Governors

The main role of the governing body is to help raise the standards and performance of the school by supporting the work of the Head teacher and the staff. Governors support and, at the same time, challenge the Head teacher by gathering views, asking questions and deciding what is best for the school.

Governors make important decisions on policies and strategies and have to stand by their decisions. The governing body is answerable to parents, Ofsted and the wider community. Some of the things School Governors are expected to be involved in include:-

with the Head teacher, and staff, planning the future of the school involvement in staff appointments, including selection of the Head teacher and Deputy Head teacher
setting standards for staff and pupil behaviour, and supporting the Head teacher, taking disciplinary action where necessary
making decisions on the school’s budget, expenditure and staffing
contributing to how the school can encourage pupils’ spiritual, moral and cultural development
ensuring that the school provides for all its pupils, including those with special needs
representing the local community

We have a focus on three core strategic functions:

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
Holding the head teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and the children, and the performance management of staff;
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

Being a Governor is both very interesting and fulfilling. We have to deal with lots of different issues such as staff development, performance management, health & safety together with premises and personnel issues.

Our Governors

The minutes of all meetings are on Governor Hub and our clerk has access to them if required.

If you maybe interested in becoming a School Governor, please contact the Headteacher or the Chair of Governors who would warmly welcome your interest and share with you the exciting role of school governance.

Name	Term of Office	Category	Committee
Verity Edey	Appointed September 2019 ongoing	Headteacher	Pay & Personnel & Joint Resources Pupil & Curriculum
Ben Hodson	01.01.2021 – 01.01.2029	Chair/ Co-opted	Pay & Personnel & Joint Resources Pupil & Curriculum
Reverend Phillipa Maddox	21.09.2023 – 20.09.2027	Foundation Governor	Pupil & Curriculum
Michael Day	05.12.2022 – 04.12.2026	Parent Governor	Pay and Personnel and Joint Resources
Aileen Barry	24.05.2023 – 23.05.2027	Foundation	Resources Committee
Julie Skinner	07.10.2025 – 07.10.2025	Parent Governor

There are no governors who have any material interests arising from relationships between governors or relationships between governors and school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives).

Reverend Phillipa has a governance role at St Mary’s Junior School Baldock. Ben Hodson has been a serving headteacher for the Diocese of Ely for many years.

Governor Profiles

Ben Hodson (Chair of Governors)

Having lived all his life in the region, he worked as a teacher in schools in Welwyn Garden City and then Stevenage, where later he became a Deputy Head of a primary school. Having had a successful career up to this point, he took a Headship in a school which OFSTED had put into Special Measures. After 2 years the school moved straight to GOOD in all areas and less than 18 months later the school achieved EXCELLENT in its church school inspection (SIAMS). He is highly passionate about ensuring that all children achieve well at school to enable them to thrive and experience life in all its fullness. For him, the primary phase of a child’s education is most important in laying down secure foundation stones for a successful and fulfilling future. With his extensive experience, he wishes to support the strategic direction of St. Mary’s Infants; leading the Governing Body and providing support and challenge to both senior and middle leaders in school.

Aileen Barry

Aileen Barry has always felt that the education of children is vital for all our futures. She was a volunteer in the scouting movement for over 30 years. She retired from the tax/accountancy profession 10 years ago and moved to Baldock from London, to be close to her son and growing family.

Michael Day

I have been a Parent Governor since December 2022. I grew up in North Herts and then moved away for a few years. I am married with 3 children and am a stay at home Dad. I became a governor, so I can actively be involved in helping and supporting the school in which on of my children goes to.

Reverend Phillipa Maddox

Phillipa Maddox is the Rector of St. Mary the Virgin Church Baldock. She lives in Baldock with her husband and has two grown up daughters. St. Mary’s Church is actively involved in the local community and provides a variety of popular events and activities for children and families. Phillipa has a special interest in helping children to engage in spirituality and worship having previously worked as a Children and Families Pastor for several years. Phillipa’s role within the local church schools is to support the Christian ethos and build productive links between the local parish and the school community.