What are Governors?

Welcome to the Churcham Primary School website from the Governing Body. 

The Governing Body works hard to support the Headteacher, teaching staff and pupils with the aim of ensuring that Churcham Primary School is able to provide the best possible education for our children and to prepare them for life in modern Britain. 

The members that make up the Governing Body are chosen by the local authority, the community and parents.  All our Governors have their own careers and responsibilities but they dedicate time to the school when they are able.  Some are able to be in school on a regular basis, whilst others bring financial and legal expertise, strategic planning and more practical skills.  All are hugely valued!

As well as sharing a common desire to be involved in supporting the school, the Governing Body have statutory duties by which they are legally bound.  The Governing Body is ultimately responsible for all matters relating to the school including teaching and learning, safeguarding, health and safety, staffing, premises and ensuring financial accountability and sustainability. The full Governing Body meets once every term. Two committees meet regularly to consider more specific issues of staffing, curriculum and finance. Our committees are as follows:

·         Teaching and Learning

·         Resources

We are very proud of our developing relationship with Ashleworth C of E Primary School, through our Executive Headteacher and regular Partnership meetings, and look forward to expanding this further. 

If you have any concerns or issues that you would like to discuss, please do not hesitate to contact the Chair of Governors, Emma Middlecote, or indeed any of the governors.

How do Governors help children?

School governors are people who wish to make a positive contribution to children’s education. Together with the head teacher they set the future direction of the school and decide how the school’s budget should be spent. Governing bodies make decisions collectively on matters such as school policies and the school’s development plan and act as a "critical friend" to the school.

pdf Governor Code of Conduct

pdf Governor Visits Policy and Protocol

Churcham Primary School Governing Body Membership 2021-2022

 Michelle Kelly

I have been a governor of Churcham Primary School since becoming Headteacher in September 2010. Before joining the team at Churcham, I taught in Cheltenham and then worked for Gloucestershire as an English Consultant. During this time, I worked in many schools around the county. I’ve lived in Pershore near Worcestershire for over 20 years with my partner and our pets. In my spare time, I enjoy going to the theatre and spending time ‘catching – up’ with family and friends. I’ve also been Headteacher and a governor of Ashleworth C of E Primary School since September 2013.

Emma Middlecote – Parent Governor

I became Chair of Governors in 2018.  I moved my children to Churcham Primary in 2016 when I had children in Year 4 and Year 2.  I currently have three children attending the school (Reception, Year 2 and Year 6) and my eldest has moved on to high school.  I became a governor to support the school, staff and children.  I currently work part time within an accountancy firm and in my spare time I enjoy spending time and camping with my family. 

Esther Deakes - Staff Governor

My name is Esther Deackes and I am the staff Governor at Churcham Primary School. I was elected to become a Governor by staff in January 2018. I started teaching at Churcham Primary School as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2016, teaching in KS2. For my undergraduate degree (at Bristol UWE), I studied ‘Early Childhood Studies’. I then went on to complete my PGCE year at Warwick University, specialising in Maths. I have a passion for ICT and I have been the Computing subject leader for nearly four years, covering and supporting both Churcham and Ashleworth CofE Primary Schools. I am also the current Designated Safeguarding Lead at Churcham Primary school. I live in Cheltenham with my furry best friend – Rusco! In my spare time I enjoy long walks with my dog, swimming and catching-up with friends and family.

Linda Gregory - LA Governor

My name is Linda Gregory and I joined Churcham governing body in September 2019. 

I have always been passionate about education and consider it a great privilege to have worked with children throughout my life.  I was a headteacher at two local schools for seventeen years.  Both schools were deemed to be happy and successful. Upon my retirement from headship in 2008 I was appointed as a School Improvement Advisor for Gloucestershire, Swindon and Wiltshire. From 2008 – 2016 I worked with/supported numerous schools and thoroughly enjoyed the experience. Since January 2019 I have regularly heard KS1 children read. It has been a joy to foster relationships with them and watch them progress and develop a real love of books and reading. The school is very welcoming and its positive ethos, tangible. I enjoy being involved with such a vibrant community and hope to continue to support the Headteacher and staff in providing the best possible education for the children.  I am married with two grown up sons. My hobbies include travel, theatre, gardening and reading. 

Churcham Primary School Governing Body 2021-2022:

Last updated on 19/05/2022

Governors who left in the previous 12 months: