Governance
Governing Body
The key functions of the Governing Body are:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding school leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff
- Overseeing financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
The Governing Body of St Mary’s is made up of people representing the Parish, the Local Authority and the School. Many of these are parents, staff and members of the congregation. We are responsible for ensuring the school’s commitment to nurturing our children in a Christian environment and to showing them the importance of tolerance, understanding and mutual respect within our diverse community.
Governors work closely with the Headteacher in the strategic development of the school. We monitor every aspect of school life and make sure that the school offers the very best experience and opportunity for each child. We also monitor the progress of children, the curriculum, the buildings and the budget and are a ‘critical friend’ to the Headteacher. We ensure the school is a safe and healthy environment for all children and are responsible for the implementation of the safeguarding and child protection policies.
The governing body meets at least once a term as well as in committees for Resources and Curriculum, Wellbeing and Community – see below for more information on the committees. You can contact the governors via The Clerk to the Governors on: governors@stmarysn8.co.uk
- Chair of Governors – Venetia Brown
- Vice Chair of Governors – Angela Loulopoulou
- Deputy Vice Chair of Governors – Karl Reimer
Find Out More
To find out a little more about our Governors, please read their bios by clicking here Governor Bios
Click here to read Dr Venetia Brown’s reflections on her role as Chair of Governors, in a recent article in the Ham & High My Life As A Chair Of Governors
Link Governors:
Each Governor has at least one ‘link’ subject or key area which they look after and report on.
| Governor | Committee | Link Governor Role |
| Dr Venetia Brown | Strategic Steering Group (Chair) | Safeguarding, SEND and Well-Being |
| Dr Angela Loulopoulou (Vice Chair of Governors) | Curriculum, Wellbeing & Community (Chair) | Equality, Diversity & Inclusion |
| Jane O’Brien (Staff Governor – Head Teacher) | All committees | n/a |
| Paul French | Curriculum & Achievement / Strategic Steering Group | Art, PE, Music |
| Alice Greenwell | Resources | HR & Personnel |
| Katie Chubb | Resources | EYFS |
| Eileen Clark | Curriculum, Wellbeing & Community | MFL (French) PSHE / RSE |
| Javi Punzano | Resources & Curriculum, Wellbeing & Community | Maths, Science & Computing, Health & Safety |
| Harriet Frohock | Curriculum, Wellbeing & Community | n/a |
| Karl Reimer | Resources (Chair) + Strategic Steering Group | Design & Technology |
| Clemency Flitter | History & Georgraphy, RE | |
| Luke Zavrou-Blackstock | TBC | |
Committees:
We have two active committees which meet at least once a term, and each governor sits on at least one committee. Their remit is below.
- Resources Committee
- This committee meets a minimum of three times a year with additional meetings as necessary. It oversees the school finances, the maintenance and development of the school site and premises, health & safety and staffing.
- Curriculum, Wellbeing & Community Committee
This committee oversees pupil achievement, ensuring the school provides a high quality teaching and learning experience and delivers a broad and balanced curriculum in keeping with the school’s aims, pupil needs and legal requirements. It also oversees pupil wellbeing and spiritual development in line with the Christian ethos of the school as well as it’s contribution to the wider community.
