Local Advisory Board

Gareth Harrison

Chair of Governors

Gareth is one of our Local Advisory Board members. He is Deputy Agent in the North East for The Bank of England.
He acts as the ‘eyes and ears’ in the region. His job is to meet people from companies of all sizes, and from all sectors, to understand the business conditions they face. He feeds this intelligence back to policymakers who use it to inform policy decisions on things like what Bank Rate is set.

Before he joined The Bank of England, Gareth worked for the manufacturing trade body EEF. Previously, he worked as a recruitment specialist.
He has a degree in Business and Economics and a Postgraduate Diploma in Human Resources Management.
Gareth has a largely unfulfilling lifelong obsession with Newcastle United and a love of travel and cookery.

Alison Oliver

Head Teacher

"My name is Alison Oliver and I am the Head Teacher of Walbottle Village Primary school. I have worked in Newcastle Local Authority for many years and taught children from 3-11 years of age. Before joining the team at Walbottle Village in 2004 I worked with many schools in Newcastle as a consultant, supporting improvements in maths teaching and learning. I am passionate about inclusion and ensuring early identification of children with special educational needs. As Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, I lead the team in strengthening our understanding of every child’s needs and providing the best possible, personalised support for our children."

Lisa Rayson

Co-Opted Governor

Lisa is one of our Local Advisory Board members. She is a School Funding Specialist for Newcastle City Council.
She supports several maintained schools by providing financial advice, assisting schools with their budget setting and budget monitoring, to help schools maximise their use of resources to give pupils the best start in life.
Previously, she worked as a Sure Start Children`s Centre Manager based in Newbiggin Hall in the Outer West of Newcastle. She has a degree in Children and Young People`s Pathway.
Lisa is a season ticket holder at Newcastle Falcons Rugby and loves being outdoors and walking with her dog Alfie, paddleboarding and climbing mountains.

Amanda Wright

Parent Governor

Amanda is one of our parent governors on our LAB with two daughters in Walbottle, where they have thrived since Nursery.
A Chartered Marketer with the Chartered Institute of Marketing, Amanda currently works as a freelance copywriter and proofreader, providing the right words for company websites, blogs, and marketing communications.
Previously, she worked in marketing, communications, and PR roles for educational charity and leader NCFE, and before this at the Credit Services Association. Amanda also volunteers her time writing for the charity Open Arms in Malawi to help encourage further support and donations.
Amanda has a Marketing and Management degree from the University of Newcastle and a Diploma in Mindfulness.
Amanda loves animals, running (or rather a fast walk), and loves supporting her girls with all of their team sports!

Lynda Coulthard

Co-Opted Governor

Lynda is one of our co-opted governors.

"I moved to Westerhope in August 2022 when I was appointed to work at the Methodist Churches in Westerhope and Blucher and to work alongside a colleague at Heddon on the Wall Methodist Church.  During my time in Amble I served for 8 years as a co-opted Governor at Amble First School which is part of the Coquet Partnership where I tool the lead on Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural (SMSC) area of the curriculum & Wellbeing (both pupils & staff).  Prior to coming into ministry I worked in a wide range of finance departments.  Away from work I enjoy Musical Theatre, running & swimming & reading."

JoJo Hatfield

Parent Governor

JoJo is one of our parent governors with a son currently at Walbottle and another son due to start nursery in September 23.
JoJo currently works at Seven Stories, the national centre for childrens reading, and is passionate about helping children engage with books and stories. 
JoJo also volunteers with the baby and toddler club at Walbottle on a Tuesday morning and loves it! 

JoJo loves swimming, having previously been a swimming teacher, and she enjoys going to and performing in local theatre.