Governors

Welcome to the Governance Section

In accordance with the Government’s requirement for all governing bodies, the three core strategic functions of the Gunthorpe C of E Primary School  Governing Body are:

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
2. Supporting and holding school leaders to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;
3. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

About the Governing Body

Our Governing Body at Gunthorpe is made up of: The Head Teacher, one staff member, two parent governors (elected by the parents) 1 co-opted governor and 5 foundation governors (appointed by the Diocese). Governors are volunteers and do not get paid.

Co-opted governors are appointed by the Governing Body and are people who, in the opinion of the governing body, have the skills required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school.

We operate a ‘circle model’ of governance (no committee structure other than the required statutory committees) and hold 2 Full Governing Body meetings per term (6 a year), we alternate the focus of each meeting between teaching and learning and finance.

To carry out our duties we have a number of delegated roles and responsibilities.

Governors Declared Business Interests and Attendance at Governing Body meetings

This includes details of Governors who have stepped down from their role in the last 12 months.

Contact The Governors

Our Chair of Governors is Tara Cook.

Our Vice Chair of Governors is Jo Simson

If you need to contact the governors please leave a message with the office by telephone or by e mailing office@gunthorpe.notts.sch.uk

About us

Tara Cook

I am the Chair of the Local Governing Body and Chair of the PPCD committee. I have been a Co-Opted Governor at Gunthorpe since September 2017.  I have previously been a governor in another local school. I am an HR professional and work within the education sector for a local Multi-Academy Trust. I bring to the Board knowledge and skills of HR, the education sector and employment law, policies and procedures.

Mel Brown

I am the Head Teacher of Gunthorpe C of E Primary School. I have worked at the school for 15 years and taught across all age ranges. I started at the school teaching in Infant 1 and then moved into Infant 2 and then Junior 1!! Previously I have worked in other Nottinghamshire schools following the completion of my PGCE in 2003. I also hold a degree in Economics and an Executive Coaching qualification with ILM.

As a parent of Primary aged children myself, I recognise the importance of developing the whole child and feel this is something that Gunthorpe children are actively encouraged to do. We hold academic achievement in high regard but not at the detriment of recognising other important achievements and talents. I love being the Head Teacher of this wonderful village Primary School and working with all our fantastic families (and amazing staff of course!)

Andy Booth

I joined the Governing Body in February 2020 and know the school from my time spent there as a volunteer listening to children read and as the parent of a former pupil.  I am a retired Assistant Headteacher with over 30 years’ experience of working in secondary schools. During my career in education I have undertaken pastoral and curriculum roles, have held leadership and management positions and served as a teacher governor. It is this experience that I hope will benefit the school moving forward.

Jo Simson

It’s been a great pleasure to come into Gunthorpe School to deliver assemblies and meet the staff and the children. I have worked with children for many years, as a childminder, Junior Church, Holiday Club and Messy Church Leader, mother and grandmother. I was appointed a Foundation Governor by the Diocese of Southwell in December 2020. I feel privileged to have this opportunity to become a ‘critical friend’, encouraging the continuing development of the school as a place where children can grow and thrive.
 

Richard Chellumbrun

My association with Gunthorpe Primary School began in January 2021 when both my son and daughter joined the school.  As a resident of the village, it is a lovely privilege to be involved with the school as a Parent Governor and I am committed to supporting the Schools Leadership Team in driving the best outcomes of continued improvement and development to ensure that all the children’s school experiences are as inclusive, diverse and developmentally challenging as they can possibly be.  I have worked a variety of senior roles in differing sectors within my professional career, currently as a Sales & Strategy Manager for a Global off grid energy company.  Outside of work, I enjoy competing with my dogs where I am also an International Judge.  If that wasn’t enough, I am also a RFU Rugby Youth Coach that has found me coaching Under 8’s though to Under 10’s for a local Rugby Club.  My desire in this role as Parent Governor is to use the skills I’ve obtained to support the School so they can continue to provide an excellent educational platform and supportive environment for all of our children

Liz Collins

I was appointed as a Foundation Governor at Gunthorpe Primary School in December 2021. I have lived in Gunthorpe for a few years and my daughter attends the school.  I like to get involved with the community and help with local events that the Village Hall put on throughout the year. 

I am very excited to be part of Gunthorpe Primary School to support the pupils and staff with all aspects of education and the school’s values.

I work at a local firm of solicitors as a Branch Partner and residential conveyancer and am involved in all aspects of residential conveyancing and the running of my branch, to include managing the office and staff. I hope that my skills will be an addition to the school and to ensure that the school continues to develop and provide a high standard now and in the future.

Elizabeth Mullen

I joined the Governing Body in February 2022 as a parent governor. I know the village well as I lived in the village as a teenager and then moved back here with my own family in 2018. I have a good connection with the school through having two children in Infants. I have 20 years' experience working in secondary schools as a Maths Teacher. I've been a Senior Leader for 13 years and am currently a Deputy Headteacher with responsibility for SEND, Pastoral Care and Safeguarding at a local secondary school. I have also had previous experience as a Head of Maths and have been a senior leader overseeing Achievement for a number of years. I look forward to bringing a range of experience to the board to support Gunthorpe CofE School.

Kathy Hogan

I am very much looking forward to beginning my journey as a Foundation Governor at this lovely school which strives to know and value each child and to help each child to achieve their potential in a safe and fun learning environment and caring community. I am looking forward to getting to know the children, and teachers and parents. I am delighted to have been asked to be Early Years and Foundation Stage Link Governor, so Link Governor for Infant 1 whose class teacher is Deputy Head, Mrs. Findlay.

My daughter and son, both now at university, attended Gunthorpe School. They describe their years at Gunthorpe as the best of their lives. They were valued as individuals and encouraged to grow in line with their potential in a safe, and caring and fun learning environment. I have enjoyed being a mother and watching my children grow to find their value and niche in the world. I also enjoy volunteering to co – lead two parent and toddler groups at St Helen’s Church in Burton Joyce and at the Methodist Chapel in Lowdham. Prior to becoming a mother, I have a background in Community Mental Health Nursing. I am passionate about helping people to manage their emotional wellbeing and to find their unique value and gift to the world. I am beginning my journey to qualify as a counsellor.

The following information is avaliable on request from the school office

• Agendas for meetings
• Approved minutes from each meeting
• Any report, document or other paper considered at each meeting