Governance Structure

Our school is part of the Pontefract Academies Trust (PAT).

The PAT was created under the provisions of the Academies Act 2010, as amended by the Education Act 2011. Its structure of governance is constituted under the Articles of Association. The Trust is an exempt charity by virtue of the Charities Act 2011.

The Funding Agreement between the Department for Education (DfE) and the Trust sets out the terms and conditions on which grant is made. The Trust Board is responsible for ensuring that the conditions of grant are met. As part of this process the Trust is required to have in place appropriate arrangements for sound governance, financial management, securing value for money and accounting, and for using public funds for the purposes for which they were intended by Parliament.

This Trust Board is accountable in law for all decisions about its schools. This does not mean the Trust Board is required to make all the decisions itself. Some decisions can be, and are delegated, including to SPRB, delegated officers, and other Trust Board established committees. The Governance Policy and Scheme of Delegation sets out the framework which the Trust Board has approved and is summarised below:

Halfpenny Lane School Performance Review Board (SPRB)

The Halfpenny Lane SPRB is a sub-committee of the Trust Board and has various responsibilities delegated to it through the Pontefract Academies Trust Governance Policy and Scheme of Delegation.

The SPRB of Halfpenny Lane JI&N School is currently made up of:

Name Category/Role Appointed By From To
T Craven Chair Trust Board 17/05/2017 16/05/2021
J Parkinson Head of School Ex-officio 01/09/2017 Not Applicable
L Hodgett SPRB Member Trust Board Appointed Parent 16/11/2015 15/11/2019
D Harrison SPRB Member Trust Board 19/03/2018 18/03/2022
C Twist SPRB Member Trust Board Appointed Parent 19/03/2018 18/03/2022
A Small (Dransfield) SPRB Member Trust Board Appointed Parent 19/03/2018 18/03/2022

Our SPRB

Tim Craven (Chair)

I’ve lived in Pontefract all my life, and I am married with two adult sons. I’ve worked for Wakefield District Housing for over 30 years in a variety of roles – currently working with children and young people, helping them to maximise their potential – and I’m a member of the Chartered Institute of Housing. I was previously a governor at a school in Airedale, however I moved to Halfpenny Lane in order to work with the community I know best. I play football every week, enjoy running (having completed the London Marathon and the Great North Run seven times), and I’m a keen supporter of Featherstone Rovers.

Linsey Hodgett (SPRB Member)

I moved to Yorkshire from Scotland 14 years ago and have lived in Pontefract for almost six years. I’m a qualified nursery nurse but have been a full time parent in recent years to my three children, who have been enrolled at Halfpenny Lane but two have now moved on to The King’s School.

I’ve been a Member of the SPRB for several years and I’m responsible for overseeing attendance and early years. In my spare time, I enjoy reading and going to the cinema.

Christina Twist (SPRB Member)

I went to Larks Hill J&I School and The King’s School, and have lived in Pontefract all my life. I’m married, and have two daughters who attend Halfpenny Lane.

I’m an Early Years teacher and have been for 16 years. I’ve always worked in the same school (Snaith Primary School), and have taught in both the reception and nursery classes.

I really enjoy music and singing, and playing the piano. I also like to go on bike rides with my family.

Amanda Small (Dransfield) (SPRB Member)
I have lived in Pontefract for over 10 years. I have two young children at Halfpenny Lane J, I & N School, and now that my youngest is at nursery I have more time to get involved with the school. I’m a qualified accountant and have worked for the NHS for 17 years in various roles. I currently work at NHS Doncaster Clinical Commissioning Group as Senior Finance Manager supporting their NHS contracts. In my spare time I love spending time with my family and friends. I also enjoy swimming, music and theatre.
David Harrison (SPRB Member)
I am a retired Headteacher from a school in Leeds. I have interests in music, fishing and motor biking. I am also part of an amateur dramatics society and I enjoy performing different plays. As I am able to, I enjoy coming into Halfpenny Lane to work with the children and support in any way I can.
James Parkinson (Head of School)

Coming soon

SPRB Current Register of Business Interests

Role Name of business or organisation/educational organisation Nature of business or organisation Nature of interest Date of appointment of acquisition Date of cessation of interest
T Craven Chair of SPRB None declared
J Parkinson Head of School None declared
L Hodgett SPRB Member Halfpenny Lane J, I & N School Education provider Child in school 2012
A Small (Dransfield) SPRB Member Halfpenny Lane J, I & N School Education provider Child in school 2015 and 2018
C Twist SPRB Member Halfpenny Lane J, I & N School Education provider Child in school 2012 and 2014
D Harrison SPRB Member None declared

SPRB Membership & Attendance Summary 2017/18

From To Appointed By Meetings attended Out of a possible
T Craven 17/05/17 16/05/21 Trust Board 5 5
J Parkinson 01/09/17 N/A Ex-officio 5 5
L Hodgett 16/11/15 15/11/19 Trust Board Appointed Parent 5 5
A Small (Dransfield) 19/03/18 18/03/22 Trust Board Appointed Parent 2 2
C Twist 19/03/18 18/03/22 Trust Board Appointed Parent 2 2
D Harrison 19/03/18 18/03/22 Trust Board 1 2
Left within the last 12 months:
G Lindley 24/04/17 31/08/18 Ex-officio 5 5
I Brown 06/10/17 31/08/18 Trust Board 2 4