Janet Fitzgerald (Co-opted Governor) 

After performing miserably in my A levels at both school and college, I finally obtained a Bachelor of Education degree in 1990 as a mature student. It was by far the hardest way as my sons were 5 and 7 when I started! 

All of my teaching career has been in primary schools in areas with high levels of social deprivation across Manchester. My final full-time role was as Headteacher of a single-form entry school in East Manchester.

I became a co-opted governor in September 2016 when two of my grandchildren attended Oak Tree; both have now transferred to high school. My previous experience was valuable in supporting the school on its journey from Requires Improvement back to where it belongs as a Good (and I think very good) school as judged by Ofsted. I serve as chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee and am Pupil Premium Champion.

I am a trustee for Gorton Imagination Library which is affiliated to the Dolly Parton Imagination Library; we provide free books to children under 5 years to support family literacy and readiness for school.

I am also involved with The Portico Library in Central Manchester and, with a special interest in literacy, deliver workshops and projects which aim to support reading for pleasure.