Governing Body

This is a brief outline of what we do and who we are.

What do we do?

The Governing Body acts as a group. We have a range of duties and powers and a general responsibility for the conduct of the school.

We decide:

• the aims and policies of the school;
• how the standards of education can be improved;
• how the school should be run in general terms;
• how to spend the school budget.

We:

• work with the Headteacher and staff to draw up the School Development Plan;
• make sure that the National Curriculum and Religious Education are being taught and report on the National Curriculum assessments and examination results;
• select the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher;
• make sure proper procedures are in place for appointing, promoting, supporting and disciplining staff;
• oversee the way the school is managed, including matters relating to buildings.

We are a Voluntary Aided School, which means we have more autonomy in some areas of policy than a board of governors of other types of schools. We differ in that we are responsible for:

• the Admission Policy of the school;
• the buildings and their upkeep;
• setting the Religious Education and Collective Worship Policy

and

• we are the employers of the staff in the school.

We are a corporate body, so individual governors are generally protected from personal liability, provided that we act honestly, reasonably and in good faith.  We have a Constitution which is written up in a legal document called the Instrument of Government. This sets out the number of members in each category of governor and confirms that the school has a Christian foundation.

Types of Governors

We have fourteen members on our Governing Body.

They have a special responsibility for ensuring that the character of the school as a Church of England Voluntary Aided School is preserved and developed.

• The Rector is an Ex Officio Foundation Governor, by virtue of being an incumbent of the Parish.
• PCC Foundation Governors (4): elected by the Parochial Parish Council.
• DBE Foundation Governors (3): elected by the Diocesan Board of Education.
• LA Governor (1): Appointed by the Local Authority.
• Parent Governors (2): Elected by the Parents.
• Headteacher Governor (1): Automatically an Ex Officio governor.
• Staff Teaching Governor (1): Elected by the staff.
• 1 co-opted Governor (1): 

Governing Body 2019-2020

Full Governor Body Structure 

St Cuthbert’s CE Primary School

Designated Responsibilities

Register of Interest

Governing Body Attendance 

Register of Attendance: Resources Committee

Date: 7.11.18

Register of Attendance: Teaching, Learning & Standards

Date: 7.11.18

Register of Attendance: Full Governing Body

Date: 28.11.18

Register of Attendance: Resources Committee

Date: 30.1.19

Register of Attendance: Resources Committee - Budget Setting

Date: 8.3.19

Register of Attendance: Teaching, Learning & Standards

Date: 28.2.19

Register of Attendance: Full Governing Body

Date: 13.3.19

Governor Profiles

Chair of Governors - Chair of Resources Committee - Foundation PCC Governor

Mr P Tomlin 

In total, I’ve spent nearly 35 years at work and am currently employed in the waste & recycling industry - prior to this I worked in public relations, marketing and sales. As a committed recycler at home I drive my family mad with my regular sorting through our waste bins! Outside of work I’m very keen on walking, (amongst other things) and regularly walk in the Lake District, Yorkshire Dales and the beautiful countryside around Darwen. 

I’ve been married for 22 years to Jenny and our two children, (Christopher & Eleanor) both attended St Cuthbert’s School. I’m currently Stage Manager of St Cuthbert’s Amateur Dramatic Society so some of you may have seen me during the pantomime. I’ve taken a number of ‘recycling assemblies’ and was appointed as a Governor in summer 2013 and am now Chair. I’m keen to support the school with their eco-school programme which will help us enhance the curriculum, link more closely with the community, improve our school whilst learning and having fun!

I want to ensure that everyone in the St Cuthbert’s family has their ideas listened too, their dreams respected and that they are all treated with respect and integrity as befits our Christian community. 

Ex Officio Foundation Governor -Incumbent of the Parish

Rev Father Nicholas Davis

I am the Priest in Charge of Darwen, St Cuthbert with Tockholes St. Stephen.  I was appointed to this position in November 2016 having previously been the priest-in-charge at Holy Trinity, Tarleton and St Mary the Virgin, Rufford w Holmeswood.  I am passionate about our church being at the heart of our local community, catering for the needs of all of the people in the parish and working closely with the school.  I lead worship in school every Thursday and enjoy spending time with the children and staff of St Cuthbert's School.

Vice Chair of Governors - Foundation DBE Governor - Teaching and Learning Committee 

Miss K Alvarez

My name is Karen Alvarez and I am the Vice Chair of the Governing Body.  I am also a Foundation DBE governor.  I am a practising artist, graduating with a degree in Fine Art in 2007. I am also registered as a Therapeutic Play Practitioner and hope to soon qualifying as a Play Therapist. I currently work 1 day a week at  St Cuthbert's. I also have three children who attend St Cuthbert's. I hope my experience as a parent, combined with my creative and therapeutic background serve to benefit the governing body.

Foundation DBE Governor - Resources Committee 

Mrs C Leaver

My name is Coleen Leaver and I am a member of my local parish church, 'Church of the Saviour' in Blackburn. I am also the Vice Chair of Governors of Longshaw Junior School in Blackburn.  I became a governor as I am passionate about education having had five children go through the education system.  I work as a legal administrator at a local law firm.

