The Governing Body

The Governing Body is made up of several different categories of governors, each bringing valuable skills, experience and knowledge to support the school's success. The normal term of office for governors is four years. At the end of this period, governors who wish to continue serving may stand for a further term and, where appropriate, be reappointed or re-elected.

We recognise and value the diverse expertise that governors contribute to the effective leadership and strategic direction of the school.

Types of Governors

Parent Governors

Parents or primary carers of pupils attending the school are eligible to stand for election as a Parent Governor when a vacancy arises. If more than one parent expresses an interest in a vacant position, an election is held and all parents are given the opportunity to vote.

Parent Governors do not formally represent individual parents on the Governing Body. However, they play an important role in maintaining links between parents and governors, helping the Governing Body remain aware of parental views and perspectives.

Co-opted Governors

Co-opted Governors are appointed by the Governing Body because they possess skills, knowledge or experience that will contribute to the effective governance and continued success of the school.

Staff Governor

The Staff Governor is a member of staff employed by the school who has been elected by colleagues to serve on the Governing Body.

Local Authority Governor

The Local Authority Governor is usually nominated by the local authority, East Riding of Yorkshire Council.

Headteacher

The Headteacher is entitled to be a member of the Governing Body by virtue of their position. If the Headteacher chooses not to serve as a governor, the place cannot be filled by another person.

Governing Body Constitution

The current Instrument of Government provides for a Governing Body consisting of 10 members:

  • 3 Parent Governors
  • 1 Local Authority Governor
  • 1 Staff Governor
  • 1 Headteacher
  • 4 Co-opted Governors

Contacting the Governing Body

We welcome suggestions, ideas and feedback from parents and members of the local community. If you would like the Governing Body to consider a matter, please leave a message with the school office marked for the attention of Mrs Twinn.

Any concerns relating to individual pupils should be discussed initially with the class teacher and then, if necessary, with Mr Johnson, Headteacher. If you feel that the matter has not been resolved satisfactorily, you may write to Mrs Twinn via the school office.

Governor Activity

The full Governing Body meets at least once each term. Additional meetings are arranged when required.

Minutes of Governing Body meetings are available upon request from the school.

Committees

To ensure that responsibilities are managed effectively and efficiently, the Governing Body has established a number of sub-committees. These committees meet as required and report back to the full Governing Body.               

  

Committees
In order to delegate and share the responsibilities of the Governing Body more effectively, we have set up the following sub-committees. These meet as required, separately from the full Governing Body meetings.

Finance - Termly meetings - Mrs L Twinn, Mrs E Emms, Mr S Lowthorpe, Mr P Johnson, Mrs E Knapp

Health & Safety - Termly meetings - Mrs L Twinn, Mr S Lowthorpe, Mrs S Cooper, Mr P Johnson

Curriculum - Twice a year - All governors are invited to attend this committee meeting.

 

Our Governors

Mrs L Twinn (Chair of Governors) - Safeguarding, Finance, Maths and EYFS

Mrs S Cooper (Vice Chair of Governors) - EV, SEND and Music

Mr B Atkinson - PE and MFLs

Mrs E Cawthorn - (Up to October 2026) 

Miss H Donoghue (from October 2026) - TBC

Mrs E Emms - Disadvantaged pupils, HARVEST, English, Finance and RSHE

Mr P Johnson - Headteacher

Mrs T Massey - TBC

Mr S Lowthorpe - Health and Safety, Science and ICT

Mrs E Knapp - Art, Finance

Mr D Murray - Co-Opted Governor

Mrs R Smith - Associate Member

 

Diversity 

Diversity is important and our governing body reflects the school community at Nafferton Primary School.

Read more about this in the: Data Protection toolkit for schools and the Equality Act 2010: advice for schools. 

There is no prescriptive way to collect diversity data from volunteers; this needs to be done on a voluntary basis. Schools may prefer to adopt a similar approach to how they collate the diversity data of schools.

 The governors can confirm no member of staff at Nafferton primary are on a salary over £100,000.

 Please click on the links below to see information about our Governors at Nafferton Primary School 

Governors declaration of interest and appointment dates 2025-2026

Attendance to Meetings 2025 - 2026