Governors
Contacting the Governing Board
If you want to contact the Governing Board, you can do so by emailing the Chair on: chair@whitwell.derbyshire.sch.uk
or the Clerk on: clerkgov@whitwell.derbyshire.sch.uk
The Headteacher and her staff are responsible for the day-to-day management of the school and the implementation and operation of the curriculum and school policies. The Governing Board acts as a 'critical friend' by determining, monitoring and keeping under review the broad policies, plans and procedures within which the school operates. The legal functions of governing bodies are prescribed by the Department for Education. Governors have no legal responsibility to act individually, unless they have been given delegated authority to do so, and must accept collective responsibility for all decisions made by the Governing Board. They are also required to observe confidentiality regarding the proceedings of the Governing Board and will also exercise the greatest prudence if a discussion of a potentially contentious issue affecting the school arises outside governors' meetings.
Annual Governance Statement for the Governing Board 2025/26
In accordance with the Government’s requirement for all governing boards, the three core strategic functions of Whitwell Primary School Governing Board are:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
- Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
Strategic Vision
Whitwell Primary School Governing Board’s vision is that every child attending Whitwell Primary School has full and equal access to learning and holistic development as a young person in a safe, secure and positive environment where they feel valued. As a consequence, they will leave school as a well-rounded individual prepared for the next phase in their life.
Governance Arrangements
The Governing Board of Whitwell Primary School is made up of a maximum of 15 Governors.
- The Headteacher
- One Local Authority appointed Governor (cannot be a member of staff)
- Three Parent Governors elected by the parents (cannot be a member of staff if employed on a contract of 500 hours/year or more)
- One Staff Governor elected by the staff
- Nine Governors Co-opted by the Governing Board
The Board has a programme of meetings throughout the school year, and two committees which focus on School Improvement and Resource Management. All Governing Boards and Committees are supported by a Clerk and School Business Officer as required.
The skills required to contribute to effective governance and the success of the school are knowledge/experience of, or a willingness to undertake training in, human resources, financial and premises management, health and safety, safeguarding and special needs, in addition to matters relating to teaching, learning and pupil attainment.
Strategic Planning for the Future
The Governing Board’s planned priorities mirror those outlined in the School Improvement Plan, thereby ensuring that there are sufficient resources, both human and physical, to provide for the educational needs of the school and the community it serves.
The Work we have done in our Meetings and Other Activities
Below outlines the activities the Board of Governors has completed throughout the year.
- Monitored pupil progress, including disadvantaged pupils
- Monitored progress of the school against the School Improvement Plan
- Assisted the Senior Leadership Team in monitoring the school’s finances
- Taken part in school visits to validate the school’s self-evaluation
- Undertaken regular reviews of policies and procedures
- Assisted the Senior Leadership Team in staff recruitment as required
Whitwell Primary School Governing Board as at 31-August-2026
The term of office for all Governors is four years, except for the Headteacher. The Chair and Vice Chair of the Governing Board each serve a two-year term with their election taking place in alternative years.
| GOVERNOR | ROLE | ELECTED |
|
Geoff Walker |
Chair of Governors (Local Authority) Member of School Improvement Committee Member of Resource Committee |
Governor - 07 July 2025 Chair - 31 August 2025 |
|
Karen Austin |
Deputy Chair of Governors (Co-Opted) Member of School Improvement Committee Member of Resource Committee |
Governor - 30 September 2022 Deputy Chair - 16 July 2026 |
|
Tim Stirling |
Deputy Head Teacher (Co-Opted) Member of School Improvement Committee Member of Resource Committee |
01 April 2023 |
|
Sarah Draycott |
Co-Opted Governor Member of School Improvement Committee Member of Resource Committee |
30 September 2022 |
|
John Bramley |
Co-Opted Governor Member of School Improvement Committee |
27-November 2025 |
|
Charlotte Ellis |
Co-Opted Governor Member of School Improvement Committee |
08 September 2024 |
|
Louise Patterson |
Co-Opted Governor Member of School Improvement Committee |
29 September 2022 |
|
Jeanne Raspin |
Co-Opted Governor Member of School Improvement Committee |
30 September 2022 |
|
Frank Raspin |
Co-Opted Governor Member of School Improvement Committee Member of Resource Committee |
29 September 2022 |
|
Adele Webster |
Co-Opted Governor Member of School Improvement Committee |
18 January 2025 |
|
Claire Shaw |
Parent Governor Member of School Improvement Committee |
02 December 2022 |
|
Sarah Morton |
Parent Governor Member of School Improvement Committee Member of Resource Committee |
08 September 2024 |
|
Karen Sleight |
Staff Governor Member of School Improvement Committee |
28 January 2026 |
|
Sarah Tomlinson |
Headteacher Member of School Improvement Committee Member of Resource Committee |
01 April 2023 |
|
Briony Beedall |
Clerk |
N/A |
|
Sandra Froggatt |
School Business Officer |
N/A |
Governors Attendance at Meetings
A record of governors’ attendance at meetings is kept by the Clerk to the Governing Board, details of which can be found below for the period September 2025 to August 2026.
