Meet Our Governors
Stephen Burnage - Chair of Governors
I’m Steve Burnage and I am pleased to be joining the governing body of Balby Central Primary Academy as a co-opted governor. My background is in teaching, learning and educational leadership. Having served as a secondary headteacher for a number of years, I now run my own business as an education consultant, trainer, inspector and leadership coach; working with schools and school leaders across the world in improving the life chances of learners. Outside of my work in education, I’m a professional musician and, in partnership with my wife, I run a large Doncaster choir called ‘Simply Voices’.
Robert Mellor - Vice Chair of Governors
I’m Rob Mellor and I am pleased to be a part of the Balby Central Primary Academy governing body. My background since 1986 is that of a class teacher within Primary Education and as a Headteacher of over 16 years, at schools predominantly in the Nottingham area. I have a real passion in ensuring the ‘best” for children both within their academic and social outlooks and hope that my knowledge and skills will further support the school in its aspirational journey. Having retired recently I have taken up wildlife photography (still learning), badminton and am a season ticket holder at Huddersfield Town. I hope this last aspect does not cause too much contention!
Ian Straw
I am Ian Straw (CMgr MCMI) and I have spent over 25 years working in a variety of businesses in the private, public and laterally the third sector. Each of these sectors have provided me with an insight into a diverse and varied approach to Management and Workplace Organisation and Development. During the past 8 years, I have worked with The Vulcan to The Sky Trust, their strap line “Honouring the Past Inspiring the Future”, aims at engaging young people in STEM based activities and by default opening up a diverse and exciting world of Engineering. I enjoy the outdoors and a variety of sports whilst supporting good causes and looking at fund raising opportunities.
Kaye Roe
Hello, I am Kaye Roe and I am really excited to be joining the governor team for Balby Central Primary Academy. I am now retired, having spent the majority of my life involved in education in some way. I have been a tutor, trainer, manager, consultant, adviser, administrator, cleaner, cook, photographer and community link co-ordinator to name just a few of the roles. I have worked to support a range of age groups from pre-school to adult, delivering a range of courses from basic skills to A level or equivalent. Over the years my greatest pleasure has been seeing children and adults come through a learning process and realise that they now have the tools to do something they never thought possible. I believe it is vital that every child has access to the right support in order to develop to their full potential and to be the best they can be. I hope that some of the things I have learnt over the years will help me to support the school and I am looking forward to getting to know everything about the school.
Shelley Hudson-Giddings My name is Shelley Hudson-Giddings but I am known by the children at Balby Central as Miss Giddings. I have worked at Balby Central for 11 years now, starting in the school in 2014 as Early Years Leader. I worked in Nursery for 2 years before moving onto Reception where I taught for 3 years. Working with our Early Years learners is a passion of mine and I loved my time in this area of school, helping our youngest children flourish and achieve by establishing the foundations for their academic future and grounding a love of learning. In 2019 I stepped down from Early Years Leader and moved into Key Stage 2, working in Year 4… a bit of a jump and a massive contrast but I loved the challenge and thrived in my new role. I stayed in Year 4 for 2 years before moving into Year 3. I loved teaching our new to Key Stage 2 children just as much, but my passion still laid in the Early years. Moving into 2024/25 I am back in Nursery teaching our youngest students again. Outside of the classroom my other love is my horse, I enjoy spending time outdoors and caring for his every need.
Danielle Betts Hi everyone, I am Danielle Betts, a parent governor here at Balby Central Primary Academy. I once attended Balby Central as a child myself; then came back to teach here for 3 years during my career in education and found myself returning again in 2022 when my eldest son started school here. I have three of my own children and I have spent several years throughout my life working with children and families across a range of sectors and feel that I can offer my knowledge, skills and experience to the governing board and school community. I am interested to learn of the challenges faced at time and how myself and the wider school community could help to overcome these as well as provide an insight into the experience of the families with children attending Balby Central - so stop me in the playground to catch up. I am really passionate about our school and the families that we serve ensuring that we can all contribute to our children 'being the best they can be'.