Governors
Governance at Denby Free CE (Aided) Primary School
Denby Free CofE VA Primary School is guided by a dedicated Governing Body that plays a crucial role in ensuring the school's success and alignment with its Christian ethos and values.
The Role of the Governing Body
The Governing Body at Denby Free CE (Aided) Primary School is responsible for setting the strategic direction, policies, and objectives of the school. Their duties include:
- Approving the school's annual budget and reviewing progress against its objectives
- Appointing, supporting, and critically questioning the Headteacher
- Ensuring the school meets the requirements of the national curriculum and promotes high levels of pupil achievement
The Governors are actively involved in the life of the school, with some taking on specific responsibilities linked to subjects or improvement priorities. Others oversee important areas such as Safeguarding and Recruitment.
Upholding the School's Vision and Values
The Governing Body is committed to upholding the school's vision and values, which are rooted in its Christian ethos. They aim to create a happy, caring, and inspiring community where all pupils can shine and develop a lifelong love of learning.
The Governors work closely with the school's leadership team to ensure that the curriculum, policies, and practises reflect the school's commitment to providing a broad and balanced education that nurtures the spiritual, moral, social, and cultural development of every child.
Supporting the School and its Community
The Governors at Denby Free CE (Aided) Primary School are dedicated to being supportive of the school, its staff, and all the children and families within the community. They are actively involved in the life of the school, attending events, and providing guidance and oversight to help the school continue to thrive.
By working in partnership with the Headteacher, staff, and parents, the Governing Body plays a vital role in the ongoing success of Denby Free CE (Aided) Primary School and its commitment to delivering an excellent education within a happy, caring Christian environment.
Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured and the full details of our current Governors.
Parent, Staff and Local Authority Governors are appointed by the governing body. Foundation Governors are appointed by the Derby Diocesan Board of Education (DBE)
Who we are
| Name | Governor Category | Terms of Office | Declaration of Interest- Business and Pecuniary |
| Mrs. Lyndsay Reast | Foundation Governor (Chair) | 08.04.18 - 08.04.22 25.04.22 - 25.04.26 | None |
| Mrs. Jen Clarke | Headteacher | Member by virtue of position held. Appointed September 2024 | None |
| Rev Martin Jones | Ex-Officio | Member by virtue of position held. Appointed 21.09.15 | Trustee of Happy Home Kenya Trust |
| Mrs Helen Burgess | Foundation Governor (VC) | 13.05.19 - 12.05.23 01.04.23 - 31.03.27 | Clerk to Trustees is an immediate family member |
| Dawn Roberts | Foundation Governor | 21.11.23 - 20.11.27 | None |
| Gwyneth Eanor | Foundation Governor | 24.02.25 - 23.02.29 | |
| Vacancy | Foundation Governor | ||
| Vacancy | Foundation Governor | ||
| Vacancy | Foundation Governor | ||
| Mrs. Kim Jones | Parent Governor | 08.01.25 - 07.01.25 | |
| Mrs. Elizabeth Fisher | Parent Governor | 21.03.24 - 20.03.28 | None |
| Vacancy | Local Authority Governor | ||
| Miss Charlotte Hunt | Staff Governor | 08.01.24 - 07.01.28 | None |
The Governing Body shall consist of:
2 Parent Governors
1 LA Governor
1 Staff Governor
1 Ex-Officio Governor
1 Headteacher
6 Foundation Governors
The Governor with responsibility for Early Years is Elizabeth Fisher
The Governor with responsibility for Numeracy is Helen Burgess
The Governor with responsibility for Literacy is Dawn Roberts
The Governor with responsibility for RE/Collective Worship is Rev Martin Jones
The Governor with responsibility for IT Dawn Roberts
The Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding is Lyndsay Reast
The Governor with responsibility for Looked After Children is Lyndsay Reast
The Governor with responsibility for Anti-bullying is Kim Jones
The Governor with responsibility for Governor Training is Clerk to Governors
The Governor with responsibility for Special Educational Needs is Elizabeth Fisher
The Governor with responsibility for Sex Relationships Education/Drugs is Kim Jones
The Governor with responsibility for GDPR is Lyndsay Reast
If you are interesting in becoming a school governor or have a general query regarding our school governance, please contact Hanna Hunt, Clerk to Governors, by telephone or email to hhunt@denbyfree.org.uk
Our Chair of Governors can be contacted in writing to:
c/o Denby Free CE VA Primary School
Church Street
Denby Village
Derby
DE5 8PH
Former Governors
| Name | Governor Category | Appointed on | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Mrs. Jane Phillips | LA | Feb 2022 | Left July 2024 |
| Mr. Patrick Rainsford | Parent Governor | March 2024 | Left November 2024 |
Governor Attendance 24/25
| Date of Meeting | In Attendance | Apologies |
|---|---|---|
| 24 September 2024 | LR, HB, PR, MJ, JC, EF, CH, DR | None |
| 26 November 2024 | LR, HB, MJ, JC, EF, DR | CH |
| 11 February 2025 | LR, HB, MJ, JC, EF, DR, KJ, CH |
Governor Attendance 23/24
| Date of Meeting | In Attendance | Apologies |
| 12th September 2023 | JB, GE, MJ, LR, JP, HB | MM, DR |
| 21st November 2023 | JB, GE, MJ, JP, HB, MM | LR, DR |
| 23rd January 2024 | JB, LR, NC, MO, HB, CH, MJ, JP | DR |
| 19th March 2024 | LR, DR, MJ, CH, HB | JB, JP |
| 23rd April 2024 | LR, CH, DR, MJ, HB, JP, PR, EF | JB |
| 9th July 2024 | LR, CH, DR, MJ, HB, JP, PR, EF | JB |