50% of the current membership must be present at full meetings of the Governing Board to ensure that decisions can be made.
| GOVERNOR | GOVERNORS BOARD MEETINGS | SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT COMMITTEE | RESOURCE COMMITTEE |
|---|---|---|---|
|
Total Held - 6 |
Total Held - 1 |
Total Held - 2 |
|
|
Geoff Walker |
5 |
1 |
2 |
|
Karen Austin |
6 |
1 |
2 |
|
John Bramley |
4 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Sarah Draycott |
6 |
0 |
2 |
|
Charlotte Ellis |
4 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Sarah Morton |
4 |
1 |
2 |
|
Louise Patterson |
4 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Jeanne Raspin |
6 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Frank Raspin |
5 |
0 |
1 |
|
Claire Shaw |
1 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Karen Sleight |
5 |
1 |
N/A |
|
Adele Webster |
4 |
0 |
N/A |
|
Ryan Stacey |
1 |
1 |
0 |
|
Sarah Tomlinson |
6 |
1 |
2 |
|
Tim Stirling |
5 |
1 |
2 |
|
Briony Beedall |
5 |
1 |
1 |
|
Sandra Froggart |
N/A |
N/A |
3 |
|
Overall %age attendance, including support roles |
85% |
44% |
94% |
Since the publication of the Annual Governance Statement on 31–August 2026, Jeanne and Frank Raspin have retired from their roles as governors and new governors, Hannah Matthams and Carly Waterhouse-Boot, have joined the team from 22–September 2026.
Current Whitwell Primary School Governors
Geoff Walker
I have lived in Whitwell most of my life and could not imagine wanting to live anywhere else. I worked in Local Government, most of the time in this area, and was lucky enough to have been supported to become a qualified accountant. I attended Whitwell Junior School myself and want to use the skills I have developed to help the children that attend the school to achieve the best they can.
Sarah Morton
I have lived in Whitwell for most of my life, attending Whitwell Primary School as a child. My daughter has been at school since nursery. I am a First Aid Trainer in my professional life, but I also volunteer for quite a few events and groups within the village, including the Scout and Guide group and village dancing school.
Claire Shaw
I am an experienced nurse, managing a team of community staff members in delivering high-standard evidence-based care. I have recently returned to education as I believe that education is fundamental and should be a constant in everyone's life. As a family, we are involved with the local cricket club, dance clubs and gymnastics, which is another key element to child development.
Karen Austin
After many years living in Whitwell, I was co-opted as a governor in September 2014. Throughout my time in this role I have developed a great appreciation for the work involved in working at and running a school. As a governor, I attend full board and committee meetings and have taken on specific monitoring roles. I endeavour to support the school community in ensuring the best for all pupils.
John Bramley
Charlotte Ellis
Parent of one child in school.
Louise Patterson
I first became a member of the Governing Board as a parent governor in 1996 when our two daughters were pupils at the school. I am also a governor at Heritage Community School, which enables me to contribute the secondary perspective to discussion at governors’ meetings. My occasional work as a supply teacher at the school has given me the opportunity to become part of the school team. I believe that my professional experience, both as a teacher and a denominational inspector for the Church of England, has given me the skills to fulfil the role of a school governor.
Adele Webster
I have lived in Whitwell all my life and love the village. I have been teaching for 27 years. Happily, all that time has been at Whitwell Primary School. I have taught from Year 1 through to Year 6 and am currently teaching in Year 3/4. I have been a governor on two occasions. My specialities are RE, SMSC and Maths, although I also have a passion for History and Art.
Hannah Matthams
Carly Waterhouse-Boot
Tim Stirling
I have worked at Whitwell Primary School since 2010 and in that time, held many different positions. More recently, I have been appointed Deputy Headteacher and in turn co-opted as a governor. I am looking forward to getting to know both roles and I feel complement each other. Outside of school, I am a proud father of two, allotment holder and keen DIYer.
Sarah Draycott
Before I was employed as a teacher at the school, I was a parent governor from November 2004 as my two daughters were pupils at the school. Being part of the school community, not only as a teacher and parent, but also as a governor, is very important to me and is a role that I am happy to fulfil.
Karen Sleight
I started work at the school as a Nursery Nurse in 1988 when the Nursery first opened. After 17 years I went on to train as Learning Mentor and later gained a degree in Early Years. More recently I successfully qualified as a teacher and was appointed full-time teacher at the school in 2012. I joined the Governing Board in October 2002 and have always tried to contribute to debate from a staff perspective.
Sarah Tomlinson
I am delighted to be Headteacher of Whitwell Primary School. I joined the school in 2015 as Deputy Headteacher and am proud to have been part of the Senior Leadership Team, improving standards in English and Maths, teaching Y5/6 and fulfilling all areas of the role. I have been a member of the Governing Board since 2015 and served on the School Improvement Committee and the Resources Committee, as well as attending full board meetings. We work together for the best interests of the children and families of Whitwell!
Briony Beedall
I have lived in the village for seven years, having moved here with my husband, who has lived most of his life here. Previously, I lived in Burnley in Lancashire. I retired in 2024 having worked most of my life as a Project Manager delivering IT-related projects in various sectors. I joined the Governors as the Clerk in 2025.
Sandra Froggatt