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The Governing Body
Our Governing Body is made up of valued volunteers, all of which bring their experience and knowledge to help support and develop our school community. They are here to provide support and where necessary challenge to the school ensuring that Barons Court - the pupils, staff and wider community, achieve their full potential.
Meet the Governors
Name of Governor | Governor Attendance | Register of Interest | Information |
Mrs Julia Jones (Headteacher since April 2013) Member of the Governing Body by virtue of position in school | Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2022-2023 3/3
| Nature of Business: Southend United Community and Educational Trust Trustee | Having being educated in Southend as a child and then spending my teaching career in the local area I became Headteacher at Barons Court in April 2013 and since then we have worked together to continue to move the school forwards. It is a privilege to be the Headteacher at Barons Court where we have a dedicated team who work hard to ensure an exciting learning curriculum. Our children are fantastic and are at the heart of everything we do. |
Mrs Rosheena Ali (Deputy Headteacher since January 2022) Member of the Governing Body by virtue of position in school | Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2022-2023 2/3 | None | I was born, raised and educated in Central Southend and have a BSc in Psychology. I have served as a Staff Governor on two separate Governing Bodies and have had the pleasure of teaching and leading for several years in local schools. My driving force is the education and well-being of every single child under our care and to ensure that our pupils get the very best start in life. |
Mrs Debbie Docherty Local Authority Governor Appointment Date: 02.07.15 Term Ends 12.03.28
| Chair of Governors Safeguarding Governor | None
| I enjoy my role as a Local Authority Governor. I have retired from my post as Head of Faculty of Business and Enterprise at South Essex College, a large Further and Higher Education College. I have many years experience in education, albeit in a different sector, and I am dedicated to maintaining high standards for all our pupils. I have always been active in the local community being, in the past, treasurer of a local playgroup and chairperson of the National Childbirth Trust. |
Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2022-2023 3/3 | |||
Mr Alex Thornton Staff Governor Appointment Date: 17.07.18 Term Ends 15.09.26
| Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2022-2023 3/3 | None | Having been a parent at Barons Court, worked in a number of industries outside of education, and now a teacher I feel that I bring a unique perspective to the role of Staff Governor. I have had previous experience sitting on the Governing Body of another local primary school for three years, a role I enjoyed enormously. As a Staff Governor I represent the broad views and opinions of the staff and act as we all do; to ensure high standards of achievement for all children in the school. |
Mrs Jan Grover Co-Opted Governor Appointment Date: 28.03.18 Term Ends 27.03.26 | SEND Governor | None | I have been a teacher for over 40 years; working in both mainstream and specialist schools, mainly in secondary education. I began as a teacher of English and gained my MBA and a diploma in management studies. I moved into Special Educational Needs, working in a specialist school and gaining a Diploma in Special Educational Needs and Psychology. |
Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2022-2023 3/3 | |||
Mr James Hargreaves Parent Governor Appointment Date: 02.05.18 Term Ends 12.03.28 | Vice Chair of Governors Assessment Governor
| None | I am a parent of two children who have attended the school and have enjoyed being part of the Barons Court community. I am a university professor where I teach university students and design and analyse data from research studies. I conduct research on the health of young people and have written articles, worked with governments, charities and the World Health Organisation within this area. I also enjoy music and singing in bands. |
Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2022-2023 3/3 | |||
Mrs Esther Elegbede Co-Opted Governor Appointment Date: 02.05.18 Term Ends 23.09.25 |
Trustee and Community Governor | Nature of Business: Barons Court Primary School Trustee. | I have previously worked in project management, a profession which I thoroughly enjoyed. As a parent with two children who have now left the school I feel extremely fortunate to be able to work in further partnership with the school. I am a committed member of the Barons Court Fundraiser Group which enables me to work in close partnership with the school. |
Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2022-2023 3/3 | |||
Mrs Samantha Delaney Parent Governor Appointment Date: 21.04.22 Term Ends 20.04.26 | Inclusion Governor | Nature of Business: Consultancy Director | I had worked in London for approximately 21 years for a Shipping company and now am a committed volunteer at Barons Court where I enjoy all aspects of volunteering and helping the school. I have experience of supporting children's needs and I really enjoy being a proactive Governor and a valuable part of the team which supports the wider school community. |
Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2022-2023 3/3 | |||
Mr Nick O'Connor Parent Governor Appointment Date: 21.04.22 Term Ends 20.04.26 | CPD Governor | None | I am proud to be part of the Barons Court community and my current job in Further Education helps support the school with data analysis of outcomes and helping to implement strategic developments. As a Governor I am committed to supporting the school and all of its dedicated staff who work so hard to ensure the school continues to grow within the community. |
Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2022-2023 3/3 | |||
Mr Paul Shadbolt Co-Opted Governor Appointment Date: 22.05.23 Term Ends 21.05.27 | Finance Governor | Nature of Business: Company Director | I have worked in financial services since 1987, working for several Private Banks and Financial Services Companies. I am now a Company Director of a Financial Services Firm. I was a Parent Governor at another local primary school since 2018 where my duties included the oversight of the school’s finances. I am married with three children. |
Governor Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings 2022-2023 1/1 | |||
Ms Emma Harding Clerk to the Governing Body | I have worked as a Clerk to Governors since 2014 across both the primary and secondary sectors in community and academy schools. Working in a busy school environment, as part of a team with the aim of ensuring quality outcomes for pupils is both inspiring and engaging. I have a National Governors Association Clerking Accreditation and recently undertook a volunteer life coaching role to support young people to achieve their goals. | ||
| Mr Gary Wilkie, (Learning in Harmony Trust CEO) | Mr Wilkie (Learning in Harmony Trust CEO) is a member of our Governing Body and is a full voting member, he is our Trustee representative for Barons Court Primary School. | ||
The Structure of our Governing Body
The Full Governing Body of Barons Court Primary School and Nursery meets at least once a term. Much of the work takes place in evaluation activities of smaller groups of governors, which concentrate on enhancing specific areas of the school linked to school improvement.
