Governors

Have you ever wondered what a school governor does? Click here to find out more. 

Introduction from the Chair of Governors

It is both a privilege and pleasure to be the Chair of Governors of a School recognised by Ofsted as Good, and one aspiring to be outstanding.

As the Governing Body we work well as a team, using our individual skills and experience to support, and at the same time challenge the School’s leadership.

We ensure that our knowledge and understanding of the School’s standards and quality is based on first-hand evidence.  This includes our work through Committees, regular visits to School, including discussions with Staff and speaking with children.

It is as a result of these conversations that we know how much children enjoy coming to School, are aware of the progress they are making, and are enthusiastic about the many activities that are planned for them.

From conversations with parents, I know that they appreciate the significant improvements and developments which have taken place in the last 2 years and eagerly anticipate future developments.

Karen Watkins, MBE

Chair of Governors

Instrument of Government Document

Who is on the Governing Body?

Name                                   Governor Role                              Term End Date

Mrs Clare Elkes                     Headteacher

Mrs Vicki Brimley                 Co-opted                                      13.03.2027

Miss Naomi Baxter              Staff                                              22.09.2025

Mrs Sarah James                  Co-opted                                       20.06.2026

Mr Mark Menessa                Co-opted                                       13.03.2027

Mrs Sarah Odle                    Co-opted (Vice Chair)                   20.06.2025

Mrs Karen Watkins              Co-opted (Chair)                          13.03.2027

Mrs Esta-Jane Middling       Parent                                           24.03.2025

Mrs Rachel Foster                 Co-opted                                      14.03.2026

Mr Nicholas Tonks                Parent                                          15.11.2026

Mr Luke Acton                      Parent                                          13.11.2027

Previously held governor roles:

Ms Rebbeca Clarke               Staff                                                 Left 31.07.22      

Mrs Sarah Haighton             Parent                                              13.06.24

Mr Michael Revell                  Local Authority                               14.05.25

Mr Michael McClelland         Parent                                              13.03.2027             

What do they do?

Governors take their role seriously.  They have a responsibility to ensure that the Headteacher leads the School in an appropriate manner and that all Government requirements are in place.  Governors do not involve themselves directly in the day to day running of the School or the quality of teaching and learning – that responsibility is in the hands of the Headteacher.  The Governors work closely with the Headteacher and hold her to account to ensure the best outcomes for all pupils at the school.

The governance of the school was judged to be GOOD at the last Ofsted Inspection in March 2019. 

Governance has improved strongly since the last inspection. Governors have a clear picture of the strengths and weaknesses of the school because they receive regular information about standards and other matters. They understand information about pupils’ achievement well, monitor finances rigorously and make careful checks on safeguarding. They ensure policies are up to date.

Governors provide a good balance of support and challenge to the school and hold the school firmly to account. They are very active and take part in many of the school events. As a result, parents know them well and can approach them with any issues they have.

Governors are fully aware of the quality of teaching. They do not solely rely on reports from the headteacher but also monitor the work of the school directly by looking at books and walking round the school when lessons are underway. They ensure that teachers’ pay is linked to their performance.

How does the Governing body work?

We currently have 3 main Committees who meet at least once a term:
Resources Committee who are responsible for managing the school budget and staffing and Health and Safety who ensure that safe procedures are in place, that our grounds and environment is safe, that risk assessments are conducted before any visits and related polices are reviewed regularly..

Curriculum & Standards  who monitor the standards of teaching and learning, they review curriculum policies, monitor pupil progress and take an active interest in any aspect of learning. also includes Home School who look at promoting the school, especially with its changed status to full 3 -11 years primary provision, monitor the school’s website and consider and develop positive and proactive relationships with families and the community.

Salaries, Performance Management and Employment who consider the performance related pay of staff and associated policies.

We also have committees for pupil discipline, staff discipline and complaints which meet if required

Governing Body Committee Structure 2024

Governing Body Attendance 2023-2024

Governing Body Attendance 2024-2025

In addition to these Committees we have specific Governors who ensure that Safeguarding procedures are in place and that the most vulnerable pupils in our School are cared for appropriately e.g. pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities and Looked After Children.

Each Governor also has a subject(s) in which they take a particular interest.  These are known as ‘Link’ Governors.  Link Governors meet with the teaching staff to find out what their subject ‘looks like’ in school, find out when it is taught and what is covered in the curriculum.  Link Governors come into school on a regular basis to see their subject in action, to look at the learning environment and workbooks and to speak to pupils to gain a thorough understanding of progress that is being made in their particular subject area.

Governors also undertake Learning Walks to gain first-hand experience of regular school activities and attend special assemblies and events that are shared with families and the community.

Governing Body Link Governor Responsibilities 2023-24