St Mary's Catholic Primary School
Meet the Governors
Welcome to our Governors Page
Governors’ information and duties
Welcome to the section of the website where you can find out more about the school’s governors and the work that we do.
The role of the school governor carries a great responsibility with it, so it can be demanding and challenging, but on the whole it is very rewarding. School governing bodies are responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a good quality education. Together with the Head Teacher and Deputy Head Teacher, who are responsible for day-to-day management, they set the school’s aims and policies.
Key roles of Governors:
- To ensure clarity of the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction.
- To hold the SLT to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
- To oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent.
Role of the Finance Committee
The Finance Committee meets regularly to ensure the school’s finances are well managed and that we are achieving value for money.
Finance Committee Meetings are attended by the Headteacher who initially circulates the Agenda for the meeting, which Governors on the committee can add to. At the meetings, the Governors request that the Headteacher provides detailed information on the current budget position and highlights areas for discussion.
The committee provides challenge and support to achieve overall effectiveness in its responsibilities for the financial position of the school. It feeds back to the full Governing Body at its twice termly meetings.
The Finance Committee complies with the core responsibilities and strategic planning as set out in the ‘Governors External Review’ and is working on the action point regarding PPG performance.
Governors also fulfil a number of other important duties, which include
- Making sure the school buildings and grounds are safe
- Setting and monitoring the school’s aims and objectives
- Setting standards for the pupils’ behaviour and discipline
- Ensuring policies are relevant and up-to-date
- Deciding how to spend the school’s budget
- The appointing and dismissing of staff
- Hearing appeals and grievances
Who can be a school governor?
You do not have to have children at the school in order to be a governor. However, you do need to be aged over 18 and pass a formal check (DBS) for your suitability to enable you to come into our school.
No specific qualifications are required but there are certain expectations which are set out in the governor’s code of conduct. Similarly, experience of working in a school can be helpful in your role as a school governor but not essential. What really matters to us is that you have the time to commit fully to the role of the governor, playing a proactive part while working as part of a team, and the passion to ensure that every child has the opportunity to realise their potential and be the best they can be. As a school governor, there is no greater achievement than bringing about school improvement to ensure the best possible education for our children. What better way is there of giving something back to your community.
If you feel you have what it takes to be a school governor, or would like more information about becoming a school governor, then please speak to Mrs Dyer in the school office or email our Chair of governors: m.featherstone@stmarys-harrington.cumbria.sch.uk
Our Governors
|
NAME |
ROLES & RESPONSIBILITIES |
APPOINTED BY |
LAST DATE OF APPOINTMENT |
|
FOUNDATION GOVERNOR Marc Featherstone (CHAIR OF GOVERNORS) |
Finance, Wellbeing, Pupil Discipline and Appeals panels. |
Appointed by GB/board |
October 2024 |
|
FOUNDATION GOVERNOR EDDIE BYRNE (VICE CHAIR)
|
RE Curriculum and Worship, Pupil Discipline and Performance Management panels. |
Appointed by GB/board |
July 2025 |
|
FOUNDATION GOVERNOR
|
|
|
|
|
PARENT GOVERNOR Joanne Foggo |
Pupil Premium |
Appointed by GB/board |
September 2024 |
|
FOUNDATION GOVERNOR
|
|
Appointed by GB/Board |
|
|
PARENT GOVERNOR STEPHEN BARBER |
Health and Safety, Link Governor and Performance Management.
|
Appointed by GB/board |
January 2022 |
|
FOUNDATION GOVERNOR Joanne Clark |
Appeals – Performance Management Appeals – Pupil Discipline |
Appointed by GB/board |
December 2023 |
|
FOUNDATION GOVERNOR MICHAEL JARDINE |
Health and Safety and Finance |
Appointed by GB |
February 2023 |
|
TEACHER GOVERNOR Claire Davidson (DEPUTY HEADTEACHER) |
EYFS |
Appointed by GB |
September 2024 |
|
LEA GOVERNOR Denise Rollo |
|
Appointed by LA |
May 2024 |
| PARENT GOVERNOR |
Governor Attendance 2023-2024
We have provided an Annual Statement of Issues for your information.
What do we do?
You might think that being a school governor is all about attending lots of meetings and completing lots of paperwork but this definitely isn't the case.
