Our School Governors
Our School Governors and Committee Structure
At Church Crookham Juniors, the three core roles of school governors align with national expectations for governing bodies in maintained schools across England. These are:
-
Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos, and strategic direction
Governors help set the long-term goals and values of the school. They work closely with the Headteacher and leadership team to ensure the school’s mission and ethos are clearly defined and reflected in its policies and practices. -
Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils
Governors monitor and evaluate the school’s progress, including pupil achievement, teaching quality, and staff performance. They support and challenge the Headteacher to ensure high standards are maintained. -
Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
Governors scrutinise the school’s budget, ensuring resources are allocated effectively to support learning and development. This includes reviewing spending on pupil premium, staffing, and infrastructure.
They work collaboratively with the Headteacher and senior leadership team to ensure that our vision of "Achievement by All" is realised, and that our learners receive the highest quality education in a safe, supportive and inclusive environment.
Our Governing Body operates through a structured committee system to focus on key areas of school leadership and management, this includes:
-
Resources Committee: Oversees the management of the school’s finances, premises, and staffing to ensure resources are used efficiently and effectively to support learning.
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Curriculum Committee: Focusses on the quality of education, including curriculum development, teaching standards, and learner outcomes, ensuring our curriculum meets the needs of all learners.
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Pay Committee: Responsible for decisions related to staff remuneration, ensuring fair and transparent processes aligned with performance and school priorities.
This committee structure allows our Governors to provide focused oversight and support, contributing to continuous school improvement and the wellbeing of our school community. As a reflective Governing Body, after each meeting a summary of the impact is discussed and reviewed, in order to ensure that governors remain focused, transparent and aligned with the school priorities and values. Details of these have been included here too.
Governors’ Details
Name |
Category |
Appointed by |
Term of Office – no. of years |
Term of Office – end date |
Committee membership |
Responsibilities |
Voting Rights (if Associate Member) |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Karen McManus
|
Co-opted |
GB |
4 |
30/11/2026 |
Resources Curriculum |
Chair of Governors Safeguarding Governor |
|
Andy Walter
|
Co-opted |
GB |
4 |
30/11/2026 |
Resources – Chair Pay Performance Management |
|
|
Darren Almey |
Co-opted | 4 | 24/05/2026 |
Resources - Vice Chair Pay - Chair |
Training Liaison Governor
|
||
Tamsin Wightman
|
Local Authority
|
|
4 |
30/11/2026 |
Resources Performance Management |
|
|
Catherine Beiguilman | Co-opted | 4 | 17/12/2026 |
Curriculum-Vice Chair Pay |
SEN Governor & Inclusivity Governor (EAL) |
||
Paula McIntyre | Co-opted | 4 | 17/12/2026 |
Curriculum - Chair
|
Vice-Chair of Governors Safeguarding Governor
|
||
Rebecca Stringer | Parent | 4 | 23/05/2026 |
Curriculum |
Pupil Premium Champion | ||
Jo Sharples | Parent | 4 | 01/09/2026 | Resources | |||
Megan Stevens (was Megan West) | Staff Governor | Staff | 4 | 19/02/2028 | Curriculum | ||
James Lewis | Parent | 4 | 17/11/2027 | ||||
Stuart Rowe | Co-opted | 4 | 24/04/2029 | ||||
Deborah Swales | Clerk to the Governing Body | ||||||
Steve French | Associate Member | GB | Curriculum | No voting rights | |||
Danielle Bending | Associate Member | GB | No voting rights | ||||
Pam Meek |
Headteacher |
GB |
|
|
|
|
Voting rights |
Jo Bickerstaff
|
School Business Manager |
GB |
|
|
Resources |
|
No voting rights |
If governors are needed to form an additional committee, for example, complaints, grievance, etc. then governors who may sit on this committee include Tamsin Wightman, Paula McIntyre, Andy Walter, Darren Almey, Catherine Beiguilman, Jo Sharples, James Lewis and Stuart Rowe.
