Anna Bates – Chair of Governors
Appointed by the Governing body on
Term of office
Responsibilities: Chair, Link Governor for Early Reading and Phonics
What is your favourite thing about Sound/ What makes Sound special?
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
What are your governor responsibilities?
Karen Porter– Vice Chair – Local Authority
I first visited Sound and District Primary School around 20 years ago as part of my work with the Behaviour Support Service ; my memories from that time have stayed with me. Two years ago I retired, after 40 years of working in and with schools, but I still wanted to be part of education; I am so pleased therefore to be a governor at Sound and District School. I have a lot of knowledge from the different roles I have undertaken over the years, and a passion for supporting children to thrive, be safe, enjoy school and achieve to be the best they can be. I am really looking forward to using that knowledge and passion in my role as governor and being part of the school’s journey.
Elected by Governors on 1st July 2024
Term of office 4 years
Member of the Resources and Curriculum committee
Responsibilities: Link governor for Safeguarding
What is your favourite thing about Sound? / What makes Sound special?
I love the warm welcoming atmosphere whenever I walk through the door; it feels like coming home.
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
For over 15 years I taught in mainstream primary schools and Specialist schools in London, Manchester and Cheshire. I then joined the Behaviour Support Service in Cheshire; when Cheshire split I led the Behaviour Support, Healthy Schools and Attendances teams in Cheshire East. My next role was leading a team which supported schools with their Safeguarding Policy and Practice and a team which gave Independent advice to parents around Special Educational Needs.
Two years ago I retired; I still felt I had something to offer, after a working career of 40 years with schools, which is why I am now a governor in Sound
What are your governor responsibilities?
I am the link governor for Safeguarding
3 words to describe yourself…
Committed, caring and funny (at least I am in my own mind!)
3 hobbies of yours…
Looking after my new Grandson (doting grandma), walking/ cuddling/playing with our dog and reading.
Mrs L Minshall Thomas – Headteacher
Head teacher at Sound and District Primary since 1st January 2017
Appointed by the Governing body on 1 Jan 2017
Term of office – continuous
Member of the Curriculum committee
Member of the Resources committee
What is your favourite thing about Sound/ What makes Sound special?
I love the family feel at Sound and how the school community work so amazingly as a caring and hard working team.
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
My background is in education and teaching. I have worked in a large inner city school in Manchester as an Assistant head and governor and then as a deputy headteacher and acting headteacher in Congleton.
What are your governor responsibilities?
I am the headteacher so sit in on all meetings sharing information about the school.
3 words to describe yourself ?
Fun, Hardworking, caring
3 hobbies of yours?
I love all sports and the outdoors. I particularly love my football (my beloved Everton), I enjoy spending time with my family and love going on camping trips!
Kevin Burt – Co-opted Governor
Appointed by the Governing body on 24 June 2019 (previous appointment 29 June 2015)
Term of office 4 years
Member of the Resources committee
Responsibilities: Health and Safety
I am the link governor for Health & Safety.
What is your favourite thing about Sound? / What makes Sound special?
My favourite thing about Sound is the school is one big family.
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
My background is I have spent 26 years in dairy herd management. I wanted to become a governor to help support with my knowledge of health and safety.
What are your governor responsibilities?
Health and Safety Governor
3 words to describe yourself…
hardworking, dedicated and family orientated.
3 hobbies of yours…
watching football, Crown Green Bowling, Aircrafts WW2
Sarah Dale – Co-opted Governor
I am a co-opted governor and joined the governing body in 2018. I have two children, both of whom attend Sound School.
Appointed by the Governing board on 16 May 2022 (previously appointed on 25 Apr 2018)
Term of office 4 years
Member of the Resources committee
What is your favourite thing about Sound? / What makes Sound special?
Sound has always been very special to me as this was my own primary school. I have lots of very special memories of my time as a pupil. My favourite thing about Sound is the family feeling, children who I went to school with are now coming back as parents.
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
I have worked in school as a teaching assistant since 2004. I chose to be a governor as I wanted to give something back to the school and help create amazing memories for our children.
What are your governor responsibilities?
Mathematics
3 words to describe yourself…
Caring, competitive, friendly
3 hobbies of yours…
Spending time with my family, caravan-ing, farming.
Kirsty Booth – Staff Governor
I am a staff governor and I have been in the post since 2012. I am the deputy head of Sound and District Primary School.
Appointed by the Governing board on 28 Nov 2022 (previous appointment Nov 2014)
Term of office 4 years
Member of the Resources committee and Curriculum committee
Responsibilities: Mental health 1st Aid, SEND , Joint link governor for Maths and SEND
What is your favourite thing about Sound? / What makes Sound special?
I love the family feel, the teamwork within school and how everyone pulls together to make things happen.
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
I want to ensure as a school we give the best for our pupils and that Governors are fully informed of school details.
What are your governor responsibilities?
Well-being / Behaviour
3 words to describe yourself…
Enthiusiastic, Competitive, Open/honest
3 hobbies of yours…
Climbing, Netball, Walking
Becky Ratcliffe – Parent Governor
I was elected by the staff as the staff governor.
