Brookfield Junior Academy has its own Local Governing Body which includes members from the local community, staff and parents/carers who offer a unique insight into the community’s perception of the academy and contribute to strategic planning and decision-making.

Governors meet four times each year and receive regular training. They are actively encouraged to question and offer constructive challenge based on comprehensive information and analysis of performance.  To be a governor within ACET is to be a valued member of a forward-looking, highly professional organisation with a genuine opportunity to contribute to and influence the educational outcomes of pupils.   

Minutes of meetings are available on request. Please email contactus@astoncetrust.org and the ACET Governance Leader shall respond accordingly.

Should you wish to contact the Chair of the LGB, please email governance@astoncetrust.org.

Meet the Governors

 

   Chair of the LGB Michelle Binns - Trust Appointed 

Role/Responsibility -  SEND and PP, including Progress and Outcomes

I have had the privilege of working in education for over 34 years. Firstly as a teacher in Rotherham then as Deputy and Headteacher. I was then a headteacher in Barnsley for 13 years and was involved in developing Hoyland Common Academy Trust of which I am still a trustee.

I have extensive experience in developing teaching and learning along with building communities where the school is the central hub providing support for its families.

Brookfield School is where my education as a pupil began and I am delighted to be able to use my experience to support the Principle and further develop pupils education.

To contact the Chair of the LGB please email: contactus@astoncetrust.org

 
   Daisy Dunning - Associate Principal

I enjoyed 14 years teaching in Cheshire, before relocating to Barnsley in January 2023. I have taught across KS1 and 2, led subjects such as Art, DT and PE, led KS2, been Pupil Premium Coordinator and Mental Health Lead. In my previous school I was Deputy Headteacher for 6 years, SENDCo for 7 years and Acting Headteacher for a term. I have been warmly welcomed to Rotherham, and I am extremely proud to be Brookfield Junior Academy’s Principal. I am dedicated to ensuring all of Brookfield's pupils achieve their full potential and look forward to seeing each child flourish. 

   Elizabeth Pounder - Staff Governor

Hello, I am the staff elected governor Elizabeth Pounder. As a past pupil of Brookfield and a member of the wider Swinton community, I am very excited to be able to support our school further and help drive improvement.

I have been teaching at various levels-from class teacher to Assistant Head-for the last 25 years (8 at BJA) and have a range of experience to bring to the role.

My own children attend our school too, so it means even more to me that we provide the best educational experience possible for our young people in a supportive and nurturing environment.

 

Catherine Desborough - Parent Governor

Role/Responsibility - Quality of education, including Reading (SEND/PP)

Hi, I am a born and bred Swinton Mum and Trust Leader of English across the XP Trust in Doncaster.

I have been teaching for over 14 years and have a passion for all things literary. I have experience leading whole year groups, KS3 literacy, mentoring new teachers and leading English across multiple schools. My experience in both curriculum design, monitoring and standardisation across both secondary and primary schools in my Trust means I can offer support and suggestions to school. I understand the challenges faced by schools and the importance of transition and creating a love of learning at an early age.

As an avid reader I am passionate about creating a love of books and reading in every child. I want to support Brookfield to become a shining example to schools across South Yorkshire. 

Emma Casson - Parent Governor

Role/Responsibility - Staff Wellbeing and CPDL

 

 

   Sarah Busby - Trust Appointed 

Role/Responsibility -  Safeguarding and Health and Safety (incld. SCR, LAC, Prevent, Equality, Diversity) and EYFS (incl. SEND and PP)

As a former student of both Brookfield and Swinton Comprehensive and a proud member of the wider Swinton community, I am extremely honoured and excited to serve as a Governor at Brookfield Academy.

With experience in both the public and private sectors as an environmental engineer, I bring strong problem-solving and analytical skills to my role. My background includes risk assessment, health and safety expertise, and regulatory compliance. Beyond engineering, I have a deep passion for education. As a trained secondary geography teacher, TEFL teacher, a former volunteer teaching assistant in Year 6 at a local primary school, and a previous parent governor and chair of governors, I have gained a broad perspective on school leadership and governance. These experiences have strengthened my ability to collaborate with staff, parents, and the wider community to support the school’s vision and development.

Passionate about fostering a supportive and inclusive learning environment, I am committed to ensuring that all students receive the best possible education and have the opportunity to thrive. I look forward to help shape the strategic direction of the school and support its continuous growth and success.

 

Chela Wilson - Trust Appointed

Role/Responsibility - Attendance, Behaviour and Attitudes (incl. SEND/PP)

 

   Luke Pendlebury - Parent Governor

Role/Responsibility -  Personal Development, including PHSE, SMSC, Citizenship, FBV and Careers

As an ex-Swinton Comprehensive student and 'Swinton lad', I am excited to be a Governor in the community, as I know what a special place Swinton can be to grow up. I spent over 10 years working as a PE and SEND teacher at Thrybergh Academy and Wales High School. I have a big passion for sport and reading and did lots of school trips, extracurricular activities and reading programmes when I was a teacher in my previous roles. I now work for England Rugby as a Coach Developer, working with coaches across the North of England supporting and developing them as coaches across the game. I am also a Coach for Sheffield Women's RUFC, Yorkshire Girls U18 and England Women's U18s. I am very excited to be supporting the community and children at Brookfield.

 

If you would like to express an interest in becoming a Governor at Brookfield, please contact governance@astoncetrust.org

Here is a short video explaining the role of Governors and Trustees: 

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRqJ_bFipHk

Brookfield Junior Academy Register of Interests and Attendance

For more information regarding ACET Governance, including Scheme of Delegation and Terms of Reference, please click the link below.