David Denny- Chair of Governors

I joined the governing body in 2020 and live in nearby Sandford-on-Thames. I'm a qualified market researcher and marketer, and work for a trade association in the garden industry. I lead the team that researches the UK's garden and landscaping industry and that leads its five year sustainability roadmap. The team also works with government to provide evidence for the social, economic and environmental benefits of green spaces. Between 2017 and 2019 I led the team that planned and delivered the National Children's Gardening Week campaign, which was huge fun. Outside of work I'm a keen swimmer, photographer, and (of course!) gardener. As a governor I'm hoping to offer these skills to support Stadhampton Primary and its role as a vital part of the community.

 

William Jacobs - Vice Chair of Governors and Chair of Finance Committee

I have lived in the village since June 2011 moving in only fifteen days before our first daughter was born.  We chose for both of our daughters to attend the school due to its excellent reputation.  I have been a governor since September 2015 and in the last year have taken on the role of chair of the finance committee. 

 

I am the head of finance at South Oxfordshire District Council and Vale of White Horse District Council and, although I would not profess to have a great knowledge of the academic workings of the school, I believe I bring specialist financial management skills to the governing body. 

 

If you are interested in becoming a governor, please don’t be put off if you feel you know little of the educational system as you will undoubtedly have skills and experiences that will compliment those of our other governors.

 

 

Nicki Stafford

I joined Stadhampton Primary School in September 2016, at the time teaching the children in Reception.  I am now teaching in Class 1, with Reception, Year1 and 2.  It is a pleasure and privilege to teach the youngest children in the School and to be a part of an amazing and dedicated staff team. I am also the SENCo and currently undertaking the National Award for SEN Coordination.  I became a Staff Governor in May 2019.  The future of the School is something I am very committed to and feel very positive about.  

 

Lisa Ayers

I joined the Governing Body in 2021 as a parent governor. My eldest son is in Year 1 and my youngest will be starting at the school in 4 years time. Having trained as a Consultant Clinical Scientist in the NHS, I now work for Health Education England as a Training Programme Director and an Associate Dean supporting healthcare science trainees. I have a keen interest in education and I am very much looking forward to learning more about the school.

 

Sue Huntley

I joined the governing body in January 2023. I moved with my husband to Stadhampton in 2021 and was keen to get involved in village life. I have a background in education and am passionate about ensuring a school provides an environment which enables all pupils to learn, develop and prosper. I was a headteacher in a primary school for 16 years and following retirement became a governor at a school in Buckinghamshire. It seemed appropriate then that I looked to support the local school. I enjoy watching sport in particular football and cricket, exploring the Oxfordshire countryside and spending time with our grandchildren.

 

Francine Gregory

I joined the governing body in 2023 as a community governor.  I’ve lived locally, in Chalgrove, since 2000, and very much enjoy living here.  I’m a qualified Human Resources specialist, working in HR for various organisations before moving into consulting. I’ve helped a wide range of businesses improve their HR and broader operations and I very much hope that the business and consulting skills I’ve gained will be useful in supporting Stadhampton School.  I’m looking forward to joining the team, understanding the school and getting involved.

 

Geoff Earnshaw

I joined the governing body in 2023 as a Parent Governor. I have lived in Great Milton since 2020 and am currently a stay at home parent having previously worked as a doctor for many years. I ran a practice in the City of London which focussed on supporting those with health issues stay in work or rehabilitate back to work. I advised some of the UK’s largest companies on how to support adults with physical and mental health conditions, neurodiversity and stress related disorders. We chose Stadhampton school based on its ethos of being a small school with big ambitions and I hope to support the school by becoming involved as a governor. 

 

What does the governing body do?  

 

Recent legislation has widened the responsibilities of school governors, but broadly governing bodies oversee the work of the school and make sure it provides a good quality education for its pupils.  Working in partnership with the head and other staff, governors are involved in: 

• setting up a strategic framework for the school
• setting its aims and objectives  
• reviewing progress and reviewing the strategic framework in the light of progress  
• setting policies
• improving standards of teaching and achievement
• setting the school's budget plan and monitoring expenditure  
• interviewing and appointing teachers and support staff
• appraising the headteacher and ensuring staff are meeting the appropriate teacher standards
• acting as a link between the local community and the school
• dealing with complaints about the school
• drawing up an action plan after an inspection, and monitoring the success of the plan.    

The governing body is a “critical friend” to the head teacher and provides advice and support. 

 

The head teacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school; and for advising on and implementing the governing body’s strategic framework.

 

In particular, head teachers:

• formulate aims and objectives, policies and targets for the governing body to consider adopting
• report to the governing body on progress at least once every school year.  

 

The governing body is responsible for establishing a performance management policy for effective school teacher appraisal.  

 

The governing body is responsible for performing the head teacher’s appraisal together with an education professional.

To contact the Governors, please email:

 

Governors.2455@stadhampton.oxon.sch.uk or email the office at office.2455@stadhampton.oxon.sch.uk and we will pass on a message.