Horfield Church Of England Primary School

Governors

Our School’s Governing Body is made up of representatives of the staff, parents, community, Church, and the Local Authority. They are all volunteers who give their time to help the school to provide the best possible education for its pupils.

The Governing Board sets the school’s aims and policies together with the Headteacher. Governors get to know the school by arranging visits during school hours to meet with staff and children to gain a proper understanding of our strengths and where there are areas for development. They access induction and have the opportunity to attend training and development events to enhance their knowledge and understanding.

No individual governor has any power unless delegated by the Governing Board. The Governing Board as a whole is responsible for any decisions made.

Please feel free to contact the Governors on: horfield.governors@bristol-schools.uk with any ideas or concerns you may have. Please note that any issues concerning individual children should be raised with the class teacher or the Headteacher.

Karen Dunmall – Chair of Governors

Foundation Governor

My association with the school started 25 years ago when the elder of my two children started in Reception and I needed to have somewhere after school where my children could go whilst my husband and I worked in the NHS. I was one of the founders of Henry’s After School Club and served on the committee as Chair for five years.

I started as a foundation governor at Horfield about 11 years ago, becoming Chair of Governors 8 years ago. As a foundation governor I have a responsibility within the school to preserve and develop the Christian character and ethos of the school and to build the community of schools throughout the Diocese.

My current job is a senior lecturer at UWE in Diagnostic Radiography. In my limited spare time I like to walk the family dogs and also sing in the Horfield Church choir. I have found my time as a governor to be very rewarding and it has enabled me to support children, families and staff in our school community.

Yvette Kydd – Vice-Chair of Governors, English Link

LA Governor

My association with Horfield extends over nearly 30 years and I have spent 25 of those years as a governor. All three of my children were pupils at Horfield and I currently have a grand-daughter in Year 3. I was a Year 6 teacher at the school for 14 years, and now work as a freelance education consultant specialising in the assessment and moderation of KS2 Writing. I am also an Associate Lecturer at UWE which involves visiting and assessing trainee teachers on their placements. But I still enjoy teaching and can sometimes be found tutoring or supply teaching at Horfield! In my spare time, I love reading and visiting the theatre. It is a real privilege to serve as a governor and I enjoy working with the staff and parents to make the school even better. I am currently Co-Vice Chair with Marc.

Marc Tite – Vice-Chair of Governors, EYFS Link

Parent Governor

I have been a parent governor for six years and really enjoy the experience and helping to drive the school to be better. The beauty of being a governor at school is that it allows me to bring some of the skills from my professional career into the school environment. Outside of governorship I am the Asset Strategy and Planning Lead for Bristol Water. This involves looking after all the infrastructure that make sure that we supply the ‘liquid gold’ that you all drink from your taps. I’m also head coach for my son’s rugby team and enjoy the coaching aspect. My personal hobbies include spending time with the family, cycling, rugby and running. I am currently Chair of Finance and Resources and Co-Vice Chair with Yvette.

Dr Ruth Bartlett – RE and Christian Ethos Link

Parent Governor

I came to the Governing body in January 2020 as a parent governor. With three children (either having gone through the school and left, or remaining in it) I have been part of the school for many years and wanted to join the team of people in Governance to give back to the school from which we have received so much. In my work life, I trained as a doctor in General Practice, then chose to be a stay-at-home mum for a while. I now work part-time in the community in social prescribing. In my spare time I love walking, spending time with friends, cooking and being part of my Church. During my time as a governor, I have been the Safeguarding link, PHSE link and now will be focussing on R.E, and chairing the Pastoral committee.

Lucy Foster – Safeguarding Link

Parent Governor

After being a regular parent helper I decided to apply to become a parent governor three years ago when my two children were both at Horfield. I thoroughly enjoy the role and hope that I am making a contribution to what makes Horfield the very special school that it is. It is definitely a privilege to be part of a governing board that strives for the best outcomes for all of our children.

In my professional life, I am a Listing Adviser. It is my job to identify and celebrate the special parts of our historic environment, so that they can be protected for future generations.

In my spare time, I love reading, cooking, visiting the theatre and the cinema, and outdoor swimming.

Reverend Canon David McGladdery – Health and Safety Link

Foundation Governor

I have been the Rector and parish priest of Holy Trinity, Horfield Parish Church since 2018. Horfield Primary School is a Church of England school, and, therefore, I have the responsibility of maintaining links between church and school on behalf of the Diocese of Bristol.

I do this by visiting the school on a weekly basis to lead Wednesday Worship for the whole school. I also lead services throughout the year for the school community. I am available to provide pastoral support for the headteacher and staff. My place on the governing body formalises my relationship with the school in practical and supportive ways.

Sharon Simmonds – Science Link

Staff Governor

It is a pleasure and a privilege to work and govern at Horfield CE VC Primary School. I have a passion for seeing children thrive in our school environment. I have been connected to Horfield for just over 20 years, and live in the local area. I have been a teacher here for 10 years, and I am currently a Deputy Safeguarding Lead, Key Stage 1 Leader, Computing Lead and Year 2 teacher. Prior to teaching here, my own children attended this school and received the most wonderful, rich education. I am just entering my second term as Staff governor. I endeavour to continue developing the outstanding school that is Horfield CE VC Primary School

Dr Matthew King – Pupil Premium Link

Co-opted Governor

I have lived in the local area since 2002 and through watching my son work his way through primary school (now Yr 7) I have seen and appreciated the value of Governors to the ongoing development of schools and the overall pupil experience. I am a strong believer in social mobility and the importance of primary school education as the foundation to pupils development and future aspirations. Professionally I have had a diverse career working in a number of roles in the University sector (mainly strategy development and management roles) before becoming a Management Consultant working across a range of sectors and organisations. I am the link Governor for pupil premium and also a member of the finance committee.

Paul Dowlman

Co-opted Governor

Minutes of Meetings: