I am a retired solicitor

I have lived in Silsden for 30 years

I was a  Governor at Hothfield Junior School (Silsden Primary School legacy school) from 2007 to its merger to become Silsden Primary School in 2017.

I was Chair of Hothfield Junior School Governing Board – 2011 to 2017, and Chair of Silsden Primary School Governing Board – 2017-2018

As Chair of the relevant Governing Board I covered Ofsted Inspections in 2014 (RI) and 2016 (Good)

I was Chair of Standards Committee – Hothfield Junior School – 2015 to 2017

I am Chair of Standards and Pupil Welfare Committee – Silsden Primary School – and have been since 2017.

I am one of the Churchwardens at St James Silsden

In 2024, Neil was elected as one of the district councillors for Craven ward (which covers Silsden)

I moved and settled in the vicinity of Silsden 9 years ago. Both of my children have been born and raised here and have attended Silsden Primary School since the age of 3 in the nursery provision. As such I have a vested interest in supporting the school in ensuring the best possible start for them and the generations of children that will form the local community in years to come.

Since qualifying to teach in 2007, I’ve gained experience working across the primary age range in several authorities. For the past 7 years I’ve been employed as a SENDCo (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Coordinator) within the Bradford District, most recently also acquiring Accredited Teacher Status for supporting learners with Dyslexia, and as such have gained valuable experience of working collaboratively with a number of specialists and agencies to support children (and their families) in overcoming barriers to accessing school life. My passion lies in ensuring that the school environment is inclusive for all children and I look forward to supporting to school through my role as Parent Governor in their vision of offering all of our children the opportunity to succeed.

I have worked in primary education for over 37 years, the last 19 of which were as headteacher at East Morton CE Primary School and then Sandal Primary School, Baildon where I promoted outdoor learning, music and PE believing primary education is not just about reading, writing and maths. Before retiring, I was the Shipley Area Lead for BSIP (Bradford Schools in Partnership) which supports schools and headteachers. I am a governor at Titus Salts School, Saltaire, where I am the designated safeguarding governor and Vice Chair of the Quality of Education Committee.

I have lived in Silsden for nearly 40 years and both of my daughters attended Silsden Primary School on the old site where they made many friends and received a strong foundation for their futures lives and careers. The new site offers so much to support, inspire and motivate Silsden’s children and I am looking forward to being part of their primary years.

My name is Graham Hardman, and I am a Local Authority Governor. My background is in the NHS where until my retirement I was a Director of Estates and Facilities, being a Chartered Engineer

I was previously a Foundation Governor for 14 years at a Primary school in Bingley serving both as Vice Chair and chair of the Finance and General Purposed Committee. Being involved in several key developments including the construction of a major school extension.

I have a strong positive outlook to the education of children and feel that my experience and knowledge can contribute to the future development of the school.

I have had a long connection with Silsden Primary School — both my children went to school in Silsden, and I recently retired after working there for over 20 years as a Teaching Assistant. During my time at Hothfield Junior School and later Silsden Primary, I supported pupils across all age ranges and gained a real understanding of the school’s values, its challenges, and what it aims to achieve.

I have also previously served as a governor at both Hothfield Junior School and, after the merger with Aire View Infant School, at Silsden Primary. Over the years I’ve been involved in several committees, including Personnel, Premises and Finance, and have served as a Parent Governor, Community Governor and Staff Governor.

Now that I’m retired, I’m keen to stay involved and continue supporting the school through a governance role, helping to contribute to its ongoing success.

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I am the parent of a child in Year 3 and a child in reception.

I am passionate about supporting children to achieve their best in a nurturing and inclusive environment that celebrates and promotes diversity. As a parent, I want to play an active role in helping the school continue to thrive. As a governor I bring a parent perspective to decision making while working in partnership with staff and fellow governors.

In my professional life, I work as a SENCo and currently Acting Headteacher in a local secondary alternative provision. As a qualified teacher of over 15 years I have a strong knowledge of teaching and learning. In my most recent leadership roles, I understand the difference between strategic oversight and operational management. This has given hands on experience in how schools operate, the challenges they face and the importance of good governance.

I also have experience working with families and children with a wide range of needs. While I would not be at the governing board in a professional capacity, I believe this background would help me provide professional challenge, ask constructive questions and contribute thoughtfully to the school strategic direction.

I live close to the school site and look forward to contributing my time and experience to supporting the school’s vision and ensuring the best outcomes for all children at Silsden Primary School.