What is a Local Advisory Board (LAB)?
The Cumbria Education Trust Board Directors delegate to the Local Advisory Board (LAB) members its responsibility and powers as the Governing Body of the school. These responsibilities are discharged by the LAB members in accordance with its constitution, any Cumbria Education Trust Policies and advice from the Department for Education (DFE) and Ofsted.
View the Trust Board members here.
View the Structure Of The Trust Board & LABs And Associated Information here.
The LAB is crucial to helping the school to raise standards.
Some of the roles of the LAB are to:
- provide the information required by the Trust and not to withhold any information which the Trust reasonably requires;
- refer certain decisions to the Trust for approval as set out in the Scheme of Delegation;
- report to the Trust Board Directors on the outcomes and progress within a one-week period of each meeting;
- act in accordance with the LAB Protocols.
If you have any queries for the LAB or would like to contact the Chair, please email governance@cumbriaeducationtrust.org or telephone 016977 45300.
Composition of Local Advisory Board (LAB) members:
| Type of member | Number | Term of office | Elected by who |
| Chief Executive | 1 | Indefinite | N/A – by appointment as Chief Executive |
| Headteacher | 1 | Indefinite | Appointment as Headteacher by Chief Executive/Trust Board |
| Sponsor Board member (including Chair and Vice Chair) | Max 7 | 4 years | By the Cumbria Education Trust Board resolution |
| Parent Board member | 2 | 3 years | Seconded parent volunteer -applications to be considered by Cumbria Education Trust Board Directors.* *If there are more than 2 applications, an election will take place with all parents eligible to vote |
| Staff Board member | 1 | 3 years | Staff election** ** If only one member of staff is nominated they are automatically elected |
LAB Members
Kevin Hobson – Chair
Kevin has worked as a civil servant for over 10 years as well as in sales and customer service roles.
In his time as a civil servant, he has covered a variety of roles that will be useful to Yewdale Primary School’s LAB, including finance, workforce planning and other business support roles. Kevin has been a work coach helping people get the right support whether it be financial or help in getting back to work.
Growing up, Kevin lived in a pub which, like a school, can be a nucleus to a community and this upbringing has given him the belief that a community is made up of all its parts whether it be large or small.
Paul Marshalsea – LAB member – Vice Chair
Paul is an experienced sales leader and senior manager in a local educational charity, The Outward Bound Trust.
Paul has worked in outdoor experiential education for over 25 years and is passionate about helping young people develop their self-belief and unlocking their potential through learning and adventure. Paul believes wholeheartedly in the development of character education and the need to give all young people the opportunities to thrive.
Paul has experience of working with large global employers, developing their apprentice and graduate talent, and in working with schools and academies across the UK to develop young people.
Matt Butler – Director of Primary Improvement and Professional Development
Matt is responsible for implementing the School Improvement Framework in Cumbria Education Trust’s primary schools and his key area of responsibility focuses on design, specifically designing the blueprint for school improvement.
Matt has a wealth of experience in the sector, having previously led curriculum and subject development.
Gemma Brierley – Executive Headteacher
After completing a BA (Hons) in Primary Education in Newcastle, Gemma began her teaching career at a large primary school in South East London. Over the next 20 years, Gemma taught across three other schools in Kent, including serving as a Headteacher.
Following her family’s relocation to Cumbria in October 2020, Gemma joined CET as the Headteacher of Yewdale Primary School.
She ensures all children enjoy a wide range of experiences which bring the curriculum to life and make learning fun. She works with her dedicated staff to ensure the best possible quality of education for the children in every year group.
Amanda McAree – LAB member and Safeguarding Lead
Amanda is a Senior Assistant Headteacher at Newman Catholic School with responsibilities for student welfare and pastoral care, line management of the SENCo, Heads of Year, senior learning mentors, Attendance Officer and Student Support Officer. She is also the designated Safeguarding Officer and designated teacher for Children Looked After and has an overview of the Sixth Form and the Religious Education department.
Amanda has been a teacher for 25 years, having held roles within curriculum and pastoral areas.
Amanda is passionate about ensuring that students have the best education possible and is thrilled to be part of the Yewdale’s LAB.
Having been in education for a long time, covering a variety of roles, Amanda is fully aware of local and national education issues and believes we should always do what is right for our students whilst holding staff accountable.
John White – LAB member
John is an experienced mechanical engineer and director of local business Cumbria Mechanical.
He brings a wealth of experience in fostering and maintaining relationships with both employees and staff, leading a large team and workforce. John has strong local connections with an active role in the business community in Carlisle and across Cumbria.
John has prior experience in the education sector, dealing with large trusts and academies and has a strong interest in investment in the care and development of young people. He is actively involved as a sponsor of Carlisle Youth Zone and enjoys being able to contribute to a vital resource for young people in the community.
Anna Harmse – Parent LAB member
Anna is married with two lovely children. Anna works as a primary school teacher in a small rural school, which she really enjoys. She loves spending her weekends going on walks and days out with her family. Her children keep her very busy, but being their mum is an absolute pleasure.
Perrie Bigrigg – Staff LAB member
Perrie teaches Year 2 at Yewdale Primary School. She began her career working with Looked After Children before moving onto working in education as a Behavioural Assistant at William Howard School.
Perrie completed a PGCE in Primary Education at the University of Cumbria, joining Yewdale Primary School for her final placement. Perrie became a full-time member of the teaching team in December 2021.
LAB members in the previous 12 months:
None
LAB Meeting Minutes and other information
If you would like any meeting minutes from previous years, please email governance@cumbriaeducationtrust.org.