Meet the Governors
Our governors page is currently being updated, please bear with us, while we make the necessary changes.
Chair of Governors
Mike Bones
(Community)
My name is Mike Bones originally from North East Lincolnshire area, with a happy, go lucky, you can do anything if you put your mind to it attitude,
When I was 19 I left home joined the army and never looked back, I settled in North East of England in 2001 and I have worked in the Recruitment and Transport industry ever since.
I have been a Co-Opted Governor at Columbia Grange School since December 2015, I have sat on both finance and Personal committee’s for several years and have had the honour of being the Chair of Governors from September 2020.
Head Teacher
John Lines
Vice-Chair
David Howe
(Community)
Dawne Taylor
(Staff)
I have been a member of Columbia Grange staff since we opened in 2003. I am a class based senior HLTA and have worked in all areas of school including early years, key stage one and two. I have been a staff governor for over eight years and I am committed to providing a happy, safe and nurturing environment for our pupils to achieve their potential.
I have a passion for the outdoors and within school promote outdoor enrichment. I organise class sessions within our amazing school ground including ‘Outdoor classroom day’ a worldwide event which happens twice a year promoting outdoor learning. I run parent and carer training sessions sharing ideas for exploring the outdoors with their children and I am part of the Friends of Columbia Grange committee helping to organise fundraising events in school including disco’s, afternoon teas and Christmas fayres.
More information to follow ...
Linda Hutchinson
(Staff)
More information to follow ...
Veronica Sweeting
(Parent)
Dawn Dobson
(Parent)
Hi everyone, I'm Dawn. I've been a parent governor here at Columbia Grange for over a year. My son has been a pupil here for 4 years. I became a governor so I could see what makes our school so fabulous. During my time as governor I have gained a whole new perspective into the work that goes on behind the scenes to ensure our children receive the highest quality, tailored education that best suits their individual needs. The dedication and commitment to learning from all of the staff here is second to none. In my role as governor I attend meetings to discuss any issues affecting the school and our children and brainstorm ideas and suggestions on ways we can improve our school.
Julia Tones
(Community)
I am currently the Headteacher at Fellgate Primary School.
Sophie Chrichton
(Parent)
Hello, I am Sophie Crichton parent of a child who has just started his time in this school and I am already seeing changes in his behaviour. He skips to school and is so excited upon arriving at the gates ready for his day with the brilliant team. I feel blessed that he has a place in such a lovely, specialized school in the heart of our community in Columbia where we as a family reside; I have lived in the area all my life and it really is home.
It is an honour to work alongside a team that continues to succeed in our children’s education as they are essentially who we do this for.
Since my son's diagnosis at twenty-two months old, I have a felt a strong sense of passion for children’s education and being able to have access to all things beneficial to their journey with autism. I understand as a parent the challenges that you are faced with and can relate to the worries and anxiety that it comes with along the way.
I am a nurse by trade having worked in various trusts and I am currently a service manager for a specialized mental health unit in Gateshead many of which have a learning disability or diagnosis on the spectrum. I understand the strategic vision and ethos of a service and my role is to help develop innovative new ideas and maintain a high standard. I engage with stakeholders, creating seamless pathways for all and improve data and insights for great decision making; I also understand the needs for our community with the focus of being there for people whilst championing equality, diversity and inclusion for all.
I really prize this opportunity to support the school and all of the dedicated staff.
Governance Arrangements and Declarations
of Business and Financial Interests
Julia Tones is Head Teacher of Fellgate Primary School, another school within Oak Learning Trust, this is a declared interest.
