Welcome to our Governors’ section

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

The Role Of The Governing Body

In simple terms, the Governors have a general responsibility for the management of the school. The Leadership Team make the day to day decisions whilst Governors are responsible for setting the budget, overseeing the curriculum, the appointment and dismissal of staff and deciding the policy on admissions.

Governing Body Responsiblities

The Governing Body of a Foundation school is responsible for all aspects of school life, including:

• An oversight of the conduct and curriculum of the school with specific policies in sex education and religious worship
• The management of the school budget and other grants received from central government.
• Monitoring the extent to which the school achieves its aims and objectives
• The appointment of teaching and non-teaching staff. The maintenance and development of the school buildings and facilities
• The fostering of good relationships and effective communication with the parents and the wider community
• Deciding the policy on admissions

The Governing Body of Stalbridge Primary School

The Full Governing Body and each Committee meets formally at least once a term, and minutes of these meetings are available to parents.

The governors serve on two committees as follows;

• Standards, Curriculum and Wellbeing Committee
• Finance, Premises, and Staffing

Meet The Governing Body

Helen Hatcher - Chair, Local Authority Governor 

Lauren Ottewill - Vice Chair, Parent Governor

Simon Elledge - Head Teacher
Debbie Chant - Co-Opted Governor

Trudie Peake - Parent Governor

Graham Hart - Parent Governor

Samantha Messinger - Parent Governor

Amanda Goddard - Clerk to the Governing Body

Staff Governor - Joanne Lloyd

Foundation Governor- 2 x Vacancy
Ex-Officio Foundation - Vacancy

All governors are volunteers and, once elected, serve for 4 years.

Meet the Governors

Helen Hatcher - Chair of Governors and Local Authority Governor

I have lived in Stalbridge for 23 years with my husband, we have two grown up children both whom attended Stalbridge primary school. I have worked within the education sector for 20 years and have a good knowledge of business management both in the primary and secondary sectors. When I am not working for our own company Stalbridge Building Supplies I am a volunteer at Stalbridge library, it is a pleasure to be able to work and support the local community.

Lauren Ottewill - Vice Chair, Parent Governor

Simon Elledge - Head Teacher

Jo Lloyd

I am in my sixth year of teaching at Stalbridge Primary School, working across both Key Stage 1 and 2 during this time. Currently, I am teaching in Year 6; in addition, I have also taught in Year 2 and Year 5. My areas of additional responsibility include Curriculum Lead and Science Lead.  I have previously  served as a Parent Governor for four years, when my children were at primary school.

Debbie Chant - Co-Opted Governor

I attended Stalbridge Primary myself, joining the PTA when both my sons attended the school, I am employed as the Manager at Stalbridge Pre-School and joined the governing body to strengthen the links between school and pre-school. I am currently the safeguarding, foundation stage and wellbeing link governor. I am also Chair of the Standards, Curriculum and Wellbeing sub-committee.

Samantha Messinger - Parent Governor

Trudie Peake - Parent Governor

My daughter attended Stalbridge preschool and primary school during her early years. I was an active member of the PTA but wanted to be more involved in my daughter’s education and give something back to the school and local community so became a parent governor. 

Graham Hart - Parent Governor

Communication with Governors

The Governors are more than happy to discuss any matters regarding school life. Parents are welcome to contact the governors either by email:governor@stalbridge.dorset.sch.uk or contacting the Clerk, Amanda Goddard at a.goddard@stalbridge.dorset.sch.uk

Governors Meeting Attendance

Register of Governors Business Interests