Governors

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Welcome to the Whiteley Primary School Governor page. Below is some information about the role of the school governor and an opportunity to learn a little more about the people who volunteer to fulfil these roles. Within Whiteley this is done through 3 main groups. One is the full governing body which meets twice a term and covers many of the statutory elements of the governing body. We adopt a corporate governance model which means that no one governor is fully responsible for any element of the work of the group or school.

The curriculum group focuses on the learning aspects of school life; links with year groups and performance are essential to understand the effects of policy on the progress of the students. They also help with aspects like the parent / student questionnaire and feeding into school strategic planning.

The resources group looks at aspects of budgeting, premises, health and safety and general infrastructure which helps keep the school running.

If you have any questions on or for the governing body please contact the office who have a range of ways in which to get in touch.

The Governing body of a school is responsible under the education act 1986 for the following:

  • Take general responsibility for the conduct of the school
  • Share responsibility for the curriculum with the local authority and the Headteacher.
  • Participate in decisions about the school’s budget
  • Offer the Headteacher general principles to follow in determining a policy on discipline
  • Share in the selection of staff and, if necessary, their dismissal

 

The Governing body is made up of different ‘types’ of Governors.

These are:

  • Parent Governors, elected by parents of children at the School
  • Staff Governors (including the Headteacher)
  • LEA Governors nominated by the Local Authority
  • Co-opted Governors appointed on the basis of skills or experience

 

Meet our Current Governors

Governors

Governors

  • Jim Baxter

    Associate Governor

    Term From: 25 November 2024

    Term To: 24 November 2028


    Roles

    Resource Committee


    I am excited to be joining the Whiteley Primary School Governing Body in 2025. As a Whiteley resident and parent of two WPS students, I am invested in the school’s success and the well-being of its students and I’m keen to lend my support wherever I can.

    With a background in healthcare communications, I am passionate about promoting diversity, equity, and lifelong learning—ensuring that every child has the opportunity to grow academically and personally. I am also eager to support the school’s ongoing development and uphold its SMILE principles.

    I look forward to working alongside fellow governors, staff, and parents to build on Whiteley Primary School’s strong foundations and contribute to its bright future.

  • Frances Gallagher

    Staff Governor

    Term From: 07 September 2022

    Term To: 06 September 2026


    Roles

    Curriculum Committee


    I am a Staff Governor who joined the school community in 2021 and have been a governor since 2022. With my extensive teaching experience and a passion for creating an engaging and relevant curriculum, I am committed to contributing to the growth and development of our school.

    As a teacher since 2003, I bring a wealth of knowledge and insights to my role as a governor. Being a parent of two children, I understand the importance of providing a nurturing and supportive environment for our young learners.

    One of my primary responsibilities as a governor is being a part of the curriculum committee. I have a particular passion for mathematics and strongly believe in making it engaging and relevant for all students. My goal is to help every child, and if possible, their parents as well, see the practical applications and relevance of maths in their daily lives.

    I am also committed to continuous learning and development. Attending various governor training courses has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of our school’s inner workings, which I then try to apply to maximise our impact as a governing body.

    I look forward to continuing my work as a governor and making a difference in the lives of our students

  • Lisa Ireland

    Co-opted Governor

    Term From: 07 September 2022

    Term To: 06 September 2026


    Roles

    Resources Committee

    Young Governors Link Governor


    I have lived in Whiteley since 2013, and now live here with my husband and little boy who attends Whiteley Primary school. Growing up in Whiteley I have seen the school grow and deliver some fantastic achievements. I am passionate about the local area and the potential of the parents and children who live here, I use my business and leadership skills in my role as a governor to maximise that potential. For a day job, I am a Branch Manager for Waitrose, running my own business unit and managing complex teams gives me a unique skill set which I can use to add value in my role as a governor.