Meetings & Impact Statements
Full Governing Body
Record of Attendance
23/09/2024 |
09/12/2024 | 03/02/2025 | 24/03/2025 | 20/05/2025 | 07/07/2025 |
Karen McManus (Chair) | Karen McManus (Chair) | Karen McManus (Chair) | Karen McManus (Chair) | Karen McManus (Chair) | Karen McManus (Chair) |
Tamsin Wightman | Tamsin Wightman | Tamsin Wightman | Jo Sharples | Jo Sharples | Jo Sharples |
Andy Walter | Andy Walter | Andy Walter | Andy Walter | Andy Walter | Andy Walter |
Rebecca Stringer | James Lewis | James Lewis | James Lewis | James Lewis | James Lewis |
James Lewis | Darren Almey | Darren Almey | Darren Almey | Darren Almey | Darren Almey |
Darren Almey | Catherine Beiguilman | Catherine Beiguilman | Catherine Beiguilman | Catherine Beiguilman | Catherine Beiguilman |
Catherine Beiguilman | Paula McIntyre | Rebecca Stringer | Jo Sharples | Jo Sharples | Stuart Rowe |
Paula McIntyre | Megan West | Jo Sharples | Megan West | Megan West | Paula McIntyre |
Megan West | Danielle Bending (in attendance) | Danielle Bending (in attendance) | Danielle Bending (in attendance) | Stuart Rowe | Steve French (in attendance) |
Danielle Bending (in attendance) | Steve French (in attendance) | Steve French (in attendance) | Steve French (in attendance) | Steve French (in attendance) | Deborah Swales (Clerk) |
Steve French (in attendance) | Pam Meek | Megan West | Deborah Swales (Clerk) | Deborah Swales (Clerk) | Pam Meek |
Pam Meek | Pam Meek | Pam Meek | Pam Meek |
Impact Statements for Full Governing Body Meetings
December 2024
Standing agenda item introduced: Each committee will now include an ‘Impact Statement’ section on its agenda to ensure continual reflection and accountability.
Sports provision enhancement: A working party was formed to explore options for improving the school field and wider sports facilities.
Celebration of PE achievements: PE successes were highlighted and commended.
Training and development: A training matrix is to be developed by DA to support tracking and planning of governor CPD.
Parental engagement: Notable strengths were recognised from the latest parent survey.
Finances: The revised budget which had been discussed and questioned at the Resources Committee was agreed.
School Improvement Plan (SIP): Governors reviewed ongoing progress.
Governor visits: Feedback loops into the SIP were reinforced through targeted visits which were agreed and reported back on during the meeting.
February 2025
Core governance reflection: Governors discussed the three core functions of governance to reaffirm best practice.
Statutory responsibilities: The SFVS (Schools Financial Value Standard) was reviewed, agreed, and submitted.
Pupil admissions: Governors agreed to ask Hampshire County Council to reduce two year groups to 4-form entry for September 2025 due to falling pupil numbers.
Catering contract: The FGB discussed the action plan for the tendering and transition to a new catering supplier for September 2025.
Local Authority feedback: Governors welcomed the LA’s recognition of improvements against the SIP and praised the HT and leadership team.
Equalities: The School Equalities Plan was reviewed, updated, and ratified.
March 2025
Governor development: Governors agreed a training focus for the November 2025 Whole Governing Body Training (WGBT) on Ofsted’s new framework and the governor role in inspections.
Data review: Governors analysed the IDSR and compared it to more current internal school data.
Inclusion and diversity: Governors recognised the school's success in achieving the Hampshire EMTAS Silver Award.
Attendance scrutiny: Discussions were held on attendance data, comparing IDSR figures with internal updates and school interventions (which had been also discussed at the Curriculum Committee)
School improvement update: The HT reported on SIP priorities, including:
- New homework policy impact
- Staff training in maths and English
- Ongoing training for LSAs
A governor visit was arranged to monitor the impact of maths training.
Pupil voice: Governors reviewed outcomes from the pupil questionnaire and noted improvements in several areas including inclusivity and school enjoyment.
Parental feedback: Actions taken in response to the parent questionnaire were reviewed covering communication, homework, SEND, engagement, and behaviour.
Monitoring visits: Governors reported on visits including PE, ECT support, SATs preparation, and planned strategic meetings with school leadership.
May 2025
Three-year budget approval: The FGB reviewed and approved the 3-year budget, ensuring alignment with the school’s priorities and maintaining focus on pupil outcomes. Governors had discussed this in depth at the Resources Committee.
Resourced Provision exploration: Governors considered hosting a Resourced Provision and discussed its inclusivity, sustainability, financial implications. It was agreed that school should continue to investigate this further.
Cyber and digital governance: Training records were updated. Two governors were elected as Cyber Security Governor and Website Governor, respectively.
Monitoring updates: Governors reported on visits for SEN, attendance, Maths, and SATs, confirming alignment with the SIP and adherence to procedures.
