Our Governing Body
What is it?
All schools in England are required to have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions made by the school. The head teacher is responsible for the day to day running of the school and the governors are involved with things such as staffing, curriculum, school buildings and finance.
Who are we?
The Governing Body consists of:
A term of office for a school governor is 4 years, with the Chair and Vice-Chair being elected annually at the first meeting of the academic year.
Our Chair of governors is Paul Stratford, who can be contacted via the school office or directly by emailing chair@aldermanpayne.cambs.sch.uk
The governing body at Alderman Payne is currently:
Mr. Paul Stratford. Chair of Governors
"I was a teacher for nearly 30 years, becoming Vice-Principal at Neale-Wade Community College, but left the profession in September 2012. I now have a part-time role with Cambridgeshire County Council as an educational ICT consultant. I moved to Murrow in 2015 and you may have seen me running around Murrow and Parson Drove trying to keep fit.
I want to be a governor as I feel that I have an understanding of schools and the way in which the education system operates. It was important for me to become a governor of a school close to home as I want to support a local school to improve the life chances of the children in the community in which I live."
Mr. Derek O’Sullivan. Vice-Chair
"I started as a Co-opted governor at the Peel Community College in Long Sutton whilst my son was attending. It seemed right to give back some of my time to try to make sure that children have the best start in life as they can.
I was then asked if I would come along as an associate member of the Governors at Alderman Payne to give a little more experience. Subsequently I became a full Co-opted Governor.
This allows me to see children's progress through their school lives. From reception to Yr 6, transition to Yr 7 and senior school, with its challenges through to Yr 11, it is worth the effort to see the progress of all children of all abilities. Being a Governor if for one purpose: making sure that every child matters.
Ms. Sue Blyth. Head Teacher
" I started teaching in 1988 in London and have worked for the London Boroughs of Lewisham, Greenwich and Southwark. I have previously been the Head Teacher of a large inner city multi cultural school. As the Head Teacher of Alderman Payne I value the support and varied experiences that the Governing Body bring to help to run the school."
Mrs. Pat Wahlandt
I have been a member of Alderman Payne’s governing body since June 2017. Previously I held various teaching posts within the school and when I retired I became chair of Governors .I held this post for a couple of years but then decided to step down , only to return last year when I was invited to the opening of the library bus . I realised that I had missed the interaction with pupils and staff, plus the exciting atmosphere in school.
Having been involved in Special Education during my teaching career , both as a class teacher and then as an Education Officer , part of my role on the governing body is concerned with the Special Needs within school. I support our Special Needs Co-ordinator and keep our governors aware of developments within this area in school.
Mr. Colin Killingworth
“I had 37 years working for the Post Office and was an official representative of the CWU (Communication Workers Union) for the Royal Mail. I represented the drivers in their duty changes. I bring these skill with me to my role as governor.
Being a school governor gives me the opportunity to support the staff and children in different ways on their journey from reception to year 6.”
Mr Gavin Booth
I have 20 year experience working in the financial services industry in compliance, risk and project management roles. I believe the skills I have attained will assist in undertaking the school governor role and being a "critical friend". I have also extensive experience in the voluntary and local governance sector. This work has brought me into regular contact with the school through various projects such as the safer routes to school traffic calming measures to providing advice and guidance on grant funding sources such as John Bends United Charity. I have also worked with the school on a regular basis through Parson Drove Street Pride.
Ms. Gemma Turner
“I wanted to become a parent governor to take a more active role in supporting the school and the Head-teacher. Since joining in October 2012 I have been on various courses such as Safeguarding, Health and Safety, Finance and Evaluation Effectiveness. Having a background in education I really enjoy being part of a governing body that strives to improve the school for the good of the children.”
Christine Killingworth
"I have been married to Colin (caretaker) for forty seven years, we have three grown up children and five grandchildren who keep us very busy. Laura our youngest is a TA at the School.
I went to Alderman Payne School as did my parents before me, we are now on our forth generation at the school.
When I left school I worked in a garage in Wisbech for 12 years. After I had the children I went to work in a garden nursery for twenty years until I retired.
Following my retirement I continued to work with the school in various capacities.
The interests of the children are very close to my heart. I feel as a governor I can continue to help enhance their learning.
I am also a Parish Councilor which I enjoy very much."
Alex Craig
Parent Governor
"I am a parent to two children one in reception class. I am married to Steven Craig and we are both teachers in a large secondary school. Steve is Head of House and I am Deputy Headteacher. I have worked at the school since 2005 and my responsibilities include the curriculum attainment, assessment and departmental/House line management. The school recently became part of a Multi Trust Academy with four feeder Primary Schools and therefore I am now working with each primary's attainment lead to share good practice and identify and address common targets such as reducing the disadvantaged gap. My son has had a fantastic start at Alderman Payne and I am looking forward to the opportunity to contribute and support the school further."
Dale Pike
Parent Governor
I am a mum to two children, one in year 2 and one who will hopefully join the school in September. I think it is very important for all students and teachers that the school runs smoothly with the best interests of the students at its heart. I believe in a holistic approach and that students and teachers can't work at their best if the right things aren't in place.
I am a Paramedic who works nights a week.
Wendy Willis
"I am a Chartered Accountant, business owner and mother of 5. I volunteered to become a parent governor as I felt that my financial experience may be of benefit to the school. I also wanted to get an insight into how the school operated and how the strategic decisions were made. Having 2 children in the school at present and having 3 that will be in the school in future years has encouraged me to take an interest in the decisions and strategies that will affect the future of the school. I am driven to see the school fulfill its full potential and hope that I can partly achieve this by being a school governor."
Sharon Bingham
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