The main role of the Governing Body is to help raise the standards and performance of the school by supporting the work of the Senior Leadership Team and staff. We work very closely with the SLT and the rest of the staff to provide support, but we also challenge and ask questions to ensure that the best possible decisions are made for the school and its pupils. We do not become involved in the day to day management of the school because this is the SLT’s responsibility but we do hold them to account for the performance of the school.
How do we do this?
We meet as a full Governing Body twice a term to consider a wide range of issues including school improvement, policies and finances. We have also established a number of committees which allow us to discuss issues in more depth and report back to the full Governing Body. Our committees are:
- Staffing &Finance
- Appraisal
- Safeguarding & Health and Safety
Committees also meet once a term and all governors sit on at least one committee. We also carry out monitoring visits to help us understand and appreciate the work of the school. Sometimes these are learning walks around the building to develop our own knowledge and on other occasions they are focused on a particular aspect of the school's performance and involve discussions with staff and pupils. We do not make judgements about the quality of teaching or the progress of individual pupils because that is the responsibility of the SLT. We also attend training to assist us in carrying out our duties effectively
Who are we?
Our governors come from many different backgrounds but we all have one thing in common: we are passionate about St Mary’s Catholic Primary School and dedicated to ensuring that our pupils have the best education possible. We all bring different skills and experiences but we work well together in the best interests of the school. The normal term of office for governors is four years, although sometimes governors are reappointed for further terms if they wish.
Parent Governors:
Parent governors are elected by other parents of pupils registered at the school. They should be parents of pupils currently at the school but they may serve out their term of office if their child leaves. Parents who are also members of staff are not eligible to be parent governors.
Local Authority Governors:
Local Authority governors are appointed by the local authority which maintains the school, in our case this is Cumbria. Sometimes potential authority governors approach Cumbria LA and ask to be allocated to a particular Governing Body but, in practice, such governors are usually recommended by ourselves and then approved by the LA.
Foundation Governors:
Foundation governors are appointed by the Bishop of Lancaster to represent the religious ethos of the school.
Teacher Governors:
The head teachers of a school automatically becomes a governor at the time of appointment unless they inform the Governing Body that they do not want to be a member. Our head teachers are governors and this ensures a really productive working relationship. Another staff member is elected by and from the whole teaching and non-teaching staff. Staff governors may not continue to be governors if they cease to be employed by us.
Meet our Governors
Headteacher
Mrs D Douglas
I began my teaching career at St Gregory’s in Workington and after having my daughter, decided to move schools and came to work here at St Mary’s. I am now delighted to be leading St Mary’s, as Headteacher, and I will strive to create the best education for your child/children whilst they are members of our school family. Being a governor gives me the opportunity to work collaboratively with an experienced group of individuals, to ensure that every single child achieves their potential in a caring, nurturing and safe environment. The high expectations we set for our children and staff are underpinned by the Gospel values of respect, justice, honesty and love. I look forward to moving the school forward in this journey.
Chair of Governors
Mr M Featherstone
As Chair of Governors and a parent of two children currently attending St Mary's, I am proud to support our school in its mission to love one another by showing respect and caring for each other. I believe that every child is special to God, and I am committed to helping create an environment where all pupils are encouraged to try their best, take pride in themselves, and grow in faith and learning.
I work closely with the Headteacher and fellow governors to ensure that our decisions reflect the values of our Catholic community and support the spiritual, academic, and personal development of every child. It is a privilege to serve a school where kindness, respect, and a love of learning are at the heart of everything we do.
Vice Chairperson
Mr E Byrne
I have been a Foundation Governor since 1999. I am an Analytical Chemist and take a keen interest in the teaching of Science. I am a STEM science ambassador, a role which involves visiting schools and using various projects and lessons to encourage interest in the sciences. I currently have roles involving Health and Safety, and the Catholic Life of St Mary's. All three of my children attended St Mary’s school and I still continue to find the school a very welcoming school with a strong Christian ethos. Outside of work and school my hobbies include fell walking, DIY and photography – and occasionally cycling.
Mr M Jardine
Mrs J Clark
My name is Joanne, and I'm a foundation governor. I became a governor in December 2023.
Both of my children are in the school and are extremely happy.
I feel extremely privileged have been given this opportunity to serve the school as a foundation governor and I look forward in supporting my fellow governors, our head teacher and staff in promoting the Catholic faith and ethos of the school, whilst also encouraging the safeguarding of the children.
Mrs J Foggo
I am a Parent Governor, and have been part of the team for one year now. It has been an enormous learning curve. I help to govern PE, Early Years and English. I love coming into school to talk with the children, staff and help out if an extra pair of hands are needed.