Curriculum Committee
Record of Attendance | ||
30/09/2024 | 11/11/2024 | 13/01/2025 |
Paula McIntyre | Paula McIntyre | Paula McIntyre |
Catherine Beiguilman | Rebecca Stringer | Rebecca Stringer |
Karen McManus | Megan West | Catherine Beiguilman |
Megan West | Steve French (in attendance) | Steve French (in attendance) |
Steve French (in attendance) | Danielle Bending (in attendance) | Danielle Bending (in attendance) |
Danielle Bending (in attendance) | Deborah Swales (Clerk) | Deborah Swales (Clerk) |
Pam Meek | Pam Meek | Pam Meek |
Deborah Swales (Clerk) | ||
03/03/2025 | 09/06/2025 | |
Paula McIntyre | Paula McIntyre | |
Rebecca Stringer | Rebecca Stringer | |
Catherine Beiguilman | Catherine Beiguilman | |
Karen McManus | Karen McManus | |
Steve French (in attendance) | Stuart Rowe | |
Danielle Bending (in attendance) | Michelle Wood (in attendance) | |
Deborah Swales (Clerk) | Ali Wilson (in attendance) | |
Pam Meek | Megan Stevens | |
Deborah Swales (Clerk) | ||
Pam Meek |
Impact Statements for Curriculum Committee Meetings
December 2024
Safeguarding (including attendance): was reviewed for each pupil group and compared with local and national data.
Sports provision enhancement: A working party was formed to explore options for improving the school field and wider sports facilities.
Celebration of PE achievements: PE successes were highlighted and commended.
School Improvement Plan (SIP): Governors reviewed ongoing progress.
Governor visits: Feedback loops into the SIP were reinforced through targeted visits.
March 2025
School improvement update: The HT reported on SIP priorities, including:
- New homework policy impact
- Staff training in Maths and English
- Ongoing training for LSAs
A governor visit was arranged to monitor the impact of maths training.
Pupil voice: Governors reviewed outcomes from the pupil questionnaire and noted improvements in several areas including inclusivity and school enjoyment.
Monitoring visits: Governors reported on visits including PE,Early Career Teacher support, administration of SATs tests, and planned strategic meetings with school leadership.
June 2025
Inclusion and Nurture Provision: The Committee received a detailed report from the Inclusion Manager, highlighting the positive impact of the Nurture provision at CCJS.
- SEND Provision: Governors were presented with an in-depth overview of the school’s SEND provision, noting the increase in Education, Health and Care Plans (EHCPs) and the resulting administrative demands on the SENCo and SENCo Assistant.
- Governor Monitoring: The SEN Governor reported on a recent visit, confirming continued monitoring of SEND provision and the team’s proactive engagement with parents and carers from diverse backgrounds.
- Safeguarding and Attendance: The Headteacher provided a safeguarding update. Governors noted that attendance was broadly in line with national and local averages and raised questions regarding pupil group disparities, behaviour incidents, and safeguarding referrals.
- Digital Access and Inclusion: The Committee was informed about the “Smartphone-Free Fleet” initiative. It was noted that students without access to digital devices would be supported by the school to ensure equitable access to online resources.
- Commitment to Equity: Governors acknowledged the school’s ongoing commitment to promoting equal access to education and opportunities for all pupils, particularly in the areas of SEND, Inclusion, and IT.
Resources Committee
Record of Attendance | ||
14/10/2024 | 25/11/2024 | 27/01/2025 |
Andy Walter (Chair) | Andy Walter (Chair) | Andy Walter (Chair) |
Jo Sharples | Jo Sharples | Darren Almey |
Darren Almey | Darren Almey | Tamsin Wightman |
Tamsin Wightman | Tamsin Wightman | James Lewis |
Jo Bickerstaff (in attendance) | Karen McManus | Jo Sharples |
Deborah Swales (Clerk) | Deborah Swales (Clerk) | Deborah Swales (Clerk) |
Pam Meek | Danielle Bending (in attendance) | Jo Bickerstaff (in attendance) |
Jo Bickerstaff (in attendance) | Pam Meek | |
Pam Meek | ||
17/03/2025 | 12/05/2025 | 16/06/2025 |
Andy Walter (Chair) | Andy Walter (Chair) | Andy Walter (Chair) |
Darren Almey | Darren Almey | Darren Almey |
Tamsin Wightman | Tamsin Wightman | Tamsin Wightman |
Jo Sharples | Jo Sharples | Karen McManus |
Deborah Swales (Clerk) | James Lewis | Stuart Rowe |
Jo Bickerstaff (in attendance) | Jo Bickerstaff (in attendance) | James Lewis |
Pam Meek | Deborah Swales (Clerk) | Jo Bickerstaff (in attendance) |
Pam Meek | Deborah Swales (in attendance) | |
Pam Meek |
Impact Statements for Resource Committee Meetings
December 2024
Financial Review: A review of the school budget and monitoring of each area was discussed.
