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    • Our Governors

    As governors, our primary function is to work in close partnership with Mr Rob Cook and school staff to act as a critical friend in all areas of school management.

    We operate as a Board - this means all decisions must be made collectively. We are led by the Chair who delegates and ensures we are meeting our specific responsibilities.

    These  include;
     

    • Ensuring that the school meets statutory responsibilities and that the children attending the school are safe;
    • The conduct of the school;
    • Setting and agreeing targets in standards and achievement;
    • Overseeing the implementation of the School Improvement Plan;
    • Ensuring the school has a curriculum policy, in particular the teaching of national curriculum subjects and religious education and deciding on the provision of sex education;
    • Statutory responsibility regarding special educational needs (SEN);
    • Ensuring policies relating to the school’s operation are prepared, agreed and reviewed regularly;
    • Ensuring compliance with equality legislation;
    • Providing information for parents;
    • Financial management;
    • Personnel matters including staff appointments as appropriate;
    • Management and maintenance of buildings;
    • Health and safety;
    • Pupil discipline and behaviour;
    • Monitoring and evaluating the activities of the school.

    Governing Body Members

         

    NAME LINK GOVERNOR ROLES

    Louise Blyth

    (Chair)

     

    Safeguarding & LAC/ Finance / Attainment / Whole school assessment & Tracking / GDPR / Early Years Provision / EYFS Assessment / Extended Schools & Pre-School 

    Jeff Vaughan

    (Vice-Chair)

    		 Attendance & Behaviour /Attainment / Whole school assessment & Tracking /English – Reading Writing, SPaG, Phonics / Innovation/E-safety - Computing /DT / Discovery - History, Geography and MFL / 
    Eco School Council
    Brian Barnes Attainment / Whole school assessment & Tracking / Maths /Science
    Gary Lambert Finance /Sports Premium /Health & Safety / Health - PE, Healthy Living, SRE & Drugs / Understanding - RE, SMSC, British Values/ SEN Intervention /
    Sally Edmonds Staff Governor
    Chris Smith Safeguarding & LAC / Pupil Premium /Attainment / Whole school assessment & Tracking / Staff & Pupil Wellbeing /  Creativity - Music and Art
    Tobias Stevenson-Cocks Innovation/E-safety - Computing and DT
    Rob Cook Headteacher

     

    If you would like to get in touch with the Governors please do so through the school office, Headteacher or email Louise Blyth our current Chair.

    Governing body minutes are available to view by appointment by contacting the school office.

    Attendance at Governor Meetings (academic year 2024-2025)

     

    Y = Attended, N = Apologies Accepted, NA = Apologies not Accepted, NS = No Apologies sent,

    ? = Attendance Not Marked, Blank = Not Required,  CA = Consent for absence, - = Not applicable
     

     
       

    Autumn 24

    		  

    Spring 25

    		  

    Summer 25

    		  

    Governor

    Governor Type

    27/11/24

    		  

    25/03/25

    		  

    01/07/25

    		  

    Mr Brian Barnes

    Co-opted governor

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

    Mrs Louise Blyth

    CHAIR
    Co-opted governor

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

    Mrs Patricia Colclough

    Clerk

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

    Mr Rob Cook

    Headteacher

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

    Mrs Sally Edmonds

    Staff governor

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

    Mr Gary Lambert

    Mrs Christine Smith

    Mr Tobias Stebenson-Cocks

    Co-opted governor

    Co-opted governor

    Parent governor

    Y

    Y

    Y

    		  

    Y

    Y

    Y

    		  

    Y

    Y

    NS

    		  

    Mr Jeff Vaughan

    VICE-CHAIR
    Co-opted governor

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

    Y

    		  

     

     

     A register of interest is taken at each governing body meeting.                    

    LOUISE BLYTH

    Chair of Governing Body

    EMAIL:governor.louise.blyth@winthorpe.notts.sch.uk

    Governor Category: Co-Opted

    Appointed by: The Governing Body & Aspire Trust

    Date joined: July 2021

    Current term of office:  15/07/2025 - 14/07/2029

    Register of Interests & other positions:  None

    Both of my children have attended Winthorpe Primary School. I’m originally from Nottingham, where I was raised by two teachers - this is where my passion for education was born - and have lived in Winthorpe Village for over a decade.  I initially joined the governing body as a parent-governor as I was passionate about contributing to the community I live in. I am now Chair and hope my corporate experience in people leadership, complex change management, financial rigour and heading up large-scale international projects will help the school. 

