Rufford Park Primary School and Nursery

David Cooke
Headteacher
Resources committee
Teaching and Learning committee
Pupil Support committee

I began my teaching career in 1999 after graduating from Leeds Trinity University. I taught at Swillington Primary School for 4 years and then moved to Farsley Farfield Primary School where I spent the next 16 years of my career before taking up the post here on 1st September 2019.  I have over 17 years of school governance experience across all committees.  

Jessica O'Hanlon
Chair of Governors
Teaching and Learning Committee

I have served as a governor for Rufford Park since 2019. I enjoy the strategic nature of the role and appreciate the opportunity to work collaboratively to support the continued development of the school.

Having graduated in Education and English in 2006, I went on to teach in two Leeds schools, where I held responsibility for a variety of subjects and wider school priorities including staff coaching, equalities, personal development, SEND and inclusion. I also completed an MA in Education, focusing my research on reading comprehension and school leadership.

These experiences strengthened my commitment to ensuring that each child has the opportunity to reach their potential. I have a particular interest in promoting a broad and ambitious curriculum that develops children’s knowledge, skills and creativity. I am also passionate about supporting children’s emotional wellbeing and ensuring that school is a place where every child feels safe and valued.

I now work as a tutor for pupils aged 5–18. Alongside this, I work with my husband in a strategic role for our marine engineering business. Outside work, I still love learning and my interests including history, science and art. I enjoy anything creative or design-based and have a love of the natural world.

I am proud to be Chair of Governors at Rufford Park and to work alongside such a committed team, as well as with our wonderful pupils and families. My aim is to help ensure that the school continues to provide the highest standards of education while remaining a happy, inclusive, inspiring community in which every child can thrive.

Ian Brocklebank
Resources Committee

I began as a Local Authority Governor in 2009, when my daughter was in Year 5. I am now a Foundation Governor and sit on the Resources Committee.  I also represent the Aireborough Learning Partnership Trust (ALPT).

I own and run a cargo bike delivery company in Leeds and Manchester, and in the past have delivered Bikeability training in Primary Schools across Leeds.

I am a local scout leader, and also run a family friendly board game club, at Rawdon Community Library. I am also the coordinator of Leeds Street Angels and a member of Trinity Church.

Sally Alfady
Resources Committee

I joined the governing board in 2023 as a parent governor. I am the Vice Chair of the governing board and sit on the resources committee which monitors school finances, premises and staffing. I have 2 children at the school.  I work for a Building Society and have 20 years’ experience of writing employment policies, working in dispute resolution and managing conflict. I am passionate about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion and fair and equal access to opportunities for all, but especially for children. I'm my day job I chair large diverse committee's and influence policies and procedures. I am the named governor for Religious Education  (which also includes Collective Worship and British Values) and as such I oversee the RE curriculum. In addition,  I am the named governor for Health and Safety, Equalities and Wellbeing at Rufford Park.

In my spare time I sing in a local choir, we perform at community galas and events to raise money for charity.

Marie Bellwood
Pupil Support Committee

I work at Rufford Park Primary as a teaching assistant, currently working in Key Stage 1.

As well as this role I am also the leader of the school’s before and after school club. I have three boys and my youngest attended the school. I love working with children, watching them grow in confidence and mature as they develop their learning.

I have been lucky enough to have a role with the school Governors since 2008, which also helps my role on the Pupil Support committee.

Outside of my teaching life I am also high up with the Girl Guides after being involved with them since the age of 10.

Anna Bradbury
Teaching and Learning Committee

I joined the Governing body in October 2017 and was initially on the Resources committee, which monitors our school’s finances, premises and staff. Currently I am on the Teaching and Learning committee and I am also a named Governor for Early Years.

I think that Rufford Park is an excellent school, and I am pleased to be able to be involved in such a caring and high-achieving school, which really does want the best for every pupil.

