Directors Information
Andrew Hurley
Director
Chair of Directors, Safeguarding and Formal Curriculum, Health and Safety
My name is Andrew Hurley and I have worked in a number of roles in the primary education sector for the past 33 years. This has included eight years as a headteacher, four years as a Lancashire primary adviser and four years in higher education developing Initial Teacher Training at the University of Cumbria. My current role is Deputy Headteacher at Anchorsholme Academy in Blackpool, a member school of the Seaview Trust. I have been a school governor of one sort or another for over 30 years including a period as Chair of Governors at a challenging school in Preston. Currently I am vice-chair of governors and safeguarding governor at Westminster Academy in Blackpool. My wife is also a teacher in a Blackpool primary school and I have two children, my daughter is currently in sixth form college and my son works for BAE systems in Barrow. Although new to governance in the special education sector I have a real desire to see every child or young person succeed in whatever stage of education they may be in so that they develop the skills and personal attributes that enables them to be happy and productive in their lives.
Julie Hayton
Director
Vice Chair of Directors, Advocate Relations
My name is Julie Hayton and I am currently employed as an English teacher at an 11-18 comprehensive school in Oldham. I have a teaching career that spans 28 years and feel that I understand the challenges faced by teaching and support staff. My son is diagnosed with ASD. He attended Broadfield School until he was 16 before moving to Tor View. He currently attends Valley College, where he is making excellent progress. I have been a Governor at Helmshore Primary School since 2001 and Chair of Governors for the past sixteen years. During this time I have witnessed many changes in education both in terms of the curriculum and inspection. I have taken on the roles of Literacy and Safeguarding governor and have met with Ofsted Inspectors on three occasions representing the Governing Body. I deal with any parental complaints that may arise, meet regularly with the Headteacher and other members of staff. I hope that my experience will contribute to the Governing Body team and I look forward to working with you over my term of office.
Mary O'Keefe
Director
Training and Development
I have lived in Haslingden for 27 years. I grew up in Inverness in the Highlands of Scotland and moved to Lancashire to train to be a nurse for people with learning difficulties in my late teens. I have spent many years supporting adults and young people with learning disabilities in formal settings, their own homes and in the community. I am married and have 3 almost grown up children. When my children were small I changed career and retrained to work in education. I am now a specialist tutor for Specific Learning Difficulties and am part of the Learning Support team at Accrington and Rossendale College. I have a wide range of experience which I hope will benefit the students at Valley college as they prepare for adulthood and employment. In my spare time I enjoy reading and music, especially live music and live comedy.
Gina Cole
Director
Community Engagement
I’m a Northern gal, born and bred in East Lancashire, living in Rossendale with a background of over 20years in learning and organisational development and HR. Specifically, I have worked as a Strategic OD Consultant both employed and freelance in the public, private and voluntary sectors including councils, Sure Start and Children Centres, Local Education Partnerships, Housing Associations, Government departments, Youth charities and a wide range of commercial businesses here in the UK and internationally. I love to work with compassionate, values led organisations that support growth and for all, so obviously I jumped at the opportunity to contribute to the development of Valley College.
Directors Information