About our school

School Governors

Role of Governors

There are three interwoven strands:

  • to take a largely strategic role in the running of the school
  • to act as a critical friend to the school
  • to ensure accountability of the Governing Body to the parents and of the Headteacher to the Governing Body

The responsibilities and powers have to be exercised in partnership with the Headteacher and staff.

Meeting attendance

We publish the attendance registers for our governors meetings along with the Register of Interests.

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Meeting Minutes

If you would like a copy of the minutes for a governors meeting, please contact clerk@huntingdonprimary.cambs.sch.uk .

Huntingdon Primary School Governing Body

The HPS Governing Body works closely with the Headteacher in the management of the school and is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the school. The Governors have a general responsibility for the effective management of the school but do not take decisions about the day to day running of the school. This responsibility lies with the Headteacher.

The Governing Body is here to support the school and is made up of a group of 11 individuals from a variety of backgrounds. Some of the governors are parents and staff and some come from the wider community or the Local Authority. This mix provides a wealth of experience and views.

The Full Governing Body meets once every half term. In addition, we have one lead governor for each of the following areas who visits school on a termly basis:

  • Resources and Finance: responsible for managing the school budget (salaries, fuel costs, rates, repairs and maintenance)
  • Safeguarding; responsible for the safeguarding of children and staff
  • SEND: responsible for children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities
  • Teaching & Learning: responsible for monitoring the curriculum
  • Health and Safety; responsible for monitoring the building and site and making sure it is safe
  • Personnel: responsible for staff issues

The lead governor reports back to the whole governing body who collectively take responsibility.

    Why have Governing Bodies?

    Governors help schools provide the best possible education for their pupils by:

    • thinking and working strategically to help to raise standards
    • monitoring and evaluating progress towards the school’s priorities and targets
    • supporting the Headteacher and staff as well as challenging their expectations

    The Governing Body have specific responsibility in a number of areas including:

    • Curriculum and conduct of the school
    • Children with special educational needs
    • Overseeing the school budget
    • Appointment and disciplinary procedures with regard to staff
    • Discipline and attendance of pupils
    • Community use of the school
    • Extended services

    Contact Governors

    If you would like to contact the Governing Body, you can do so via the school office. Please note that many issues should normally be raised with the school staff in the first instance, but if you are not sure how to proceed we will be pleased to advise and look forward to hearing from you.
    Elaine Lynch

    Elaine Lynch

    Headteacher

    I have spent my career working in primary education  teaching in a range of schools in London and Cambridgeshire. My first role as Headteacher was in 2002, since than I have been the Headteacher of a number of schools sometimes as the permanent Headteacher and sometimes working on a temporary basis to help a school in difficult circumstances.
    Andrew Valentine

    Andrew Valentine

    Co-opted Governor

    I have served in the Royal Air Force for over 30 years. After leaving full-time service in 2021, I now work part-time with responsibility for the recruitment, training, and employment of the Royal Air Force’s Part-Time Volunteer Reserves.

    I am married to Lyn, who has been a TA and more recently a teacher at HPS. I am keen to contribute to the strategic direction and management of the school to provide the best possible education for the children.

    Jane Gedny

    Jane Gedny

    Chair of Governors, Local Authority Governor

    I am married and have 3 grown up children and 7 grandchildren. Before retiring I was a teacher, deputy head and then an adviser for the local authority. I have been a governor at HPS since 2012 and have enjoyed working with Ms Lynch and all the staff to provide the best education we can for your children. I am currently Chair of Governors and if you have any questions please get in touch.

    Lucy Clarke

    Lucy Clarke

    Co-opted Governor

    I have one daughter at HPS and volunteered to become a governor after she finished EYFS.

    I work as an Admin Assistant in the office at HPS and previously worked as a fundraising manager in the charity sector.

    Hajira Khan

    Hajira Khan

    Parent Governor

    As a project and programme management expert, I have led complex programmes in public and charity sectors in various parts of the world. Some of these programmes have focussed on systemic changes in research, higher education, and TVET. In my role as a Governor, I hope to contribute my skills and diverse experiences to the school’s strategic direction. 

    Jackie Edwards

    Jackie Edwards

    Staff Governor

    My career in education began as a TA in Hertfordshire. I gained my QTS through the Cambridgeshire GTP (Graduate Teacher Programne). For me, the best route into teaching as I was in the classroom from day one. I started teaching here at HPS back in 2004-when the school was a Junior school. Since then I have had many roles within the school-all of which I have enjoyed.
    Ryan Doherty

    Ryan Doherty

    Parent Governor

    I spent my early career working in Education HR whilst studying for my Master’s degree and CIPD qualification.

    I currently work in Financial Services based in Canary Wharf for a major bank providing HR advice to Asset Management stakeholders.

    I live locally and my daughter attends the school, as did I growing up in Huntingdon.