Governance

Mrs. C. Jones

Chair of Governors

My daughters are flourishing at Fairfield Primary School. It is important to me to give something back to the school, so I was excited to join their Local Governing Board. I have 17 years’ experience in the nuclear industry with roles in safety & operations management and assurance & governance. Previously, I worked in the education department at the Minnesota Museum of Natural History. Through my roles as Chair, Vice Chair and Safeguarding Governor, plus supporting their Risk Management, I enjoy working collaboratively with the school to ensure continued delivery of our Vision, Mission, Aims, and Ethos for all pupils, parents, carers, and staff.

Mr. J. Metcalfe

Vice Chair of Governors

I worked, climbed, and lived on and off in Cumbria for almost 10 years, before eventually moving with my wife to Cockermouth in 2018, where we have since put down roots. My children are now in Year 1 and Year 3 at Fairfield Primary School. I presently work as a Civil & Structural Engineer, although I have previously held a range of roles across Engineering and Programme & Project Management, mostly within the nuclear industry. I have been inspired by the hard work and dedication of the staff and was motivated to support the school through the Local Governing Board, which I joined in November 2025. I will be collaborating with the school as the STEM link.

Mrs. T. Barrientos

Governance Professional (Clerk to Governing Board)

Tracey was initially a staff governor for Fairfield Infants School and as a member of the Curriculum Committee she took on the role of clerk, liaising with the clerk to the Local Governing Body at the time. Following the amalgamation of the Infant and Junior schools, she stepped down from her role as staff governor. In October 2017, she was successful in securing the role of clerk to the Board of Trustees and the Local Governing Board, and more recently to the Audit and Finance Committee. Tracey now works closely with the Trust Board, Headteacher, LGB and all committee chairs to advise, organize and support meetings, ensure effective communication and sharing of information across committees, advise on compliance requirements in line with the Academy Trust Handbook, assist with recruitment and induction of new Trustees and Governors and identify training needs to ensure the Board can fulfill its four core functions of governance effectively. She has recently successfully completed the Development for Clerks course and is passionate about continuing to develop governance practices within the Trust.

clerk@fairfieldprimary.co.uk

Mrs. S. Sapsford

Governor

I retired to Cockermouth in 2013 having been a primary school teacher, SENDCo and Deputy Head in Leicestershire for twenty years. My teaching career started in 1993 after raising a family and studying for a degree and PGCE. Before that I was in Social Work in the London Borough of Southwark, then moved to the NHS as a Physiotherapist Aide in Enfield and an Occupational Therapist Aide in Taunton, Somerset. I became the Safeguarding governor at Fairfield Primary school in 2016, Vice Chair in 2020 and Chair of Governors in 2021. My link roles are now SEND and Literacy.

Mr. M. Clucas

Governor

Both of my children are currently at Fairfield and I joined the board of governors as a parent governor in 2019. In 2023 I stayed on as a co-opted governor. I have had responsibility for oversight of a variety of areas during this time, including PSHE, staff welfare and religious education.

Mr. M. Pritchard

Governor

I joined the Governing Board at Fairfield in 2020 as the Health and Safety Link Governor. Having seen my daughter, who is now in Year 3, grow and develop due to the safe, inclusive and enriched learning environment created at Fairfield I wanted to help support the school by giving something back. I have more than 30-years experience in Manufacturing in which I have gained significant experience in Health and Safety Management systems and experience in internal and external auditing, all of which I can call upon to help ensure our school continues to deliver on our strategic vision while maintaining the high standards it already achieves.

Mrs. N. Pammenton

Staff Governor

I joined Fairfield Primary School in September 2022 as a Year 1 class Teacher. In school, my other roles include subject lead in Writing and PSHE. Prior to teaching Year 1, I have had experience in teaching in Key Stage 2 and Early Years. I feel incredibly fortunate to have experienced teaching in a wide range of different year groups and gain a deep understanding of what knowledge and skills different children need. In March 2023, the opportunity arose to become a staff governor and I thought that it would be a fantastic experience, as I am passionate about the continued growth and development of the school. Being part of the governing body, I hope to be the voice for all staff whilst ensuring all children have the best experience that the school can offer.

Mrs. R. Wildgoose

Governor

I have recently joined Fairfield Primary as a parent governor. My daughter joined Reception as a Curious Cub in 2024 and is developing well and really enjoying her time with the school. My decision to join the school governing board was driven by my desire to support the school and to help ensure its success for all the pupils. I work as a Health and Communities manager for a third sector organisation across West Cumberland, primarily in preventative health care within our community and I am passionate about health and wellbeing for all but also ensuring the communities we live in are well connected and thriving, schools being a major part of this. I believe in educational rights for all children, not only in opportunity but for pupils to flourish and achieve their potential. I believe my skill set and passions will help ensure the school is driven towards our desired values and ethos.

Mrs. M. Purdy

Governor

I have recently joined Fairfield as a Parent Governor and am mum to two boys: George, who is in Reception at Fairfield, and Arthur, who hopes to become a Friendly Frog in September. I am an active member of the school community and have supported the PTA over the past year through fundraising and school events. I bring over eight years’ experience in programme management and more than two years’ experience on local school governing boards, with a strong focus on governance, strategic planning, and financial oversight within early years settings. Professionally, I work as a Senior Strategic Relationship Manager at DNAnexus, managing complex strategic relationships across EMEA and bringing strong skills in leadership, collaboration, and decision-making. I am passionate about education and committed to supporting Fairfield’s vision so that every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally.

Mr. A. May

Governor

I retired from the education sector in 2020 after having worked for over 20 years as a primary school teacher and headteacher in Cumbria. Having seen how warmly and professionally my granddaughter has been welcomed into the school, I decided to offer the experience I have gained to help further its aims and objectives as a coopted governor. My role is to assist with the oversight and support of SEND. I have lived in and around Cockermouth for most of my adult life and currently work as a dry-stone waller and landscaper. I passionately believe that a nurturing primary school is one of the most important elements in a child’s life and that a sensitive and caring start to their education sets the foundations for academic success, strong self-esteem and emotional wellbeing.