GOVERNORS OF Welburn Hall School
The Governing Body carries out a very important job behind the scenes in supporting and challenging the school staff to improve the outcomes for children.
Governors have three core functions:
• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.
We carry out regular audits of our skills in the light of the skills and competences we need, taking account of the Department for Education’s Competency Framework for Governance. We update our knowledge through governor training events, reading, visiting school and presentations at our meetings.
Governors meeting minutes can be requested by contacting the Clerk penny.fenton@northyorks.gov.uk or admin@welburn-hall.n-yorks.sch.uk
GOVERNING BODY MEMBERS
Currently there are 10 members and all have voting right on their committees and the Full Governing Body
| 2 Parent Governors |
term of office |
|
| Mrs Caroline Price |
from 19 October 2022 |
to 19 October 2026 |
| Mrs Alison Clark |
from 19 October 2022 |
to 18 October 2026 |
|
|
|
| 2 Staff Governors |
term of office |
|
| Ms Marianne Best, Headteacher |
from 1 January 2026 |
|
| Mrs Rebecca Sealey |
|
|
|
|
|
| 1 LA Appointed Governor |
term of office |
|
| Rev Alan Payne |
from 7 May 2023 |
to 6 May 2027 |
|
|
|
5 Co-opted Governors
(appointed by the Governing Body)
|
term of office |
|
| Mrs Vivien Stephens |
from 12 December 2022 |
to 11 December 2026 |
| Dr Jon James |
from 7 November 2022 |
to 6 November 2026 |
| Rev Susan Binks |
from 7 November 2022 |
to 6 November 2026 |
| Dr Susan Morgan |
from 7 November 2022 |
to 6 November 2026 |
| Mrs Helen Porter (Co Chair) |
from 20 October 2021 |
to 19 October 2025 |
|
|
|
| Clerk to the Governors |
|
|
| Mrs Penny Fenton |
|
|
GOVERNOR PROFILE OF SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Dr Susan Morgan (Co-Chair)
SEND Governor
Now retired after a lifetime in secondary education, my interests include rearing sheep and using the wool fleeces in many creative ways. I love gardening and reading.
At Manchester University I gained a degree in Biochemistry, which subsequently led to a PhD following research into cell biology. The dual interests in both Biology and Chemistry allowed me to teach both subjects to A level for many years. Latterly working as Deputy and then Head Teacher I have gained huge insight into planning curricula for all types of learning and all of the management issues facing school leaders today.
Rev Alan Payne (Co-Chair)
Safeguarding Governor
E-Safety governor
Teacher of RE, Parish Priest, Area Dean, Director of Ministry Development and Training. Diocesan Board of Education. Consultant on Persons, Roles and Systems. Honorary Canon of Southwell Minster, Chair of Governors, Infant, Middle & Secondary Schools. Currently Retired priest with permission to Officiate, Vice Chair Resources Lady Lumley's Co Chair Welburn Hall
Interests, Caravanning, Gardening, Guard on North York Moors Railway, Bird Watching. Singing.
Rev Sue Binks
Mental Health and Wellbeing Governor
I am the local Vicar, having the responsibility and care of the United Benefice of Kirkdale with Harome, Nunnington and Pockley - and geographically Welburn Hall School is located at the heart of the Benefice and I live in Harome only three miles away from the School. Prior to Ordination my professional background was in Hospital Administration serving in Acute and General Administration in Hospitals in East London and Halifax, West Yorkshire and then in Community Health Care Administration in East Cleveland. I have had the great joy and privilege to lead weekly Assemblies at Welburn Hall School for over a decade. I prepare the Assemblies in partnership with the Teaching Staff. I endeavour to make these as interactive and multi- sensory as possible and to nurture good community. The focus is always to uphold the School values and promote ‘Well Being’. The Assemblies follow the Christian Church Year and also international, national and local celebrations and events. I am the York Diocese Link Officer for our Companion Diocese, False Bay in Cape Town, South Africa and I take every opportunity to share this experience with the Students and Staff.
Allison Clark
Parent Governor
As a busy Mum to eight (with five children under 16) Allison has fostered children for the past 12 years. After retiring from a corporate career spanning 25 years, Allison successfully managed large and small businesses in the textile, recruitment and childcare industries.
Allison has keen interests in music, playing the Oboe and Classical Guitar. She also loves the theatre and visiting historic cities, and is a qualified swimming teacher, but mainly her time is spent encouraging and supporting all the children's many hobbies and interests.
Helen Porter
Vice Chair, Health and Safety Governor and Filtering and Monitoring Governor
I retired as headteacher of an all age (2-19 years) specialist school in August 2021, having worked in special education since 1987. My work focused particularly on students with visual impairment but also those with physical disabilities, cognition and communication difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Condition, Hearing Impairment and social, emotional and mental health issues.
