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
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 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
Elaine Lynch
Headteacher
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
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
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.
Jackie Edwards
Staff Governor
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.
Dr Salman Arif
Co-opted Governor
I qualified as a doctor in 2003. After graduation I did my training in cardiac anaesthesia and worked in the second biggest cardiac hospital in Asia.
I moved to Saudi Arabia where I worked for 10 years on clinical and administrative posts in different hospitals.
In 2021 I moved to the UK. I became a Governor of 1 secondary and 2 primary schools in Huntingdon due to my passion to do my part. I am really enjoying being part of the HPS Governor team.