Governors
Our Governing Body
Below you will find information about the structure of our Governing Body, including the names, roles, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.
The Role of the Local Governing Board
As outlined in the Governance Handbook, governing boards have three key responsibilities:
- Ensuring there is a clear vision, strong ethos and strategic direction for the school
- Holding school leaders to account for the educational performance of pupils and staff
- Overseeing the school’s financial performance and ensuring funds are used effectively
As part of the Odyssey Collaborative Trust (Multi-Academy Trust), each school has its own Local Governing Board (LGB). The LGB plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the school. Governors act as ‘critical friends’—supporting and challenging leaders, asking questions, and representing the wider school community.
The LGB works closely with the Head Teacher, staff and the Local Authority. While the Head Teacher manages the day-to-day running of the school, governors contribute to decisions around staffing, curriculum, school premises and finance. Their aim is to ensure the school operates effectively and provides a high-quality educational and social experience for all pupils.
The LGB works in partnership with the Board of Trustees of the Odyssey Collaborative Trust. Regular communication ensures that governors report on the school’s performance and fulfil their delegated responsibilities effectively.
How We Work
The Local Governing Board was established on 1 April 2019, when the school became an academy.
Governors meet at least three times each academic year and also carry out monitoring visits within the school.
Meeting dates for the 2026–2027 academic year:
- TBC (Autumn Term)
- TBC (Spring Term)
- TBC (Summer Term)
Attendance at meetings is published after they have taken place.
The standard term of office for most governors is four years, although staff governors typically serve for two years. The Chair and Vice Chair are elected annually at the first meeting of each academic year.
Who We Are
- Paul Appleton – Head Teacher
- Natalie Whitehead – Chair of Governors
- Jennie Christie – Parent Governor; Designated Teaching and Learning Governor; Designated Safeguarding / Looked After Children (LAC) Governor
- Sarah Dean – Staff Governor
- Shane Parker – Co-opted Governor
- Sophie Walters – Co-opted Parent Governor; Designated EYFS Governor; Designated Safeguarding Governor
- Rachael Harvey – Clerk to Governors
Vacancies:
-
Co-opted Governors (3 positions available)
Governing Body Structure
The Governing Body currently consists of 10 members:
- 6 Co-opted Governors
- 2 Parent Governors
- 1 Head Teacher
- 1 Staff Governor
Get Involved
If you are interested in becoming a school governor, or have any questions about governance, please contact Rachael Harvey (Clerk to Governors) via the school office.
The Chair of Governors can be contacted via:
Cherry Tree Hill Primary School
Lime Grove, Chaddesden
Derby DE21 6WL