Governors

The school's Governing Board is made up of parent, staff, local authority and community / Foundation representatives. They are deeply involved in the school and may be a point of contact if you have any queries. In the first instance, please address any correspondence to Governors to the Clerk to the Governing Board, by letter addressed to the Clerk to the Governors via the school, or by email to: clerk@elmleycastle.worcs.sch.uk.

The Governing Board focusses on the following three strategic functions which, overall, are designed to contribute to improving outcomes for the school children:

a. Ensuring clarity in the school's vision, ethos and strategic direction

b. Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils and the seeking of assurance on the effective performance management of staff

c. Overseeing the financial performance of the school, making sure its limited resources are well spent

The full Governing Board currently meets six times per academic year. Much of the work of the Governing Board is undertaken within its two main sub-committees; the Curriculum and Standards Committee which focusses on quality of teaching and related performance and the Business Management Committee, which deals with finance, premises and health and safety matters. Governors also visit the school on a regular basis to observe and monitor school activities in fulfilment of their strategic functions.

All Governors are subject to appropriate vetting procedures through the national Disclosure and Barring Service.

Approved minutes of the Governing Board and Committee meetings are available on request from the school office or by contacting the clerk via email, address as above.

The school's Instrument of Government determines the constitution of the Governing Board and other matters relating to the school. The formal document can be accessed by clicking the link at the bottom of this page. Other information relating to the Governing Board, including the term of office of each Governor, any declaration of interests and meeting attendance, are also published at the bottom of this page.

As a school we recognise that a diversity of thought, voices and perspectives is essential to good governance and the effective running of any organisation. We regularly collect diversity information from our governors and, depending on current data, can use this to:

➢ target recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity

➢ develop and adapt board practices to ensure full participation

➢ prioritise training and awareness-raising in identified areas

➢ address potential ‘blind spots’ through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risks

However, we are unable to publish this information as it would mean that individual members of our governing body are identifiable.

Governors may be contacted by letter addressed to the Clerk to the Governors via the school, or by email to: clerk@elmleycastle.worcs.sch.uk

Governors:

Emma Robinson, Co-Chair.

Parent Governor

Curriculum and Standards Committee

I have lived in the village since 2017 and became a Parent Governor in 2021. I am currently co-chair, and I champion the issue of special educational needs within my role as SEND and Inclusion governor. I have oversight of the school's provision and arrangements for meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs. I feel that it is vital for every pupil to be given the opportunity to flourish, to be included and to reach their full potential.

I am mum to 2 sons who both attend the school, and I have been a GP for over 10 years. With any spare time, I can be found walking our dog called Cosmo, gardening or looking after our 4 sheep and 11 hens.

Paul Cornish, Co Chair.

Foundation Governor

Business Management Committee

I am a local resident and parent of three young children, two of whom attend Elmley Castle First School. As a committed Christian, I am a member of Woodgreen Evangelical Church, Worcester.

I have taught for the past 22 years, holding a PGCE Secondary Geography and MA in Geography Education from the Institute of Education, UCL. I have wide educational experience, having taught in the Private, International, Grammar and Comprehensive sectors from KS1 through to KS5. For 8 years, I was a DSL and Deputy Headteacher in an Inner London Secondary School ,while currently I am teaching geography in a local secondary school.

Rev. Katryn Leclezio

Ex-officio Foundation Governor

Since 25 July 2021 I have been Priest-in-Charge of two Parishes on the East side of Bredon Hill. Part of this responsibility is being an ex-officio governor in two Church Schools. One of my joys is to participate in worship with the school on a regular basis and to support the Head Teacher. What I offer is an ear for the School’s Christian ethos and distinctiveness and input into the religious education curriculum.

Sally Roberts

Co-Opted Governor

Curriculum and Standards Committee

I live in the village with my husband and whippet dog called Daisy. I have three grown up children who all attended Elmley Castle school, and now also have two Grandchildren. I am now a retired Primary school teacher. I have taught for forty years and have been lucky enough to spend many years of my career teaching at Elmley Castle. It is such a wonderful school and I feel honoured that I am now in a position to contribute to the school and community by becoming a governor.

I am presently Chair of the Curriculum and Standards Committee which monitors the educational provision and standards throughout the school. I am a member of our local church and regularly sing in the church Link choir and organise Open the Book . In my spare time I enjoy all types of music, singing in different choirs, walking, reading and looking after my Grandchildren.

Peter Keevil

Local Authority Appointed Governor

Business Management Committee

I live in the village with my wife Tatjana and son Otto who attended Elmley Castle First School.

I am a qualified management account having worked for many years across Europe as a finance director in the manufacturing and industrial automation industry. I now work as a management consultant advising on financial transformation in large corporate organisations.

I am a local authority appointed governor and chair the business management committee which oversees the school finances and other items such as buildings and asset management.

Greg Hay

Parent Governor

Business Management Committee

As a proud parent of two children in Elmley Castle C.E First School it’s a privilege to be part of the Governing Board. This school really is a very special place where both my children feel valued, safe and part of the school’s community.

Having worked in the Education sector for the last 15 years transforming schools across the country, working closely with SLT teams to create a vision and strengthen their schools branding. I feel that I have knowledge and expertise in the industry that can be transferable to Elmley Castle C.E First School.

Sue Johnston

Foundation Governor

Curriculum and Standards Committee, link governor for safeguarding

Pen portrait to follow

Abbie CB

Parent Governor

Curriculum and Standards Committee

As the mum of two children who attend Elmley Castle First School, I am dedicated and passionate about the opportunities for children to play, learn and thrive at the school. I believe that children achieve well when they are happy, listened to and when learning experiences are engaging and fun! I am a qualified and experienced teacher, having worked in education for 15 years, including as a Phonics and Reading Specialist across Primary Education. I currently work as a Lecturer in Adult Education across the country, primarily with adults with additional needs. My role also involves the teaching, training and assessment of trainee teachers. I value my role as a governor and as a parent I am fully committed to assisting in providing the best educational outcomes for our pupils.

Olivia McCarthy

Parent Governor

Pen portrait to follow

Phil Croke

Executive Headteacher

Ex-officio member of the Governing board

Evie Preece

Staff Governor

Katy Rooke

Parent Governor - resigned 31st July 2025

Gilli Appleby

Clerk to Governors