Each of our Governors have a defined role to support school improvement. Governors are all volunteers, and the numbers and types of governors are set out in the Instrument of Government for the school. The composition of the Governing Body reflects a wide range of groups in the community. The Governing Body has a business of interest register which is reviewed and updated termly.
Timetable of Meetings 2023-2024
Full Governing Body meetings
Autumn 2023 | Spring 2024 | Summer 2024 |
Wednesday 20th September - 9.00 am Wednesday 22nd November - 9.00am | Wednesday 13th March - 9.00am | Wednesday 3rd July – 9.00am |
Governors Information Board
Feedback from the Summer Term Meeting of the Full Governing Body – Friday 14th July 2023
All Governors were present for this, the last meeting of the Full Governing Body for the academic year. A busy agenda, with the main focus being on Mrs Jones’ presentation of her end of year report and school development plan, with planning for 2023-24. The Governors were delighted to note that, following the outcome of the Ofsted Inspection in March, when the school was re-confirmed as being Outstanding, another excellent set of outcomes have been reported for this year. It was also pleasing to see so much detailed review and evaluation taking place across the school, demonstrating a commitment to continual improvement. The Governors wish to express their thanks and sincere gratitude to everyone at Barons Court for the efforts they have made throughout the year to ensure that all pupils are given the best opportunities to succeed.
The Governors have also been considering a proposal to convert the school to academy status and join the Learning in Harmony Trust. In March 2023, they resolved to consult all stakeholders on this proposal and the results of the consultation process and, in particular, the results of the Academy Consultation Survey were presented to the Governors for review. Following these discussions, the Academy Consultation Report explaining the process and outlining the results and next steps will be issued at the beginning of the new academic year.
The Governors would like to take this opportunity to thank all of our parents and carers for their support for the school and, again, to thank all our staff for their hard work and dedication tin providing excellent learning opportunities for all the children at Barons Court. Have a lovely summer.
Debbie Docherty - Chair of Governors
Feedback from the Resources Committee - Wednesday 21st June 2023
The Resources Committee of the Governing Body met on the 21st June with a remit to scrutinise the school's finance, health and safety, premises and personnel structures across the school. An analysis of the schools current financial standing was undertaken with it being noted that the school is on track to achieve end of year projections. As part of the meeting the Site Manager delivered a presentation outlining current and future maintenance of the school and presented the school's robust monitoring schedule to ensure a safe site for staff, children and visitors to enjoy. The committee investigated new, enhanced internet filtering and monitoring as required by an update from the DfE and it was found that the school's current arrangements meet the guidance. A discussion was also held around proposed arrangements for club provision for the next academic year which was approved by the committee and which, we are sure the school will share with you before the end of this current term. The committee also welcomed a new governor, Paul Shadbolt, to the Governing body who has extensive finance experience - we are sure you will join us all in welcoming him to Barons Court.
Alex Thornton - Chair of the Finance Committee
Feedback from the Spring Term Meeting of the Curriculum and Outcomes Committee - Friday 17th March 2023
This group meets every term and its role is to ensure that all pupils have the best possible education at Barons Court. The Governors like to visit classes, see what is happening in the learning spaces and spend time talking to pupils and staff about the curriculum and other important matters. This meeting focused on wellbeing and the impact of the new Relational Policy on all stakeholders across the school community. The Governors are keen to ensure that the changing needs of our community are met through the new relational approach implemented within the school this academic year. The Governors spoke to different groups to evaluate how the school is helping to create an ethos of emotional wellbeing, with positive relationships and a feeling of safety for all. Pupils, parents, teachers and support staff were interviewed, and feedback was provided to the meeting. The stakeholders’ valuable feedback will be used to shape future policy.
The Headteacher talked through the results of the annual staff survey on wellbeing, CPD, safeguarding and behaviour. A wellbeing working party has been established with staff from across the school and will include a Governor.
The meeting concluded with the Governors hearing how funding for Covid Catch-up, Pupil Premium, PE and Sport Premium has been spent over the last year and the positive impact these initiatives are having for pupils at Barons Court.
The Governors thank everyone for their hard work and for going the extra mile to provide an inspiring environment for our children. We are proud to be part of such a great learning community.
