Governors
Welcome to our Governors’ section.
What is a School's Governing Board and what do they do?
The Governing Board is the school’s legally accountable body and works together to provide independent oversight of the management and operation of a school with the aim of improving the quality of education provided and raising standards. A school's Governing Board does not run the school on a day-to-day basis as this is the job of the Headteacher and staff.
There are three main roles of a Governing Board -
· Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction: Governance boards are the key strategic decision-making body in every school and it is the job of the board to set the school’s strategic framework and make sure that it meets all statutory duties.
· Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils;
· Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
More information on the role of the governors board can be found here.
The Governing Board at Oake, Bradford and Nynehead (VC) Primary School
The Governing Board is made up of a group of volunteers who, each with their own skills and strengths, have the common aim to ensure all children at Oake Bradford & Nynehead CofE (VC) Primary School receive the best education and personal development opportunities that they can whilst at the school. In a maintained school the board must be made up of a minimum of seven governors. Further details on the legal structure of a governing board can be found here
The Governing Board at OBN currently consists of:
· 3 Co-opted governors – appointed by the Governing Board
· 1 Headteacher
· 1 Local authority governor – nominated by the local authority
· 2 Parent governors – elected by other parents
· 1 Staff governors – elected by their colleagues
· 2 Foundation Governors –
1 Foundation Governor appointed by the Bath and Wells Diocesan Board of Education on a joint nomination from Bradford on Tone Parochial Church Council, Nynehead Parochial Church Council and Oake Parochial Church Council
1 Foundation Governor ex-officio: The Principal Officiating Minister from either the Benefice of Bradford on Tone and Nynehead, or the Benefice of Deane Vale
We have a vacancy for 1 co-opted governor.
We do not have any Associate Members.
Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.
Mrs Bridgit Hepworth-Kybert is our Clerk to Governors (clerk@obnprimary.co.uk) and will be happy to help should you wish to contact one of our governors.
2023 24 Dates of Full Governor Board Meetings
Attendance of Meetings 2023 24
Attendance of Meetings 2022 23
Meet Our Governors
My name is Gwynfor Jones and I am the Chair of Governors. I am a parent governor and I was elected onto the governing board in March 21 and was elected Chair in October 23. I believe primary schools play a vital role in laying the foundations for educational and social development of future generations. My aim is to ensure that all children are able to benefit from their time at OBN and that the school is continuously challenging itself to improve and prosper.
My name is Mairi McCulloch and I am the current manager at Little Acorns Pre-School which is attached to OBN Primary School. I have been a staff governor since 2017. I took on the position in January 2017 after being a pre-school assistant the previous year. I graduated as an Early Years teacher in 2014 from the University of Plymouth and have worked in a few different primary schools in the South West. Being originally from Scotland I spend time in the holidays visiting family up there and enjoy swimming in the sea.
My name is Annie Morgan . I am the reception/ year one teacher and responsible for English across the school. Throughout my career I have worked across Key Stage One and Key Stage Two. I hope to utilise my skills and experience in education , working with parents and the school community to support the governing body and staff in fulfilling our vision for Oake Bradford and Nynehead school.
My name is Rebbecca Russell. I have 2 children at Oake School and wanted to gain more insight into the vision, ethos and strategy of the school so I applied to become a parent governor in May 2023. I am the Vice-Chair, Governance Safeguarding Lead and link governor for Yr 3+ Yr 4. I work for the NHS in a fast-paced environment and I hope to use my experience to help promote high standards of educational achievement within the school. My passions are my family, travelling, rugby and reading.
My name is Mary Chmiewliski. I have 2 children, my son started in reception class in September 2023, having previously been at Little Acorns Pre School and my daughter will join in a few years' time. I live locally and also run with my husband a sawmill and timber yard nearby. I wanted to become a governor to have a part in supporting my children and the school during their time here. I am the link governor for Yr. 1 & 2 and support on Staff Wellbeing and Early Years. I hope my knowledge and experience of working and living in the area as well I'd like to think being an approachable people person will bring strength to the team of Govenor's. I thoroughly enjoy exploring the UK as a family in our caravan, good food and living in the countryside!
My name is Samira Taylor. I am a chartered accountant from Taunton with over 10 years experience providing financial and operational support to organisations. I qualified in an accountancy practice and then moved into business where I have been responsible for finance, HR, IT, purchasing and operational audit for various organisations. I hold a BSc in Geography, am studying towards an MBA and have a young family. I am passionate about all children having access to quality education to achieve their full potential and enjoy the opportunity to use my knowledge and experience to support the school wherever possible.
My name is Erica Atyeo. I have lived in Oake for 28 years and am currently the bookings and events secretary for Oake Village Hall. I have one grown up son who lives in Bristol and was previously a governor at his senior school. I am now retired, having been a medical representative for 30 years and before that I was an English and Drama teacher at a senior school in Bridgwater for 10 years. I am very much looking forward to helping out with English, particularly writing and SEN.
Governing Board Diversity Data
As a school we recognise that a diversity of thought, voices and perspectives is essential to good governance and the effective running of any organisation. We regularly collect diversity information from our governors and, depending on current data, can use this to:
• target recruitment to address gaps in experience and diversity
• develop and adapt board practices to ensure full participation
• prioritise training and awareness-raising in identified areas
• address potential ‘blind spots’ through seeking wider advice and perspectives on current and upcoming opportunities, challenges and risks
However, we are unable to publish this information as it would mean that individual members of our governing body are identifiable.
Financial Information
Please note that we do not have any employees with a gross annual salary of more than £100,000.
Please Click Here to view our school's financial data.