The Governing Body At Barwick-in-Elmet Church of England Primary School and Nursery
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The Local Academy Council at Barwick-in-Elmet Church of England Primary School and Nursery
Barwick-in-Elmet Church of England Primary School and Nursery is part of Leeds Diocesan Learning Trust. Local governance at the school is carried out through the Local Academy Council, often referred to as the governors. The Local Academy Council works with the Headteacher/Principal and the Trust to support and challenge the school, monitor local priorities and help ensure children at Barwick receive a full, balanced and enriched education.
The Local Academy Council includes parents, staff, foundation governors, community governors, the local incumbent or their representative, and the Headteacher/Principal. Members bring a range of experience and local knowledge, and all are committed to supporting the school’s Christian vision, ethos and continued development.
If you need to contact the governors directly, please email:
governors@barwickprimary.co.uk
Chair and Vice Chair
Chair of Governors: Nick White
Vice Chair of Governors: John Swift
Constitution of the Local Academy Council
The Local Academy Council operates under Leeds Diocesan Learning Trust’s Scheme of Delegation.
The Scheme provides for a Local Academy Council of not fewer than three and not more than twelve members, unless otherwise agreed by the Trust Board. The Local Academy Council should include, or have made efforts to include:
at least two parent members
one staff member
the Headteacher/Principal or Executive Principal
the incumbent or principal officiating minister of the parish, or their delegated
representative, for designated Church schools
foundation members, as appropriate for the school’s religious designation
community governors
Members normally serve a four-year term of office. This does not apply to ex officio members, such as the Headteacher/Principal or the local incumbent.
What the Local Academy Council does
The Local Academy Council supports good governance at school level. Its role includes supporting and challenging school leaders, monitoring school improvement priorities, helping to uphold the Christian character of the school and ensuring local knowledge informs decision-making.
The Local Academy Council considers areas such as:
teaching, learning and pupil outcomes
safeguarding, attendance, behaviour and wellbeing
SEND and inclusion
Christian ethos, vision and community links
parent, pupil and staff voice
school improvement priorities
resources, premises and local operational matters where delegated by the Trust
The Local Academy Council works within the wider governance arrangements of Leeds Diocesan Learning Trust. The Trust Board retains overall responsibility and ultimate decision-making authority for the Trust and its academies.
Chair of Governors
Nick White
Vice Chair of Governors
John Swift
Parent Governors
Ryan McDonough (term of office 07/02/2024 - 06/02/2028)
Foundation Governors
Rev Jonathan Brennan (term of office tbc)
Nick White (term of office 10/11/2020 - 09/11/2024)
Co Opted Governors
Caroline Gunning (term of office 15/05/2022 - 14/05/2026)
John Swift (term of office 09/11/2021 - 08/11/2025)
Staff Governor
TBA (term of office 20/09/2023 - 19/09/2026)
Associate Governors
N/a
If you need to contact the governors directly, please email:
governor@barwickprimary.co.uk
The constitution of the governing body is:
Headteacher
2 Diocese Foundation Governors recommended by the diocese
2 Parent Governors, formally elected through a ballot of parents unless the election is uncontested
1 Staff Governor, formally elected by staff employed at school
7 x Co-opted governors, nominated and appointed by the governing body
2x Associate governors, nominated and appointed by the governing body
The governing body currently operates with a single committee:
The committee meets every half term and works collaboratively to cover the following responsibilities;
Resources: responsible for staffing including the appointments of senior staff, equality and diversity, finance, property management, health and safety and nutritional standards.
Teaching, Learning & Pupil Support: responsible for teaching and learning matters including target setting, standards and achievement, SEN (including reporting annually on the success of the SEN policy), monitoring teaching and learning and curriculum provision and ensuring that the governing body is represented at school improvement discussions. Also responsible for behaviour, safeguarding, attendance, children's spiritual, moral, social and cultural development, children, parent and staff voice, extra-curricula activities, cluster and other partnerships.
The Governors of the school have a range of duties and powers determined by Government legislation. Working in partnership with the Headteacher the Governors meet as a full committee or in sub committees to discuss key issues, and make decisions. Members of the Governing Body are unpaid volunteers who have varied backgrounds and educational experiences. They are all committed to working together to ensure the children at Barwick-in-Elmet Church of England Primary School receive a full, balanced and enriched education. They are responsible for promoting high standards of educational achievement; managing the school budget; appointing staff; establishing and reviewing performance management of staff; setting targets for pupil achievement and monitoring progress on the School Development and Improvement Plan. The school appreciates the support and hard work of all our governors.
Meet The Governors - A Pen Portrait
After retiring from Headship, I have returned to my northern roots having spent 34 years teaching along the south coast. Most of that time was spent in primary schools and my final post was as director of a multi academy trust. As well as keeping up with trends in education, I also enjoy walking and cycling in the local countryside. Being the Chair of the Local Academy Council is a real privilege, working alongside parents, staff and governors who only want the best for our school.
I have lived in the village for many years and feel fortunate to be part of such a warm and supportive community. With two children currently attending Barwick CE Primary, I have seen firsthand the dedication of the staff and the positive impact the school has on local families. Wanting to contribute to this environment was the driving force behind my decision to become a governor. I am committed to helping the school continue to thrive and to ensuring it remains a place where every child can flourish academically, socially, and emotionally.
I enjoy being a reading volunteer and attend school each week. I live in the local area with my husband, we share four grown up children and our precious grandchildren. My interests include reading, tennis and travel. During the last ten years I have worked in primary education following a long career in global insurance-broking account management. I aim to use my skills, experience and enthusiasm to help our school grow and develop, whilst looking out for the best interests of our children, staff, fellow governors and parents.
Rev Jonathan Brennan
I am the Vicar of All Saints’, Barwick in Elmet and therefore a delighted to be a foundation governor of the school. I came into the ministry later in life after a 30-year career in the legal profession. I care passionately about education that nurtures the whole child, and I have a strong appreciation of the vital partnership between school, the church and home. I believe schools flourish when they combine high standards with kindness, encouragement and a clear sense of purpose. It is a joy to support a school that is shaping the next generation with care, ambition and hope.
Ryan McDonough
I live locally with my wife and our children, one of whom currently attends Barwick CE Primary. Becoming a Parent Governor was a natural step for me as I wanted to play a more active role in supporting the school community. In my professional life I work in AI software engineering, which allows me to bring a different perspective to the governing body, particularly when considering how systems, data and processes can support teaching and learning. I am committed to working with fellow governors and staff to help ensure the school continues to provide a positive and supportive environment in which every child can thrive.
Statutory Information and Register of Business Interests for School Governors
Governors' Code of Conduct
Governor Attendance
Written Statement of Behaviour Principles