    My passions are people feeling known, authenticity and efficiency. In my free-time you’ll find me dreaming about my next book or project and I pride myself on being approachable so please email or say hello if you see me at the school gates.

    JEFF VAUGHAN

    Vice-Chair of Governing Body

    Governor Category: Co-opted

    Appointed by: The governing body

    Date joined: May 2019

    Current term of office: 20/05/2023 - 19/05/ 2027

    Register of Interests & other positions held: Exam Invigilator at Newark Academy 

    I live in Balderton and my connection with the school is through my granddaughter, who has now moved to Newark Academy, and my grandson.

    I asked to join the governing body because I see the school as a happy, caring environment where the children are encouraged to achieve their full potential and I wanted to be part of the team that enables this ethos to continue.


    After a very successful 38 year career in the Royal Air Force, during which time I served at many units within the UK and overseas, I now enjoy my time looking after my grandchildren when needed, tending my allotment and playing golf.
    GARY LAMBERT

    Governor Category: Co-opted

    Appointed by: The governing body

    Date joined Governing Body:  February 2021

    Current term of office:  24/02/2025 - 23/02/2029

    Register of interests & other positions held: None  

    My daughter, Tabitha,  joined the school in September 2020,  so I have a strong interest in the education that all of the children receive and in the success of the school.

    I work as a Project Manager in the Civil Service and, having joined the Governing body in February 2021, hope that the skills I’ve developed professionally will allow me to support the school for many years to come.

    In my spare time I have a passion for cooking, enjoy muddy walks with our 2 dogs and hold a season ticket which allows me to occasionally enjoy supporting Nottingham Forest!

     

    BRIAN BARNES

    Governor Category: Co-opted

    Appointed by: Governors

    Date joined: June 2022

    Current term of office:  16/06/2022 - 15/06/2026

    Register of Interests & other positions:  None

    Retired BT manager educated in Scotland at Perth Academy and St Andrews Uni. Lived in Newark for last 22 years.

     

    ROB COOK

    Governor Category: Ex-officio

    Appointed by: By virtue of office

    Date joined: September 2016

    Current term of office:  01/09/2016 -

    Register of Interests & other positions held: None

    Prior to joining Winthorpe I was Deputy Head at Caythorpe Primary School for 5 years and previously taught at Cherry Willingham Primary School, Lincoln.

    Out of school I enjoy all team sports, particularly rugby and football, and also enjoy going to watch live music gigs. I’ve recently started trying to get a bit fitter, and like setting myself challenging targets. This year I’ve ran my first ever 10k race and half-marathon, and my next goal is a 100 mile cycle ride! My two lovely children keep me very busy, but if I can find the time I find a DIY project or pottering at the allotment rewarding pastimes.

     

    SALLY EDMONDS

    Governor Category: Staff

    Appointed by:  Staff

    Date joined: September 2018

    Current term of office:  26/09/2022 - 25/09/2026

    Register of Interests & other positions held: Teacher and SENCo, Parent Governor at Carnarvon Primary School

    I have worked at Winthorpe for the last 17 years.  During this time I have taught all of the age groups and been SENCo.  I would like to work closely with the Governing body to ensure the best provision for our children.

    Out of school I enjoy trying to keep fit, cooking and travelling.  I am kept busy by my two children and their many sporting activities!  I am also a governor and volunteer at their school.

     

     

    CHRISTINE SMITH

    Governor Category: Co-opted

    Appointed by: The governing body

    Date joined: November 2023

    Current term of office:  29/11/23 - 28/22/37

    Register of Interests & other positions held: None

    Since retiring over seven years ago, I’ve occasionally missed my work as a training consultant. Serving as a co-opted governor has given me the opportunity to share my background in learning and development and human resources, while working alongside like-minded individuals.

    I am proud to live in Winthorpe and support our local school.

     

    TOBIAS STEVENSON-COCKS

    Governor Category: Parent governor

    Appointed by: Parents

    Date joined: November 2023

    Current term of office:  29/11/23 - 28/22/37

    Register of Interests & other positions held: None

     

    HANNAH WILKINSON

    Governor Category: Associate Member- Finance

    Appointed by: The governing body

    Date joined: November 2022

    Current term of office:  04/10/23 - 03/10/27

    Register of Interests & other positions held: None

     

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