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 Full Governing Body at Newlands Primary School
Governors
| Name | Appointed by | From | To | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Robin Shakespeare | Chair of Governors | Appointed by GB | 02 June 2021 | 01 June 2025 |
| Samantha Willis | Vice Chair of Governors | Elected by Parents | 04 September 2022 | 03 September 2026 |
| Gemma Forrest | Governor | Appointed by LA | 07 September 2022 | 06 September 2026 |
| Jenny Cooling | Governor | Appointed by Staff | 29 March 2022 | 28 March 2026 |
| Kirsty Plaza | Governor | Appointed by GB | 04 May 2021 | 03 May 2025 |
| Owen Dickenson | Governor | Appointed by GB | 11 July 2023 | 10 July 2027 |
| Lindsay Martin | Governor | Appointed by GB | 11 September 2023 | 10 September 2027 |
Historic (left within last 12 months)
| Name | Role | Appointed by | From | To |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Nadine Vaillant Hill | Governor | Appointed by GB | 23 March 2023 | 25 May 2023 |
| Val Moore | Chair of Governors | Appointed by GB | 26 February 2020 | 21 August 2023 |
| Gemma Gardner | Governor | Elected by Parents | 05 July 2022 | 11 July 2023 |
| Hannah Usher | Governor | Appointed by GB | 11 September 2023 | 22 December 2023 |
Total number of Governors: 7
Committees/Membership/Responsibilities
Teaching & Learning
Robin Shakespeare - Chair
Lindsay Martin
Sam Willis
Owen Dickenson
Finance & Staffing
Gemma Forrest - Chair
Robin Shakespeare
Kirsty Plaza (SBM)
Personal Development, Wellbeing and Safety
Gemma Forrest
Sam Willis
Owen Dickenson
Teacher Pay Committee
Robin Shakespeare (Chair)
Gemma Forrest
Kirsty Plaza (SBM)
Head Teacher's Performance Management
Robin Shakespeare
Appeals / Grievance
Robin Shakespeare
Sam Willis
Other areas of responsibility:
Safeguarding: Lindsay Martin
SEND: Lindsay Martin
Training & Development: Kirsty Plaza
Health and Safety: Gemma Forrest