Meet the Governors
Elayne Lorenzo
Chair of Governors
I have lived in the Valley for over 20 years. My connection with Tor View is as a parent of a child with Autism. I am passionate about Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, which is one of the reasons why I became a Governor at this school. I work as a Specialist Outreach teacher for pupils with Autistic Spectrum Condition and Specific Learning Difficulties in a neighboring Local Authority. I am a qualified SENCO having obtained the National Award for Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator and National Professional Qualification for Headship. I have previously served on three governing bodies for approximately fifteen years as a staff governor and a member of the Senior Leader Team. In my spare time, I like to swim, walk and take my son to the local park. I hope that my previous experience will serve to further enhance the excellent work of the Governing Body at Tor View.
Louise Parrish
Executive Headteacher Governor, BA (Hons) with QTS and NPQH
I commenced my employment at Tor View in 2003. My first role was as an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for the school’s Further Education Department. In 2013, I was successful in being appointed Deputy Principal. I had responsibility for Curriculum and Quality. I am passionate about creativity in the classroom and the Arts. I have been a Specialist Leader of Education for seven years, and have provided Outreach to both mainstream and special schools. As a Specialist Leader of Cultural Education I have researched how schools can collaborate with Cultural Organisations to bring about positive change. I have pupil outcomes at the heart of all decisions, including identifying authentic inclusion. Finally, I am a mum of two young children and understand the challenges that parents face. I use this empathy to support our parents/carers, including having an open door policy. Last but not least, I thoroughly enjoy working with the amazing team we have here at Tor View School. Our mission statement…Together we Inspire, Learn, Enjoy and Achieve….is the driving force behind every decision we make. In my role as Head, I very much look forward to welcoming you to our school and, in the meantime, confidently challenging the perceptions of what our pupils can (and do!) achieve, continually striving for excellence for all
Ashley Collinson
Teaching Staff Governor
Before starting work at Tor View School, I was employed as a Teaching Assistant in a mainstream school. Whilst working with children with SEND, I became passionate about giving all learners the best education possible. In 2018, I was successful in joining the Initial Teacher Training at Tor View School; and after I graduated in 2019, I was appointed to teach in the Secondary Department at Tor View School. Since then, I have played a part in different initiatives across the school which have helped to improve the school and the education of all learners. I have been the Head of Maths for two years and have been working hard to ensure that our core curriculum is the best it can be. In addition, I am also the inclusion teacher, and work closely with Haslingden High School to deliver provision that is dynamic and suitable for my learners. In my free time, I enjoy to play board games, read and watch Formula One. I am extremely pleased to become a staff governor and help improve all aspects of the school.
Hayley McHugh
Parent Governor
I am a mum of three children; my youngest commenced her Reception year at Tor View Sept 2014. I continue to be very pleased to be a Parent Governor and I am currently in my second term. I aim to take an active role in contributing to the school’s success and achievements and I look forward to the same. I have been a Nursery Nurse and Community Carer prior to commencing my career in mental health in 2004. I have been a registered nurse since 2007 with experience in Learning Disabilities and in Mental Health teams, settings or services. Additionally, I have worked as a Wellbeing Practitioner, School Nurse, co-developed a new role withing the 0-19 service as a Mental Health Practitioner and currently work as a in ELCAS. My spare time is spent with my family. We enjoy caravanning, playing games, playing outside, going for walks and baking. As stated I have connections with the school through attending children.
Vanessa Prater
Parent Governor
I am mum to four boys; my eldest has just started his 8th year at Tor View. We live locally and my other children attend a local mainstream primary school. As a family we have been supported throughout our child’s time at Tor View, it is an amazing establishment where our children are encouraged to achieve their potential. I am looking forward to being part of the new challenges and learning as the Trust develops. My previous job was working in the NHS as a physiotherapist. This has given me an insight into some of the issues our young people may have and hopefully will bring something to the Governor role.
Daisy Smith
Co-opted Governor
I am currently a teacher and phase leader within the EYFS and KS1 at Park Community Academy (PCA) in Blackpool. I believe that every child is entitled to a safe and secure learning environment in which they feel valued and recognised as an individual and am passionate about special educational needs and disabilities. I have recently completed the NPQML qualification with a focus on Early Years middle leadership and this lends itself nicely to my role in link governor for EYFS at Tor View. In my spare time I enjoy playing guitar and exploring the countryside with my 2-year-old Cavapoo dog! I do hope that my experience further contributes to the already thorough and strong practice of the Governing Body at Tor View and work within this fantastic school.
Patrick Bleasdale
Support Staff Governor
I’ve been working at Tor View School now for 11 years across all TA levels and I am now I’m a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant. I have been in my current role now for 7 years. I’ve worked across all departments in school and have made great relationships with staff and pupils in all classes I have worked in. During my time at Tor View School I have been chosen to lead a number of initiatives in school including setting up the staff well-being team and organising end of year and Christmas staff parties. I have always been keen to learn and add to my knowledge with any training school has to offer such as first aid at work and MIDAS. In my free time, I have my hands full with a young daughter but I do enjoy reading, watching sport and listening to music and also I sing in a band. I am extremely proud to become a staff support governor and give my opinions on how to help improve all aspects of the school.
Julie Roberts
Co-opted Governor
I am delighted to be appointed as Co-opted Governor at Tor View School. I was born and raised in the Rossendale Valley and am the proud mother of four and grandmother to 12 wonderful grandchildren. Five of my grandchildren have a diagnosis of ASD and I have personal links to the school as one of my grandchildren is a student here at Tor View. I am an Ofsted registered manager of children’s homes and this has been my chosen career for well over 25 years, both in England and the Isle of Man. I have a rich background working and volunteer working with children and young people. I am a Designated Safeguarding Officer and have a wealth of experience in relation to Safeguarding and Child Protection. I feel that this extensive experience and my many transferable skills will enable me to provide effective governance with matters relating to the needs of all of our students, and I hope that I can contribute to the many diverse skills that already exist on the board.