I have three children; my eldest two children attended Rufford Park before continuing their education at Benton Park in Rawdon. My youngest child is now in Key Stage 2 at Rufford Park.

I work as a teacher in a primary school that is in the same cluster as Rufford Park. My husband and I have also worked as Foster Carers for Leeds Social Services.

Michael Crolla
Resources Committee

Councillor Ryk Downes
Pupil Support Committee

I was a governor at South View Infant School before Rufford Park Primary School was built and so when Rufford Park opened, I transferred across as one of the initial governors.

I am a Leeds City Councillor representing the Otley and Yeadon ward since 2004 that includes Rufford Park, thus I am able to help with council matters. I am also my party’s spokesperson for Education and young people, so keep up to date with matters concerning pupils and their well-being.
 
My main hobby is ultra-distance running and I often take part in races more than 60 miles in distance. I also organise ultra-marathons locally.

Katie Gilbank

Committee TBC

Georgina Harris
Pupil Support Committee

I have worked at Rufford Park Primary School since 2004, having previously taught at Yeadon South View Infant school.  I have been in my current role as Deputy Headteacher since 2014 and have responsibilities for SEND; safeguarding and child protection; behaviour; and I am the designated teacher for children looked after.

I am currently an associate governor but have been a teacher governor in the past. 

Cat Jefferson
Resources Committee

I joined the Governing Body as a parent governor in 2022.

Richard Lewis-Ogden
Teaching and Learning Committee

I have been a Co-opted Governor at Rufford Park Primary School for more than 14 years and prior to this, served as an elected parent governor at the schools attended by my children.

My career has been firmly rooted in education and governance. I worked for over 30 years with Leeds City Council and Education Leeds within the Staffing and Personnel Service, becoming the Personnel Services Manager in 2006 before retiring from the role in 2017. Alongside this, I served as a Clerk to Governors, a role I continued until 2021.

I am an Associate Member of the Chartered Governance Institute and have been a governance professional since 1989. I currently work as a Data Protection Officer, supporting around 180 schools and academies across Leeds and Bradford, while also providing advice on personnel and employment-related matters.

In addition, I serve as Company Secretary for the Aireborough Learning Partnership, a charitable trust that acts as the foundation body for its member schools locally.

Outside of my professional and governance commitments, I enjoy travelling and spending time with friends in the south of France whenever possible.

Ruth Sellers
Pupil Support Committee

I became a parent governor in 2022 when my daughter was in Year 3 at Rufford Park.

Professionally I have worked for Leeds Childrens Services for 20 years. I am a children’s therapist and work with children and their families to support their social, emotional and mental health issues. I also offer support for the schools that the children attend, around creating nurturing environments and bespoke timetables.

I am a firm believer that children need to be emotionally healthy to be in a position to learn and I hope that in my role as parent governor, I can ensure that the pupils of Rufford Park continue to enjoy a nurturing school environment.

Tom Spence
Teaching and Learning Committee

I joined the Rufford Park governing board in June 2023 as staff governor. Having grown up in the local area, and attended the school as a pupil, I have a good understanding of the community and backgrounds of many of our families. I began my teaching career here in 2018 and have since taught across all age ranges in the school which helps me to have an unbiased and fair overview of teaching and school procedures at all ages. In school I also lead on PE and have an invested interest in PE, School Sport and extra-curricular activities, which I believe to be an important part of school life for each and every pupil.

Rebecca Swinfen
Pupil Support

I have recently joined the Governing Body as a parent governor in 2023. 

In my day-to-day life I am a manager at an airline where I have worked for 19yrs now. I am also doing a Management Degree at the same time, and I can already see where I can apply some of the degree within the Governing Body. 

I have a daughter in KS1, who has developed so much since joining the school. 

Since having a child within Rufford Park, I can see what exciting opportunities it gives to children. I am looking forward to working with the Governing Body and the School to see these opportunities continue to grow and succeed and offer my support wherever I can.