Governance & Academy Council
We are consistently seeking to improve our model of local governance in our schools, to make it more effective, more engaging and more purposeful. We know how difficult it can be to attract and retain good governors and we’re fortunate to have so many parents, staff and community members across our schools who give their time and energy to this voluntary role. What is outlined below is aimed at making that job easier.
What?
From September 2022 all our schools will have a Academy Council as their local governance model (other than Becton, which will have a Transition Board as they move through the de-amalgamation process). Academy Councils will meet three times per year, freeing up time for other purposeful and engaging visits from governors to see the school of work and get a greater level of insight and engagement in school life.
As well as the reduction in formal meetings, the recognised remit of the Academy Councils will focus on: the school vision & values and stakeholder/community voice.
Local Governing Bodies (LGBs) will still remain part of the Trust’s published Scheme of Delegation, meaning it is a model of local governance for joining or existing schools, depending on circumstance.
Who?
Academy Councils will look the same - retaining parent governor, staff (1 teacher and 1non-teaching) governors and community representatives as they do now, with all the same members.
Governor Profiles
Sarah Mulhall - Headteacher
Bio Coming Soon
Paula Williams - Chair of Governors
Paula has worked within inclusion and special educational needs for over 30 years including as a mainstream teacher and a specialist teacher. Her most recent roles have been in the strategic leadership of local authority SEND services and provision, and she brings a wealth of experience to support the work of the governing body. Paula is highly committed to children and young people with additional needs becoming successful and happy adults leading successful and happy lives.
Rachael Leach - Staff Governor
Rachael has been passionate about supporting children and young people with SEND from a young age as she has close ties growing up with Hilltop School. She has worked as teacher both in mainstream schools and special education. She is currently teaching in Key Stage 3 at Kelford but has also worked in Key Stages 1, 2 and supported in Key Stage 4. She is responsible for computing across the school. She wants all children to be offered the support they need to be the best they can be.
Lynn Heeley - Parent Governor
Bio coming soon
Sam Crookes - Parent Governor
My name is Sam Crookes. My youngest child has been a student at Kelford for 3 years now. I am proud and honoured to have been selected as a Parent Governor and I cannot wait to get started! I have some background knowledge of safeguarding and GDPR as well as being a parent to 2 special needs children. I have previously volunteered in a nursery. I am level 5 Makaton trained and believe that communication is the key to unlock education and independence. The Kelford community is held very dear to myself, and I will always work hard to be the best that I can be, through learning together; in line with the school ethos.
Lynn Casson - Governor
Bio Coming Soon
Past Governors
Simone Heald
Simone has worked in local government for over 30 years within provider services, for adults with a learning disability and autism. Simone’s extensive experience in contributing to the development of services and ensure that team objectives, service outcomes and local and national performance standard are achieved. Simone provides senior management support, effective leadership, management and direction to staff and managers within the teams. Simone has an active role on leading and ensuring the quality and consistency of social care practice in fulfilling its safeguarding responsibilities across several social care services.
As a School Governor Simone believes her skills and knowledge is transferable to support staff, pupils/students, carers, and the senior management team at Kelford school. As a school Governor I am excited about my new role, I am passionate about helping young people achieve their potential through education and ensuring everyone has the best opportunities to succeed whilst growing into responsible and caring individuals. I am really looking forward to working with the children, staff, and families within the Kelford school community.
Matthew Paul
Matthew has worked in local government Education and Children’s Services for 30 years and is responsible for school place planning for two local authorities. He is passionate about helping to improve the life chances of children and young people.
Callum Overfield
Callum is a Civil Servant working for the Department for Education. Through his day job, he has experience in public communications, project management, HR and Finance governance and a knowledge of the wider school system which he hopes to bring to his role as governor. Before becoming a Civil Servant, he studied Forensic Science at Northumbria University.
Philip Knight
Philip is the Office Manager at Pennine View School in Doncaster, part of the Nexus Multi Academy Trust. Before moving to Pennine View School Philip spent time at Kelford School working both in class-based roles and in the office and gained invaluable experiences that he has taken with him to his position at Pennine View.
Philip has two children, a daughter who attends a primary school in Derbyshire and a son who attends a special school in Sheffield. Philip’s experience of supporting his son has been invaluable, allowing him to benefit from the unique perspective of a parent when supporting all children and young people to develop and reach their potential. He has a passion for making a difference every day to the lives of the children and young people and enjoys being part of the Nexus family.
In his spare time Philip enjoys cooking, is an avid musician and a keen instrumentalist and songwriter. Philip has a love of the outdoors and enjoys walks in the Peak District and local woods whenever possible.
Academy Council Meetings
Meeting - Monday13th March (Cancelled)