Flash Ley Governors

Our dedicated Governing Board welcome you to our website.

We are an elected group of people from all walks of life who work in close partnership with the Head Teacher and Staff.  We provide support, experience and constructive advice in order to establish an educational framework which enables all our children to access the creative curriculum outlined in the school’s development plan.

To achieve this, we commit to attend regular meetings, including committee meetings which oversee policy, personnel, curriculum and financial arrangements. In addition each Governor has links with different areas of school life. Formal aspects include fulfilling legal requirements and in addition, observing classroom activity, carrying out book scans, performance management and attending data and assessment feedback meetings. More informal tasks include going on school visits, working alongside to support staff, judging competition entries, stewarding Parents’ and Open Evenings and attending Presentation Evening and end of term Assemblies.

We look forward to meeting you on these social occasions.

At Flash Ley we “Believe to Achieve” and together with the Head Teacher and Staff, the Governors strive to provide the best possible opportunities for the children at this school.

We would welcome any comments and ideas for new initiatives from you too, so if you see us in the playground please feel free to have a chat to us.  We can also be contacted through the school office.

Mrs. Sarah Wilson (Chair of Governors)

Responsibilities of Governors

Accountability

Accountable for the performance of the school to parents and the wider community.

Strategy

Develop the long-term strategic direction of the school. Actively involved in the School Development Plan, visions and aims and budget.

Critical Friendship

Challenges, monitors and evaluates progress against set targets.

Meet the Governors

Co-opted Governors                                        L.A. Governor

Mrs Sarah Wilson (Chair of Governors)                  vacancy              

Mr Adrian Rawsthorne

Mr Gavin Tuach

Mr Martin Newman (Observer) 

Parent Governors                                           Staff

Miss Claire Skellern                                         Mrs Kerri Fenton                  

Mrs Vicky Wootton 

Our Governors:

Mrs Vicky Wotton – Parent governor

Hi, my name is Vicky and I am a proud mum to Elizabeth and Annabelle, who both attend Flash Ley Primary School in years 3 and 6. I have been a Parent Governor at Flash Ley since 2013, sitting on the Policy & Personnel, Curriculum & Standards and more recently the Finance Committee. I currently work as a Part Time Science Technician at Stafford Grammar School, which allows me the flexibility to support the school in numerous ways, including being the Link Governor for Science.

Having graduating with a BSc (Hons) degree in Biological Sciences, I have formerly held posts within the Forensic Science Service, Liverpool Women’s Hospital and the University of Wolverhampton. From these roles I have gained experience in achieving/maintaining high standards, drawing upon my skills and knowledge to support our school in providing pupils with the necessary environment and encouragement to realise and achieve their full potential.

As a parent governor I endeavour to provide both support and challenge, especially in times of great change or difficulty. I feel that it is essential to represent parents/carers, and make myself available on the school playground should anyone wish to speak to me.

Miss Claire Skellern – Parent governor

My name is Claire and I am one of the parent Governors at Flash Ley. I am a mum to 3 beautiful and sometimes extremely bossy children who attend school.
I decided when my eldest daughter started reception that I wanted to be part of a team which would help Flash Ley and the children. I attended my first meeting genuinely thinking it was for the PTA and not realising I had actually signed up to be a parent governor. I decided to continue the role and although definitely challenging at times it is extremely rewarding. When not attending the school meetings I work at an Insurance Brokers in Newcastle under Lyme, a job which I love and currently studying for a Diploma.

Mrs Sarah Wilson- Co-opted governor

I joined the Flash Ley family at the end of 2000, working in the nursery and then SLC, becoming a governor before I ‘retired’ I wished to continue being involved with the school so staying on the governing board was a great way of supporting school. I have just begun my second term of office as Chair of Governors and am thrilled with how school continues to rise from all the challenges it has faced. I am a mum of three wonderful grown up children and carer for various family members when not at school.

