Meet the Governors
A warm welcome to you from your school governors! The Local Governing Body plays an important part in the life of your school. The members of the governing body reflect a wide range of interests from local businesses and the community, staff members and, of course, parents.
The Governing Body is charged with many specific responsibilities and powers but has general responsibility for oversight of every aspect of the school and its activities. Formally, the Department for Education requires governors to:
- Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
- Hold the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
- Oversee the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
As we are part of a Multi-Academy Trust, the Watchfield Primary School Local Governing Body is accountable to the Faringdon Learning Trust Board for ensuring that these statutory responsibilities are met. In carrying out its duties the governing body may lobby organisations or individuals on behalf of the school. It may also suggest or - in some circumstances - require that the affairs of the school are conducted in a certain way. We take a keen interest in school performance data but recognise that our school is unique and data is but one measure of a child's performance. One of our strengths is in the whole school experience at Watchfield where a child's mind, body and spirit benefits from the rich tapestry of cultures, nationalities and experiences that the children in our school bring. Consequently, the governing body has an important job to do in ensuring that the welfare of the school and its culture, values and ethos are maintained. In summary, the role of governors is one of both challenge and support in a constructive way. We are always open to feedback and ideas. If you would like to offer a suggestion, your governors can be contacted by email via: clerk.watchfield@faringdonlearningtrust.org
The structure and remit of the FLT Members, Trustees, and its committees including the LGBs is available on the Trust website and can be found here https://faringdonlearningtrust.org/about-us/governance/
~~ We have two vacancies for parent governors ~~
~~ please contact clerk.watchfield@faringdonlearningtrust.org for details ~~
Ian Wright (Community Governor) - Chair of Governors
Appointed: April 2020 Term: 4 years
Link Governor: Computing
Ian has served as a governor at Watchfield since June 2012. This is Ian's second period as Chair - in his first term as Chair he was on the Steering Group to examine and plan the expansion of the Faringdon Academy of Schools to the current 8-school Multi-Academy Trust. He relinquished the Chair due to the additional commitment when he was appointed as a Director of the Faringdon Academy of Schools in November 2013, but then re-assumed the role in November 2015. Ian retired from the Royal Air Force in 2012 after a 21-year career specializing in infrastructure, facilities management, personnel and executive roles, and is now a college bursar at the University of Oxford. He has 2 children at Watchfield Primary.
"The truly unique nature of Watchfield Primary School makes it a fantastic environment in which to teach children - it is a real strength which is used at every opportunity to enrich and enliven the School, and deliver outstanding results. I am extremely proud of the School, its pupils and staff, and will do everything I can to ensure that the School is appropriately supported and challenged to deliver continually improving standards of education."
Georgina Wintle (Headteacher, ex-officio Governor)
Appointed: Sep 19
Vacancy (Parent Governors)
Alan Chapman (Community Governor)
Appointed: Sep 19 Term: 4 Years
Speciality: Finance, Policies and Processes
Link Governor: Maths
Alan is an experienced Chartered and European Patent Attorney with a background in physics. Having worked within a variety of different organisations, including a multi-national defence company, the Defence Procurement Agency (DPA), two private practice firms and a university spin-out, Alan currently works for a private technology company as the lead attorney with overall responsibility for a core technology category of the business.
"My wife, two sons and I moved to Watchfield in 2018. Since then our experience has been that not only does the School provide a wonderful learning environment for its pupils but also that the School plays a particularly important role in the unique community here in Watchfield. With the knowledge that this would not be possible without a dedicated team of staff and a strong local governing body, I was inspired to volunteer as a governor in the hope that I can make a valuable contribution to the School and that in doing so I will also make a significant contribution to the well-being and cohesion of our community. As a governor I look forward to working with the school leadership team and other governors to support and constructively challenge the School in order to ensure its continued success."
Steve Dollimore (Community Governor)
Appointed: Jul 20 Term: 4 years
Wing Commander Leonie Boyd (Associate Governor, CO Shrivenham Station)
Appointed: Feb 21 Term: 4 years
Julia Jones (Community Governor)
Appointed: Sep 18 Term: 4 Years
Link Governor: Art, DT, History, School Visits, Reading and Phonics
A teacher for over thirty years, Julia retired as Head of an independent primary school and returned to her childhood village of Shrivenham of 2013.
