Our Governing Body
The role of the governing body is a strategic one with three core functions:
- setting strategic direction
- creating robust accountability
- ensuring best use of financial resources
The work of the governing body is driven by the school improvement plan. Discussions, decisions and actions for governors focus on school finance, staffing matters, use and condition of premises, pupils' wellbeing, curriculum, data and assessment, working with stakeholders, admissions and organisational changes.
The full governing body must meet at least three times per academic year but most meet more frequently through committee meetings. There is an expectation that governors will also undertake monitoring visits into school to find out more about the school throughout the year. Governors work closely with the headteacher and make decisions collectively as a team.
How To Become A School Governor
If you require further information on the roles and responsibilities of School Governors or you are interested in becoming one, please contact our Head of Governance, Steven Dawson - S.Dawson@connectmat.org.uk
Our Governors
| Name | Position | Term of Office |
Special responsibility role | Register of Interests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William Cowie | Governor (Chair) | 01/02/2024- 06/07/2027 |
Chair; Link Governor for Safeguarding, Maths & PE | Business interest - J Dinning (Investments) Ltd (from 07/07/2023 to current). |
| Karen Telfer | Executive Headteacher | 01/02/2024 - | Executive Headteacher, Pelton Community Primary (from 28/09/2021 to current). | |
| Judith Russell | Staff Governor | 18/05/2025 - 17/05/2029 |
Deputy Headteacher, Pelton Community Primary (from 18/05/2021 to current). | |
| Jean Carleton | Governor | 01/02/2024- 08/09/2027 |
Vice Chair; Link Governor for Art & Literacy | None Declared |
| Wendy Guile | Governor | 18/03/2025- 17/03/2029 |
Link Governor for SEND, YFS (Yearly Foundation Stage) & Geography | None Declared |
| Rachel Henry | Staff Governor | 17/05/2025- 16/05/2029 |
None Declared | |
| Helen Faulds | Parent Governor | 01/02/2024- 25/11/2025 |
Link Governor for ICT and Music | None Declared |
Leavers in the last 12 months:
| Reverend Simon Spencer | Governor |
01/02/2024- |
Link Governor for RE, PSHE and History | None Declared | ||
|
Dr Damian Parry |
Governor |
01/02/2024 - 11/11/2025 |
Trust Appointed | Link Governor for Science | None Declared |
Record of Attendance
2025/2026 & 2026/27
|
Name |
11 November 2025 |
17 February 2026 |
16 June 2026 |
6 October 2026 |
2 February 2027 |
8 June 2027 |
|
Mrs Karen Telfer - Head Teacher |
Apologies Accepted |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|
| Mr William Cowie |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
Mrs Judith Russell |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
Mrs Jean Carleton |
Attended |
No apologies received |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
Wendy Guile |
Attended |
Attended |
Apologies Accepted |
|
|
|
|
Dr Damian Parry |
Attended |
Resigned |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Cllr Danny Wood |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
N/A |
|
Mrs Rachel Henry |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
Mrs Helen Faulds |
Attended |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|
|
Reverend Simon Spencer |
No apologies received |
Attended |
Attended |
|
|
|