Governors
WHO ARE OUR GOVERNORS?
The Governors are unpaid volunteers who are all motivated to make a positive contribution to the education of Sebert Wood children. Our Governors are drawn from a wide variety of backgrounds. Some are parents of children in the school, some live in neighbouring houses, others work in the local business community or are appointed by the local authority. There is always at least one staff governor. Our current Governors are as listed below:-
Chair of Governors: Mr Jamie Gaskin
Vice Chair of Governors: TBC
Named Safeguarding Governor: Mrs Michelle West
Headteacher: Mr James Tottie
Mrs Gemma Arrow - Parent Governor - Term of Office End Date 8.11.2026
Gemma has lived in Bury St Edmunds for many years and was in fact one of the first pupils to walk through the doors of Sebert Wood when it first opened! Gemma's two children now attend the school and she feels a very deep-rooted connection to Sebert Wood. As a Primary School teacher herself, Gemma fully understands the challenges that schools are currently facing and feels she can offer her wealth of experience and knowledge to support Sebert Wood to progress and continue to encourage the children's love of learning.
Mr Jamie Gaskin – Chair of Governors – Term of Office End Date 7.06.2025
Jamie has lived in Bury St Edmunds for over 17 years. Jamie has two sons, both having previously attended Sebert Wood. Jamie’s wife Jo is our Early Years Practitioner in Nursery. Jamie works in retail as a company director. Outside of work Jamie enjoys socialising with friends and family.
Miss Georgie Lee - Co-opted Governor - Term of Office End Date 19.10.2027
Ms Sharon Perry - LA Governor - Term of Office End Date 11.06.2027
Mr Carl Poole - Parent Governor - Term of Office End Date 07.05.2028
Mr Stephen Rusanen – Co-opted Governor – Term of Office End Date 24.06.2027
Stephen has lived in and around the Bury area all his life and has two children who both attend Sebert Wood. He works as an IT Manager for an environmental testing laboratory and is passionate about the use of technology to aid learning. In his spare time he teaches children to sail throughout the summer at Lackford Lake.
Mr Myles Turner - Staff Governor – Term of Office End Date 19.10.2027
Mrs Michelle West - Parent Governor - Term of Office End Date 17.5.2026
Michelle has lived in Bury St Edmunds for over 12 years and has a child at Sebert Wood Primary School. She is a Diagnostic Radiographer with over 20 years’ experience in various healthcare settings and currently works for a Private Cancer Care Specialist Centre. Her healthcare experience gives her empathy and understanding which she hopes will support the diversity of the school. In her spare time, she enjoys singing in a local choir, reading and embroidery.
CURRENT GOVERNOR VACANCY
We currently have a vacancy for a Parent Governor and two Co-opted Governors.
what is the role of a governor?]
We view our Governors as our ‘Critical Friends’. They provide us with strategic leadership and accountability. They regularly challenge our decisions and by doing so help us to become as effective as possible.
WHAT DO THE GOVERNORS DO?
Our Governing body carry out a number of important roles including:
- setting the aims and objectives for the school
- setting performance targets for achieving those aims and objectives
- monitoring and evaluating the progress the school is making towards achieving those aims and objectives
- approving school policies
- ensuring all children have access to a broad and balanced curriculum
- balancing the finances and approving expenses
- appointing the headteacher, assessing his/her performance and setting their pay
- assisting in the appointment of members of the teaching staff and agreeing their pay recommendations
- hearing appeals on pupil exclusion
- dealing with staff grievances and disciplinary action
- ensuring compliance with statutory safeguarding requirements
- hearing the second stage of parental complaints
WHAT DO GOVERNORS NOT DO?
Our Governors do not manage the school on a day to day basis. This is the role of the Headteacher and the senior management team. Whilst Governors do visit the school regularly as part of their strategic role, they do not assess the quality of teaching. They monitor this by analysing data provided by the school and external sources (e.g. Ofsted).
They do not monitor individual children’s performance or behaviour. They identify themes and trends by monitoring the progress of groups of children.
Governors do receive feedback from stakeholders, including parents, but only deal with complaints that have not been resolvable directly with the school. All parents are encouraged to approach the school in the first instance.
Governors do not fundraise for the school (although many choose to do so).
HOW OFTEN dO GOVERNORS MEET?
Governors meet regularly and as a full governing body at least once a term. In addition, all Governors sit on various committees that also meet once a term. A budget setting meeting is held once a year.
In between meetings, Governors attend training sessions, carry out school visits, review documents and respond to emails and telephone calls as needs demand. On average the role demands around 10-20 days commitment per year.
how do i contact the governors?
Governors are happy to be approached in person in the playground. More formal approaches can be made by writing to the Chair of Governors. Letters for the Chair of Governors can be left with the school office. Alternatively, Governors can be contacted at the following email address: Governors @sebertwood.co.uk
how do i become a sebert wood governor?
If you are interested in becoming a Governor, please approach the school. Governors are appointed for a four year term. Whilst many Governors sit for more than one term, there are regular vacancies as Governors move, or change their home or working patterns which may prevent them from being able to commit enough time.
Anybody over 18 years of age can apply to become a Governor. No special qualifications are required. All necessary training and support is provided.
The Governors are committed and work hard for the school. However, they also know how to have fun and can often be seen socialising together!
relevant documents
ACADEMIC YEAR 2023-2024 MEETINGS ATTENDANCE
ACADEMIC YEAR 2022-2023 MEETINGS ATTENDANCE
ACADEMIC YEAR 2021-2022 MEETINGS ATTENDANCE