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Our Governors

 

Strategic Plan 2023 - 2025

Welcome to our Governors' section. 

The Governing Body brings to the school and its children a variety of skills and interests. Governors usually serve a four year term (and can be re-elected or appointed for a new term of office). 


The role of the Governing Body is to ensure that our school provides an effective education for our children and meets all the statutory requirements. This is a huge task and our governors are committed and hard working. In particular the governing body seeks to ensure:

  • that the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined
  • that the headteacher performs their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school
  • the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources

Our school Governing Body meets twice each term and most Governors also have additional roles to focus on for example Safeguarding, Health and Safety and Special Educational Needs and Disability. In between meetings Governors may also visit the school to observe different aspects of life at school. Our School Improvement Plan guides the work of the Governing Body and a small group of Governors has strategic oversight of each priority.

The Chair of Governors

 The role of Chair of Governors is shared between two co-chairs, Amy Saturley and Laura Proud.  They share the chairing of Governors' meetings and both have regular meetings with the Headteacher.  Although the role is carried out by two people, both individuals have the authority to carry out the role and responsibilities of the Chair of Governors.

Amy Saturley is the lead co-chair, that is the first point of contact for the headteacher, parents, the local authority, the Department for Education (DfE) and other stakeholders.  

Amy Saturley

Why I became a School Governor?

I have lived in Westonzoyland for many years and my youngest child still attends the school. I was keen to get involved with the school and make a positive contribution to its ongoing development. My career for the last 25 years has been in finance and welfare in a variety of different roles. This has given me many transferable skills, has taught me to be inquisitive and enables me to deal with many different situations professionally and with compassion.

Westonzoyland is a wonderful village and I believe the school and the children are central to its future success.

Come and talk to me about...

What you like about the school, what your children like about the school and any ideas or suggestions you may have.

Why I become a School Governor?

I've lived in Westonzoyland for several years now. Both my children attend the school, and the opportunity to become a Governor came up once my youngest started and I had a bit more time on my hands. I have worked in Human Resources for over 15 years in a number of roles. I hope to be able to use the variety of skills and experiences I have developed, to make a positive contribution to the the school.
 

Come and talk to me about...
What you and your family love most about the school and any thoughts on how we can develop it further.
 

Why I became a school governor.

I grew up in Westonzoyland and enjoyed my time at the school many years ago.  Two of my children are children here and I wanted to take an active interest in the school's ongoing development.  For the last twelve years, I have been working in health, safety, environment  and facilities compliance and am a graduate of Institution of Safety and Health (IOSH).  I believe that my skills will complement the Governing Body's expertise, add value to the school and help to support the safety culture.

Come and talk to me about 

The things that you like about the school and any ways in  which you think it could be imrpoved.

Why I became a Governor

I have lived in Westonzoyland for several years and my daughter attends the school. My career for the past 18 years has been in the Child Protection field. I am passionate about the safeguarding of children, including the importance of a child's education journey and how this supports them to achieve and thrive. I am dedicated to what I do and hope that these skills are transferable in my role as a Governor. I am looking forward to supporting a fantastic school.

Come and talk to me about…

Any aspects of the school, what you like and what you think could improve.

Why I became a School Governor

I became part of the Governing Board in September 2023, following my appointment as Headteacher of Westonzoyland Community Primary School. I feel incredibly privileged to be the Headteacher at this wonderful school and am very proud of our pupils and school community.

Come and talk to me about...

My door is always open. Please do reach out if you want to discuss any school-related matters.

Why I became a School Governor

I have lived in the village of Westonzoyland my whole life and as a former pupil of the school I have a strong connection to the school and community. I also have three children who attend the school. I have been a primary school teacher for more than 15 years and therefore have a good understanding of education and how to nurture children to reach their potential. I hope to use my experience, skills, and commitment to support the school’s continued success and help ensure that every child has the best possible opportunities to thrive.

Come and talk to me about…

Anything! I’d always be open to listening to your thoughts about the school. 

