Governing Body – Aston Lodge Primary School

Governing Body

Welcome from the Chair of Governors

On behalf of the Governing body, I am delighted to welcome you to Aston Lodge Primary School.

I am extremely proud to be Chair of Governors at an ambitious and improving 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, teachers and all staff 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 the local community. We have a variety of different skills.

We try and visit school as often as possible to see for ourselves how well the school is functioning. Although, the last year has been very challenging due to school closures we have been kept fully updated and involved wherever possible and are extremely proud of how the school have managed the pandemic.

If you would like to contact me please speak to the headteacher or school office and they will give you my details. As parents and carers, you are at the heart 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 be 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.

Steve Watson – Chair of Governors

Contact the Chair of Governors

To get in touch with Steve Watson, Chair of Governors, please email swatson-gov@astonlodgeprimary.org.

Governors

Steve Watson

Chair of Governors

I was pleased to join the Aston Lodge governors early in 2021, and extremely honoured to now chair the local governing body. It’s been a challenging few years for children, parents and teachers. I have 2 children in the school, and I’m more than aware of the stresses and strains we have all felt as parents throughout the pandemic, and as we are now back to ‘normality’. I know as parents we are all grateful to each one of our teachers who have worked so hard to support and educate our children through the last few years. Most of all, we’re proud of the children who have shown how resilient they are.

I have worked in the charity sector for most of my career in Sheffield, Rotherham, Bradford, and Liverpool. I am now Chief Operating Officer for a large charity working across the North of England, and am responsible for around 150 staff, and the support of over 1000 clients. I am passionate about excellence mixed with care, and I know this is a passion of the Head Teacher and all the staff at Aston Lodge too. In my free time, I enjoy running, cycling, BBQ-ing, and am chair of trustees for a small national charity.

Bethany Timms

Teaching Staff Governor

As a Teacher, I have witnessed first-hand the importance of providing all young people with high-quality teaching and learning experiences in a safe and supportive environment. Likewise, I have come to understand just how important community involvement—not just by parents and teachers, but by individuals and groups from a range of backgrounds—is in providing this. I am passionate about education and the transformative role it can play in the lives of individuals, families and communities, and I am committed to supporting Aston Lodge Primary in providing the best possible opportunities and in achieving the best possible outcomes for its pupils.

Joanne Tibbs

Parent Governor

I have been a primary school teacher for 14 years, teaching in 2 very different schools across Sheffield. This has enabled me to develop a good understanding of the practicalities of school life and the challenges that face both children and teachers, however until now I have never had the chance to support the decision making that goes on at a higher level, for example as part of a governing body. Now that my son has started school I am seeing the whole schooling experience through the eyes of a parent and it has given me a fresh perspective. Aston Lodge Primary School holds a particular significance to me because it is the same primary school that I attended as a child and I am eager to play a role in helping it to evolve and deliver the same happy, joyful memories to my son that I had as a child. I hope to be able to support the leadership team and teachers to continue to deliver an outstanding curriculum to all children.

Luise Stabell

Vice-Chair of Governors

My name is Luise Stabell and I am relatively new to the Governing board here at Aston Lodge. My current professional role is Head of Procurement for a company in Buxton which import, cut and pack and sell cheese to the majority of the retailers and wholesalers. This is a new challenge for me and I hope my skill-set and experience from a business perspective will be valuable to the board here at Aston Lodge. I am sure with the right blend of skills and experience in the board that the strategic direction that has been set can bring the best possible outcome for pupils and take the school to the next level

I look forward to be working closely with the current leadership of the school in my new role as governor and my objective is to give Mrs. Cronin the support that she and her staff need to enable them to achieve the priorities that have been set and agreed as the school continue growing lifelong learners.

When I do have free time I enjoy socialising with friends and family, I try to get out 3 time a week for a run to clear my mind and love to travel abroad with my partner.

Sulena Ellinger

Support Staff Governor

Over the last 14 years, I have worked in both secondary and primary schools in Rotherham and Sheffield. I have been at Aston Lodge Primary since April 2019 after being in my previous role for 9 years at a secondary school also in the trust.
Working at Aston Lodge has provided me with a different insight into how other schools within the trust are run and I am thoroughly enjoying my time here. The school has vastly improved over the last almost two years with new leadership, this has had a great impact on teaching and learning.

When I do have free time I enjoy spending this at my caravan in the Lincolnshire countryside along with my family and my golden labrador “Hooper”.

What does the Governing Body do?

The work of the Governing Body is carried out for one purpose only: to give the children the best possible start in their school life, by providing the finest 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 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 position of school governor is a voluntary one, but it demands a high level of commitment, both in time and responsibility, as the decisions made directly affect the children.

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!