Welcome to St. Barnabas CofE Primary School (Green Lane, Worcester, WR3 8NZ)

Governing Body 2022-2023

We have an active team of governors who are appointed in their role at school to strategically lead and support the work of the school and be representatives for the parents and families. The Governing Body is made up of parent, staff, local authority, foundation and community representatives. 

School governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools. Governors appoint the Head Teacher and are involved in the appointment of other staff, following safe recruitment procedures at all times. 

Each individual governor is a member of the Governing Body, which is established in law as a corporate body.   Individual Governors may not act independently of the rest of the Governing Body. Decisions are the joint responsibility of the Governing Body. The Governing Body are always keen to hear the views of parents and carers and work to improve the education, care and well-being of children and young people within the community and to promote the highest standards.

Parent Governors
Appointed
Staff Governors
Appointed

Ms Kate Gynn

Mrs Samantha Hulse

Mrs Mel Newell

2019

2020

2021

Ms Charlotte Norris

2022

 
Local Authority Governors
 
Ex Officio HeadTeacher
 
Mrs Karen Lewing2021
Mrs Sarah Hanson
2015
Associate Governor
 
Co-Opted (Community Governors)
 
  

Mr Bob Morrison

Mrs Kate Robertson

Mr Abhinav Mathur

Mr Dean Robert-Lowe

Mr William Ottaway

2022

2018

2019

2020

2021

Foundation Governors
 
Clerk to the Governors
 

Rev Sarah Northall

Mrs Joy Squires

 
 
 
 
2022
2019
 
Mrs Glenys Morrison2009
Governors responsible for Safeguarding including Child Protection:
Ms Kate Gynn
Our Governing Body can be contacted directly via the school office either by letter or e-mail gmorrison@st-barnabas-primary.worcs.sch.uk .

21

Governors Roles and other Interests
Governor NameGovernor TypeSpecific Role or responsibilityBusiness InterestsSub committeeFinancial InterestsGovernance Role in any other school
Kate GynnParent

Safeguarding & Child Protection.

Anti-bullying

None

Curriculum

People

NoneNo
Sarah HansonEx-OfficioHead TeacherNone

Finance

Curriculum

People

NoneNo

Sam Hulse

(Chair)

Parent

Curriculum Convenor

RE (Religious Education) PSHE Link

NoneCurriculumNoneNo

Karen

Lewing

Local Authority Health and SafetyWorcester city councillor, Arboretum wardFinanceNoneNo
Abhinav MathurCo-opted

Finance Convenor

PE and Outdoor Education

 None

Finance

People

NoneNo
Bob MorrisonCo-opted

Pupil Premium

None

Finance

People

NoneNo
Mel NewellParent

 Vice Chair

Inclusion (SEND, disadvantaged, vulnerable pupils,

Children Looked After-LAC)

None

Curriculum

People

NoneNo
Charlotte NorrisStaff NoneCurriculumNoneNo
William OttawayCo-Opted

DPO (Data Protection Officer)

Maths & Science Link

Early Years

None

Curriculum

People

NoneNo
Dean Robert-Lowe Co-Opted

Marketing & Communications

English Link

The Arts

 NonePeople NoneNo
Kate RobertsonCo-opted

Deputy Head Teacher

Policy review

None

Finance

Curriculum

NoneNo
Joy Squires (Vice Chair)FoundationPeople Team ConvenorNonePeopleNoneNo
Rev Sarah NorthallFoundation None NoneNo
Governors Meeting Attendance
Category (Governor)NameStart DateEnd DateAppointed By

Meeting Attendance

Sept 2021 – Sept 2022

Parent GovernorMs Kate Gynn26/11/1926/11/23Parents100%
Parent GovernorMrs Sam Hulse18/01/2018/01/24Parents100%
Co-Opted GovernorMr Abhinav Mathur16/09/1916/09/23Governing Body80%
Co-Opted GovernorMr Dean Roberts-Lowe07/12/2006/12/24Governing Body60%
Foundation GovernorRev Julianne Watson01/01/1531/01/22 Diocese29%
 Co-Opted Governor William Ottaway 22/11/21 21/11/25 Parents 80%
Headteacher (ex-officio)Mrs Sarah Hanson04/01/15N/AGoverning Body100%
Co-optedMrs Kate Robertson05/01/2204/01/26Governing Body100%
StaffMs Charlotte Norris07/03/2206/03/26School Staff100%
Co-optedMr Bob Morrison25/02/2224/02/26Governing Body80%
FoundationMrs Joy Squires30/06/1930/06/23Foundation / Sponsor Members80%
Local AuthorityCllr Karen Lewing08/11/2107/11/25 66%
Parent 28/02/2112/09/22Parents80%
ClerkMrs Glenys Morrison21/09/09  100%

The Full Governing Body meets each half term and focusses on strategic leadership and direction, accountability, decision making, legal compliance and evaluation. The full governing body are sometimes called upon to make panels to address issues such as complaints, exclusions or serious safeguarding matters.There are also 3 sub committees that meet regularly and address different aspects of school governance:​

Specifically focussed on educational improvement and rigorous analysis of data
Charlotte Norris, William Ottaway, Sarah Hanson, Kate Robertson, Sam Hulse (Convenor), Mel Newell and Kate Gynn.