  • Carla Jefferson

    Co-opted Governor

    Term From: 22 October 2024

    Term To: 21 October 2028


    Roles

    Governing Body Chair

    Resources Committee

    Community Governor


    I am delighted to have been elected as the school’s Chair of Governors and I have been part of the governing body since Oct 2020

    I live with my husband and two amazing boys who both attend Whiteley Primary. Having experience first hand the outstanding support the school have given my family in the past 5 years, I wanted to join the governing body and give something back with my experience in financial services and digital transformation. When I’m am not working I enjoy walking, ferrying the kids about to clubs, and supporting my husbands Professional Elvis Tribute show.

    As a parent of WPS myself, I am very passionate about the continued success of the school and excited to be part of its bright future.

  • Beverley Luckman

    Co-opted Governor

    Term From: 06 September 2024

    Term To: 05 September 2028


    Roles

    Governing Body Chair

    Resources Committee

    Community Governor


    I have lived in Whiteley for over 20 years. I was a mature student at Southampton University whilst my two sons were growing up and found a passion for study. My working life was spent in education and I taught at both Brockenhurst College and Itchen College. I also taught in China for a term. I was a Tutor Team Manager at Itchen and heavily involved in the pastoral care of the students. I also led on the Equality and Diversity implementation and wrote the Single Equality Plan for the college. I was on the governing body at both colleges, but have now retired.

    I am loving the new challenge of being a governor at Whiteley Primary School as it is so different from the post-16 environment I have been used to. My grandson is a pupil there and his brother will be starting next year. I go into school quite often, as I am link governor to year 1 and I also help with reading. I have been impressed by the hard working and dedicated staff in school and the happy environment they create for the children. It is a lovely place to be.

  • Claire Macdonald

    Parent Governor

    Term From: 25th November 2024

    Term To: 24th November 2028


    Roles

    Designated Training Governor

    Resources Committee


    I was delighted to be elected as a new parent governor in November 2024. As a mum of two children at Whiteley Primary School, I have always been impressed with our school and feel it has given our sons the very best start in life. I’ve lived in Whiteley for over 15 years with my family. Whiteley is such a lovely community to be part of, and I’m keen to give some time back to support the continued success of our school.

    I have a background in higher education communications, and over the past few years have volunteered with 1st Sarisbury Green scouting group, helping to provide opportunities for young people in our community. I hope to bring some of this experience into my role as part of the school governing team. I have an interest in team training and development, and this year have taken on the role of Designated Training Governor.

  • Matt McDonnell

    Co-opted Governor

    Term From: 07 September 2022

    Term To: 06 September 2026


    Roles

    Resources Committee

    Resources Committee Vice Chair

    Premises Governor


    Hi I’m Matt and I live in Whiteley with my partner Grace and two daughters Lucy and Sophie. I’ve lived in Whiteley for 15 years.

    Both my daughters have been through Whiteley Primary School, with Sophie currently enjoying life in year six.

    I am the vice chair of the resources committee and I oversee the general safety of the school and the people who use, plus all things related to the building, and our extensive grounds & woodland areas.

    I work closely with the site manager and his team and meet regularly with the headteacher to discuss how to ensure the site stays safe, repairs are carried out and what future projects the school would like to do.

    When I am not doing governor tasks I enjoy keeping my passion for keeping people safe alive by working as a H&S advisor, and by volunteering as a motorsport marshal and as a water safety advisor for the RNLI

    Please let me know if you have any queries or questions that I can help with!

  • Lesley Pennington

    Roles

    Resources Committee

    Curriculum Committee


    I became a staff governor at Whiteley many years ago, as I wanted to have a better insight into how the school was run. Since my appointment as Deputy Headteacher in 2003, and subsequent appointment as Headteacher in 2011, I have come to greatly value the contribution of governors to our school and I realise how fortunate we are to have such active governors at Whiteley Primary School who are well-equipped to support and challenge the staff in their strategic role. My daughter, Emily, was born in 2008 and she helps me to keep a work-life balance – especially as I am starting to realise that I am no longer just a mum to her, but also her taxi driver! When I do get some spare time, I like nothing better than to indulge my love for singing, although I have also discovered a ‘tolerance’ of running and enjoy an occasional park run to prove to myself that I can manage 5K.

