Our Governors

I am Annie Allum, the Chair of Governors for the ASPIRE Federation and I hope this article may help to explain our role as Governors.

‘Eyes on, hands off’ that is what we do, we are strategic not operational, we watch, we observe, we notice, we write reports and present and discuss those reports at Governing Board Meetings questioning and challenging staff.

People always ask: –

What do School Governors do?

What makes a good School Governor?

What are School Governors responsible for?

The role may sound daunting but Governors play a vital role, and most people enjoy their time as a Governor, as well as appreciating the sense of duty and opportunity to show loyalty and support for their local rural schools.

School Governors bring a wide variety of experience and knowledge from all different walks of life, all contributing to the successful running of the ASPIRE Federation, we are a very proactive, enthusiastic, friendly and committed team.

The Aspire Federation where all the children’s safety, wellbeing and education is always at the forefront of everything we do within our Schools:

          • where we pride ourselves on inclusivity,
          • where no child is ever turned away,
          • where diversity is celebrated regardless of culture, faith or ethnicity,
          • where prejudice is never tolerated,
          • where safeguarding both our children and staff is a vital part of our role as Governors.

There is no skill set for an ideal Governor. As long as you are over 18 years of age, anyone who has the enthusiasm, necessary skills and experience to govern effectively and contribute to the success of the Federation is always welcome to ask about becoming a School Governor.

Governors set the ethos of the schools within the Federation and drive for continuous improvement; through challenge and support and they also oversee the financial performance and ensure money is well spent.

The Governing Board has a range of duties and powers and a general responsibility for all the four individual schools within the Federation with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement as well as a duty of care for both the children and all the staff. As we all work and continue to strive for constant improvement in all aspects of education within the Aspire Federation Schools.

 

Chair of Governors

 

Aspire Federation Full Governing Board 2023 – 2024

 

 

Executive Headteacher

Emma Hickling

Co-opted Governors

Annie Allum – Chair

Kenneth Alexander

Claire Cakebread

Rachel Robinson

George Ross

Vicki Stevens

Monique Syred

Jacqui Wapshott

Local Authority Governor

Suzanne Lowe – Vice Chair

Parent Governors

Zoe Brown

Ian Game

Foundation Governors

Clare Giles

Vacancy

Staff Governor

Jennifer Brignall

Heads of Schools (Observers – with no voting rights)

Kingswood – Lynsey Sanchez Daviu

Leeds and Broomfield – Fiona Steer

Platts Heath – Darren Waters

Ulcombe – Emma Masters