Governing Body
Each school in the country has a governing body made up of a group of people who are from various occupations and backgrounds, this is with a view to them all contributing a diverse range of skills and experiences to the successful running of the school.
It is responsible for setting the aims and objectives for the school and agreeing monitoring and reviewing policy targets, priorities and performance.
It also, in partnership with the headteacher, controls the budget.
To support the work of the school the Governing Body have two committees, Curriculum and Standards and Resources. Membership is shown below.
Candy Redfern - Chair, co-opted end of term 23/02/2025
I have recently joined Crossley Fields as a co-opted governor as I wanted to support the leadership of the school in their quest to deliver an excellent education to your children.
I have lived in Mirfield for 9 years and both of my children are currently in KS2 elsewhere in Mirfield. I love living here and feel strongly about supporting my local community. I have spent 20 years working in corporate life with most of this time working in Learning and Development helping adults in employment with their learning needs. Most recently I spent time as Head of Learning and Development for a national foodservice employer although I recently left to start my own consultancy business.
I am keen to bring experience and learnings from corporate life to education. I am currently studying for a Business Masters and a Coaching Qualification so spare time is limited, but I love to be with my family and walk our dogs.
Committee Membership - Resources
Year Group Link - Y4
Cassie Lindley - Vice-Chair, co-opted end of term 21/09/2024
I have recently been appointed as co-opted governor and wanted to join the governing body as I understand the importance of education to provide opportunity for our younger generation. I’m looking forward to offering support to Crossley Fields over the coming years.
I have two daughters in KS2 at another school in Mirfield and feel passionate that all children in our local community have the absolute best start in life as the possibilities are endless with a positive mindset.
I currently work as a People Director for an e-commerce business based in Huddersfield and believe the people management and strategy experience I have gained throughout the various HR roles I have held over the past 20 years can provide a positive contribution to the governing body.
In my spare time I like to go for a run, it’s a great way to unwind after a busy day! I also enjoy cycling and walks with my family.
Committee Membership - Resources (Chair)
Year Group Link - Y6
Rachel Supuk - co-opted, end of term 23/01/25
I am one of our Parent Governors with two wonderful daughters in KS2. I have always had a passion for learning and education; being on the Governing Body allows me to use my enthusiasm to support the school to enhance the academic progress and wellbeing of all the students. I am a qualified human rights solicitor and owner of Excel Academics, a tutoring service operating in the local area.
In my spare time I enjoy cooking, spending time with my family and friends and will never turn down a trip to a good theme park! If you see me around school, please introduce yourself as I would like to get to know as many parents as possible.
Committee Membership - Curriculum & Standards (Chair)
Year Group Link - Reception
Specific Responsibilities - Writing
Leanne Yeomans - co-opted, end of term 13/01/2026
I joined as a co-opted governor in January 2022 as someone with little experience in the education system, but a person with a desire to learn. I have lived in Mirfield for 14 years, and with a son in KS1 at another Mirfield school and my own small business right here in town, I am certainly invested in our community and in helping our young people thrive.
I own a small children’s bookshop in the heart of Mirfield and have built a strong relationship with Crossley Fields through helping to refresh their library with diverse, inclusive, and high-quality texts.
I hope that my passion for reading can be reflected in our school; that my knowledge of books can reinforce and compliment the curriculum; that my commitment to representation can enrich learning, creativity, empathy…and a joy of reading.
I feel incredibly welcomed by the Crossley community already, and can’t wait to see where our journey together takes us.
Committee Membership - Curriculum & Standards
Year Group Link - Y2
Mark Fisher - Parent, end of term 20/06/2025
I am one of Crossley Fields parent governors who joined in June 2021 and am grateful for the opportunity to work closely with the school and local community supporting Crossley Fields on their journey to becoming an outstanding school. I live locally and have 4 amazing children, 3 of whom currently attend school.
Away from school I have worked in and around the education sector for my whole career and currently run an IT company based in Bradford. In my spare time I enjoy walks through local parks with my family and attending events and sports that my children take part in.
Committee Membership - Resources
Year Group Link - Y5
Gemma Fellows - Local Authority, end of term 20/04/2026
I have two daughters, one in year 2 and one that has now left Crossley Fields, and have been interested in becoming more involved in school for a while now.
Although I am new to role of parent governor, I have been a primary school teacher for the past eleven years, seven of which have been in mainstream school and am currently the Assistant Head Teacher at a pupil referral unit. As a governor, I am part of the Attendance and Inclusion committee and feel I can offer a positive contribution in this area given my experience and understanding of Special Educational Needs. I am passionate about giving children the best possible opportunities to make progress not just academically but socially and emotionally too. I enjoy spending time with my family and taking our dogs out on long walks.
Committee Membership - Curriculum & Standards
Year Group Link - Y1
Specific Responsibilities - SEND & Looked After Children
Chris Sutcliffe, co-opted, end of term 17/04/2026
Deputy Group Finance Director.
My children attended Crossley Fields (a very long time ago!) and I wanted to understand education and try and put something back into the community and society.
I enjoy travelling and am currently half way through my quest to visit all 50 US states.
Committee Membership - Resources
Year Group Link - Y1
Specific Responsibilities - Child Protection & Safeguarding, Health & Safety
Toyan Williams - co-opted, end of term 26/01/2026
I was appointed as a co-opted Governor in January 2022 having wanted to gain more of an insight into the school and have an opportunity to provide more support. I have lived in Mirfield since 2014 and really enjoy being a part of this community. I have a son in KS2 and a daughter about to join the school in September 2022 (hopefully!), and I’m keen to help the school in achieving its goals.
I qualified as a chartered accountant in 2011 and have spent my 17 working years in finance, with the last 11 years specialising in corporate tax and dealing with small businesses, large multi-national organisations, everything in-between and HMRC. While my career has developed outside of education, I’m keen to be able to provide a different perspective where possible, and also learn as much as I can from my fellow governors!
Committee Membership - Resources
Year Group Link - Y3
Diane Heywood - Teacher Governor, end of term 27/04/2024
This is my second time I’ve been a teacher governor.
I have lived in Huddersfield for all of my life but travel to New York and Amsterdam regularly. My daughter is 30 years old, lives in New York and is also a teacher. My son is 28 years old, lives in Amsterdam and is a Fashion Designer.
I left school at 16 years old and worked in retail until I was 22. I then set up my own business as the proprietor of a bridal boutique. However, I always wanted to be a teacher so I started volunteering in schools as a parent helper. I then went on to be a Teaching Assistant where I also started my teacher training as the age of 34. I finally qualified in 2004. I have worked in all year groups but my passion has always been in Early Years. I am now an Assistant Head Teacher and responsible for Early Years and Year 1. I am also mentor a Newly Qualified Teacher and mentor teaching students and childcare students.
I also love going to dance classes and meeting up with friends.
Committee Membership - Curriculum & Standards
Nick Long - Headteacher, Ex-officio
In my experience of working across several schools, the Governing Body has a hugely important role to play in the strategic direction of any school, and this is very much the case at Crossley Fields. We have some very experienced Governors who know the school incredibly well. including our Chair, whom I have an excellent working relationship with. We are starting to plan for the future with new Governors coming on board, with the skills to help us to continue to move forward. I believe very much in communicating regularly with all stakeholders, and this includes Governors who I write or speak to on a weekly basis. This added to a tight committee structure, allows all Governors the information they need to make informed decisions.
Committee Membership - Curriculum & Standards & Resources
Governors can be contacted by leaving your contact details at the school office.
Governor Training Contact - Mrs Tina Auty
