Winthorpe Primary School An Aspire Academy
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 that we meet our specific responsibilities.
These include;
- Ensuring the school meets statutory responsibilities & that children attending the school are safe;
- 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: governor.Louise.Blyth@winthorpe.notts.sch.uk
Governing body minutes are available to view by appointment by contacting the school office.
Attendance at Governor Meetings (academic year 2024-2025)
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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.
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JEFF VAUGHAN
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.
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Vice-Chair of Governing BodyGARY 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