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.

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

Our Governors:

Mrs Claire Capewell – 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 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.  

Mrs Anna Brotherton - Vice Chair

I joined Flash Ley in February 2023 as a co-opted Governor. I currently work for the Department of Education leading Incident Co-ordination and Business Continuity. I have welcomed this opportunity to see from the other side how schools operate and the impacts that some of my department’s decisions/policies have.

As a parent to two daughters, I really see the value that a good educational setting provides and how this shapes our children’s future.

Mrs Bethan Davis - Co-opted Governor

My name is Bethan Davis and I joined Flash Ley in October 2023 as a co-opted Governor. Alongside being a governor, I currently work as a Human Resource Business Partner within the legal sector.  I decided to join the governing body to utilise my skills gained in my career and I am looking forward to learning about the education sector and supporting Flash Ley in the future.

Mr Damian Armstrong - Parent Governor

Thank you for reading the Governors page. I'm a Dad of three children one of whom is still at Flash Ley - the other two grew up and went onto a local high school - where does the time go! 

I'm a middle manager in the Emergency Services - it's not about me though as my ethos is giving back and building our community.  Providing our children with the best opportunities they can access with any skills I can offer - which includes giving back as a Parent Governor.

I've seen my children thrive from Voyage to leaving and was previously a Parent Governor.  I am firmly committed as you will be as parents for wanting the best outcomes for our children, which is a part of a Governor role - I've been through the highs and the challenges at Flash Ley however our School Motto sums it all up for me -

"We are Flash Ley - a place where we all believe we can achieve.

Where we keep trying when faced with adversity, and aiming high is our only aspiration.

A school where working together makes us stronger: 1 team, 1 school, 1 family."

Committees

FULL GOVERNING BOARD MEETING

RESOURCES & POLICY COMMITTEE

VOYAGE COMMITTEE

STRATEGY COMMITTEE

RESPONSIBILITIES

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