Stephen Barber
I have been a Parent Governor since the start of 2019. Currently my youngest son attends the school. He really enjoys going to school there and has been made to feel very welcome. Being a parent governor is important to me because I am interested in the schools future not only for my own sons but for the community and future pupils. It is a great school and I want to see it succeed in the future.
Mrs C Davidson
Hello, I'm Claire Davidson, the Year 2 teacher and Deputy Head at St Mary’s. I’ve been part of this wonderful school community for some years, and I’m passionate about creating a nurturing, inspiring environment where every child feels valued and encouraged to reach their full potential. As both a teacher and a governor, my aim is always to do the very best for our children – supporting their learning, wellbeing and wider development. It’s a privilege to help shape their journey here at St Mary’s.
Mrs D Rollo
Clerk to the Governors
Mrs K Weston
C/O St Mary’s Catholic Primary School
Holden Road
Harrington
Workington
Cumbria
CA14 5LN
k.weston@stmarys-harrington.cumbria.sch.uk
Governor Attendance
Attendance calculated for both on site meetings as well as meeting via Zoom due to the Covid 19 Pandemic.
Attendance Record 2023-2024
| Name | 26.09.23 | 17.10.23 | 12.12.23 | 08.01.24 | 15.01.24 | 06.02.24 | 19.03.24 | 21.05.24 | 09.07.24 |
| Danielle Douglas | ü | ü | ü | ||||||
| Paul Glaister | ü | ü | ü | ||||||
| Antonella Fulton | ü | ü | x | ||||||
| Eddie Byrne | ü | ü | ü | ||||||
| Natalie Key | x | ü | x | ||||||
| Stephen Barber | ü | x | ü | ||||||
| Michael Jardine | ü | ü | x | ||||||
| Jackie Denny | x | x | ü | ||||||
| Wendy Lightfoot | x | ü | ü | ||||||
| Caroline Sloan | x | x | ü | ||||||
| Marc Featherstone | ü | ü | ü | ||||||
| Joanne Clark | - | - | ü |
Attendance 2022-2023
|
S SLACK |
EXEC HEAD |
100% |
|
C NEWLAND |
HEAD OF SCHOOL |
100% |
|
G DUNCAN |
CHAIR |
100% |
|
E BYRNE |
VICE CHAIR |
100% |
|
N STRAUGHTON |
100% |
|
|
S BARBER |
100% |
|
|
A LITTLE |
100% |
|
|
M FEATHERSTONE |
100% |
Attendance 2021-2022
Attendance calculated for both on site meetings as well as meeting via Zoom due to the Covid 19 Pandemic.
|
S SLACK |
EXEC HEAD |
100% |
|
C NEWLAND |
HEAD OF SCHOOL |
100% |
|
G DUNCAN |
CHAIR |
100% |
|
E BYRNE |
VICE CHAIR |
100% |
|
I DENNY |
50% |
|
|
N STRAUGHTON |
100% |
|
|
S BARBER |
100% |
|
|
A LITTLE |
100% |
|
|
M FEATHERSTONE |
100% |
Attendance 2020-2021 |
Percentage |
|
S Slack |
100% |
|
C Newland |
100% |
|
G Duncan |
100% |
|
E Byrne |
100% |
|
N Straughton |
80% |
|
S Barber |
100% |
|
I Denny |
100% |
|
Fr Paul Harrison |
50% |
|
M Holmes |
100% |
Attendance calculated for both on site meetings as well as meeting via Zoom due to the Covid 19 Pandemic.
Attendance 2019-2020 |
Percentage |
|
SHERYL SLACK |
100% |
|
CAROLYN NEWLAND |
100% |
|
GEMMA DUNCAN (CHAIR OF GOVERNORS) |
100% |
|
EDDIE BYRNE (VICE CHAIR) |
80% |
|
IAIN DENNY |
100% |
|
MARGARET HOLMES |
100% |
|
NATALIE JO STRAUGHTON |
100% |
|
FR PAUL HARRISON |
60% |
|
STEPHEN BARBER |
100% |
Further to Governing Body Additional Meeting on 25/04/2017 - Below are the links to the recommended documents from Joanne Magnay and Sue Leigh.
Attendance 2023-2024
Attendance to date: 2021-2022
Further to Governing Body Additional Meeting on 25/04/2017 - Below are the links to the recommended documents from Joanne Magnay and Sue Leigh.