Candidate 1: Josh Austin               Parent of: William (Nursery)

Statement:

Hi, I'm Josh Austin, and I'm William's dad.

William has just started at Emmaus, and I have to say, it's a bit special for me. I've lived round here all my life, and I went to this school myself! Watching him walk in on his first day, I felt very proud.

I'd love the chance to give something back. This school gave me a great start, and I want every child here to have the same: a place where they feel happy, safe and excited to come in each morning. The early years lay the foundations for everything that follows, and as a new parent at the school, I see it with fresh eyes.

You might wonder what I know about being a governor. For six years I volunteered as a board director at Enterprise Credit Union, serving as Treasurer and on the governance committee, where I helped oversee strategy, finance and risk. That means I'm comfortable with budgets and data, and I know how to ask good questions and work in a team where every voice counts. In June I stepped down from the board because I joined Enterprise as Head of Technology, which made me a full-time member of staff. I now have the time and energy to do this properly, and I'm happy to attend the termly meetings, including the in-person one each term. I also know I'll have plenty to learn about schools, and I'm keen to get stuck in and do the training.

If elected, I would:

- Listen to parents from every background and represent your views fairly and openly

- Support the headteacher and staff, while providing the thoughtful challenge good governance requires

- Help make sure resources are used wisely for every child

- Keep children's wellbeing and happiness at the heart of every decision

I'm a parent just like you, juggling the school run, work and everything else, so I'll always be friendly and easy to talk to. If you have an idea, a question or a worry, tell me. I'll listen and make sure it gets heard.

And to the children: I think this is the best school around, and I'd love to help keep it that way!

Thank you for reading, and I'd be so grateful for your vote. Josh

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Candidate 2: Stacey Byrne               Parent of: Imogen (Year 3)

Statement:

I would like to put myself forward as a Parent Governor because this school means a great deal to me and my family. My 8-year-old currently attends, and my 17-year-old also attended, giving me a long-standing connection to the school and its community.

I have extensive experience working in primary education and currently work as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL) and Attendance Lead at a Liverpool primary school. My roles have given me valuable experience in safeguarding, attendance, supporting children and families, and working with other professionals to achieve the best outcomes for children.

I believe my professional experience, alongside my perspective as a parent, would strengthen the Governing Board. I understand the importance of supporting the school while also asking appropriate questions and providing constructive challenge.

If elected, I would bring commitment, knowledge and enthusiasm to the role. It would be a privilege to give something back to a school that has played such an important part in my family’s life and to help ensure every child feels safe, supported and able to achieve their full potential.

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Candidate 3: Rebecca McCoy               Parent of: Alfie (Year 2) & Grace (Year 6)

Statement:

I am standing for Parent Governor because I care deeply about Emmaus, our children and the wider community that the school serves. Having lived on Croxteth Park Estate for 32 years. My family and I are also active members of St Cuthbert’s Church, which has strengthened my sense of community, service and the importance of supporting others.

I am a parent of two children at Emmaus, currently in Year 6 and Year 2, giving me experience of different stages of primary education and a valuable perspective as a parent. With one child preparing for their next step beyond primary school, I also understand the importance of supporting children to develop confidence, independence and resilience as they move into the next stage of their education.

I bring 13 years of professional experience working in education at Liverpool Hope University. This has given me a strong understanding of education, the importance of effective teamwork and communication, and the need to create an environment where both children and staff can thrive. I believe these experiences align closely with the ethos of Emmaus and its commitment to helping children live, love and learn together.

I am organised, approachable and a good listener. I work well as part of a team, but I am also comfortable asking questions, taking on challenges and constructively representing different views. I would see my role as listening to parents and the wider school community and ensuring that different voices are heard, while always keeping the best interests of all Emmaus children at the heart of what I do.

I also have personal experience of supporting a child with autism. This has given me a deeper understanding of the challenges some children and families can face and has strengthened my belief in the importance of inclusion, understanding and ensuring every child has the opportunity to succeed.

Having lived locally for so many years, I understand the importance of Emmaus as part of our community and the role a school can play in supporting not only children, but families too. I would be proud to bring my experience, commitment and local knowledge to the governing body.

I want to help Emmaus continue to grow, support its staff and create an environment where every child feels happy, included, valued and able to thrive. Most importantly, I would bring a genuine commitment to listening, representing our community and helping make a positive difference.

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Candidate 4: Abigail Rich               Parent of: Ivy (Year 2)

Statement:

My name is Abi and I have a daughter in year 2 at Emmaus with another daughter hoping to start pre-school in September 2027. I therefore have a personal investment in the safety, success and happiness of the school community. I am a lead practitioner and Key stage 4 Mathematics co-ordinator for a local Secondary school in St Helens, Rainford High School. I have been teaching for 13 years and feel my experience in education and in particular Maths education will support this role.

I am passionate about education and would love to work with my daughter’s primary school to improve outcomes for all students. I have excellent communication skills and data literacy skills which will support in reviewing school performance. As a secondary teacher I have secure knowledge on how the curriculum progresses and of the educational landscape. I also have knowledge of the other structures and needs surrounding schools such as safeguarding, budgets and appraisals.

I understand this role will involve commitment to the school community, and I am willing to take part in any training required for the role.

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Candidate 5: Amie Smith               Parent of: Zachary (Year 1)

Statement:

I am writing to apply for the vacancy of Parent Governor. My son is currently in Year One and I am proud that when people ask which primary school he attends, I can say Emmaus. It is a school with a fantastic reputation within the local community and throughout Liverpool. When the email came through to say Emmaus is recruiting two new parent governors, I was genuinely excited and knew right away that I wanted to apply. I believe that I have a lot to offer to the role thanks to my background in education and being a parent.

Since 2010 I have been teaching French in Merseyside, so it was important to my husband and I that our son attended a primary school that valued languages. We are thrilled that all pupils at Emmaus receive weekly French lessons. I am a big believer that this provides a valuable cultural experience and it lays the foundation for their future language learning beyond primary school. 

I have taught at my current school since 2017. The school is very different from Emmaus as it is a single sex, non-faith school situated within our local community. However, both schools share the same ethos of challenging and supporting all pupils. As a classroom teacher I am responsible for ensuring each child has access to quality first teaching and learning. I do this by preparing and delivering challenging lessons, marking classwork and feeding back to pupils and engaging pupils using a wide range of different resources. I am aware of the barriers the children in my classes face such as those pupils with SEND, EAL or disadvantaged children – I ensure that such children feel supported.  Through teaching both French and PSHE lessons I promote British Values in line with the school’s curriculum and ethos. The aim is for the children to become confident and successful members of society and this is a vision I feel Emmaus also shares.

If I were appointed as Parent Governor I would use the skillset I’ve acquired throughout my years in education. I would be confident to use my experience to ask the questions needed to successfully challenge and support the leadership team but at the same time, represent the parents and children of Emmaus. However, I am still keen to learn new things and would relish the opportunity to undergo any training needed to be an effective governor.

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