Westonzoyland Primary School ‘Embrace Opportunities, Choose Kindness, Value Everyone’
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 apppinted 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 - Lead Co-chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor
Why I became a School Governor?
I have lived in Westonzoyland for many years and both of my children attend 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 18+ years has been to help people with their financial needs and lifestyles 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.
Laura Proud - Co-chair of Governors, Parent Governor
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.
Chris Ball - Co-opted Governor
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.
Kelly Branfield - Co-opted Governor
Chloe Bridgeman - Staff Governor
Why I became a School Governor?
I began working at Westonzoyland Primary School in 2020 and love working in such a special place, within a wonderful community. When the opportunity to become a staff governor came up last year, I jumped at the chance to become involved with the governors and to make our school the best place it can be for all.
What is my particular focus this year?
As the staff governor, my role will be to share information and ideas about what is happening day-to-day with the other governors - I also have a focus on Maths and Wellbeing within the school.
Come and talk to me about..
Anything and everything. I am always available to discuss any ideas and thoughts you have about what you think is going well and how we can make the school even better for you and your family.
Sammy Denyer - Associate Governor
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.
Andrew Dingwall - Parent Governor
Nicky Doughty - LA Governor
Why I became a governor?
I have been working with Westonzoyland school since 2002 supporting them with their school performances. As a local school leader, I have been delighted to be involved for many years with the growth and development of the school. I am passionate about the safeguarding of children, teaching and learning and working with local communities. I believe every child should be able to learn and achieve no matter their circumstances. I am always willing to support Westonzoyland school and its families in any way I can.
Come and talk to me about
Any aspect of the school life, we are always willing to listen.
Ryan Parker-Binns - Co-opted Governor
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
Charlotte Jones - Clerk to the Governing Body
Charlotte is our professional governance officer, supporting the Governing Body to make timely decisions, keep records and be up to date with a range of legal responsibilities. "I enjoy the collaborative nature of the Westonzoyland governing body, with every governor focussed on being a high performing school with every child at the centre of its decision making."
If you have questions or would like more information about the work of the Governing Body, please contact Charlotte. Copies of past minutes and agendas are available on request. You can contact Charlotte by writing a letter marking it for the attention of the Clerk to Governors, and leaving at the school office or by email to office@wzps.co.uk
The constitution of our Governing Body
Name of Governor | Category of Governor GB = Governing Body | Current Term of Office | Additional responsibilities | Business Interests* | Attendance at meetings 2024-25 Number of meetings = 6 |
Chris Ball | Co-opted by the GB | 08/05/2025 – 07/05/2029 | Health & Safety Governor SDP 2 Governor | No interests declared | 100% |
Kelly Branfield | Co-opted by the GB
| 16/11/2024 - 15/11/2027 | SDP Priority 1
| No interests declared | 67% |
Chloe Bridgeman | Elected by Staff | 07/07/2022 - 06/07/2026 |
| Member of staff WZPS | 83% |
Andrew Clark | Head Teacher | 01/09/2023 - |
| Headteacher at WZPS | 100% |
Sammy Denyer | Associate Member - appointed 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 | N/A |
Andrew Dingwall | Elected by Parents | 17/03/2022 - 16/03/2026 | Technical security including GDPR SDP Priority 3 | Elected to Somerset Council for Bridgwater East and Bawdrip Employed by HSBC | 33% |
Nikki Doughty | Local Authority nominated – appointed by the GB | 21/03/2024 - 20/03/2028 | Safeguarding SDP Priority 3 | Employed by Bridgwater and Taunton College Trust | 50% |
Hannah Lintern | Co-opted by the GB | 23/05-2024 - 22/05/2028 | SDP 1 | Employed by Catcott Primary school | 50% |
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 | 67% |
Laura Proud | Elected by Parents | 09/02/2023 - 08/02/2027 | Co-chair Wellbeing Whistleblowing SDP Priority 2 | No interests declared | 100% |
Amy Saturley | Co-opted by the GB | 14/09/2023 - 13/09/2027 | Co-chair SDP Priority 4
| Parent of a registered pupil | 100% |
Governors who served in the previous 12 months |
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* A full copy of the school Governors' register of business interests is available from the school.