Silloth Primary School

Mary Hillhouse

Hello my name is Mary Hillhouse, I am a governor at Silloth Primary School, and Chair of the Standards and Curriculum Committee. I live in Skinburness and worked for many years as a Senior Teaching Assistant in the Nursery. Since retiring I have continued to work at school on a voluntary basis one day a week in the Nursery, I also accompany the sports teams to competitions whenever I can. I have grandchildren in the school and it is a pleasure to support the school in any way I can. 

Sian Horsley - Vice Chair

I joined the governing body as a co-opted member, having been keen to get involved since my daughter started the school.  I have been connected to the school for many years; having being a pupil myself I then went back some years later to do a year-long placement as part of my studies.

In my working life, I provide business advice to Early Years providers (including schools and nurseries) on behalf of the Local Authority.  Having trained in both childcare and business this seemed the perfect fit.  I plan to use this knowledge in my role as a member of the Finance and Premises Committee. As well as my role on this committee I also have a keen interest in Early Years as I appreciate the importance a rich early education has for a child to go on to be a thriving young person.

I feel proud to be part of the governing body of our school, a school which is going from strength to strength and I am passionate to work alongside Mrs Ingrams and her staff, with the aim of creating the best opportunities for children in our area.

Emma Mounsey

My name is Emma Mounsey, I teach in Year 2 and I am the Staff Governor. I became part of the Silloth Primary School family as a newly qualified teacher, ten years ago and it truly has been eight years to remember!

 As a proud West Cumbrian, I am dedicated and determined that the children in our little corner of the world fully embrace their years in education, want then to know that they are valued, that they can make a difference and have memorable experiences in these vital years of their life. The children of Silloth are at the heart of everything that I do and I feel privileged to be part of their journey.

 Within school, I am SENDCo, Global Learning Lead Teacher, RE Leader and joint Maths lead. I am also part of the Senior Leadership Team as the Phase 2 Leader. I fully embrace all my responsibilities and I enjoy working as Staff Governor to continue to provide the children of Silloth with a strong springboard for the rest of their lives.

As I always say to the children in my class ... ‘the sky’s the limit!’

Catherine Bellas - Head Teacher (Awaiting Image)

Alison St Quintin

My name is Alison St Quintin and I am a parent governor as I have two chidlren at the school.  I have grown up in Silloth and I think it's a wonderful place to bring up children with The Green and the beach on our doorstep. I am on the Standards, Curriculum and Pupil Welfare Committee of the governing body. I firmly believe that every child should have the best opportunity in life so they can become whatever they dream to be (the next Tim Peake maybe?!). Silloth Primary School provides this opportunity and I look forward to see it continue to go from strength to strength.

Neil Henderson

My name is Neil Henderson and I joined the School Governing Body as a Parent Governor in mid-2020. 

I am currently employed as a Senior Contract Manager for International Nuclear Service Ltd, a wholly owned subsidiary of the NDA (Nuclear Decommissioning Authority). Before this, I served in the RAF for nearly 7 years. I attended both Silloth Primary and Secondary School, followed by Nelson Thomlinson Sixth Form before studying Mechanical Engineering at Lancaster University. Outside of work, I enjoy playing Golf and I help coach one of the town’s junior football teams. I have four boys and the eldest three all attend Silloth Primary School. 

All children should have access to a high standard of education and, more importantly, an environment that allows them to flourish and fulfil their potential. I believe this is achieved by celebrating success and having a positive culture across all areas of a school. I am delighted to be part of the Governing Body and in a position to help this outstanding School continue and build on its successes to date. 

Vicki Jackson 

In my working life I work for Sellafield Ltd and I have over 15 years laboratory analysis experience and working with radioactive material.  Through this role I have been able to achieve my ambition to encourage opportunity, inclusivity and diversity in the workplace and by participating in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths) events encouraging and helping to empower younger generations to learn, explore and challenge the ‘norm’.

I work with schools partaking in events encouraging children to understand and experiment with chemistry such as making slime then explaining and discussing the chemical reaction that occurs with the aim of inspiring, inquisitive young minds to consider scientific careers.

I am also a participant and mentee of the Cumbrian WIN (Women in Nuclear, a Global Association) our mission is to create an inclusive and fair environment that helps attract, retain and build a diverse workforce of the future, for Cumbria and the UK. We meet regularly to exchange ideas, information, and experience between members and to create bridges between members in the spirit of equality. 

It’s my drive for diversity and inclusion that I want to bring to Silloth Primary School and I believe every child should have a quality education.

I’m very much looking forward to contributing to future successes for our children, our school and our community.