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Governors

Contacting the Governing Board

If you want to contact the Governing Board you can do so by emailing the Chair on: chair@whitwell.derbyshire.sch.uk

or the Clerk on: clerkgov@whitwell.derbyshire.sch.uk

The Headteacher and her staff are responsible for the day-to-day management of the school and the implementation and operation of the curriculum and school policies.  The Governing Board acts as a 'critical friend' by determining, monitoring and keeping under review the broad policies, plans and procedures within which the school operates. The legal functions of governing bodies are prescribed by the Department for Education. Governors have no legal responsibility to act individually, unless they have been given delegated authority to do so, and must accept collective responsibility for all decisions made by the Governing Board.  They are also required to observe confidentiality regarding the proceedings of the Governing Board and will also exercise the greatest prudence if a discussion of a potentially contentious issue affecting the school arises outside governors' meetings.

The constitution of our Governing Board states that we should have a maximum of 15 governors as follows:

  • The Headteacher
  • One governor appointed by the Local Authority (may not be a member of staff)
  • Three parent governors elected by the parents (may not be a member of staff if employed on a contract of 500 hours/year or more)
  • One staff governor elected by the staff
  • Nine governors co-opted by the Governing Board

Up to one third of the total membership of the Governing Board can be members of staff.

The term of office for all governors (except for the Headteacher) is four years from the date of appointment.

The full Governing Board meets six times a year.  In addition there are two committees:

  • The Resources Committee meets four times a year and monitors all issues relating to the school budget, the school premises and health and safety.
  • The School Improvement Committee meets three times a year and monitors issues arising from the School Improvement Plan, assessment data and the most recent Ofsted Inspection Report.

In addition, other committees will be formed to deal with pupil discipline, staffing issues, appeals or complaints if situations arise that require consideration by a committee in accordance with agreed procedures.

Annual Governance Statement for the Governing Board of Whitwell Primary School 2022/23

In accordance with the Government’s requirement for all governing boards, the three core strategic functions of Whitwell Primary School Governing Board are:

  1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
  2. Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
  3. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
Strategic Vision

Whitwell Primary School Governing Board’s vision is that every child attending Whitwell Primary School has full and equal access to learning and holistic development as a young person in a safe, secure and positive environment where they feel valued. As a consequence, they will leave the school as a well-rounded individual prepared for the next phase in their life.

Governance arrangements

The Governing Board of Whitwell Primary School is made up of 15 governors.

The Board has a programme of meetings throughout the school year, and two committees which focus on school improvement and resource management.

The skills required to contribute to effective governance and the success of the school are a knowledge/experience of, or a willingness to undertake training on, human resources, financial and premises management, health and safety, safeguarding, special needs and matters relating to teaching and learning and pupil attainment.

Attendance record of governors

A record is kept by the Clerk to the Governing Board of governors’ attendance at meetings, details of attendance can be found on the next page.

50% of the current membership must be present at full meetings of the Governing Board to ensure that decisions can be made.

The work we have done on our committees and in Governing Board meetings:

  • Monitored pupil progress, including disadvantaged pupils
  • Monitored progress of the school against the School Improvement Plan
  • Assisted the Senior Leadership Team in monitoring the school’s finances
  • Taken part in ‘learning walks’ to validate the school’s self-evaluation
  • Undertaken regular reviews of policies and procedures
  • Assisted the Senior Leadership Team in staff recruitment as required
Strategic Planning for the future

The Governing Board’s planned priorities mirror those outlined in the School Improvement Plan thereby ensuring that there are sufficient resources, both human and physical, to provide for the educational needs of the school and the community it serves.

Whitwell Primary School Governing Board – membership

The term of office for all governors is four years, except for the Headteacher.

