Meet the Governors

 

Tess Baylis-Smith - Chair of Governors,Teaching & Learning and Safeguarding Governor - Co-Opted Governor

Tess Baylis-Smith is a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education at a University training, coaching and mentoring future Primary and Early Years teachers. As part of her role Tess works in Partnership with 100’s of Primary schools across the Midlands and has the opportunity to be part of and experience some excellent cutting-edge practice. Tess works closely with the Department for Education and as part of her role takes part in Education Research both nationally and internationally staying abreast of current and up to date policy, practice and findings. Prior to her role as a University Lecturer Tess worked as a Primary Teacher for 15 years in both Worcestershire and Warwickshire schools, as a Lead Teacher for Worcestershire LEA, as a member in school Senior Leadership Teams and as an ambassador for Primary STEM subjects. Tess has a daughter who started in the Reception class at Coughton Primary C of E in September 2022 and wants to give something back to a school that she believes is truly outstanding. She hopes that with her passion and enthusiasm for education she can support and challenge the school as they continue to grow, develop, and strive for the best.

Katie Hague - Parent Governor - SEND Governor

Katie spent most of the decade prior to becoming a Mum working in Manchester at the HQ of the Co-operative Group leading a variety of environmental projects and later moving in to change management. Upon having her first child Katie took a step back from corporate life and spent some time working as the Marketing Manager for Rhythm Time, a local pre-school music business.  Katie is now a freelance copywriter.  Katie hopes to use her corporate business skills to help guide and shape the strategic direction of the school whilst representing the views of the parent body.

Katie currently has two children at Coughton and is an active volunteer within the school. Alongside her Parent Governor role she reads with Year 2 children every week, helps with the morning drop off system and is also on the PTA.  Katie is very enthused to maximise the time she gives back to the school community and is grateful for the education her children receive here, particularly in the support for her son who has SEN needs.

Sian Smith - Vice Chair Well Being and Community and  Parent Governor 

Siân is a former Coughton pupil, and now has two children who are happily settled within the school. She set up her online marketing business in 2014 and has a varied client base working with businesses in Warwickshire and across the UK. She is an active volunteer in the local community as a member (and co-founder) of Studley in Business, and a co-organiser of the Studley Christmas Market whilst supporting several other local groups and events. Siân is a member of the PTA and enjoys supporting events and activities to raise funds for the school. As a Parent Governor she is keen to utilise her experience and contacts within the corporate, public and community sectors to represent her fellow parents, whilst helping the school to build stronger links with the wider community.

Stuart Tilsley - Foundation Governor

Stuart was appointed a Foundation Governor in September 2015. He retired from full-time employment in 2014 and now runs a small consultancy business for General Medical practice. He has already attended a number of school assemblies and has been delighted to observe the caring and happy ethos of the school coupled with excellent educational standards. He hopes that his broad experience of both business and general medical practice will make a tiny contribution to the governance of the school.

 

Adam Walsh - CEO

Adam trained as a classical pianist before pursuing a career in teaching. He has taught in both primary and secondary phases of education and is an experienced school leader.  

  • Debbie Salkeld - Staff Governor
  • Alex Kolb – Head of School and Staff Governor

About School Governors

  • Promote high standards of educational attainment.
  • Set targets for pupil achievement.
  • Ensure the Christian ethos of the school is adhered to.
  • Take general responsibility for the conduct of the school.
  • Manage the school’s budget, including deciding on staff hours and their pay.
  • Make sure that the curriculum is balanced and broadly based, in particular, that the new National Curriculum and Religious Education are taught, and report on pupils’ achievement in National Curriculum assessments and examination results.
  • Participate in the appointment of senior staff (including appointing the Headteacher) and regulate staff conduct and discipline.
  • Monitor the Rapid Action Plan (RAP).
  • Parents elected by other parents with children at the school.
  • People appointed by the local authority.
  • People are chosen by governors from the local community.
  • People appointed by the church.
  • The Headteacher.
  • Teachers elected by other teachers.
  • Non-teaching staff elected by other non-teaching staff.

A governing body:

  • Works closely with the Headteacher.
  • Makes decisions collectively as a team.
  • Often delegates decision making to committees or to individuals, for example, to the Headteacher.
  • Conducts most of its business through meetings, making use of relevant papers and guidance, and advice from the Headteacher.

If you are interested in becoming a school governor and would like to discuss this further please contact Helen Reading, Chair of Governors via the school:

Relevant Documents

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