Members

Members hold the Trust Board to account for the effective governance but have a minimal role in the actual running of the Trust.

It is the Trustee Board, not the Members, who are the organisation’s key decision makers. Members are essential to the integrity of an Academy Trust governance structure. They ensure effective governance and uphold the charitable purpose of the organisation.

Members must therefore remain informed of Trust performance and how to appropriately interact with the Trustee Board.

Member

Sue Hardy

Member

Christian Park

Member

Lisa Walton

Member

Susan Simon

Member

Sue Hardy

My name is Sue Hardy and I have been involved in education in a voluntary capacity for a number of years , training as a TA and also as a governor in my son’s primary and secondary schools. I became interested in Child Mental Health and Special Educational Needs when my son was diagnosed with ADHD aged 5. I qualified as a counsellor in 2006 after a career in the Civil Service.

Part of my training as a counsellor involved a placement with Place2Be and so I was delighted to gain empIoyment  with Place2Be as School Project Manager and to be given the fantastic prospect of working at Ribbon Academy. I have been at Ribbon since September 2007 and it has given me the opportunity to help so many children and their families. Ribbon is an excellent fit for me as it embodies my passionate belief that  every child should have the opportunity to be the best they can be.  My role in school alongside an exceptionally talented and caring team provides me with the forum to help children achieve this.

When Ribbon became an academy in 2012 I was invited to become a Member of the Board of Trustees and have continued in that capacity to date. I’m so proud to work at Ribbon and immensely privileged to be a Member of the Board of Trustees.

Member

Christian Park

My name is Christian Park, ‘Member’ for Ribbon Academy.

Having previously worked at Ribbon for six years, I am thrilled to be able to continue to contribute to a dynamic and vibrant school. Ribbon Academy is an incredible school, which offers all children every opportunity to succeed. 

Since I left Ribbon in August 2021, to take up a Headship in Hartlepool, I know that the school has continued to grow, develop and further cement its place as the centre of the community. 

I look forward to be able to contribute to life at Ribbon once again.

Member

Lisa Walton

My name is Lisa Walton, Member for Ribbon Academy.

I recently joined the Members to work as part of the team to ensure that ALL children access an inclusive, dynamic and enriched education whilst at Ribbon Academy.

Having previously worked at Ribbon for five years, I feel very proud to be part of the Ribbon team again, supporting staff across the school to inspire learners to be creative, resilient, independent and curious about the wider world and the potential opportunities that await.

Ribbon will always be a special place me…I left my position in 2021 to join South Tyneside Local Authority as a Head Teacher in an outdoor nursery and I am excited to continue to support the Academy in a different role.

I am very passionate about early childhood learning and development and my teaching career has predominantly specialised in the Early Years, ensuring that the early window of time, from birth to five, is used effectively to build the foundations for future learning.

Ribbon is without a doubt the hub of the local and wider community, always striving to provide families with the best possible care, support and education.  I will do my best to support the school as the journey continues.

Member

Susan Simon

My name is Susan Simon, Member for Ribbon Academy.

I worked at Ribbon School for seven years, and was part of the leadership team when the school opened in 2006, after the amalgamation of three schools in Murton. Prior to this amalgamation I taught at Murton County School from 1990. I feel privileged to be able to return to be part of the warm, caring, hard- working and inspirational community of Ribbon School.

I left Ribbon School in 2013 to take up a nursery school headship, following my passion for Early Years Education. I very much enjoyed this post until taking early retirement in 2024. Throughout my years away from Ribbon I have been delighted to see how the school has developed and gone from strength to strength. I look forward to contributing once again to such a dynamic school and being part of a community which is close to my heart.

Supporting Document:

‘Personal development is “Outstanding”, offering a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Personal Development: Personal development at the school is rated “Outstanding”. The curriculum provides a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school gates, including educational visits and active citizenship opportunities.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Leadership and management are “Good”, demonstrating high ambitions for all pupils and a strong culture of mutual support among staff.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The Ribbon Academy is rated as “Good” overall, reflecting high standards in various aspects of school performance.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Early Years Provision: The provision for early years is rated “Outstanding”. The staff provide an exceptional range of carefully planned learning activities that encourage curiosity, independence, and the development of spoken language from day one.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The school has a strong safeguarding culture, with effective systems in place to ensure the welfare and safety of all pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Early years provision is rated “Outstanding”, with staff providing a magical learning journey that encourages curiosity and independence.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Pupils thrive in an inclusive, nurturing environment where their accomplishments are celebrated.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The quality of education at the school is “Good”, with a broad and inspiring curriculum that builds knowledge progressively.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Inclusivity and Nurturing Environment: The school is described as inclusive and nurturing, with high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievements. Celebratory displays showcase pupils’ accomplishments, creating a positive and inspiring learning environment.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Leadership and Management: Leadership and management are rated “Good”. Leaders have high ambitions for every pupil, and there is a strong culture of mutual support and teamwork among the staff. The governing body and trustees are knowledgeable and committed to the success of the pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Behaviour and Attitudes: Behaviour and attitudes at the school are rated “Good”. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s values.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Parents are highly supportive of the school, agreeing that their children are happy and well-supported.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Reading and Literacy: Reading is prioritised, with an effective phonics program starting in the early years. Pupils’ love for reading is nurtured through various competitions and a well-stocked library.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘The school provides rich extracurricular opportunities, such as “Ribbon Radio” and the “Poets’ Podium”, which help develop pupils’ confidence.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Behaviour and attitudes are rated “Good”, with pupils showing positive behaviour both in and out of lessons.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Safety and Well-being: Pupils feel safe at the school, describing it as a “safe spot”. There is a strong culture of safeguarding, with effective systems in place to report and follow up on concerns. The pastoral team works tirelessly to ensure the welfare of all pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Pupils feel safe and have positive attitudes towards learning, understanding and demonstrating the school’s values.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Quality of Education: The quality of education provided is considered “Good”. The curriculum is broad, inspiring, and well-thought-out, enabling pupils to build on their knowledge progressively.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Community and Extracurricular Activities: Pupils engage in activities like ‘Ribbon Radio’ and the ‘Poets’ Podium’, developing confidence and showcasing their talents. The school also runs breakfast clubs, after-school activities, and a community café, enhancing the sense of community and belonging.’

OFSTED COMMENTS

‘Reading is a priority, with an effective phonics program starting in early years, fostering a love for reading among pupils.’

OFSTED COMMENTS