My time as headteacher allowed me to develop extensive experience in leadership, curriculum and assessment, student and staff management and support, safeguarding, school finance and budgeting, school improvement and self-evaluation. It was a role I loved and I thoroughly enjoy still being involved in special education through the very different position of governor at Welburn Hall. I love watching young people learn and develop their independence and confidence, and value the opportunity to be part of a process that supports their successful journey into adulthood.
Caroline Price
Parent Governor
I am a Mum of two, who lives in Scarborough. My son has attended Welburn Hall School since the age of 11 and has recently moved into Welburn Hall College. My daughter is in her second year at Leeds University.
I have worked in the Retail Sector for most of my life and am Professionally CIPD qualified. (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development). I currently work for one of the major fashion retailers, having spent the previous 19 years jointly owning and running a Fish and Chip shop in Whitby.
Over the years I have become incredibly passionate about Special Needs Children, their Welfare and Inclusivity. I have volunteered as a Committee Member at North Yorkshire PACT, Interactive, Whitby and as a Parent Governor at a mainstream Whitby primary school.
I enjoy Beach walking, Marshalling at Park-Runs and attempting to ride a bike as fast as my son can.
I look forward to my role of Parent Governor.
Rebecca Sealey
Staff Governor
Special Educational Needs, & Disability Coordinator
I am the SENDco at Welburn Hall School. I started with Welburn in September 2022 as the nurture class teacher. In March 2023, I also worked temporarily as the SENDco until it became my main role in September 2023. Whilst working as a Teaching Assistant at Applefield Special School and as a Family Support Officer with Henshaws, I found a passion for working with students with SEND. I started teacher training through the Graduate Teacher Programme and passed my training in 2008. Mr first job was in North Yorkshire as an Early Years and Key Stage 1 teacher, and I quickly moved into Early Years Team Leader and worked a temporary Deputy Head. In 2014, I moved into the role of SENDco for a large Academy group in York and worked across three mainstream schools who had Enhanced Resource Provisions for communication and interaction. I specialised in Dyslexia and ASD, and completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs with Bath University. After returning to work following the birth of my son, I started working across two Pickering schools as the SENDco and as part of the senior leadership team. After deliberating for many years, I decided to make the move from mainstream to special provision so I could fully immerse myself in SEND and work towards becoming a specialist.
Mrs Vivien Stephens
Link governor for the residential provision, supported by Jon James
Vivien Stephens is a retired youth and community worker who graduated as a mature student from Leeds Metropolitan University with further study at the University of Huddersfield. With experience of working in a LA residential school for boys with emotional and behaviour difficulties then working with care leavers Vivien went on to head up a county wide detached youth work team in East Riding. When this Youth Service was incorporated within Children's Social Care Vivien went on to manage a team of youth and family support workers and retired in 2015.
Vivien is currently involved with The Guide Movement in Pickering following a move from West Yorkshire in 2017. She is married with 2 adult daughters and is a keen football and cricket watcher.
Dr Jon James, Health and Care Plans
Committee Members 2023/24
Headteacher Performance Management
Rev Alan Payne
Helen Porter
Independent Consultant
Pay Committee
Rev Alan Payne
Helen Porter
Parental Complaints
Dr Susan Morgan
Membership to be pulled from the governing body board depending on the circumstances - 3 members
Welburn Hall School Governor Attendance 2023/24
| Forename |
Surname |
Governors Category |
Meetings |
Attended |
Not Attended |
Apology Not Sent |
Apology Not Accepted |
| Marianne |
Best |
Headteacher |
8 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Susan |
Binks |
Co-Opted |
8 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| Allison |
Clark |
Parent |
8 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| James |
Jonathan |
Co-Opted |
8 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| Sue |
Morgan |
Co-Opted |
8 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
| Alan |
Payne |
Local Authority |
8 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| Helen |
Porter |
