Governance at Saint Edmund's
All schools in England have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing the strategic direction of the school, holding the Headteacher to account, and delivering effective financial performance.
The Governing Body aims to help the school provide the best possible education for its pupils and sets out the school’s vision and policies together with the Head. The Head is responsible for day-to-day management.
Governors have responsibilities in such areas as curriculum, finance, personnel and special educational needs. No individual Governor has any power unless delegated by the governing body. The Governing Body as a whole is responsible for any decisions made.
The Governing Body is structured in the following way:
- 6 x Foundation Governors (nominated through the parish and appointed by the Bishop of Clifton to ensure that the Catholic nature of the school is maintained).
- 2 x Parent Governors (elected by parents of children attending Saint Edmund's Catholic Primary School for a term of four years).
- 1 x Staff Governor elected by school staff and forms an important link between the school and the Governing Body.
- The Headteacher by virtue of their position in the school is automatically a Governor.
Governors currently meet monthly to discuss school business and make key decisions at the full Governing Body. They also have sub-committees that meet throughout the year to discuss topics such as finance, audit, and admissions.
The Governing Body is supported by a clerk, who records statutory information, organises the agenda setting, and documents the minutes for each full governing body which can be found on this webpage.
Saint Edmund's Governing Body is proud of the school, its staff and pupils. We are an active and enthusiastic team, acting as a critical friend and offering support and challenge to the Senior Leadership of the school. We regularly appraise the skillset of the governing body and attend training where appropriate.
If you would like to register your interest in joining the governing body, please contact our Chair of Governors, Mrs Victoria Nye at vnye@se.thedcet.com who will arrange for a confidential discussion with you.
Governing Body
2024 - 2025 Governing Body Members
Mrs Victoria Nye (Chair of Governors and Foundation Governor)
- Originally appointed by Clifton Diocese in April 2021.
- Current term of office 01/11/2023 to 31/10/2027
- I am link governor for SEND, Pupil Premium and Sports Premium.
Mr Oliver Steel (Foundation Governor)
- Originally appointed by Clifton Diocese in April 2021.
- Current term of office 01/11/2023 to 31/10/2027
Mr Kim Parsons (Foundation Governor)
- Originally appointed by Clifton Diocese in April 2021.
- Current term of office 01/11/2023 to 31/10/2027
Mrs Caroline Depla (Foundation Governor)
- Originally appointed by Clifton Diocese in December 2021.
- Current term of office 01/11/2023 to 31/10/2027
Mrs Veronica Clare (Foundation Governor)
- Appointed by Clifton Diocese in April 2024.
- Current term of office 26/04/2024 to 25/04/2028
Mr Matt Innes (Foundation Governor)
- Appointed by Clifton Diocese in December 2024
- Current term of office 08/11/2024 to 07/11/2028
Mrs Natalie Anderson (Parent Governor)
- Elected by Parent Community of Saint Edmund's Calne March 2024.
- Current term of office 07/03/2024 to 06/03/2028
Mrs Hannah Purnell (Parent Governor & Safeguarding Governor)
- Elected by Parent Community of Saint Edmund's Calne March 2024.
- Current term of office 07/03/2024 to 06/03/2028
- Safeguarding Governor
Mrs Louise Tavener (Headteacher Governor)
- Originally appointed by Clifton Diocese in September 2022.
- Current term of office 01/09/2022 to 31/08/2026
- I am the Acting Headteacher and SENCo for the school, providing input into the strategic direction and priorities of the school, ensuring that we achieve the best possible outcomes for our children.
- I have no pecuniary / business interests.
Record of Meeting Attendance & Interests
Please click here to access the DCET governance and financial information.