Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.
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.
The Governing Body of a Foundation school is responsible for all aspects of school life, including:
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;
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- Lydia Cook and x 1 Vacancy
Ex-Officio Foundation - Vacancy
All governors are volunteers and, once elected, serve for 4 years.
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.
I am in my sixth year of teaching at Stalbridge Primary School, working across booth 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 where at primary school.
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.
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.
I’ve been involved in the Pilgrim Parishes (of which Stalbridge is a part) for nearly 15 years as Rector and Rural Dean.
I have been a foundation governor in 2 other Church of England Primary schools and worked alongside several others in my 24 years as a vicar. I love leading Collective Worship and introducing children to the Bible, to church and what being a Christian means. Children’s responses, questions and comments are usually a delight, sometimes a challenge but always inspiring. My role as governor is to support the Christian foundation and ethos of the school.
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