Our Local Governing Body
Membership
Meet the Local Governing Body
Welcome to the governor page of Moat Farm Infant School website.
I hope the information below provides an overview of our roles and responsibilities to the children and to the parents, staff and to the school overall. If you would like any further information or would like to contact me, please do so by contacting the school office on 0121 552 1885 or send me a letter to Moat Farm Infant School, Brookfields Road, Oldbury, B68 9QR and I will get back to you as soon as I can.
My Contact details are:
Beverley Leese
Moat Farm Infant School
Brookfields Road
Oldbury
B68 9QR
0121 552 1885
Beverley Leese – Chair of Governors (Co-opted Governor)
Who am I?
My name is Beverley Leese and I am retired. I have been a Governor at Moat Farm Infant School since 2021.
My Background
I have lived in Sandwell since 1985 but I am originally from Stoke-on-Trent. Before my retirement in 2021 I was a primary school teacher and worked at Moat Farm Infants for 26 years as: a class teacher, SENCO and LSA.
Why do I like being a governor?
I like being a Governor at Moat Farm Infant and Nursery School as it allows me the opportunity to continue to be part of a school where everyone works towards ensuring that all pupils have a safe, secure enjoyable learning environment to begin their educational journey.
My life and work experiences have equipped me to be able to participate in the governance of MFI with confidence, knowledge and care.
Jackie L’Herroux – Vice Chair of Governors (Co-opted Governor)
Who am I?
My name is Jackie L’Herroux and I am retired. I have been a Governor at Moat Farm Infant School since 2018.
My Background
Until recently I lived in Sandwell. I was brought up here, educated here, worked here. Before my retirement in 2020 I worked in education and visited Moat Farm Infants many times. I have two children and four grandchildren.
Why do I like being a governor?
I like being a Governor at Moat Farm Infants because it allows me the opportunity to be part of a school where everyone works towards ensuring that the pupils here have a safe, secure and an enjoyable start to their education.
Experiences throughout my life mean that I can participate in the governance of MFI with confidence, knowledge and care.
Alice Hopkins – Co-opted Governor
Who am I?
My name is Mrs Hopkins. I am a class teacher and the maths lead here at Moat Farm Infant School.
My Background
I have lived in the West Midlands all my life and from a very early age always knew I wanted to work in education and become a teacher. I followed my dreams and trained at the University of Wolverhampton. I qualified in 2015 and have been a teacher at Moat Farm infant school since September that year. Well… the rest is history! I love my job and the school. At home I spend a lot of time with my friends and family, going out for meals or relaxing at home with a good film or TV series.
Why do I like being a governor?
Here at Moat Farm Infant School I work with amazing children and staff, but being a Governor enables me to get a broader view of how my school works from different perspectives. I can see and understand what drives key decisions which affect our whole school community. As a member of staff, I am well placed to understand staff views and am in a good position to help the governing body communicate effectively with staff. I am honoured to be a staff governor at Moat Farm Infant School and have the opportunity to make a difference, not only for children in the school now, but for the future of our school and children in years to come.
Lara Stone – Co-opted Governor
Who am I?
My name is Lara Stone and I have been a governor at Moat Farm Infants since 2019.
My Background
I have worked in education since leaving university and moved to the Midlands in 2010. I have four children and enjoy reading in my spare time.
Why do I like being a governor?
I have worked in Sandwell for many years, and I like the wider links with the community that the governor role provides. It is also a joy and privilege to be part of Moat Farm Infants. We are a wonderful school!
Carol Wheeler – Co-opted Governor
Who am I?
My name is Mrs Carol Wheeler, and I am recently retired from my role as Deputy Head Teacher at Moat Farm Infant School. I have since become a member of the Local Governing Body. In 2023 I became a grandmother to my wonderful granddaughter, and my second grandchild is due in 2024! I spend most of my spare time with my granddaughter whom I adore. I also enjoy going on country walks with my dog Ralfie and travelling with my husband.
