HOLT FARM INFANT SCHOOL GOVERNING BOARD

STRUCTURE OF THE GOVERNING BOARD

The Governing Board of Holt Farm Infant School has a single tier structure.  The board meets once every half term to discuss issues related to the 3 core functions

• Clarity of vision, ethos, strategic direction
• Holding the headteacher accountable for education performance of school and pupils
• Financial performance - money well spent

There is a focus in each meeting e.g. Curriculum, SEND, Pupil Premium, Performance, Strategic Planning.  Finance is discussed every half term.

The following special committees are in place:

• Headteacher's Pay & Performance Committee

• Pay Committee

• Pay Appeals Committee

• Pupil Discipline (Exclusions) Committee

• Staff Grievance/Disciplinary/Dismissal Committee

• Complaints Committee

• Appeals Committee

For more information about the structure of the Governing Board and Governor attendance at meetings please see the Statement of Governance document above. 

MEET THE GOVERNORS

Hi, I’m Charlotte, Co-opted Governor, and Chair of the Governing Body. I’m a Civil Servant in London and have over 20 years’ experience in senior leadership and performance management.  I have been Chair since February 2019. 

Both my children have been through Holt Farm Infant School, and it has given them (and us as a family) all the essential building blocks as they go on through their education journey.

 

We have an excellent Governing Body that continues to develop and expand its expertise and skill set – I think we have a well-balanced mix of educational and corporate experience with all of our combined efforts ensuring that we can support and challenge the school to be the best setting possible. 

 

Our roles are clear:

• provide a strategic view of where the school is heading. This is done by reviewing and agreeing policies, targets, priorities, and monitoring and reviewing aims and objectives.
• act as a critical friend to the school. The governing body works with the head teacher to create a clear understanding of the challenges faced in managing the school. The governing body should feel able to question and challenge and this is achieved through trust and mutual respect.
• hold the school to account for the educational standards it achieves and the quality of education it provides. The governing body uses its collective skills to benefit the children, by gathering views and asking questions to determine what is best for the school.

 

I am always so proud to be in school and hear the children enjoying their day and to witness our teaching team supporting every child to develop and grow.  We want all children to be Happy. Friendly, Independent and Safe at school – this is the foundation they will build on for their transition to Junior school and beyond!

 

Best wishes,

Charlotte 

Hi, I am John Adsett and I have been “Authority Governor” at the school since 2014 and I am now Vice Chair.   

I recently retired after 14 years as an independent management consultant following a career of over 30 years in the NHS, mostly in Human Resources.  This included board level  involvement and work on several national initiatives. I was also a non-legal member of Employment Tribunals for 18 years.  

I am also a governor at King Edmund School (since 1987), where I am currently a Member Governor and Director of the Academy Trust. This includes chairing several committees. I was a Founding Director of the Rochford District Schools Partnership Trust. 

My particular interests across both schools are teaching & learning, assessment, inclusion and special needs

Hi, I’m Keia Pearce. I recently joined the Governing Body in October 2022.

I am a primary teacher in another local Essex school with over ten years experience. I thoroughly enjoy the teaching of reading and sharing a range challenging novels with my class. I have extensive knowledge of Physical Education and have developed both competitive sports teams and improved inclusivity through sporting festivals. 

My daughter is currently attending the infant school and I have a younger son who will be due to start in a few years. I hope that I can bring a wealth of experience and knowledge to the role in order to support the school and its pupils in achieving their targets. 

Hi, I am Gemma Wright and I am a parent governor. I’m a Deputy Headteacher in a primary school in Basildon and have been teaching for 18 years. I began my career in an infant school and understand the strengths and challenges this can bring.

I have a son in Year 2 and a daughter in reception and both are enjoying their experience at school.

I am also an associate governor at the school that I work in where I report on the curriculum, assessment and Pupil Premium.

As a member of the governing body, I strive to make a positive contribution to the school as well as to support and challenge the school in line with the 3 core functions. I am passionate that every child deserves the right to the best education. My areas of particular interest are in Special Educational Needs.

Hi, I’m Scott Fowler. I was recently elected to join the governing board as a Parent Governor. Professionally I am a qualified engineer running the biggest Franchised MAN truck dealership in the country, this has helped me develop strong communication, and decision-making skills and I am confident these skills will enable me to make a positive contribution to the school’s leadership team.

I have experience speaking at board level and I am passionate about ensuring that all children receive the best possible educational experience and I am delighted that I have been given opportunity to

represent the voices and concerns of parents as a parent governor.