Elected to Shrivenham Parish Council in May 2015, Julia also enjoys taking part in plays and pantomimes with Shrivenham Amateur Dramatic Society as well as attending live theatre - professional or amateur productions. She is also a committee member for Shrivenham Heritage Society, a member of the National Trust and a communicant member of the Church of England in Shrivenham.
"My husband and I enjoy living in the village and I am looking forward to being involved with the children, parents and staff at Watchfield Primary School."
Jody Lewis (Staff Governor)
Appointed: Sep 19 Term: 4 years
Jody is an experienced primary school teacher with over 20 years’ experience and has been a teacher at Watchfield Primary School since 2013. She is one of the Year 2 teachers and is also the English as an Additional Language Coordinator; an important role in such a unique school. She joined the Governing Body in September 2019 as the Staff Governor. Jody’s husband is based at the Defence Academy and their two children are former Watchfield pupils.
“Watchfield is unlike any school I have taught in during my 20 years of teaching. The culture and environment created by such a diverse student population makes teaching at Watchfield incredibly rewarding. I am passionate about high quality education and treating every child as an individual so they can reach their true potential. As staff governor I will serve as a useful link between our school staff and
the governing body”.
David Robinson (Community Governor)
Appointed: Sep 19 Term: 4 Years
Link Governor: RE, SEND, Writing
David has worked as a primary school teacher after graduating in 2012. He and his wife moved to the area from the North East of England and now have two children and are expecting their third in December. David has worked in schools across Oxfordshire as well as a year teaching in Kenya. He has worked in a variety of roles in primary education and is passionate about ensuring a positive experience of learning for all children.
Gemma Rogan (Support Staff Governor)
Appointed: Oct 20 Term: 4 years
Gemma, who is currently our Family Support Worker and ELSA, has worked at Watchfield Primary School since September 2014.
"My husband, two children and I relocated from Lancashire in 2013. I feel extremely lucky to not only work at our wonderful school but to serve on the governing body also. Watchfield is a truly unique place which is testament to the hard work and support from all involved, including our children and families. I am passionate about supporting children and their families as they progress along their primary school journey and in my role as a governor, I am able to contribute to this process".
Diana Sheldon (Community Governor)
Appointed: Jul 20 Term: 4 years
Link Governor: Phonics, Wellbeing
My first connection with the school was when my eldest attended in year 2 during a short posting to Watchfield in 1986! Obviously, many things have changed over the years including the arrival of the Defence Academy. Since settling back in Shrivenham in 2011 I have known many children, parents and members of staff at the school. I am conscious of what a wonderful job is done in such a unique environment and everyone I know enjoys their time at Watchfield as well as having a great educational experience.
"Having been a teacher for almost 40 years, in many different schools, I am well aware of the challenges and pressures that face the staff and governors. I am honoured to have been selected as a governor to have the chance to support all the hard work that goes on at Watchfield school in order that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential in the time they are there."
Clerk to the Local Governors - Jan Clark
Local Governing Body Meeting Minutes
Governors Attendance Record
Governor Interests Declaration
Governors who have resigned
Duncan Jenkins (Previous Parent Governor) Stepped Down: Mar 21
Mike Butler (Previous Associate Member) Stepped Down: Mar 21
Andrew Atkinson (Previous Parent Governor) Stepped Down: Mar 21
Emma Wight Boycott (Previous Community Governor) Stepped Down: Jul 20
Katie Brudenell (Previous Community Governor) Stepped Down: Jul 20
Clare Hamilton (Previous Community Governor) Stepped Down: Jul 19
Jayne Russell (Previous Community Governor) Stepped Down: May 19
Rev Phil Burrows (Previous Associate Governor: Defence Academy Chaplain) Stepped Down: May 19
Jennifer Roberts (Previous Staff Governor) Stepped down: Aug 19
Alison Saunders (Previous Parent Governor) Stepped down: Dec 18
Anda Fitzgerald O'Connor (Previous Community Governor) Stepped down: Sep 18