Foundation PCC Governor - Resources Committee 

Mr R Otley

I am a former pupil of St Cuthbert's and a trained high school Computer Science teacher. Since completing my teacher training in 2012 I have developed an interest and been involved in learning about, how all students engage within the national curriculum, especially those who have medical, social, emotional and behavioural needs. Therefore I am keen to help support the school to continue supporting pupils needs allowing them to gain a well rounded and rich education. As well as being involved in the life of St Cuthbert's School I am also fully involved in the life of St Cuthbert's Church and enjoying singing in the choir, in addition to taking an active role in our amateur dramatic society.

Foundation PCC Governor - Teaching and Learning Committee 

Mrs L Harvey-Nebil

My name is Lisa Harvey-Nebil, I have a daughter in the school, and have been a member of St Cuthbert’s Church for 10 years.  I am fully involved in the Parish, supporting the Rainbows group, which meet at the school.  I work full time for The Prince's Trust - working with young people who are disengaged, or not accessing education.  I am fully committed to ensuring that all the children in the school do the best that they can do, and enjoy their time at school.

Foundation PPC Governor - Resources Committee 

Miss C Marsden

My name is Claire and I am a recently qualified High School History Teacher. I have worked in education, covering various support roles, since I gained my degree in 2010. I joined the governing body in summer 2013 and continue to support the children, staff and wider community of our school to ensure that all areas are able to thrive and that the children enjoy their education as I did mine. I have attended St. Cuthbert’s Church for over 20 years and am proud to be an active member – singing in the Church choir, sitting on the PCC, youth leader and leading Messy Church sessions. I am a committee member for the amateur dramatic society and find myself very busy during panto time, with many jobs on the go! I thoroughly enjoy my singing, being a member of several choirs across Darwen and Blackburn, and enjoy supporting others in their music. I am excited to be a member of the governing body and helping the school to go from strength to strength.

Foundation PCC Governor - Resources Committee 

Mr J Wainwright

I am a member of St Cuthbert's Church where I sing in the choir.  I am also involved in the amateur dramatic society and am usually found backstage dealing with the technical side of the productions.  I work within the IT sector and currently have a daughter in school.  

Parent Governor - Teaching and Learning Committee 

Mrs E Kennedy 

I am foremost a mother of 2 girls aged 7 and 1.  I am currently working in the Critical Care Unit at Royal Blackburn Hospital with 14 years nursing experience.  I encourage a hardworking family orientated ethic which is what I observe at St Cuthbert's school.  I hope to support the staff and parents to maintain an already high standard of education and will take an active role in the wellbeing of all the children, whilst helping my own year 3 child to develop and thrive.

Parent Governor - Teaching and Learning Committee 

Mrs V Sulley

My name is Vicky and I have worked within the mental and physical health sector for the best part of 14 years.  I currently hold the position of Senior Health Worker at Wythenshawe Hospital in Manchester.  Born in Blackburn, I now live in Darwen with my Husband Ed and my seven year old daughter Grace who is currently a pupil at St Cuthbert's. My passions include singing, music, keeping fit and spending quality time with my friends and family.  I joined as a parent governor in Summer 2015 and can only describe the role as being a great honour.  We are all part of a wonderful team.

Headteacher Governor

Mrs K Clegg

I started at St Cuthbert's as SENDCO and then progressed to Deputy Headteacher before commencing the Acting Headteacher Role in April 2019.  I can honestly say I love being part of St Cuthbert's community.  I am passionate about education, and feel that my experience of being a mother and being a teacher help me to fulfil my role as governor and Headteacher.  I believe that our school has many strengths which we are continually building on together to provide firm foundations for the children in our care.

Teacher Governor - Teaching and Learning Committee and Resources Committee 

Mrs C Robertshaw

I am the staff representative on the Governing Body.  I am currently Key Stage One Leader and Early Years teacher.  I have been a teacher in school since 2004 and also lead on developing the teaching of computing in school with the help of Mrs Oliver.  I am excited about helping lead St Cuthbert's towards becoming an outstanding school. 

Co-opted Governor - Teaching and Learning Committee and Resources Committee 

Mrs J Moorhouse - Chair of Teaching, Learning and Standards Committee

I have been involved in school life for over ten years.  My two daughters both attended St Cuthbert's School and developed a love of learning.  I am fully committed to helping school provide the very best learning opportunities for all of our children.

LA Representative Governor - Teaching and Learning and Resources Committee 

Miss C Creane

My full role is a Primary Recruitment Branch Manager for Tradewind. I am responsible for meeting the recruitment needs in a variety of Primary Schools across our local area, placing a range of Teachers, Teaching Assistants and Specialist Support staff. I have declared this as a peculiarly interest.  Previously, I was a lecturer at The University Centre at Blackburn College. I am passionate about the education sector, keeping up to date with its fast paced changes and assisting with the development of children's learning. 

Clerk to the Governors

Governor Services - Blackburn with Darwen LA

All Governors can be contacted through the school office.

Governing Body 2017-2018

Governing Body 2016-2017

Governing Body 2015-2016