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 strategic 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.

This video explores the crucial role governance plays at our school. Without our dedicated governing body, the school would be unable to succeed. A huge thank you to all the members of our board.  #VisibleGovernance  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mRqJ_bFipHk

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

The Terms of Reference for both Committees are below and outline what the Committees do.

Meet the Governors

Judy Waite - Chair of the Governors and Co-Opted Governor

j.waite@stalbridge.dorset.sch.uk

I have lived in Stalbridge since 1977.  This is my second term of office as a governor at Stalbridge.  I am a licensed lay minister for the Spire Hill Benefice and I play an active role at St Mary's Church.  Both my sons attended the school and I have four grandchildren.

Graham Hart - Vice-Chair of the Governors and Parent Governor

g.hart@stalbridge.dorset.sch.uk

I have lived in Stalbridge with my family for over 10 years and all three of my daughters have attended Stalbridge Primary School. The support the school provides is critical to the local community providing a safe environment for the pupils to explore and develop. I enjoy spending time with my family and a good BBQ.

Helen Hatcher - Local Authority Governor and Chair of the Finance, Premises and Staffing Committee

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.

Simon Elledge - Head Teacher

office@stalbridge.dorset.sch.uk

Following over 20 years of teaching in London I am very happy to be in Stalbridge. Have worked across Primary and Secondary schools as an Advanced Skills Teacher and across two Universities working with Initial Teacher Training, this is my 4th Primary Headship. During my time as Senior lecturer at Roehampton University, I completed my MA. 

Jo Lloyd - Staff Governor

I am a teacher at Stalbridge Primary School, working across both Key Stage 1 and 2 during this time. 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 have a long history with the school having attended myself along with my sons, and am employed as the Manager at Stalbridge Pre-School. I joined the governing body to strengthen the links between the school and pre-school. I am currently the safeguarding, foundation stage and wellbeing link governor and also Chair of the Standards, Curriculum and Wellbeing sub-committee.

Samantha Messinger - Parent Governor

I have lived in Stalbridge for 6 years with my husband and three children, our two boys attend Stalbridge Primary school. I work at a local secondary school as an ELSA-trained teaching assistant. I joined the Governing Body in October 2020 as I am interested in the education and wellbeing of children and I am pleased I have the opportunity to be part of the school's continued development and success.

David Farley - Parent Governor

Tom Felton - Parent Governor

I have lived in the area for over 13 years and our two daughters attend Stalbridge Primary School. After 10.5 years in clinical practice locally as a vet, I now work in business management for Medivet as Referrals Director and have a hobby business as a sound engineer. I am passionate that all children should have equal opportunity to shine whatever their needs or background.

Hannah Smith - Foundation Governor

Simon Witcomb - Foundation Governor

I moved to Stalbridge from West Berkshire with my wife after retiring as an accountant in 2020. We are both active members of St Mary’s Church

Governors Serving in the last 12 months

Lauren Ottewill - Parent Governor

Mary Bailey - Co-Opted 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 approaching a Parent Governor in person or via the Clerk, Amanda Goddard at a.goddard@stalbridge.dorset.sch.uk

Governors Meeting Attendance

Register of Governors Business Interests and Appointment Information