  • Heidi Podd

    Parent Governor

    Term From: 29/04/2024

    Term To: 28/04/2028


    Roles

    Curriculum Committee


    I am honoured to serve as a governor for Whiteley Primary School, bringing with me over 15 years of experience in both further and higher education. As a parent of children attending the school, I am deeply committed to ensuring that all students receive the best possible education and support to help them excel. I am passionate about working collaboratively with fellow governors, parents, and staff to support the school’s mission and vision, making decisions that will positively impact the academic and personal development of our students. I strive to advocate for the needs of the school community, promote a safe and inclusive learning environment, and contribute to the continuous improvement of our educational programs.

  • Ben Robertson

    Local Authority Governor

    Term From: 07 September 2022

    Term To: 06 September 2026


    Roles

    Resources Committee

    IT Link Governor


    Our family of three moved to Whiteley from Southampton in 2016, and have since expanded to four, with both children now at Whiteley Primary. I became a Governor in 2018 by responding to a request from our local Councillor on Facebook, looking for someone with IT knowledge to join the team. I’ve worked in IT since the early 2000s for the Foreign and Commonwealth Office (based overseas), the NHS, Southampton City Council and private companies across Hampshire. As the LA-appointed Governor I work closely with the school to ensure the IT budget is spent effectively. I have found Governing to be hugely rewarding, and enjoy helping out with school events as well as fulfilling my role as IT Link Governor.

  • Claire Salmon

    Co-opted Governor

    Term From: 07 September 2022

    Term To: 06 September 2026


    Roles

    Curriculum Committee

    SEND/Inclusion Governor with Pupil Premium


    I was really keen to join the governing body in 2017. I have always had a passion for education and life long learning so following the completion of my Science degree with the Open University, I had time and enthusiasm to dedicate to the role.

    Having previously worked in a primary school, I had an understanding of the commitment required and felt this would be a great opportunity to utilise some of my more professional skills alongside my current day job as a mum before possibly pursuing a career in teaching in the future.

    It has been great to be more involved with our excellent local school and I now have a better understanding of how the school operates and how it encourages all pupils to achieve their very best. My daughter is thriving at the school and hopefully my son will start later this year.

  • Susan Ward MBE

    Co-opted Governor

    Term From: 27 March 2024

    Term To: 26 March 2028


    Roles

    Curriculum Committee


    I have been involved with and impressed by Whiteley Primary School for around ten years now having originally worked supporting my granddaughter in school towards her reading awards and now having a grandson in Year 4. I find him highly motivated, happy, and achieving in the same way that his sister did.

    I was therefore delighted to join the governing body this Spring 2024 and become the link governor for Year 3 and a member of the Curriculum Group.

    Originally physical education and health teacher trained I completed a three-year short service commission with the WRAC before moving into further education where I developed a strong expertise in the support of students with learning difficulties and disabilities with a particular focus on those who suffer episodes of mental ill health and poor wellbeing.

    Some fifteen years ago there was an overwhelming need to innovate and effect changes in these areas. How wonderful that health and wellbeing, resilience and all that encompasses have now become everyday words.

    I have experience as both a governor in further education and as a trustee of a residential school for pupils and young adults with profound and multiple learning difficulties.

    An MBE was awarded in the Queen’s Birthday Honours’ 2014 for ‘services to further education and young people with mental health conditions.’

  • Lisette Wiltshire

    Co-opted Governor

    Term From: 10 September 2024

    Term To: 09 September 2028


    I have been a co -opted governor for WPS since September 2024 . I live locally and my granddaughter attends the school . I have been volunteering in Yr R since September 2022 . The values of WPS are important to me as both a volunteer and a governor . I am proud to be part of the school community. I am retired and have the time and capacity to offer time and services to WPS .

    My background was working with a Local Authority leading the homelessness services through an ever increasing demand and reduction of funding and services. I went onto work for a charity based organisation dealing with children in care , fostered and adopted. I worked in specialist homes , outreach support for child in foster care and helped at the specialist SEND school usually with new children in a pastoral role.

Louise Frampton is our Clerk to the Governing Body