My Background
I grew up in the West Midlands and initially trained as a Hairdresser. After having my two daughters, my family moved to Hong Kong where we lived for six years. During my time in Hong Kong, I worked as a Teaching Assistant in an International primary school where I developed my love for teaching. When I returned to the UK, I went to the University of Worcester to complete my teacher training. I joined Moat Farm Infant School as a class teacher in 2009 and remained there until my retirement in 2023.I will always have very fond memories of my time at Moat Farm Infant School, especially the children I taught and the supportive team I worked within.
Why do I like being a governor?
I like being a governor because although I am now retired, I still want to ensure the very best for all pupils at Moat Farm Infant School. I share the school’s vision and I truly understand how hard the staff work to ensure every child makes good progress, stays safe and enjoys school.
Fern Baker – Staff Governor
Who am I?
I am Mrs Baker; I am the Manager of Lavender Farm Nursery and a new member of the Local Governing body.
My Background
When I left school 16 years ago, I began an apprenticeship at Lavender Farm Nursery and have been here ever since! Along the way, I have studied Early Years at University and gained the opportunity to work with the children and families in the local community and share some wonderful experiences with them too. I have recently been appointed as the Nursery Manager and I am so excited to begin this new chapter at Lavender Farm. When I am not at nursery, I love keeping busy at home with my two young children and husband.
Why do I like being a Governor?
I am new to the Local Governing body. I am excited to represent Lavender Farm Nursery and share with the governors some of the amazing things that the children, staff and families do. I am also looking forward to learning the different aspects of the Managers role and being able to look at Lavender Farm from a governor’s perspective.
Our role as a Local Governing Body
What does the Local Governing Body do?
Each school has a Local Governing Body, which consists of representatives from parents, school staff and the local community. The Local Governing Body monitor the work of the school staff and the local community. Governors monitor the work of the school by attending meetings, receiving reports, asking challenging questions and visiting school to see it in action. This enables the Local Governing Body to fulfil its role as ‘Critical friend’ to the school.
How do we work?
The Local Governing Body works in partnership with the Head Teacher as she is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school. Being a school governor means being part of a team that includes the Head teacher.
The Local governing body meets 6 times across the year. There are governors that link with a particular area of responsibility.
The power to make decisions or take actions belongs to the Local Governing Body as a whole, no individual governor has the power to make decisions or take action.
How are governors chosen?
There are several types of school governor:-
- Parent governor: are elected by parents of the children at the school or they may be appointed by the Governing Body if no one stands for election.
- Community governor: are local people appointed by the Governing Body.
- Staff governors: are elected by staff at the school and include both teaching and support staff.
- The Head Teacher: is a governor at their own school by right.
What qualifications do governors need?
No particular qualifications or experience are needed. The most important qualities for any governor are to be interested in the welfare of the children and the school and to be prepared to give their time and effort when required. Governors are not expected to be experts in education, indeed many governors start by bringing skills relating to the commercial world and learn about the educational side as they go.
Realistically, how much time would be needed to do the work of a governor properly?
The time commitment is not usually excessive, though the responsibilities of a school governor can be considerable. The list below suggests a typical work load:
- Reading of agenda and other papers for meetings
- Emailing any questions to Head teacher prior to the meetings.
- 6 governing body meetings across the year
- At least 1 visit per term during the day to take part in monitoring.
- Possible involvement with staff selection and pupil exclusion reviews.
- At least 1 training session per year.
Are governors vetted before appointment?
There are legal restrictions which prevent some people from becoming school governors. Most of these relate to criminal offences resulting in imprisonment or child protection issues. If someone is appointed as a governor, there will be a confidential record check (DBS check) by the school to ensure that they are not covered by the restrictions. We will also seek references and certain other checks.
Do governors get paid?
No. They can be considered to be the largest volunteer workforce in the country and are not paid for the time spent on governors activities.
What about time off work to be a governor?
The Law says that an employer must give an employee ‘reasonable’ time off work for governor business, but pay is at the employer’s discretion. Many employers actively encourage their people to become governors because it provides new experience and skills which are useful in many jobs.
How long do governors serve?
Most governors are elected or appointed for four years. However, if they move away or have to resign mid-term, that is not a problem, so although you should think of it as a 4 year role you should not worry if you have to leave sooner.