Governor

Category

Date appointed/
elected

Austin Karen

Co-opted

29.09.2022

Draycott Sarah*

Co-opted

29.09.2022

Ellis Charlotte

Co-opted

06.02.2024

Morton Sarah

Elected Parent 20.09.2024

Munro Tom

Local Authority appointed

01.08.2024

Patterson Louise

Co-opted

29.09.2022

Raspin Frank

Co-opted

29.09.2022

Raspin Jeanne

Co-opted

29.09.2022

Shaw Claire

Elected Parent

02.12.2022

Sleight Karen*

Elected Staff Member

28.01.2022

Stacey Ryan

Elected Parent

20.09.2024

Stirling Tim*

Co-opted

23.03.2023

Tomlinson Sarah*

Headteacher

N/A

Walker Geoff

Co-opted

05.01.2022

Webster Adele

Co-opted

18.01.2021

 

*Member of staff

Governor Attendance at Meetings 2023/24

 

Full board meetings – 7

School Improvement Committee – 3

Resources Committee - 4

Austin Karen

6

-

4

Buttery Michelle

1

0

-

Draycott Sarah

3

-

2

Charlotte Ellis

2 - -

Matthams Hannah

5

1

-

Munro Tom

6

3

4

Patterson Louise

5

2

-

Raspin Frank

5

-

1

Raspin Jeanne

5

2

-

Shaw Claire

5

-

-

Sleight Karen

4

3

-

Stacey Ryan

4

3

-

Stirling Tim

5

-

4

Tomlinson Sarah

5

3

4

Walker Geoff

3

-

4

Webster Adele

6

3

-

Tom Munro

Chair of Governors

Member of the Resources Committee and the School Improvement Committee

My wife and I, along with our baby daughter, moved to the Whitwell in 1976 and I became a governor of Whitwell School in 1978.  Since then my involvement with the school has included being Chair of FWPS for several years and all four of our children attended the school between 1980 and 1995.  I have been Chair of Governors since September 2012, a role which I am finding very interesting and rewarding as it gives me the opportunity to continue to play a significant role in the school’s success.

Frank Raspin

Member of the Resources Committee

Having moved to Whitwell in 1986 our oldest daughter attended Whitwell Primary School before moving up to Heritage Community School. Subsequently, our other two children also attended the school.  I have been a member of the Governing Board for many years and have seen lots of changes to Education Policy. Throughout those changes all at Whitwell Primary School have strived to give each child the best start to their education.

Louise Patterson

Member of the School Improvement Committee

I first became a member of the Governing Board as a parent governor in 1996 when our two daughters were pupils at the school.  I am also a governor at Heritage Community School which enables me to contribute the secondary perspective to discussion at governors’ meetings.  My occasional work as a supply teacher at the school has given me the opportunity to become part of the school team.  I believe that my professional experience, both as a teacher and a denominational inspector for the Church of England, has given me the skills to fulfil the role of a school governor.

Jeanne Raspin

Chair of the School Improvement Committee

Our family have lived in Whitwell since 1986. I worked at Whitwell Primary School for over two years as a Welfare Assistant before leaving to bring up our three children who all attended the school. I have been a governor for most of the 30+ years I have lived in Whitwell, and have always found it interesting and rewarding. I have been a volunteer at the school for many years.

Karen Austin

Member of the Resources Committees

After many years living in Whitwell, I was co-opted as a governor in September 2014.  Throughout my time in this role I have developed a great appreciation for the work involved in working at and running a school.  As a governor, I attend full board and committee meetings and have taken on specific monitoring roles.  I endeavour to support the school community in ensuring the best for all pupils. 

Charlotte Ellis

Parent of one child in school.

Claire Shaw

I am an experienced nurse, managing a team of community staff members in delivering high standard evidence-based care.  I have recently returned to education as I believe that education is fundamental and should be a constant in everyone's life.  As a family we are involved with the local cricket club, dance clubs and gymnastics, which is another key element to child development.

Sarah Morton

Member of the Resources Committee

I have lived in Whitwell for most of my life, attending Whitwell Primary School as a child.  My daughter has been in the school since Nursery.  I am a First Aid Trainer in my professional life but I also volunteer for quite a few events and groups within the village, including the Scout and Guide group and village dancing school. 

