What does it mean to be a School Governor?

Want to know a little more about the vital role of a Governor in school? The National Governance Association has produced a short film which you may find helpful. See link below – click on the photo to open link.

As a member of Equals Trust, Wadsworth Fields has a local governing body which sits within the larger structure of the Trust.

The Equals Trust Board

Local Governing Bodies

Articles of Association

Meet our non-staff Governors

Judith Hart

I have been a governor since 2007 when Frederick Harrison Infant School and Stevenson Junior School amalgamated to become Wadsworth Fields Primary. My involvement with the school began even before that; first as staff (I taught at Frederick Harrison at various times between 2002-07), next as a parent (my three children are all Wadsworth graduates) and then as a governor.

It has been a pleasure and a privilege to play even a small part in the school’s journey over the past 15 years, and I have learned a lot along the way. I try in my role as a governor to support the whole school team and to work alongside school leaders to develop and maintain the school’s vision and ethos.

Stacey Patrick

Hello! My name is Stacey and I became a Governor for Wadsworth Fields Primary School at the end of 2020. All three of my children have attended WFPS and with the youngest two currently (2025) in year 1 & 6. I am a cognitive behavioural psychotherapist working for NHS mental health service. I have a number of skills that will assist me in the role as a parent governor such as being approachable and compassionate. Working in mental health services gives me a good insight into mental health and wellbeing. With these skills I want to ensure the school continues to support the wellbeing of all pupils and staff which build on their strengths both educationally, emotionally and socially.

Elizabeth Sanders

Hello, I am Liz. I joined Wadsworth Fields Primary Schools (WFPS) Governing body in December 2020 following a keen interest to gain an insight in to the school during one of the hardest academic years ever known and with the hope to help/understand as much as I could. I have 2 wonderful children and one of whom is currently attending WFPS in Reception and one in year 5. My professional life has always been varied from retail to healthcare, and I am currently a Clinical Specialist in the field of Nursing. My hope is that I can use some of my transferable skills gained from my career and life experience to help support Team Wadsworth and to support the children who attend. I will always happily raise concerns and hope to make a positive impact to WFPS future.

Alex Malysz

Hi, I’m Alex. I live in the local area and my youngest daughter attends Wadsworth Fields Primary School. It is a school where she has thrived. I have always been impressed by the level of pastoral care the pupils get at Wadsworth, as well as the support they receive to grow socially and academically. Children’s holistic welfare is something that I have always been passionate about, so in this respect my values are very much aligned with those of the school. I have a particular interest in ensuring equality for children who can be overlooked in the education system, such as children with special educational needs and those who are in foster care or the care of their wider family. Within my work life I have a lot of experience of advocacy, risk assessment and conflict resolution. I feel that these are skills that I bring to the role of Parent Governor.

Gemma Runniff

Hi, I’m Gemma. I am new to the role (Nov 2024) and very pleased to be a Parent Governor at our wonderful school. I have two children who attend Wadsworth Fields, and my passion for education runs deep.

I currently work as a childminder, bringing valuable experience in early childhood care, nurturing young minds and supporting families in our community. Prior to this, I dedicated 12 years to the education sector, working as a Teacher and Senior Leader. This has equipped me with a deep understanding of the school environment and its needs.

I hope to assist Wadsworth Fields, to ensure that every child at our school receives the best possible education and support they deserve to help them thrive both academically and personally.

Chairs

Judith Hart   –  Co-Chair of Governing Body

Elizabeth Sanders – Co-Chair of Governing Body

Chris Taylor – Vice Chair of Governing Body

Members

Lynn Corner-Brown – Head Teacher

Judith Hart – Trust appointed

Liz Sanders – Trust appointed

Chris Taylor – Parent Governor

Claire Porter – Staff governor

Stacey Patrick – Parent governor

Ruth Noyes – Trust appointed

Alex Malysz – Parent governor

Gemma Runniff – Parent governor

Governor Attendance Register 2024-25

Register of Business Interests

Governors are required to declare any business interests at each meeting.

None have been declared.

What does it mean to be a School Governor?

Briefly the role involves being part of a friendly efficient team who actively support and challenge the school, working alongside the Head Teacher as a critical friend. Much of the work of the Governing Body goes unseen, but they play a key role in helping the school provide the best education for its pupils.

The Governing Body plays an active role in the strategic development of the school. Typically a Governor will attend one meeting every half term.  Each Governor is also responsible for monitoring an area of school effectiveness.  As a link Governor, they might link to a particular class and will meet the class teacher with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement, including target setting, managing curriculum budgets, reporting results and performance, performance management, health and safety inspections and policy.

The Governing Body meetings deal with the big issues that face the school and is often the final consideration of a new initiative before its implementation. They are kept informed of financial issues, building projects, GDPR and asset management to name a few of the areas covered.

Governor Details

See below for details of terms, conflicts of interest (none declared) and membership of additional governing bodies.

Consitution