Governance
What is the Role of a School Governor?
School governors play a vital role in the leadership and strategic development of our school. They are volunteers who work closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders to help ensure that every child receives the best possible education in a safe, supportive and ambitious environment.
Governors are responsible for:
Setting the Strategic Direction
Governors help establish the school's vision, values and long-term priorities. They work alongside school leaders to ensure that decisions are made in the best interests of pupils and the wider school community.
Holding School Leaders to Account
Governors provide constructive challenge and support to school leaders. They monitor educational outcomes, safeguarding arrangements, attendance, behaviour, curriculum development and financial performance to ensure the school continues to improve.
Overseeing Financial Performance
Governors ensure that public funds are used effectively, efficiently and in ways that maximise opportunities and outcomes for children. They oversee budgets and help ensure value for money.
Ensuring Effective Safeguarding
Safeguarding is a key responsibility of the governing board. Governors monitor the school's safeguarding culture, policies and procedures to ensure that the welfare of all children remains paramount.
Representing the School Community
Governors bring a range of professional skills, experiences and perspectives. Working collectively, they support the school's commitment to providing a high-quality education while reflecting the needs of pupils, parents, staff and the wider community.
Our Commitment
The Governing Board is committed to supporting, challenging and celebrating the work of the school. By working in partnership with school leaders, staff, parents and pupils, governors help ensure that Langdale Primary School continues to provide an excellent education where every child can achieve their full potential.
For further information about our Governing Board, including governor membership, attendance and meeting information, please explore the governance pages on our website or contact the school office.
Our Governing Board's Core Functions
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
- Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and ensuring money is well spent.
These responsibilities underpin all aspects of governance and support the continued success of our school.
If you have any queries about the school please contact the Headteacher in the first instance, but the governors will be keen to hear from any parents who wish to provide feedback. You can contact the governors by email at chair@langdale.staffs.sch.uk
Meet the team:
Caroline Brunt: Parent Governor
serving until April 2029
I am a Mortgage Broker with too many years' experience to mention and love working with people to realise their dreams. I really appreciate the opportunity of helping inspire children to achieve their dreams too. I meet with various local businesses on a regular basis and feel I can use my experience and contacts to enhance the schools' ambitious plans. Caroline is the community link governor.
Business or pecuniary interests: None
Membership of other school governing boards: None
Rosie Howells: Chair of Governors
serving until April 2028
Rosie is the manager of an outstanding Early Years setting, she is the Attendance and Welfare link Governor and is a member of the Appeals committee. As Chair, Rosie brings a wealth of knowledge from her role as business owner in an educational setting. Rosie has won awards for her contribution to voluntary groups in the Newcastle area.
Business or pecuniary interests: Owns a local childcare provision
Membership of other school governing boards: None
Julie Warrington: Co-opted Governor
Serving until March 2026
Julie works in a school with alternative provision. She brings an extreme wealth of knowledge from her educational and SEND background.
Julie is curriculum link governor
Business or pecuniary interests: None
Membership of other school governing boards: None
Stephanie Hewitt: Co-opted Governor Serving until September 2028
Stephanie works in the education sector and has a particular strength in Early Years.
Stephanie has a wealth of understanding of the Quality of Education and Leadership and Management.
Stephanie is EYFS Link Governor
Business and pecuniary interests: None
Membership of other school governing boards: None
Natalie Hales: Co Opted Governor
Serving until March 2029
Natalie has worked in the Primary Education sector for 15 years and also holds the qualification for coordinating Special Educational Needs. She has a daughter who attends Langdale and another soon to join. "I really enjoy having the opportunity to help the school develop and to ensure that the young people attending are able to thrive".
Natalie is the Inclusion link governor
Jayne Jackson: Parent Governor Serving until April 2028
Jayne was elected as our parent governor. She is keen to represent the parent voice and will assume the community link governor role. Jayne works in education and so brings a wealth of educational knowledge to our board.
Jayne is the curriculum link governor
Business and pecuniary interests: None
Membership of other school governing boards: None
Mrs Cartwright: Headteacher
Mrs Cartwright automatically became a member of the Governing Board when she became Headteacher in November 2019, and will remain a member throughout her employment in this role. She is also a member of the Staffing Committee
Business or pecuniary interests: Employee of Langdale Primary School
Membership of other school governing boards: Thursfield Primary School
James Yates: Co opted Governor serving until March 2029
James works in the financial sector and alongside Sam, bring the expert scrutiny to the school financial decision. James ensures that spending is meeting the needs of our pupils and enjoys the opportunity to learn more about Langdale.
James is finance link governor
Business and pecuniary interests: None
Membership of other school governing boards: None
Sam Banks: Co opted Governor Serving until March 2029
Sam joined the Board of Governors in 2024 as his daughter was going into year 2. He wanted to learn more about how the school operates and to contribute to its continued success and development. As a local financial planner, he brings experience in finance, planning, and decision-making, which he hopes will support the school in achieving its goals and maintaining strong financial stewardship.
"I’m passionate about ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive in a supportive and inspiring learning environment, and I look forward to working with the school community to help make that happen"
Sam is the finance link governor.
Business and pecuniary interests: None
Membership of other school governing boards: None
Associate members:
When the Governing Board have a skills gap or require additional capacity they are able to appoint Associate Members to help fulfill their duties. Associate Members attend meetings and receive all paperwork but do not have voting rights. Our current Associate Members are:
Mrs Lowe: Deputy Headteacher
