Our Governors

Governor
Jo Belbin Headteacher	I am proud to be serving as Headteacher at Wick Primary School and am currently in my first year in the role. Having worked in education for many years, I am passionate about creating a nurturing, ambitious and inclusive environment where every child can thrive, achieve their potential and develop a lifelong love of learning.
Stuart Telling Chair of Governors
Louise Mattock Parent Governor Vice Chair of Governors	I am a parent and a finance professional with extensive experience in financial management, governance, and strategic planning. I became a governor because I am passionate about ensuring every child can thrive and achieve their potential in a supportive and inclusive environment, and I wanted to give something back to the school community. Outside of work, I enjoy running and spending time with my family.
Christopher Cottrell LA Governor	I became a school governor because I’m passionate about supporting children and young people to have positive, inclusive experiences in education. I have held a variety of roles across education, supporting children and young people with different needs and working closely with schools, families and professionals. I have a particular interest in neurodiversity, SEND and ensuring that children are understood, supported and able to thrive in education.
Zannah Palmer Co-opted Governor
Ellie Karystiani Parent Governor
Beth Stephens Staff Governor	I am the Staff Governor and a Year 6 teacher, with leadership responsibilities in Mathematics, RE and Attendance. I hold the NPQH and am a Maths Specialist Teacher, bringing over 20 years of successful experience in primary education to the governing board.
Elaine Jones Foundation Governor	I am the parish priest for Wick and for churches in the Boyd Valley Benefice. I was ordained in 2010 and have a wide experience of ministry in rural, suburban and inner-city areas. Before entering ministry, I studied psychology both applied and occupational psychology, following which, I worked in social research. As a governor, I want to assist the school in developing and maintaining their Christian distinctiveness and creating an environment in which both the children and staff flourish.
George Burgess Co-opted Governor	My occupation was a lawyer and I retired 15 years ago. I worked for the first few years in London, then worked in Chippenham and Cirencester for the last 40 years. I became a governor to give a little back to my local community. My interests include reading, gardening, golf, and travelling to the Greek island of Paxos, south of Corfu, twice a year. I enjoy watching my grandson play rugby, and I am a long-standing Bath rugby supporter. I am involved with looking after my grandchildren and spending time with them watching racing and other country pursuits, including riding. I love all animals, but principally horses and dogs.
Ffion Rodes Co-opted Governor	I became a governor because I felt it was a worthwhile way to contribute to the school community that my children are part of. I wanted to bring some of the skills and experience I've gained through my career to support the school while gaining a better understanding of the challenges it faces. Most importantly, I wanted to help create the best possible environment for children to learn, grow and thrive. Professionally, I work in the renewable energy sector, and outside work I enjoy boxing, staying active and spending time with my family.

At Wick Primary School the governing body is made up of 12 members plus a clerk. The governing body consists of: 2 parent governors, 1 LA governor, 1 staff governor, 1 headteacher, 3 foundation governors, 4 co-opted governors. These governors represent various groups from within the school and the wider community, including, as we are a church school, Foundation Governors who represent the local Church. Our governors come from various backgrounds (not all education), and bring different skills and experiences to the group.

What do we do?

We meet 6 times a year as a Full Governing Body which also covers all the curriculum, health and safety, finance, personnel and premises issues. We encourage every governor to have one area of expertise and join one school development team. Our governors regularly come into school to understand what we do and to support our staff.

What is our purpose?

1. Strategic Role: working with the senior leadership team within the school, governors agree and recommend areas for improvement and development. We then ensure strategies, policies and procedures are in place to meet these developments. These are then documented in ‘The School Development Plan’.

2. Monitoring & Support: we monitor the performance of the school against the School Development Plan by attending meetings and asking questions, receiving reports and other key documents and by visiting the school. We celebrate the successes of the school.

3. Accountability: as a Full Governing Body we are accountable for the performance of the school and strategic financial responsibility.

What support and training do we receive?

All governors are given a governor induction pack and are welcomed to school by the head teacher, who provides a tour of school and an overview of school priorities.

Governors are provided with a mentor: a more experienced governor who can provide support and information.

South Gloucestershire Council provides a Governor Support Service which provides training (including an induction course) and support to all governors. They also run network meetings where governors can meet colleagues from other schools and exchange ideas and practices. Governors are encouraged to attend at least one training session during the year.

How to become a Governor?

If you are a parent, then at such time that a parent governor vacancy becomes available, you will need to apply to the school. Parent governors usually stand for a period of 4 years, after which time if they want to continue, they must reapply along with any new nominees. If there are more nominees than positions available, a ballot is held and all parents from the school vote.

If you are not a parent, you can approach the school and make it know that you are interested in being a governor, either a community governor or, if you are a member of the church, a foundation governor. When a vacancy arises, we will make contact with you.

If you want to find out more, please speak to a governor, or contact the clerk, Mrs S Abrahams via the school office. Current contact details can be found on the contact page.

Financial Information

Please note that we do not have any employees with a gross annual salary of more than £100,000
Please click here for our school's financial data.