Appointed by parents on May 2024
Term of office 4 years
Member of the Resources committee and Curriculum committee
Responsibilities: Link Governor for Geography and History
What is your favourite thing about Sound? / What makes Sound special?
I love Sound because it is a small, friendly school where all the children and staff know each other.
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
I studied at Manchester Metropolitan University for 4 years to gain a BA (Hons) in Primary Education. I then went on to teach at a Primary School in Crewe for 12 years, gaining experience in the Early Years, KS1 and KS2. I decided to take a career break to raise my 3 children but was very keen to use my skills to volunteer at Sound through the role as a governor.
What are your governor responsibilities?
3 words to describe yourself…
I am hard working, nurturing and understanding.
3 hobbies of yours…
I love reading books, gardening and walking. But most of all I love being a mum and spending time with my family.
Hannah Barnett – Parent Governor
I have been a parent governor at Sound and District Primary School since March 2023. I have two children who currently attend. I love the community feel that Sound has to offer and the many exciting learning opportunities which the children are provided with. I have been a primary school teacher for 15 years and currently teach in early years. At Sound, I am part of the curriculum committee and I am responsible for EYFS, music and D&T.
Term of office from February 2023
First appointed on 3rd February 2023
Nominated by parents
Member of the Curriculum Committee
Responsibilities : Link governor for EYFS, Music and Design Technology
What is your favourite thing about Sound? / What makes Sound special?
I love the community feel that Sound has to offer and the many exciting learning opportunities which the children are provided with.
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
I have been a primary school teacher for 15 years and currently teach in early years.
What are your governor responsibilities?
At Sound, I am part of the curriculum committee and I am responsible for EYFS, music and D&T.
3 words to describe yourself…
patient, reliable and considerate.
3 hobbies of yours…
3 things I enjoy doing are horse riding, skiing and generally being outdoors.
Laura MacLeod – Local Authority Governor
Term of office from 15 Jul 2025 to 14 Jul 2029
First appointed on 15 Jul 2025
Appointed by FGB
Responsibilities:
What is your favourite thing about Sound? / What makes Sound special?
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
What are your governor responsibilities?
3 words to describe yourself…
3 hobbies of yours…
Jamie Hull – Co opted Governor
2 of our 3 children currently attend Sound school & District having moved from another Nantwich school. It was the best decision we’ve made and can see how much they currently enjoy their learning.
I wanted to take up a governor role to ensure Sound & District continues to provide the same opportunity for other children.
I have worked in the Financial services industry for 20 years and have a practice based in Nantwich. I believe my Financial background will help with my duties as Governor.
I am also a trustee of the local Nantwich Food Bank.
I’m a huge football fan, getting to as many different grounds as possible. Me and my 2 sons spend time at the weekend’s following our local team up and down the country.
Term of office from ….
First appointed on
Nominated by governors
What is your favourite thing about Sound? / What makes Sound special?
2 of our 3 children currently attend Sound school & District having moved from another Nantwich school. It was the best decision we’ve made and can see how much they currently enjoy their learning.
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
I wanted to take up a governor role to ensure Sound & District continues to provide the same opportunity for other children.
I have worked in the Financial services industry for 20 years and have a practice based in Nantwich. I believe my Financial background will help with my duties as Governor.
What are your governor responsibilities?
I am the link governor for Computing
3 words to describe yourself…
Positive, Professional and Committed
3 hobbies of yours…
Football, socialising, Darts and the Gym
Lestyn Lewis – Co-opted Governor
Hello, I’m Iestyn (pronounced Yes-tin). I’m originally from West Wales but Cheshire has been home for over 20 years now. After studying PE, Sports Science and Business at Loughborough, I started out in the leisure industry as an Operations Manager with David Lloyd. My heart was always in education though, so I trained as a teacher at St Martin’s in Lancaster (now the University of Cumbria).
I’ve taught in Stoke and Blackburn before joining the team at Smallwood CE primary school in 2009. Since Autumn 2020, I’ve been Headteacher at Smallwood. I’m really excited to be part of the governing body at Sound and District Primary – it’s a privilege to be able to support the school and help make a difference for the children.
Outside of school life, you’ll usually find me with my horse out hacking or competing in dressage, off on caravan adventures, or following my partner’s eventing career around the country. And every now and again, you may also spot me helping out in a milking parlour!
Co-opted governor Term of office from 15 Jul 2025 to 14 Jul 2029
First appointed on 15 Jul 2025
Appointed by FGB
What is your favourite thing about Sound? / What makes Sound special?
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
What are your governor responsibilities?
3 words to describe yourself…
3 hobbies of yours…
Lynn Foran – Co-opted Governor
Co-opted governorTerm of office from 15 Jul 2025 to 14 Jul 2029
First appointed on 15 Jul 2025
Appointed by FGB
What is your favourite thing about Sound? / What makes Sound special?
What is your background and why did you want to be a governor?
What are your governor responsibilities?
3 words to describe yourself…
3 hobbies of yours…