Governors
Welcome to our Governors’ section.
Governors are strategic leaders of the school who work in close partnership with all leaders here at Bayton.
Their purpose is to 'conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement at the school' for all our pupils.
They ensure a strong focus on 3 core strategic functions:
1. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
2. Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
3. Oversee the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.
Instrument of Government
1. The name of the school is Bayton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School.
2. The school is a Voluntary Controlled School.
3. The name of the governing body is The Governing Body of Bayton Church of England Voluntary Controlled Primary School.
4. The governing body shall consist of:
a. Two parent governors
b. One LA governor
c. One staff governor
d. One headteacher
e. Five co-opted governors
f. Two foundation governors
5. The total number of governors 12
6. The term of office for the staff governor is one year.
7. The Board of Education of The Diocese of Worcester shall appoint one foundation governor.
8. a) The Holder of the following office shall be a foundation governor ex officio:
The Principle Officiating Minister of the Parish of Bayton.
b) The Archdeacon of Dudley shall be entitled to appoint a foundation governor to act in the place of the ex officio foundation governor whose governorship derives from the office named in (a) above, in the event that the ex officio foundation governor is unable or unwilling to act as foundation governor, or has been removed from office under regulation 21(1) of the Regulations.
9. The Archdeacon of Dudley shall be entitled to request the removal of any ex officio governor and appoint any substitute officer.
10. Ethos Statement
Recognising its historic foundation, the School will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Church at parish and diocesan level.
The School aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality within the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes Christian values through the experiences it offers to all its pupils. It encourages joyful learning through a creative curriculum and a holistic approach to education that reflects Christian values and supports our community.
11. This instrument of government comes into effect on 1st September 2015.
12. This instrument was made by order of Worcestershire Local Authority on 11th February 2015.
13. This instrument was varied at 4.a and 4.e by order of Worcestershire Local Authority on 5th October 2018.
14. A copy of the instrument must be supplied to every member of the governing body (and the headteacher if not a governor), any trustees and to the appropriate religious body.
Terms of Reference - All Committee's
Scheduled Meetings for 2018-19
Full Governing Body:
1 / 6 27.09.18
2 / 6 22.10.18
3 / 6 21.11.18 - additional
4 / 6 07.02.19
5 / 6 04.04.19 - additional
6 / 6 11.07.19
Academic & Pastoral Committee:
1 / 3 15.11.18 - cancelled
2 / 3 07.03.19
3 / 3 16.05.19
Resources Committee:
1 / 3 17.01.19
2 / 3 04.04.19
3 / 3 20.06.19
To find out more about our Governors, please read on!
Mrs Lisa Cigsar, Chair
Co-Opted - SEND and Mathematics
Term of office : 02.02.18 - 01.02.22
Attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 2 / 3
Current attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2018-19 : 4 / 4
Declaration of Interest : (d) 1 child attends Bayton CE Primary School.
I am Lisa Cigsar, I am have been a Governor at Bayton since 2012 with a break of 18 months in between due to working overseas.
I am married to Haci and we have 2 children, Emir and Lara.
I work in Financial and legal services which can be at times very challenging, but is also very rewarding and interesting.
My current role is Chair of Governors and my link roles are SEND and Pupil Premium Governor for the school.
I became a governor initially to support the school and understand more, with both of my children attending Bayton I felt it was important.
I believe that every child has the right to the best education possible and that the school should be as inclusive as it can be. All of our children are individuals, they learn and thrive in different ways, it is important that we recognise this for the children to make the most of their time here at Bayton.
Mrs Rebecca Godwin, Vice Chair
(and Chair of Academic & Pastoral Committee)
Co-Opted - LAC, EYFS and Anti-bullying
Term of office : 14.11.15 - 13.11.19
Attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 6 / 6
Current attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2018-19 : 3 / 4
Declaration of Interest : None.
I am Becci Godwin, I have been a governor for a long time, both of my children were pupils at Bayton (as was my husband, but that was a very long time ago!). Ben was a pupil between 2004-2011, and Phoebe left in 2017 to attend high school. My husband was born on the family farm in Mamble, and we have been married and living in Mamble since 1993.
I had the pleasure of being Chair of Governors 2010-2018.
I became a school governor as I strongly believe that change and development for the school needs representatives from all different backgrounds and with a variety of skills and knowledge to be effective. As a midwife and midwifery lecturer at the University of Worcester, I am used to working with many different people in a variety of ways - always professional - but at the heart is an intention to ensure families get off to the best start.
It is a privilege to say that I have known many of the families at Bayton in a professional capacity and that I hope as a governor I will continue to shape the future for our whole school community to enable everyone to "be the best that they can be".
