Governing Body
Welcome from the Chair of Governors
On behalf of the Governing body, I am delighted to welcome you to Rawmarsh Ashwood Primary School.
I am extremely proud to be Chair of Governors at such a wonderful school that provides such a caring and positive environment at the heart of the local community.
Governors are appointed to ensure that objectives are met, and that planning is both aspiring and realistic. We are here to support and encourage our Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and all school personnel so that pupils have access to an enriched education and the opportunities they deserve. As Governors, we consider our most important role to be the safety, welfare, and education of our pupils.
Our governors come from a range of backgrounds and include parents / carers, staff, and co-opted members from both the local community. We have a variety of different skills, but we could not do our job without the expertise of our fantastic Head Teacher Mrs Roper, Leadership Team, and all the amazing staff at Ashwood.
We try and visit school as often as possible to see for ourselves how well the school is functioning. We do this by observing lessons, talking to pupils, meeting with staff, and attending school events. If you ever see us in school please do come and say hello, but if you would like to contact me before then please speak to the headteacher or school office. As parents and carers, you are very much part of the whole school community and your opinions and comments are very valuable to us.
We are always looking for new governors, you do not need any specific skills or qualifications just an interest in getting involved, commitment and some spare time to give. You will part of a team that work together and support each other. Please do consider becoming a governor, it is a worthwhile opportunity.
We all want to give your children the best possible chance in life to succeed and I believe with the right commitment from everyone, the governors, the staff and yourselves, we will forge a dynamic partnership that will enable this to happen.
Helen Walker – Chair of Governors
Governors
Contact the Chair of Governors
To get in touch with Helen Walker, Chair of Governors, please email hwalker-gov@ashwoodprimary.org.
Helen Walker
Chair of Governors
I am currently a project manager within the South Yorkshire Futures programme Team at Sheffield Hallam University. South Yorkshire Futures is a partnership committed to improving education and raising aspiration for young people in South Yorkshire – particularly those from disadvantaged backgrounds. The programme, led by Sheffield Hallam University and backed by the Department for Education addresses the educational attainment and wellbeing of learners and aims to develop a dedicated and talented workforce to support them.
I am also a UK Vice-Chair of the Higher Education Liaison Officers Association which is a national organisation which aims to support students make informed decisions when considering studying at Higher Education Level.
It is through my work that I became a school governor, having signed up to the inspiring governance service. My aim is to utilize my skills, experience and passion for learning in working with the governing board and everyone associated with Ashwood into building and maintaining an outstanding school.
Susan Venables
Staff Governor
I love teaching at Rawmarsh Ashwood! When I am not in school I love going for walks with my two children and my dog, Jack. I love music and attend musical theatre classes. As staff Governor I am looking forward to working with the rest of the Governing Body to help support school further.
Jodie Laing
Vice Chair
I left school in 1999 before gaining an NVQ Level 2 in Hairdressing. I then started training to support teenage pregnancy and teenage mums in education, using this education to support teenage parents to get them back in to work and with parenting life. I continued to build my area of expertise with mental health first aid training and counselling, working with the local authority to help safeguard and keep children safe.
Watching my 2 younger children grow up with additional needs (ASD and GDD) and start their journey through education has been a real eye opener. I have gained many extra skills and an understanding of how the world can be seen in a different way. I have a qualification in behaviour that is challenging, Level 2 Safeguarding and a Diploma in Autism and SEN. I also have a qualification in speech and language, and other qualifications around children with additional needs.
I am hoping to put my knowledge and skills to good use as Governor of Rawmarsh Ashwood, supporting the students at Rawmarsh to be the best that they can be.
Jamie Muntus
Governor
My hope is that I can have a guiding influence on the development, learning and inspiration of young people who pass through this school.
I am looking forward to the challenges of working alongside the rest of the board to maintain Rawmarsh Ashwood’s already high reputation.
What does the Governing Body do?
The work of the Governing Body is carried out for one purpose only and that is to give the children the best possible start in their school life by providing the very best in terms of the education they receive. The Governing Body is made up of the Headteacher, and members of the school community and wider Wickersley Partnership Trust where possible. The position of school governor is a voluntary one, but it demands a high level of commitment, both in time but also responsibility as the decisions made directly affect the children.
The Governors work closely with the Headteacher and meet regularly. Decisions are democratic, with all governors being given as much information as possible to aid them in that decision-making process, ensuring lively often lengthy and healthy discussions prior to decision making. Their work is focused around teaching and learning and in ensuring the school is offering the best possible values for its pupils.
The Governors have legal duties, powers and responsibilities, they can only act together, they cannot act as individuals.
Governors are appointed to help:
- Decide what is
- Set standards of
- Agree targets for continual school
- Interview and select
- Monitor and engage with teaching and learning
School Governors can be:
- Parents
- WPT members
- Community
Become a School Governor
INSPIRE. CHANGE. DEVELOP.
Wickersley Partnership Trust encompasses 13 schools across Rotherham and Gainsborough. It exists to further the interests of the young people it serves.
Becoming a School Governor can have a positive impact on the young people in your local community and help to drive school improvement. A Local Governing Body plays an integral role in a school’s success; working together with senior school leadership and guiding their strategic direction.
Why not give back and help give children and young people the best start in life, whilst developing your own skills in a way which can benefit your career. We like to think of it as a win-win situation!
