaviour & Welfare Committee and also serve on the Finance & Resources Committee.

Diane McVey – Co-opted Governor

Lisa Oakes, Deputy Headteacher and Class Teacher – Staff Governor

I have lived in Cheshire my whole life and would very much call myself a 'country bumpkin'! After studying English Language and Linguistics at Lancaster University, I pursued my lifelong dream of being a teacher by training at Manchester Metropolitan University. I have taught here at Lindow Community Primary School ever since, initially in Year 3 and then Year 6. I love writing, reading and speechmaking too and this is a real passion that I have been lucky enough to share with the many wonderfully creative and inspirational pupils we have here at Lindow.

Lindow is a really special place. I remember visiting for the first time - what a warm, friendly and caring atmosphere I felt all around me! I hope that I can continue to support this fantastic ethos as we strive to achieve the very best for the young people in our care both as a teacher and in all that the work of the governing body does to support the school.

In my spare time, you can find me walking on the many country lanes, and exploring the beauty that the many local footpaths have to offer, or baking in the kitchen!

Craig McGuire – Parent Governor

I studied Accountancy at Glasgow Caledonian University and have worked in the online sports betting industry for the past 17 years, holding senior leadership roles within Trading.

When we moved to Wilmslow in 2020, we were so lucky as a family to find Lindow Primary School. Jack and Ruby have flourished in their early years, with so much still to look forward to. We are so proud to be part of the Lindow family and everything it stands for.

I was elected as a parent governor in February 2022 and currently sit on the Finance & Resources and Curriculum & Achievement committees. I am delighted to be able to contribute to further developing and enhancing the school.

Ian Culligan – Parent Governor

Having originally grown up on the Wirral, I moved to Wilmslow with my wife in 2013 and fell in love with the area straight away. I have two children at Lindow and couldn't have wished for a more nurturing, caring and supportive school.

When the opportunity to become a parent governor arose in 2023 I jumped at the chance, and am proud to be able to play a part in the continued success of the school for both children and their families.

I originally trained as a physiotherapist and worked in full-time clinical practice for 10yrs before moving into healthcare management and consultancy. I currently work for Bupa in the global head office as the Head of Health and Environment driving our sustainable healthcare agenda and reducing the environmental impact of healthcare across 12 countries.

I am passionate about health, wellbeing and the relationship between people and planet so am delighted to bring this knowledge and experience to the governing body, staff and children.