Governors

CLICK HERE to read the Governors Annual Statement

CLICK HERE to view our Governing Body Meeting – Annual Overview

The governing body are responsible for the strategic direction of our school. They have to make sure that all statutory obligations for pupils and staff are met.

At our school we have different types of governors:

FOUNDATION GOVERNORS, who are elected by the Parochial Church Council.

PARENT GOVERNORS, who are elected by parents and carers of pupils at the school.

STAFF GOVERNORS, who are elected by staff at the school.

LOCAL AUTHORITY GOVERNOR, who is nominated by North Yorkshire County Council.

CO-OPTED GOVERNORS are invited to become Governors by the Governing Body.

Our Governing Body
All Governors were appointed in accordance with our Instrument of Government

Stephen Jarvis (Chair/Foundation)

I have lived in the village for over 30 years during this time I have been involved with the Parish Council and the Parochial Church Council.  For the last 12 years have been a church warden at St Mary`s church in the village. I have been a governor for 19 years carrying out many roles. During this time have enjoyed seeing school flourish and the progression of the children through the school. I have been married for 23 years to Elizabeth who works full time as a hospital doctor and we have 4 children.  All our children have attended Roecliffe School which prepared them well for the transition to secondary school.

In my role as Foundation Governor I have strong links with church and school and work closely with Vicar to ensure consistent Christian ethos across school.
I have been Chair of Governors at Roecliffe for over 10 years work closing with the Headteacher to ensure the school development plan is delivered across the school, providing the best for all children.

Beth Lonsdale (Staff)

I joined the school as class 2 teacher in September 2021 and I am delighted to have joined the Governing body as staff governor. I am keen to support the development of the school to give the children the best possible start in life.

Governor term: 01/09/2021-01/09/2025
Attendance at Full GB Meetings during the last academic year: TBC
Business or pecuniary interests: NONE
Governance Roles in other schools: NONE
Relationships with school staff: NONE
Committees: School Improvement

Nick Baird (Community)

My Wife and I have lived in Roecliffe since August 2016 following our retirement from teaching. This was in the Primary range and , for the last 21 years, I was the head teacher of 3 different schools. We have 3 grown up children and so I hope as least some of this experience, both as a parent and as a practitioner can be of use to Roecliffe School.
I keep in touch with schools as a volunteer within the learning team at Ripon Museums Trust, both at the Court House and Work House and also as part of an Outreach Team. I am also a Parish Councillor.
I am passionate about sport – more as a spectator these days, although I still play (a bit) of cricket and try to keep fit generally. Travel, music and history are other interests and I am attempting to improve my French as we also spend time in France on a regular basis.
Governor since:13.3.2019 – 12.03.2023
Attendance at Full GB Meetings during the last academic year:100%
Business or pecuniary interests: NONE
Governance Roles in other schools: NONE
Relationships with school staff: NONE
Committees: RESOURCES & SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

Rev Karen Gardiner (Foundation)

Governor since:01.09.2019-31.08.2023
I am the Vicar of Roecliffe (along with Boroughbridge, Aldborough, Dunsforth and Minskip) and am delighted to be a Foundation Governor at the school. Outside theology, I have a background in music therapy and the creative arts, and am presently studying for a PhD in theology and children’s literature. I bring 10 years of experience as a Church school governor in Hertfordshire, and value the opportunity to support the development of the Christian ethos throughout the school, community links, and creative enterprises, as well as being link governor for SEN from January
Attendance at Full GB Meetings during the last academic year: N/A
Business or pecuniary interests: NONE
Governance Roles in other schools: NONE
Committees: SCHOOL IMPROVEMENT

James Scholes (Parent)

Rachel Mackay (Parent)

My children have been at Roecliffe for two years and they are currently in year one and year four.  They have been both nurtured and challenged by the staff at the school and we enjoy being part of the school community.  I am looking forward to being a governor at Roecliffe to support and contribute to the work of the school through the development plan as well as the school’s aims and objectives.

I work part-time as a Special Needs Coordinator (SENCo) having taught across the primary age range, specialising in early years and key stage one.  I graduated as a primary teacher from Ripon and York St John and I have an interest in phonics and reading, which I also teach outside my school role.  I hold the National Award for Special Needs Coordination and have completed Masters level training in Educational Improvement, Development and Change and, more recently, in phonics.  As something different, I enjoy tap dancing and teach an adult class!  Dance and performing arts are aspects of the curriculum that are valued at Roecliffe, and I fully appreciate their inclusion in the children’s learning journeys.  

Steve Kowal (Co-Opted)

My name is Steve Kowal and I live just outside Richmond. I spent 34 years in education, 16 as head teacher of a small village primary school; therefore I am familiar with the workings of such an establishment. I am now retired but take a keen interest in education as I have a granddaughter attending Roecliffe School. I am keen to offer any experience I have gained in promoting and supporting the school. I have many interests including golf, music, reading and anything associated with steam engines.

Governor since: 14-10.2020 – 13.10.2024
Attendance at Full GB Meetings during the last academic year: N/A
Business or pecuniary interests: NONE
Governance Roles in other schools: NONE
Relationships with school staff: NONE
Committees: RESOURCES

Tom Ibbetson (Parent)

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