 

Why I became a governor?

TBC 

Deborah Jull - elected by parents

I live in village and work as Deputy Headteacher at another local village primary school, which is very similar in size and structure. Having worked in education for over 15 years, I bring a wealth of experience and a strong understanding of how to support children to reach their full potential. 

As a parent of a child at the school, I have a personal as well as professional investment in its success. I hope to use my skills, knowledge and commitment to support the school’s continued development and help ensure that every child has the best possible opportunities to thrive.

Why I became a School Governor - 

My name is Ryan and I have lived in Westonzoyland for 7 years. I am currently the head of school at Polden Bower, which is an all through SEN school in Bridgwater. Being a governor at Westonzoyland for me means that I am able to support the growth and development of all children and if I can make a small difference by giving my time and energy then hopefully our future generation will benefit. I have been a governor now for around 4 Years and have seen huge and significant progress at Westonzoyland Primary School and feel proud to continue being part of its journey. 

Come and talk to me about....If you would like to meet me and talk about our school then please contact me on ryan.parker-binns@wzps.co.uk

Why I became a Governor

I am a former pupil of Westonzoyland School (a few years ago!), and then became employed here as the Office Manager in 2018. This role has given me a good wider knowledge of the school, our families and community. I am committed to the ongoing success of the school and wanted to use this experience to contribute from another perspective.

Come and talk to me about…

I'm always interested to hear feedback on any aspect of school life!

 

Governance Professional (Clerk) - vacancy

Name of Governor

Category of Governor

GB = Governing Body

Current Term of Office

Additional responsibilities

Business Interests*

Attendance at meetings 2025-26

Chris Ball

Co-opted by the GB

08/05/2025 – 07/05/2029

Health & Safety Governor

SDP 2 Governor

No interests declared

4/7 57%

Kelly Branfield

Co-opted by the GB

16/11/2024 - 15/11/2027

SDP Priority 1

No interests declared

4/7 57%

Andrew Clark

Head Teacher

01/09/2023 - 

 

Headteacher at WZPS

7/7 100%

Sammy Denyer

Associate Member - co-opted by the GB

23/05/2024 - 22/05/2028

Early Years & Foundation Stage (EYFS)

SDP Priority 4

Parent of a registered pupil; employee of St Andrew's school Burnham

7/7 100%

Andrew Dingwall

Associate Member - appointed by the GB

26/03/26 - 25/03/27

Technical security including GDPR

SDP Priority 3 

Elected to Somerset Council for Bridgwater East and Bawdrip

Employed by HSBC

5/7 71%
Deborah Jull Elected by parents 22/04/2026 - 21/04/2030   Chair of PTFA 2/3 66%

Hannah Lintern

Co-opted by the GB

23/05/2024 - 22/05/2028

SDP 1

Safeguarding

Employed by Catcott Primary school

5/7 71%

Ryan Parker-Binns

Co-opted by the GB

25/11/2021 - 24/11/2025

Special Educational Needs and Disability (SEND)

SDP Priority 1

Head of School - Polden Bower

4/8 50%

Laura Proud

Elected by Parents

09/02/2023 - 08/02/2027

Co-chair 

Wellbeing 

Whistleblowing

SDP Priority 2 

No interests declared

5/8 63%

Amy Saturley

Co-opted by the GB

14/09/2023 - 13/09/2027

Co-chair

SDP Priority 4

Parent of a registered pupil 8/8 100%
Laura Touchin Elected by staff 13/01/2026 - 12/01/2030   Member of staff WZPS; close relative of a WZPS employee 5/5 100%

Governors who served in the previous 12 months

   

Nikki Doughty

Local Authority nominated – appointed by the GB

21/03/2024 - 31/07/2026

 

   
           

Chloe Bridgeman

Elected by Staff

07/07/2022 - 10/12/2025 

     
Andrew Dingwall Elected by parents 17/03/2022 -16/03/2026      

 * A full copy of the school Governors' register of business interests is available from the school.