Specifically focussed on financial management and monitoring, financial frameworks and accountability
Abhinav Mathur (Convenor), Sarah Hanson, Bob Morrison, Kate Robertson and Karen Lewing

Specifically focussed on staffing and performance management
Sarah Hanson, Bob Morrison, Joy Squires (convenor), William Ottaway, Kate Gynn, Abhinav Mathur and Dean Robert-Lowe.

Core Purpose of the Governing Body

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
  • Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
  • Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.

The Governing Body is made up of:

  • 5 Co-opted (community) governors
  • 4 Parent governors
  • 1 Foundation governors
  • 1 Staff governor
  • 1 Local Authority governor
  • Head Teacher (ex-officio)

Governors Bio's

I have worked in education for 32 years and first trained as a teacher at the University of London, Goldsmiths’ College.  I have worked in five schools in both London and Worcestershire and in a variety of roles, and this includes teaching from Nursery age to Year 6 and working in a leadership role in three schools before starting as Head Teacher at St. Barnabas. My philosophy of education is simple and is that every child, regardless of background, starting point, gender  or family circumstances should be able to experience a fantastic education; one that is exciting and interesting and that prepares them for their future.  That school should be a place of safety, happiness, memorable experiences and challenges and that we prepare our children with the social and personal skills to accept the challenges that life offers! Our children are our greatest treasure and our future and that what we do both at home and school, every day, makes a difference to our children’s prospects. I am married and am a parent to two young adults. I look forward to working with you and your family as part of our thriving school community.

My first involvement with St Barnabas Governors was as a parent many years ago. My children are adults now but I still remain intrigued by the dedication and passion of the staff and volunteers in our school to provide a great experience for the children.  St Barnabas is such a great place to visit, especially when talking to the children and listening to their ideas to improve the school. Their most fun request was to put a swimming pool on top of the school! Unfortunately, I failed to meet their needs but I often think about it. Our team of governors represent a wide range of different experiences and knowledge which makes this role varied and interesting. My day job involves working with organisations and their managers to get the best out of their people and to perform well. These include schools and academies across the West Midlands. Hopefully I bring some of that expertise and experience to the table when working with the staff and fellow governors.

I moved from Bristol, with my partner, to Birmingham for his job. He secured a consultant post at Worcester Royal Hospital so we relocated to Worcester to improve work life balance. This also meant we were a little closer to home too. My background, prior to teaching, has been within Financial Services HR. I have a Business degree, CTP (Certificate in Training Practice) and studied towards CIPD – Management level. Previous roles have been within Employee Relations, Generalist HR and Internal Communications. My main roles were in Learning, Development and Talent Management where I helped to manage a Graduate Training Programme. I was always keen to become a teacher, so after I qualified as a TA, I completed a SCITT. I am now in my fifth year of teaching and currently teach Year 3 where I have a fantastic class. I believe the skills I have gained will enable me to carry out the role of Governor to a high standard. I have a good understand of policy and how to apply this. As well as ensuring processes work efficiently and timely. I am also keen to be the liaison between the teaching staff and the governors.

I moved to Worcester and made it my home and I’ve always tried to give back to the city & community that welcomed me and helped me raise a family. I am a firm believer that a good educational background sets you up for life. With my corporate work experience and a good understanding of Stakeholder Management, I value the contributions of people with alternative views. I look forward to adding value to the Governing Body with my strategic experience in setting commercial direction and making key decisions based on analytical data. I’m keen to learn more about the school as a co-opted Governor and add value from the management and commercial skills I have developed over the years.

I have lived in the locality of St Barnabas Primary school for over 20 years. My daughter is now in year 1 and I therefore have a vested interest in the school, how it is run and how it performs now and into the future. As a consultant in information security, I work in governance and compliancy roles assessing and producing organisations’ policies, plans, procedures and processes as well as advising on how data, including personal data, should be handled securely. I have also spent over 15 years in a voluntary role on a committee for a large local public event where I have filled multiple roles including event organiser, marketing and sponsorship.

I am a Family Law Solicitor in Worcestershire and my daughter is now in Year 1 at the School. I have lived in Worcester for over 15 years. I was impressed by the School from the first time I visited as a prospective parent and am more impressed now that my daughter has been attending the school for over a year. I have been interested in getting more involved with the School for some time and I am keen to help continue the excellent progress the school makes with the education of our children. As a Solicitor, I am used to checking the fine detail and making sure that the right decisions are made.

I have worked at St Barnabas since 2010 as Deputy Head and staff Governor. Before relocating here I worked in schools in Surrey and South London. I am a mum of two young children who are just beginning their own exciting time at school. Since beginning my teaching career in 1997 I have been privileged to teach so many incredible young people and see them grow into confident learners. Teaching is a magical job and no two days have ever been the same. As a Governor to our school I support links between the governing body and the staff of the school.