Ryan Stacey

Member of the School Improvement Committee

I have worked in education for 13 years and currently hold the post of Head of Music at The Bolsover School.  As a middle leader within the school I am responsible for teaching and learning development and continuing professional development and I am studying for a master's degree in this area.  I hold close links with the village through my son being a pupil at the school and my involvement with Whitwell Brass Band.  I am passionate about working as part of the Governing Board and helping the school achieve its goals.

Adele Webster

Member of the School Improvement Committee

I have lived in Whitwell all my life and love the village. I have been teaching for 27 years. Happily, all that time has been at Whitwell Primary School. I have taught from Year 1 through to Year 6 and am currently teaching in Year 3/4. I have been a governor on two occasions. My specialities are RE, SMSC and Maths, although I also have a passion for History and Art.

Sarah Draycott

Member of the Resources Committee

Before I was employed as a teacher at the school, I was a parent governor from November 2004 as my two daughters were pupils at the school.  Being part of the school community, not only as a teacher and parent, but also as a governor, is very important to me and is a role that I am happy to fulfil.

Sarah Tomlinson

Headteacher

I am delighted to be Headteacher of Whitwell Primary School. I joined the school in 2015 as Deputy Headteacher and am proud to have been part of the Senior Leadership Team, improving standards in English and Maths, teaching Y5/6 and fulfilling all areas of the role.  I have been a member of the Governing Board since 2015 and served on the School Improvement Committee and the Resources Committee, as well as attending full board meetings. We work together for the best interests of the children and families of Whitwell!

Karen Sleight

Member of the School Improvement Committee

I started work at the school as a Nursery Nurse in 1988 when the Nursery first opened.  After 17 years I went on to train as Learning Mentor and later gained a degree in Early Years.  More recently I successfully qualified as a teacher and was appointed full-time teacher at the school in 2012.  I joined the Governing Board in October 2002 and have always tried to contribute to debate from a staff perspective.

Geoff Walker

Vice-Chair of Governors

Chair of the Resources Committee

I have lived in Whitwell most of my life and could not imagine wanting to live anywhere else. I worked in Local Government, most of the time being in this area, and was lucky enough to have been supported to become a qualified accountant. I attended Whitwell Junior School myself and want to use the skills I have developed to help the children that attend the school to achieve the best they can.

Tim Stirling

Deputy Headteacher

I have worked at Whitwell Primary School since 2010 and in that time held many different positions. More recently I have been appointed Deputy Headteacher and in turn co-opted as a governor. Both roles I am extremely looking forward to getting to know and I feel complement each other. Outside of school I am proud father of one, allotment holder and keen DIYer.  

Diana Munro

Clerk to Governors

I have been Clerk to Governors since September 1988. My role is not only to take the minutes, but also to ensure that governors have all the paperwork they need and to advise them on their duties.  Over the years I have also worked as Clerk to Governors for various other schools in the area and I have attended briefings and training to ensure that I am up to date as regards any changes to legislation and education policy.

Governors’ Register of Business Interests 2024/25

Name

Description of interest

 Tom Munro

Self - Parish & District Councillor

Self - SSFA Caseworker

Wife - Clerk to the Governors

 Frank Raspin

Self – Parish Councillor

Wife - Parish Councillor

 Louise Patterson

Self – Supply teacher

Self - Governor Heritage Community School

Sister – Teacher at the school

Charlotte Ellis

Self - Communications Officer, Bolsover District Council

Ryan Stacey

Self - Teacher, The Bolsover School

Adele Webster

None

 Jeanne Raspin

Self – Parish Councillor

Self - Chair Playscheme Committee

Husband - Parish Councillor

 Karen Austin

Self - Alible Nutrition (sole trader)

Husband - KDA Web Services

Husband - Parish Councillor

Claire Shaw

None

 Karen Sleight

Self – Teacher at the school

 Sarah Draycott

Self – Teacher at the school

 Sarah Tomlinson

Self – Headteacher at the school

Tim Stirling

Self – Deputy Headteacher at the school

Geoff Walker

Self - Harry Wilde Memorial Homes, Chesterfield Canal Trust

Sarah Morton

Self - First Aid Trainer, British Red Cross