Meet the Governors
Elayne Lorenzo
Chair of Governors
I have lived in the Valley for over 30 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 Trust. 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 twenty 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.
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 13th 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.
Simon Trinh
Staff Governor (Teaching)
Before a career in teaching I worked in architecture companies in their ‘Interiors Department’ and specialised in working on construction projects from concept through to completion in the UK, Europe and East Asia. I moved to Hong Kong in 2013 and worked for a leading international architecture and design practice. In 2018 I decided to come back to the UK for my Initial Teacher Training at Tor View School, after pursuing a personal interest in teaching. In 2021, I returned to Tor View and was successful in securing a job within the secondary department. During my time here at Tor View I have been Head of Science and now joint Lead in PSHE. I have been upskilling my knowledge in both subjects and developing the subject curriculums to best support all learners at Tor View school. In my spare time I love challenging myself in the gym. It gives me a sense of routine, and develops my discipline and persistence! I’m an avid traveller and like to travel to places “off the beaten track” when I can. I enjoy sharing stories of different cultures and experiences with students and staff where appropriate. I also have a strong interest in football (MUFC), UFC, boxing and chess. It is a privilege to be staff governor and further contribute to the school’s continuous improvement.
Johnathan Findlay-Pidcock
Staff Governor (Support Staff)
My name is Johnathan and I am delighted to be the Staff Governor from the Support Team for Tor View School. As a qualified teacher with a specialism in Early Years, and over three years’ experience working at Tor View as a Teaching Assistant, I now work as a Project Manager within Embrace Teaching School Hub, which is a centre of excellence designated by the DfE in 2021, supporting The Sea View Trust's work in delivering teacher and leadership development programmes across Lancashire. Before teaching, I worked in retail for 12 years in different locations around the country but I was born and raised in Bolton, so the North West is my home! I’m a big Liverpool fan – all football really, and when I find time, I enjoy getting into a murder mystery or crime thriller. I am a dad of two young children, now both at school, and I now appreciate even more how crucial the role of a school is for families and the community. From the start of my time as part of the Tor View community, I was in awe of the opportunities that are provided to all of our pupils and young people and I am excited to bring my experience to the role of Governor, encouraging progress and development for our learners by offering challenge and support as the school strives to continuously improve further.
Samantha Dillon
Headteacher
I am delighted to introduce myself as Headteacher of Tor View School (4-19 years), that provides outstanding education for learners with Special Educational Needs. I commenced my employment at Tor View in 2008 as a Newly Qualified Teacher. In 2014, I was successfully appointed as an Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for the school’s Primary Department and was also successful in becoming a Specialist Leader of Education. Through this role, I provided outreach to both mainstream and special schools. In 2018, I was successful in being appointed Deputy Headteacher and in 2021, Head of School. Between 2021 and 2024, Tor View was awarded Lead School for the Department for Education Behaviour Hubs Programme. I supported schools through this programme during this time. I have learner outcomes at the heart of all decisions, including identifying authentic inclusion. Our mission statement, Inspire, Learn, Enjoy and Achieve is the driving force behind every decision we make.
Our clerk to the Governor's Committee is Ms Sue Johnson who can be contacted on 01706 214640 or alternatively at the address below:
Tor View School
Clod Lane
Haslingden
Lancashire
BB4 6LR