St. Laurence's Church of England

Primary School & Little Treasures' Nursery

Welcome to the Governors' section

What do school governors do?

 Our governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in school. Each governor is a member of the governing body, which is established in law as a corporate body. Decisions are the joint responsibility of the governing body. Its key functions are to:

  • set the aims, objectives, targets and policies for the school
  • monitor and evaluate the progress school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
  • be a source of challenge and support to the head teacher (a critical friend)
  • oversee the financial peformance of the school

The governing body is not responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing body - this is the responsibility of the head teacher.

Different categories of governor:

Parent Governors have a child in school at the time of their elections and are elected by the parents with children at the school.

Staff Governors are members of staff at the school and are elected by their colleagues.

Co-opted Governors are co-opted on to the governing body by other members because they come from a specialist group such as a business community or because they possess a particular skill which can contribute to the governing body.

Local Authority Governor

Meet the Governors

 Mrs Emma Small

Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor

I joined the governing body in 2017 and became Chair of Governors in January

2018. I have worked in education teaching at primary, secondary and further

education levels.

Over the years I have been involved with St. Laurence's first as a mum

(3 of my 4 children attended the school) and more recently several of my foster

placements have also been educated here.

Business Interest: None

Other establishments governed: None

Relationships with staff/members of the governing body: None

Appointed: 11/01/2024

Appointed until: 10/01/2026

emma.small@st-laurenceprimary.com

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Mr Dean Griffin

Parent Governor

Hello, I was appointed Parent Governor on 23rd June 2022

With having 4 children in the school and with another 2 to come through, I felt it was only right to give something back and help shape their future within St Laurence’s.

I am an accountant, and work within the Security Industry, for both, an apprenticeship provider, and a trade association. With this, I have some knowledge of how an education provider should work, so hope to be able to bring some of my knowledge to the school.

Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my family, as well as enduring life as an Everton fan. Please feel free to say hello, if you see me around school.

Business Interest: None

Other establishments governed: None

Relationships with staff/members of the governing body: None

Appointed: 23/06/2022

 Appointed until: 23/06/2025

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James Boddey

Parent Governor

My name is James Boddey and I am the Owner of Busy Bodies Child Care Centre in Ludlow. I have worked in Early Years Education for over 18 years and I believe passionately in the importance of high quality early years education and care. I have worked in a number of schools and nurseries during my career and have met some wonderful people along the way. I am currently the SENCO and Child Protection Officer at Busy Bodies and have completed a number of courses throughout my career. Away from work I enjoy spending time with my family and our awesome dog - Tilly. I also enjoy writing and wearing crocs. 

Business Interest: Owner of Busy Bodies Child Care Centre

Other establishments governed: None

Relationships with staff/members of the governing body: None

Appointed:29/09/2022

 Appointed until 29/09/2025

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Mr Peter Sell

Foundation Governor / Vice Chair

I have only been a Governor since early 2020, with this being my first such

appointment. Neither have I been involved in the education system since leaving

school many years ago. Currently I am on the Finance Committee.

For the first 32 years of my working life I was employed by Barclays Bank at

various branches eventually retiring as a manager in the West Midlands. Following

this, I became self employed, primarily investigating fraud and mis-selling in the

financial services industry. For some 15 years I worked in this sector right across

the UK, before retiring completely.

My wife, Cherry and I have lived in Shropshire for almost 30 years and now live

right next door to the school. We have 3 daughters and 5 grandchildren living

in various parts of the country.

Other interests: A member of the Hereford Diocesan Guild of Church Bell ringers

at St. Laurence's in Ludlow. Also chair of Hereford United Supporters Trust and

of the Brown Clee Burn Association 11k Run, raising funds for locals good causes.

Other establishment governorships: None

Relationships with staff/members of the governing body: None

Appointed: 23/01/2020

Appointed until: 23/03/2024

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Suzy Hopkins

Co-opted Governor

 

Appointed: 01/09/2023

Appointed until: 30/08/2025

 

 

 

 

 

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Kelvin Price

Foundation Governor

My main role is being the Rector of Ludlow. I have one child at the school. My professional background was originally within the British Army, and then after studying theology I became a parish priest within the Church of England.

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, watching and playing sport and being part of the Ludlow community. 

Business Interest: None

Other establishments governed: None

Relationships with staff/members of the governing body: None

Appointed: 01/09/2023

 

 

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Sebastian Bowen

I was born in India, living there until six years old when my family moved to Botswana and South Africa for five years. I served as an officer in the Royal Marines and I have also been a qualified teacher.

Other establishment governorships: None

Relationships with staff/members of the governing body: None

Appointed: 01/02/2023

Appointed until 30/01/2027

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Mr Chris McKeon

Staff Governor

My name is Chris McKeon and I grew up in London. I am deputy head; English

Coordinator; Deputy DSL; Music Coordinator and teach full time in Year 6.

Before my PGCE, I studied Music and received a First Class Honours Degree,

specialising in classical singing.

Business Interest: None

Other establishments governed: None

Relationships with staff/members of the governing body: None

Appointed:01/09/2023

Appointed until 30/08/2025

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 Mr Stephen Matthews

Head Teacher Governor

Appointed: 05/09/13

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Standards Committee

Chris McKeon

Stephen Matthews

Emma Small

Suzy Hopkins

James Boddey (Chair)

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Health & Safety Committee

Emma Small (Chair)

Stephen Matthews

Sebastian Bowen

Kelvin Price

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Finance Committee

Emma Small

Peter Sell (Chair)

Stephen Matthews

Dean Griffin

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Link Governors

LAC - Emma Small

Safeguarding - Emma Small

Maths - Dean Griffin

Early Years - James Boddey

Governors Attendance