Governors
Parent Governor Elections
What do School Governors Do?
"Governing boards meet regularly to look at the big picture and the school’s long-term goals. They set the culture and values of the school, responding to opportunities and challenges. Governors and trustees work closely with the headteacher, supporting them and challenging them.
Governors typically serve at schools that are maintained by the local authority whereas trustees serve on an academy trust board. They are responsible for:
- developing a vision and strategy for the school
- overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
- holding the school leader to account to ensure that every pupil has the best possible education
- engaging with pupils, staff, parents and the school community to understand their views
Activities can include:
- attending governing board meetings: these normally take place around six times a year and may be held outside school hours
- looking at information and evidence on the school’s progress and discussing with school leaders
- visiting the school to see plans working in practice, and listening to the views of staff, pupils and parents
- selecting and appointing a headteacher following the resignation of the current headteacher
- making decisions about issues such as pupil exclusions and staff disciplinary matters
- undertaking induction training and ongoing development" (NGA; https://www.nga.org.uk/Governance-Recruitment/Be-a-school-governor-or-trustee.aspx)
The Instrument of the Local Governing Body at Newlands Primary School
Governors
| Name | Appointed by | From | To | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nigel Scarborough | Chair | Appointed by GB | 12 Feb 2025 | 12 Feb 2029 |
| Gemma Forrest | Vice Chair | Appointed by LA | 07 Sep 2022 | 06 Sep 2026 |
| Owen Dickenson | Co-opted | Appointed by GB | 11 July 2023 | 10 July 2027 |
| Laura Oxspring | Parent | Appointed by GB | 16 Oct 2024 | 15 Oct 2028 |
| Nigel Scarborough | Co-opted | Appointed by GB | 12 Feb 2025 | 11 Feb 2029 |
| Samantha Kopicki | Parent | Appointed by GB | 12 Feb 2025 | 11 Feb 2029 |
| Michelle Stretton | Staff | Appointed by GB | 12 Feb 2025 | 11 Feb 2029 |
| Elizabeth Pullen | Staff | Appointed by GB | 12 Feb 2025 | 11 Feb 2029 |
| Hayley Langham | Staff | Appointed by GB | 16 Oct 2025 | 16 Oct 2029 |
| Katie Hill | Parent | Appointed by GB | 16 Oct 2025 | 16 Oct 2029 |
Total number of Governors: 10
Historic (left within last 12 months)
| Name | Role | Appointed by | From | To | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Kirsty Plaza | Governor | Appointed by GB | 04 May 2021 | 03 May 2025 | |
| Samantha Willis |
|
Committees/Membership/Responsibilities
Curriculum and Pupil Data
Nigel Scarborough (Chair)
Michelle Stretton
Laura Oxspring
Samantha Kopicki
Finance, Audit & Staffing
Gemma Forrest (Chair)
Nigel Scarborough
Owen Dickenson
Safeguarding, Health and Safety
Laura Oxspring (Chair)
Gemma Forrest
Nigel Scarborough
Elizabeth Pullen
Pay and Performance Committee
Gemma Forrest (Chair)
Nigel Scarborough
Owen Dickenson
Head Teacher's Performance Management
Nigel Scarborough
Appeals / Grievance
Nigel Scarborough
Other areas of responsibility:
Safeguarding: Laura Oxspring
SEND: Owen Dickenson
Training & Development: Nigel Scarborough
Health and Safety: Gemma Forrest