Debbie Docherty – Chair of Governors
Feedback from the Full Governing Body Meeting - Wednesday 13th March 2024
The Full Governing Body met for the first time under the aegis of the Learning in Harmony Trust, and we welcomed Jennifer Naish, our Chief Operating Officer, to our meeting. Although the format of the meetings are a little changed, there were various business matters to be dealt with due to school becoming part of LiHT. Importantly, it was agreed that the composition of the Governing Board will comprise a total of 13 Governors to include the Headteacher, a Trustees’ Representative, Staff Governors, Parent Governors and Co– Opted Governors. Debbie Docherty will remain as Chair and James Hargreaves will remain as Vice Chair and their new 4 year term of office started on 13th March 2024. All our existing Governors are to remain on the board and will keep their existing term of office end dates. Jenni provided the Governors with a brief update on LIHT news, including an item on the Trust’s exciting teacher training initiative and its partnership with the Ambition Institute, created to provide excellent teacher training both for the Trust and local partner schools. The Headteacher presented her Leadership Report and took questions from the Governors. The report drew on the leaders’ self-evaluation of the quality of education at Barons Court, progress against the School Development Plan, and, also, the recent LiHT Review of the Quality of Education and SEND Provision at Barons Court. The Governors were very pleased with the positive feedback in all the reports which helped them understand the provision further as they were presented with a workshop on SEND with a particular focus on the new curriculum pathways being introduced across the school. The Governors thoroughly enjoyed visiting the learning spaces and meeting the pupils who always demonstrate a real enthusiasm for their work. The Governors would like to thank all parents and carers for their support for the school and, as always, to all staff for their unswerving commitment to ensuring they provide the best possible opportunities for all pupils to thrive at Barons Court.
Debbie Docherty – Chair of Governors
Feedback from the Full Governing Body Meeting - Wednesday 13th March 2024
The Full Governing Body met for the first time under the aegis of the Learning in Harmony Trust, and we welcomed Jennifer Naish, our Chief Operating Officer, to our meeting. Although the format of the meetings are a little changed, there were various business matters to be dealt with due to school becoming part of LiHT. Importantly, it was agreed that the composition of the Governing Board will comprise a total of 13 Governors to include the Headteacher, a Trustees’ Representative, Staff Governors, Parent Governors and Co– Opted Governors. Debbie Docherty will remain as Chair and James Hargreaves will remain as Vice Chair and their new 4 year term of office started on 13th March 2024. All our existing Governors are to remain on the board and will keep their existing term of office end dates. Jenni provided the Governors with a brief update on LIHT news, including an item on the Trust’s exciting teacher training initiative and its partnership with the Ambition Institute, created to provide excellent teacher training both for the Trust and local partner schools. The Headteacher presented her Leadership Report and took questions from the Governors. The report drew on the leaders’ self-evaluation of the quality of education at Barons Court, progress against the School Development Plan, and, also, the recent LiHT Review of the Quality of Education and SEND Provision at Barons Court. The Governors were very pleased with the positive feedback in all the reports which helped them understand the provision further as they were presented with a workshop on SEND with a particular focus on the new curriculum pathways being introduced across the school. The Governors thoroughly enjoyed visiting the learning spaces and meeting the pupils who always demonstrate a real enthusiasm for their work. The Governors would like to thank all parents and carers for their support for the school and, as always, to all staff for their unswerving commitment to ensuring they provide the best possible opportunities for all pupils to thrive at Barons Court.
Debbie Docherty – Chair of Governors
Feedback from the Full Governing Body Meeting - Wednesday 13th March 2024
The Full Governing Body met for the first time under the aegis of the Learning in Harmony Trust, and we welcomed Jennifer Naish, our Chief Operating Officer, to our meeting. Although the format of the meetings are a little changed, there were various business matters to be dealt with due to school becoming part of LiHT. Importantly, it was agreed that the composition of the Governing Board will comprise a total of 13 Governors to include the Headteacher, a Trustees’ Representative, Staff Governors, Parent Governors and Co– Opted Governors. Debbie Docherty will remain as Chair and James Hargreaves will remain as Vice Chair and their new 4 year term of office started on 13th March 2024. All our existing Governors are to remain on the board and will keep their existing term of office end dates. Jenni provided the Governors with a brief update on LIHT news, including an item on the Trust’s exciting teacher training initiative and its partnership with the Ambition Institute, created to provide excellent teacher training both for the Trust and local partner schools. The Headteacher presented her Leadership Report and took questions from the Governors. The report drew on the leaders’ self-evaluation of the quality of education at Barons Court, progress against the School Development Plan, and, also, the recent LiHT Review of the Quality of Education and SEND Provision at Barons Court. The Governors were very pleased with the positive feedback in all the reports which helped them understand the provision further as they were presented with a workshop on SEND with a particular focus on the new curriculum pathways being introduced across the school. The Governors thoroughly enjoyed visiting the learning spaces and meeting the pupils who always demonstrate a real enthusiasm for their work. The Governors would like to thank all parents and carers for their support for the school and, as always, to all staff for their unswerving commitment to ensuring they provide the best possible opportunities for all pupils to thrive at Barons Court.
Debbie Docherty – Chair of Governors