February 2025
Statutory responsibilities: The SFVS (Schools Financial Value Standard) was reviewed, agreed, and submitted.
Pupil admissions: Governors agreed to ask Hampshire County Council to reduce two year groups to 4-form entry for September 2025 due to falling pupil numbers.
Catering contract: The FGB discussed the action plan for the tendering and transition to a new catering supplier for September 2025.
May 2025
Three-year budget approval: The FGB reviewed and approved the 3-year budget, ensuring alignment with the school’s priorities and maintaining focus on pupil outcomes.
Resourced Provision exploration: Governors considered hosting a Resourced Provision and discussed its inclusivity, sustainability, and financial implications.
Cyber and digital governance: Training records were updated. DA and SR were confirmed as being Cyber Security Governor and Website Governor, respectively.
June 2025
School Budget: The Resources Committee continued to monitor the school budget closely, with particular focus on the financial implications of falling pupil numbers and the resulting reduction in overall income. The committee reviewed the scenarios provided by the Business Manager and acknowledged the need for discussions in the next academic year regarding a potential review of the staffing structure.
Health & Safety: Governors questioned the Headteacher about site safety following incidents involving fallen tree branches and fencing. The committee was assured that appropriate and timely action had been taken to ensure the safety of pupils. Further review of Health & Safety indicated a reduction in accidents, attributed to recent works undertaken by the school to maintain a safe site for all.
Cyber Security: The committee reviewed the recent cyber security audit. The designated Cyber Security Governor, having recently completed training, provided further insight. Governors agreed that cyber security should remain a regular agenda item to ensure robust procedures continue to protect the school’s systems.
Safeguarding: Governors reviewed relevant aspects of safeguarding and were satisfied with the school’s ongoing vigilance and proactive approach in this area.
Equality Act Compliance: The committee received assurance that the school continues to follow correct procedures in line with equal opportunities legislation, including matters relating to staff on maternity leave.
Staff Wellbeing: Governors were informed about a recent training session which impacted on a member of staff and the resultant actions, including reviewing the appropriateness of this training with all staff . It was agreed that staff wellbeing should remain a standing item on the agenda.
Behaviour and Inclusion: Governors noted a reduction in physical incidents and use of restraint, recognising the continued efforts of all staff, particularly the SEN Team, and the resulting positive impact on both pupils and staff.
Register of Governors’ Interests
Name |
Name of Business Including:
|
Nature of Business |
Nature of Interest |
Date of Appointment or Acquisition |
Date of Cessation of Interest |
Date of Entry |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Karen McManus |
Nil
|
|
|
|
|
15.05.2023 |
Darren Almey |
Wife works for company providing coding lessons for Key Stages 1 and 2. |
Education |
|
|
|
16.09.2024 |
Andy Walter |
Wife works for Hampshire Caterers |
Catering |
|
|
|
22.09.2024 |
Tamsin Wightman |
Employee of Hampshire County Council |
Education |
|
9th September 2024 |
Present |
14.09.2024 |
Catherine Beguilman | Parent of child at the school (until July 2025) | October 2022 | Present | 22.09.2024 | ||
Paula McIntyre | Nil | |||||
Jo Sharples | Parent to child at the school (until July 2025) | September 2021 | 31st July 2025 | 22.09.2024 | ||
Rebecca Stringer | Nil | 12.09.2024 | ||||
Stuart Rowe | Chair of Governors at Parsonage Farm Infant School | Education | Governance | May 2025 | Present | May 2025 |
Megan West | Works at the School | 13.09.2024 | ||||
Steven French | Works at the School | |||||
Danielle Bending | Works at the School |
Joining our Governing Body
Joining the governing body at Church Crookham Junior School is a rewarding way to make a real difference in children's education and the wider school community. Governors work closely with the Headteacher to shape the school’s strategic direction, support and challenge leadership, and ensure resources are used effectively. No special qualifications are needed—just enthusiasm, commitment, and a willingness to listen and learn. The role involves attending meetings, reading papers, and taking part in school events and monitoring visits, amounting to around 8 hours a month. If you're interested, please contact adminoffice@crookham-jun.hants.sch.uk to find out more. Some further details are included in the attached flier.
This page was last checked on 31/07/2025.