Mrs Kerri Fenton - Staff governor

I joined Flash Ley in January 2015 as Deputy Headteacher and have been part of the ‘Flash Ley Journey’ ever since. I have had a number of responsibilities in school over the years and most recently took over as English, Music and MFL lead. I decided to join the governing body as Staff Governor to ensure the future strategic direction of Flash Ley continues to go from strength to strength.

Mr Gavin Tuach - Co-opted governor

I was elected as Co-Opted Governor in November 2021. Alongside my Governor role I am a serving Warrant Officer with the Royal Navy where I have continued my personal development with a BA (Hons) Business Management, I also do voluntary work within the Staffordshire Community. 

With two daughters that attend Flash Ley, I am motivated to help the school thrive and for the pupils that attend to have the best possible experience and education. 

Mr Adrian Rawsthorne - Co-opted governor

I was elected as Co-Opted Governor in March 2022. Alongside my governor role I am an Education Welfare Officer with an Academy Trust in Telford. I have previous experience as a Parent and Safeguarding lead governor for 8 Years in a primary school in Staffordshire. I also have previous experience in education of over 22 years. Some of which was working for the local authority and supporting schools in the Stafford area including an excellent relationship with Flash Ley and the wider community. I have also been a teacher in Staffordshire and a Careers Advisor in Stoke on Trent and the Black Country.  

My two daughters are nearing the end of their secondary school education, so I am looking forward to the challenge of supporting Flash Ley in this ever changing education landscape.  

Committees

Attendance of meetings - all meetings are being carried out virtually at this time.

Finance, Policy & Personnel Committee                                                          21/22                                                                          

• Mrs Sarah Wilson                                                                              1/1      
• Mrs Jo Banks                                                                                    1/1
• Mrs Vicky Wootton                                                                            1/1    
• Mrs Kerri Fenton                                                                               1/1
• Mr Gavin Tuach                                                                                 1/1
• Mrs Donna King (observer)                                                                 n/a 
• Mr Adrian Rawsthorne    

 Standards & Strategy Committee                                       21/22      

• Miss Claire Skellern                                                                      1/3       
• Mrs Vicky Wootton                                                                       3/3         
• Mrs Kerri Fenton                                                                          3/3          
• Mrs Sarah Wilson (Chair)                                                              3/3           
• Mrs Jo Banks                                                                               3/3           
• Mr Gavin Tuach                                                                            3/3
• Mr Adrian Rawsthorne                                                                   3/3

​

Voyage Committee                                                                      21/22            

• Miss Claire Skellern (Chair)                                                       2/2              
• Mrs Sarah Wilson                                                                       2/2            
• Mrs Jo Banks                                                                             2/2           
• Mrs Becky Kenny (Voyage Manager, Observer)                              N/A
• Mr Gavin Tuach                                                                          1/2                 

Full Board Meeting

                                        15.6.21         9.11.21          16.3.21     15.6.22

Sarah Wilson                         yes                yes                 yes

Claire Skellern                      yes                yes                 yes

Vicky Wootton                      yes                yes                  no

Kerri Fenton                         yes                yes                  yes

Jo Banks                               yes                yes                  yes  

Gavin Tuach                         n/a               yes                   yes

Adrian Rawsthorne               n/a                n/a                 yes

Martin Newman                    n/a                n/a                 n/a

When looking for a Parent Governor 

If you match the above description, you could be the very person to become a parent governor.  Everyone has something to offer and we want people from as many backgrounds and interests as possible.

REWARDS

In return we can offer:

• An insight into the wider perspective of the school through long-term planning
• A chance to develop skills in strategic management
• The opportunity to work with our team of governors and staff in improving our school
• Training to develop an understanding of specific school management issues
• The support and assistance of local and county staff
• A sense of achievement in making a difference to our school
• The pleasure of seeing children learning

The governing body of our school is responsible for:

• Ensuring that pupils receive high quality education and that the conduct of the school reflects this aim
• Working with the headteacher on the strategic planning and management of the school
• Considering and agreeing the aims and policies of the school
• Discussing and approving the targets for improvement
• Appointing the staff
• Setting and monitoring the budget
• Monitoring the performance of the school
• Reporting to the parents and community on how we have accomplished our tasks