Newsletters
Academy Standards Committee (Governors)
Welcome to our Academy Standards Committee (Local Governing Body) section.
On behalf of the Academy Standards Committee (ASC), I would like to welcome you to our website and to our school. Kempsey Primary School is a vibrant, exciting place to learn and I am proud to be Chair of its Governing Body.
Our Governing Body is comprised of a team of volunteers representing parents, staff, the local community and the Multi Academy Trust (MAT).
Kempsey Primary School became an Academy on the 1 April 2017, forming a Multi Academy Trust along with Hanley Castle High School and Hanley Swan, St Gabriel’s with St. Mary’s C of E Primary School in the Hanley and Upton Educational Trust (HUET).
As a Multi Academy Trust, the Articles of Association allows the Local Governing Body to consist of up to three Parent Governors, three Staff Governors (including the Headteacher), and up to 5 Appointed Governors.
The head teacher is responsible for the internal organisation, management and control of the school and the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing board. The HUET scheme of delegation provides the governing body with the framework with which to make strategic decisions. The governors meet at least five times a year with committee meetings, visits to school, conversations with parents, children and staff and attendance at training sessions further supporting their understanding of how the school is operating, and the progress that the children are making against high expectations. The priorities of the school are detailed in the School Development Plan which details how the staff of Kempsey Primary School are aiming to provide the children with experiences and opportunities alongside the exciting, broad and balanced curriculum that has been established.
Sue Fitzjohn
What is the role of the Governing body?
The role of the governing board is a strategic one; its key functions are to:
- set the aims and objectives for the school
- set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives
- set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
- monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
- be a source of challenge and support to the headteacher (a critical friend)
Who are our governors?
Parent Governors
Sean McInerney (Vice Chair)
Ben Langley
Staff Governors
Lucy Cleary
Louisa Webster
Headteacher
Bryony Baynes
Co-opted Governors
Martin Lakeman
Sue Fitzjohn (Chair)*
Sally Shipsey
Andrew Turner
Joanne Collins
Becky Wintle
Associate Members
Dave Willetts – Deputy Headteacher
Clerk to the Governors
Marian Walters**
* is a HUET Trustee
**is a HUET Member
Day to day management of the School is delegated by HUET to the Headteacher and the Academy Standards Committee (previously Local Governing Body)
Meet the Governors:
Sue Fitzjohn (chair)
It is a privilege to be chair of the Kempsey Primary School Academy Standards Committee. My background in primary education which as a retired Headteacher and Inspector provides me with many necessary skills and educational understanding. However, education is constantly changing. As chair I am committed to embracing change to ensure good governance and the future success of our vibrant community school.
Currently my role includes working with Mrs Williams to monitor arrangements that affect all pupils identified with SEND. Primarily ensuring that no child is missed, and no child misses out. I am also delighted to be a link governor for Elm and Cedar classes. I am greatly looking forward to engaging with the children and all their learning achievements.
Ben Langley
I was elected as a parent governor in late 2023. My wife, Dayna, (an active member of the PTFA), and I have three children at the school. Growing up, my parents were both primary school teachers so my family had an affiliation with education beyond my own school years.
My professional career started working as a Physiotherapist across multiple settings including hospitals, private clinics and in sport. I currently manage a Sports Science and Medicine Department for a global cricketing franchise in India but am still based in Worcestershire. The focus of my role is to support and help develop the team of people who provide care and facilitate improvement in the players to best perform at their sport. Within my team I see many similarities with teachers and what they do for their students, our children.
There are many challenges that exist today which may make it hard for teachers to properly focus on the children. I hope to contribute through the ASC to help the school minimise distractions and allow them to enjoy what they do even more. Unsurprisingly, I have a particular interest in the Physical Education Curriculum and can further develop this area of the school programme.
Andrew Turner
I have two children attending KPS, soon to be three. I started my career in finance and banking, which took me to London, before a dramatic change in 2006 when I joined the Metropolitan Police.
I moved to Worcestershire over ten years ago now, that’s gone rather quickly, and went back to my finance and project management roots. I currently oversee Assets and Property Management, Project and Programme Management and Climate functions across three district councils.
I am delighted to join the ASC, to help support and challenge the senior management team and ensure KPS continues to achieve its objectives.
Shaun McInerney (vice chair)
I have two children at KPS, one soon to join Hanley. I taught and led in inner city schools in the UK and in international schools for 25 years. As founding Principal I established The Studio, an innovative, tech-focused state school for 14-19 year olds in Liverpool, UK. I developed a Changemaker curriculum at UWC Atlantic as Director of Learning Innovation. Both The Studio and UWC Atlantic are Ashoka Changemaker Schools and I have been actively involved in this network of 15 schools from across the UK. I am currently working with global NGO, Ashoka and The Edge Foundation who do policy and research to help schools make learning more relevant to the needs of young people. Among other things, I am currently leading a programme for headteachers in Greater Manchester called New Capabilities for a New World. This supports school leaders develop mindsets, culture, strategy and practice to support young people thrive in a changing world.
Martin Lakeman
I have a background in both law enforcement and safeguarding. Previously a Detective Superintendent with West Mercia Police having overarching responsibility for Protecting Vulnerable People and then upon retirement the domestic abuse lead for Worcestershire Public Health for 7 years. For the past 8 years I have delivered domestic abuse training on behalf of both Worcestershire and Herefordshire Clinical Commissioning Groups to GP’s and health professionals and trained extensively across the NHS, Fire Service, Worcestershire Schools, the Police service, and other organisations. I live in Kempsey and enjoy playing rugby for Bromsgrove. I am delighted to be joining the Governors at Kempsey school.
Sally Shipsey
Hello, my name is Sally Shipsey and I've recently taken early retirement from health visiting in Warwickshire. My career also included 12 years teaching Health and Social Care, and Early Years courses at Worcester Sixth Form College. I spent a further 4 years lecturing in Early Childhood Studies at the University of Worcester. My role included assessing students on placements in early years settings such as primary schools. I'm hoping my career and life experiences will help me in my new role as a Governor at Kempsey Primary School.
My own 3 children are grown up and have left home. I volunteer for a local mental health charity (Behind The Smile), and occasionally at the Worcester Transition Garden Project. I love all sports, cats, dance, and sewing. When I was at school my favourite subjects (after swimming and PE) were Geography, French, Biology and English.
I look forward to meeting everyone, and being involved appropriately in school life as a new Governor.
Joanne Collins
Hello! I have 1 child attending KPS, with another to follow next year. I studied Sports Education at University and after completing my degree, I was a Teaching Assistant in a High School in Bristol, supporting children with SEND. My career took a different direction and I have now been in the exciting world of Toys for 10 years; I am a Sales Manager for a global manufacturer, leading the UK’s Toy retailers.
My passion for accessible sport though, continues and this will be a focus for me as part of the ASC. I played Hockey and Netball at University and I now enjoy running and watching LOTS of football!
As part of the village community, I am excited to be involved with KPS and supporting the senior management team. I very much look forward to seeing the pupils achievements.
The governors of Kempsey Primary School are immensely proud of the pupils and are committed to supporting and challenging the headteacher and staff to ensure that the children are given the understanding and abilities to live life in the 21st Century as they grow up.
Academy Standards Minutes of meetings are available on request