Ms Jolanda Simmonds, Head Teacher
Date appointed : 01.09.18
Attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 6 / 6
Current attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2018-19 : 4 / 4
Declaration of Interest : None.
My name is Jolanda Simmonds and I am the Head Teacher here at Bayton CE Primary. I was appointed here in September 20017 and feel very privileged to be a part of this school community. We place our Christian values at the heart of all that we do at Bayton CE Primary school, and our staff value all of the children and families, working hard to enrich their school experiences.
I live in Worcester with my partner Mark who is also a head teacher, and my two children, Ella and Luca who are both at high school. As I'm sure you can imagine, life in our household is very busy all the time! When I'm not at work, I like to go to aerobic classes.
Mrs Catherine Abell
LA - Safeguarding and English
Term of office : 06.10.16 - 05.10.20
Attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 6 / 6
Current attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2018-19 : 3 / 4
Declaration of Interest : None.
My name is Catherine Abell and I was appointed as school governor in October 2016, and I am very pleased to be part of the school community. I have had a long association with the school as my two sons attended the school in the 1980's when there were about 30 pupils on the school roll. It's been fascinating to witness the changes that have taken place in the school since that time.
I have enjoyed meeting members of the school choir when they have joined with the church choir at special services and concerts. I have also been entertained by the school children when they have danced and sang at the annual church fete. I am a member of the PCC and my other interests include singing with Kidderminster Choral Society, bird watching and following the fortunes of Worcestershire County Cricket Club and Aston Villa.
Mrs Christine Clarke
Foundation - Religious Education
Term of office : 06.10.16 - 05.10.20
Attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 5 / 6
Current attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2018-19 : 2 / 4
Declaration of Interest : (a) Licenced Lay Minster; Benefice of Wyre Forest West. (d) Assemblies; Bayton Parish Council.
My name is Christine Clarke. I am a Reader (Licensed Lay Minister) within the Church of England, Worcester Diocese. At the heart of all that I do is the Gospel of Jesus, in which he calls us to love one another, as he first loved us. As a Reader I am passionate about sowing seeds of faith, building bridges between church and the wider community, and equally supporting all in a variety of appropriate ways. Currently, I am the DBE Foundation Governor (Diocesan Board of Education), for Bayton CE Primary School and the Chair of Bayton Parish Council. I have lived in my current home for just over 18 years with my husband Peter, who is also a committed Christian. I am currently transferring my Reader License to group of churches outside of Wyre Forest West. However, I believe this move will be beneficial to the school, as it will enable me to bring an enhanced experience of ministry and teamwork. As part of my ministry to all I exercise self-development through CMD within Worcester Diocese, as well as a variety of external courses, currently I am studying at Queen’s Theology College, Birmingham.
Mr Christian Berenger
Parent - Health & Safety, Chair of Resources Committee
Term of office : 18.10.17 - 17.10.21
Attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 5 / 5
Current attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2018-19 : 2 / 4
Declaration of Interest : (c) Spouse is Treasurer of Bayton CE Primary School PTA. (d) 2 children attend Bayton CE Primary School.
I am a devoted husband to Louise and we have two children, Amelia and Ethan.
We have lived in Cleobury Mortimer for 11 years as Louise and I wished to bring up our children in a village environment whilst enjoying the more rural life.
I have worked within the software industry for over 15 years developing and supplying workforce management software to many household named organisations. This culminated in the successful sale of my business in 2016, following this I engaged in sales and marketing based troubleshooting and now head up a software business with a global turnover of £100m.
My passion is my family and home life, and when time permits I enjoy clay pigeon shooting.
Supporting my children's education and development is why I am a school governor. I wish to ensure my and your children have the best education, giving them a head start in life.
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Mr Jonathan Barnes
Parent - EPPG, Vice Chair of Resources
Term of office : 01.09.18 - 31.08.22
Attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 4 / 6
Current attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2018-19 : 2 / 4
Declaration of Interest : (a) Spouse is Clerk to Governors at Lindridge CE Primary School, Rivers MAT and Baxter College. (d) 2 children attend Bayton CE Primary School.
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Mr Daniel Sparkes
Co-Opted - Finance
Term of office : 05.10.18 - 04.10.22
Attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2017-18 : N/A
Current attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2018-19 : 3 / 4
Declaration of Interest : (a) employment at Bayton CE Primary School, and also at St. Joseph's RC Primary (Droitwich).
