Welcome to the Governance Section

At our school, we are proud to have a committed and experienced Governing Body who work in partnership with the Headteacher and school staff to ensure every child receives an excellent and inspiring education in a warm and safe environment.

Governors play an essential strategic role. We focus on setting the school’s vision, ensuring high standards, and holding leaders to account — always with the best interests of children at heart.

We hope this section helps you understand who we are, what we do, and the impact governance has on the life of our school.

Tara Cook
Chair of Governors

What Do Governors Do?

Our Governing Body sits at the heart of school leadership. Governors do not manage the day-to-day running of the school; instead, we provide strategic oversight and supportive challenge.

We focus on four core functions:

1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
2. Holding the Headteacher to account for educational performance and staff development
3. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and ensuring money is well spent
4. Upholding the distinct Christian ethos of our school

We also:

• Monitor the quality of education and pupil progress
• Ensure safeguarding procedures are robust
• Review policies and statutory documentation
• Support school improvement priorities
• Represent the views of our community

Our Governance Model

At Gunthorpe C of E Primary School, we use a circle model of governance. This approach brings all Governors together as a single, collaborative team rather than dividing work into separate committees. It enables every Governor to have a clear, holistic view of the school’s priorities, ensuring that decisions are well-informed and aligned with our shared vision.

The circle model suits our school particularly well. As a close-knit community with a strong sense of shared purpose, we value open communication, collective responsibility and consistent oversight. Meeting as a full Board allows us to respond quickly, work efficiently and draw on the strengths and expertise of all Governors. Most importantly, it ensures that our focus remains firmly on what matters most—providing the very best education and experiences for the children of Gunthorpe.

Governors take on specific "link roles" that align with priority areas in the School Improvement Plan.

Contact The Governors

Parents and members of the community are welcome to contact governors through the school office:

Email: office@gunthorpe.notts.sch.uk
Postal Address: FAO Chair of Governors, Gunthorpe C of E Primary School, Davids Lane, Gunthorpe, NG14 5DW

About us

Tara Cook

I am the Chair of the Local Governing Body here at Gunthorpe Church of England Primary School. I have been a Governor here since September 2017 and previously served as a governor in another local school.

I am an HR professional working within the education sector for a local Multi-Academy Trust. I bring to the governing body extensive experience in HR, employment law, and education policy, along with a strong understanding of the operational and strategic challenges schools face. My focus is on supporting strong leadership, promoting high standards, and ensuring that the children, values, and ethos of our school remain central to everything we do. I am really proud to be part of this very special school.

Mel Brown

I am the Head Teacher of Gunthorpe C of E Primary School. I have worked at the school for 17 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 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. We truly encourage children to live out our school vision and 'let their light shine'. 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.

Chris Newton

From my first contact with Gunthorpe Primary School, I experienced the warm, welcoming and caring nature of its educational environment, a place where my sons felt safe and happy, and gave parents and carers a secure confidence that it was the best platform for development of youngsters. I always believed that the time would come when I would be able to offer my support to the school for their hard work and became a Governor in early 2025.

My professional background is in dentistry, and I have been a practice owner and principal dentist for over approaching 20 years, which has enabled me to use my skills in team and business management, education and communications. Outside of work, I have a passion for charitable work and am currently heading communications and marketing for the Nottinghamshire branch of a national organisation which is both challenging and rewarding.

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