I am a local city councillor and live round the corner from St Barnabas, in Lansdowne Road. For many years I was a University Lecturer, but more recently I worked as a consultant helping set up SureStart children’s centres. My two boys attended St Barnabas in the 1990s and still speak fondly of the school and the staff who helped them so much in their education.  I have always felt that St Barnabas plays a really important role in the local community and it is a real pleasure and a privilege to be a Governor here.

I have lived in Worcester my whole life and love our City. I am passionate about learning and have worked in education and training for most of my career, including with adult learners, at University and as a qualified Secondary School teacher. I have worked and volunteered with young people previously as a Scout Leader and a Youth Worker. I currently work for a small charity in Higher Education providing students advice and representation, which gives me a strong background in analysing policies and procedures and challenging information. Since my child became a pupil at St Barnabas I have been impressed by the ethos of the school and now looking forward to working with Staff and other Governors for the good of our children.

I am a City Councillor, the Active Travel Project Officer and an Architect. I am very interested in supporting St Barnabas and would like to help any way I can after all the disruption of Covid. As an architect I specialised in school design. I have been a STEM ambassador in secondary schools conducting mock interviews and have a particular interest in the arts. I am particularly interested in sustainability; whether this be in teaching or running of the school. As an active travel officer I am also interested in supporting children and staff to walk or cycle to school which may include a school street. I am also a keen gardener so would be willing to help in any outdoor initiatives.

I was born and raised in Worcester and it’s a City I’m proud to call ‘home’. Professionally I am a Content Creative Manager, working to promote Worcestershire County Skills & Learning services. Prior to this I worked as Senior Marketing Officer for one of the UK’s leading housing providers, a PR/Communications officer for a Worcestershire charity, all following a 21-year-long career working in broadcasting, both commercially and for the BBC. St. Barnabas is very important to me, it’s where three of my “godchildren” started school life and I’ve seen what a fantastic influence the school has been to them; not just academically but also morally, instilling in them a sense of pride and responsibility to the community. When I first visited St. B’s and saw the passion and commitment of the staff and discovered our shared values, I knew I wanted to be involved in school life and now, as a Co-opted Governor I am proud to be able to do this. As a Governor I hope that my learned experiences and abilities can assist and support the school, the local community that it serves, and most importantly the pupils of St. Barnabas.
Whilst I’ve lived in Worcester for over 20 years, I didn’t have experience of its school system until I had my own children. Now having my eldest in Year 4 and my youngest coming into reception next year, I have been given such a positive experience and valuable insight into school life and would welcome the opportunity to help shape this experience and build on the great work already done at the school as a parent governor. I have worked in further education (FE) for over 15 years, starting with managing a quality award, setting standards, and identifying best practice before moving into teaching. I have experience of planning and delivering learning shaped to meet the needs of the students as well as the curriculum. I have a real passion for education and improving opportunities for young people, now being responsible for supporting staff and students to improve their digital skills, creating engaging online lessons and activities. Whilst delivering this within an FE setting this can be effectively and interestingly transferred within primary education, that parents can easily engage with as online learning is proving to be a valuable learning platform for all ages. I am excited to have the opportunity to share my digital skills and experiences to the benefit of the school.

Schools have always been part of my working life. I spent the first twenty years of my career in secondary education, focussing especially on staff development and on strategies for helping children and young people learn how to think creatively. Since training for parish ministry at Ripon College Cuddesdon in Oxford, I’ve worked in several communities, in both Oxford and Worcester Diocese. I moved to my current post as Vicar of Warndon in 2019, and in August 2022, I took up additional responsibilities for St Barnabas with Christ Church. In every parish, I’ve made a priority of being good friends with my local schools, and always want to be a very familiar face to the children, as well as taking opportunities to serve as a governor. My personal interests, as well as keeping the peace between a sixteen year yorkie and a three year old cockapoo, include science fiction, US politics, and running quiz & games events.

Photo to follow

Hi, I’m Helen, I’m a mum to 2 children, both are students at St Barnabas. I’m married to James and we live about 5 minutes walk from the school. We’ve had a brilliant experience since our eldest child joined and we have nearly four more years with our youngest there. I work for Cheltenham Borough Council now but up until 3 months ago I worked for Worcester City Council where I organised events including Worcester Victorian Christmas Fayre and the Christmas lights switch on. I also supported with the writing of funding bids for projects like The Arches and Future High Streets Fund (Angel Place and The Cross) helping the council to get £18 million funding for Worcester from the government.

In my current job I work to support businesses, dealing with key stakeholders and strategic partners. I believe that these skills, along with my experience of leadership in both the public and private sectors will transfer well to the work of school governance. 

I’m a very conscientious, dedicated person and I’ve been on boards and committees before so am aware of the hard work and commitment involved. I recently achieved a masters in place management and leadership and I now have more time to volunteer so I’m pleased to be able to support the school and staff that have given so much to me and my children over the years.