My name is Daniel Sparkes and I joined Bayton Primary school in April 2018 as Business Manager. My actual job title is “Cluster Business Manager” and when I am not at Bayton on Monday’s and Thursdays, I am fulfilling the Business Manager role at St Joseph’s Catholic Primary school in Droitwich.
I have worked in the public sector for the past 12 years, 9 of which in schools as Business Manager. I have worked in a large Primary School in Worcester, an all aged Special School in Redditch and now over 2 schools. My experience over different educational settings has given me the confidence to help others in similar situations in schools and earlier this year I applied for and was successful in becoming a Senior Leader in Education; an accreditation which allows me to visit other schools and assist them in all areas of School Business Management.
My proudest moment in my career to date was organising, fundraising and taking 9 Special Needs children on a trip of a life time to New York City in 2017. It was very much a team effort, and I know what an impact it had on those young people and a memory which will stay with them (and me!) for a very long time.
I hope that my experience and knowledge will bring another dimension to the Governing Body at Bayton and help the school develop and progress both operationally and strategically in an ever changing sector that is Education.
In my spare time, I attend the gym at least 4 times a week and try to travel as much as possible. I look forward to getting to know all of the children, Parents and Carers at Bayton. Do come and say hello when I’m in the school office!
Miss Laura Farr, staff governor
Term of office : 01.09.18 - 31.08.19
Attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2017-18 : N/A
Current attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2018-19 : 2 / 4
Declaration of Interest : None.
My name is Laura Farr and I was appointed as Year 6 Teacher in September 2018. Following this, I was appointed as Assistant Headteacher and Staff Governor in September 2019. I’ve thoroughly enjoyed being part of the Bayton School Community over the past year and hope to spend many more years making a difference. I live locally to Bayton and have taught at a school within the local cluster. However, Bayton is special due to its dedication to encompassing Christian Values and consistent high expectations of its pupils.
I hope as Staff Governor, I am able to bring insight to the team about teaching life, expectations and workload. Amongst this, my experience as Year 6 Teacher and Subject Leader of English allows me to have a strong knowledge of the data projections for the school going forwards.
I am a keen sportsperson and exercise 6 days a week, including running around 20 miles. I compete as a triathlete and runner in local and national events such as Edinburgh and Dublin Marathon, Birmingham and Manchester Half Marathon and not forgetting Ludlow Triathlon. This competitive side of me allows me to be driven and hard-working in everything I do.
Mrs Rebecca Bayley, Clerk to Governors
Appointed : 27.05.18
Attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 2 / 2
Current attendance of Full Governing Body meetings 2018-19 : 4 / 4
Declaration of Interest : (a) employment at Bayton CE Primary School - school administrator. (d) 3 children attend Bayton CE Primary School
I moved to Bayton in 2015 with my husband, Andy, and our 3 children, chasing the dream of the country life! My children attend Bayton CE Primary School, and I am the school administrator. We all love being part of this idyllic community.
I feel very honoured to be Clerk to the Governors here at Bayton CE Primary - it is astonishing just how much work the governors put in to helping our school be the best it can be!
In my spare time I enjoy family outings, playing the piano and being outdoors.
Current Vacancies on our Governing Body:
2 x Co-Opted Governor
Ex-officio Foundation Governor
Please speak with Mrs Cigsar, Ms Simmonds or Mrs Bayley for more information.
2017-18 Governors who are no longer in office:
Mrs Sarah Barnsley
Co-Opted
Term of office : 01.09.15 - 04.11.17
Attendance of Full governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 2 / 2
Declaration of Interest : (a) administrator at Clee Hill Community Academy
Mrs Stephanie Claxton
Staff governor
Term of office : 01.09.17 - 31.08.18
Attendance of Full governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 3 / 6
Declaration of Interest : None
Mrs Debbie McCoshan
Co-Opted
Term of office : 01.09.15 - 17.02.18
Attendance of Full governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 1 / 3
Declaration of Interest : None
Mr Lee Smith
Co-Opted
Term of office : 06.10.16 - 07.03.19
Attendance of Full governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 5 / 6
Declaration of Interest : (c) Spouse is Vice Chair of Bayton CE Primary PTA, (d) 1 child attends Bayton CE Primary School
Mrs Harriet Wakefield
Parent
Term of office : 28.11.14 - 27.03.18
Attendance of Full governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 3 / 4
Declaration of Interest : None
Mrs Helena Evans
Clerk to Governors
Term of office : 04.03.13 - 27.05.18
Attendance of Full governing Body meetings 2017-18 : 4 / 4
Declaration of Interest : (a) keyboard tuition in school, school gardening. (d) Open the Book assemblies, 1 child attends Bayton CE Primary School.