Co-Opted |
8 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Caroline |
Price |
Parent |
8 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| Becky |
Sealy |
Staff |
8 |
5 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
| Vivien |
Stephens |
Co-Opted |
8 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
Welburn Hall School Governor Attendance 2022/23
| Forename |
Surname |
Governors Category |
Meetings |
Attended |
Not Attended |
Apology Not Sent |
Apology Not Accepted |
Governor Term Start Date |
Governor Term End Date |
| Marianne |
Best |
Headteacher |
10 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
01/01/1900 |
|
| Susan |
Binks |
Co-Opted |
10 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
07/11/2018 |
06/11/2022 |
| Allison |
Clark |
Parent |
9 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
04/05/2023 |
03/05/2027 |
| Graham "Sam" |
Ellis |
Co-Opted |
1 |
0 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
03/10/2018 |
02/10/2022 |
| Jon |
James |
Co-Opted |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
07/11/2018 |
06/11/2022 |
| James |
Jonathan |
Co-Opted |
8 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
07/11/2022 |
06/11/2026 |
| Sue |
Morgan |
Co-Opted |
10 |
8 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
07/11/2018 |
06/11/2022 |
| Alan |
Payne |
Local Authority |
10 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
08/05/2019 |
07/05/2023 |
| Alan |
Payne |
Local Authority |
10 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
08/05/2023 |
07/05/2027 |
| Helen |
Porter |
Co-Opted |
10 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
20/10/2021 |
19/10/2025 |
| Caroline |
Price |
Parent |
9 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
19/10/2022 |
18/10/2026 |
| Becky |
Sealy |
Staff |
7 |
4 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
05/05/2022 |
05/05/2026 |
| Vivien |
Stephens |
Co-Opted |
8 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
12/12/2018 |
11/12/2022 |
| Vivien |
Stephens |
Co-Opted |
8 |
6 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
19/12/2022 |
18/12/2026 |
| Charles |
Wilson |
Parent |
8 |
6 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
01/04/2021 |
19/12/2022 |
Welburn Hall School Governor Attendance 2021/22
| Forename |
Surname |
Governors Category |
Meetings |
Attended |
Not Attended |
Apology Not Sent |
| Sarah |
Barker |
|
1 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| Marianne |
Best |
Headteacher |
8 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
| Susan |
Binks |
Co-Opted |
8 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
| Graham "Sam" |
Ellis |
Co-Opted |
8 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
| Jon |
James |
Co-Opted |
8 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
| Sue |
Morgan |
Co-Opted |
8 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
| Alan |
Payne |
Local Authority |
8 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
| Helen |
Porter |
Co-Opted |
7 |
7 |
0 |
0 |
| Becky |
Sealy |
Staff |
2 |
1 |
1 |
0 |
| Vivien |
Stephens |
Co-Opted |
8 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
| Charles |
Wilson |
Parent |
8 |
5 |
3 |
1 |
| Name |
Meetings Attended |
Governor Term Start Date |
Governor Term End Date |
| Marianne Best (Headteacher) |
2/8 |
|
|
| Susan Binks (Co-opted) |
2/8 |
07/11/2018 |
06/11/2022 |
| Graham "Sam" Ellis (Co-opted) |
2/8 |
03/10/2018 |
02/10/2022 |
| Penny Fenton (Other) (Clerk) |
2/8 |
21/07/2019 |
20/07/2023 |
| Gary Fielding (Other) |
2/8 |
14/07/2021 |
13/07/2025 |
| Jon James (Co-opted) |
1/8 |
07/11/2018 |
06/11/2022 |
| Sue Morgan (Co-opted) (Chair) |
2/8 |
07/11/2018 |
06/11/2022 |
| Alan Payne (Local Authority) |
2/8 |
08/05/2019 |
07/05/2023 |
| Helen Porter (Co-opted) |
1/7 |
20/10/2021 |
19/10/2025 |
| Vivien Stephens (Co-opted) |
2/8 |
12/12/2018 |
11/12/2022 |
| Charles Wilson (Parent) |
2/8 |
01/04/2021 |
31/03/2025 |
Welburn Hall School Governor Attendance 2020/21
| Name |
Meetings Attended |
Governor Term Start Date |
Governor Term End Date |
| Sarah Barker |
1/1 |
|
|
| Marianne Best (Headteacher) |
9/11 |
|
|
| Susan Binks (Co-opted) |
8/11 |
07/11/2018 |
06/11/2022 |
| Graham "Sam" Ellis (Co-opted) |
7/11 |
03/10/2018 |
02/10/2022 |
| Penny Fenton (Other) (Clerk) |
9/11 |
21/07/2019 |
20/07/2023 |
| Jon James (Co-opted) |
9/11 |
07/11/2018 |
06/11/2022 |
| David Lamb (Parent) |
0/2 |
06/02/2019 |
20/10/2020 |
| Anne Lealman (Staff) |
1/1 |
06/11/2019 |
14/10/2020 |
| Sue Morgan (Co-opted)(Chair) |
9/11 |
07/11/2018 |
06/11/2022 |
| Alan Payne (Local Authority) |
9/11 |
08/05/2019 |
07/05/2023 |
| Vivien Stephens (Co-opted) |
8/11 |
12/12/2018 |
11/12/2022 |
| Charles Wilson (Parent) |
4/4 |
01/04/2021 |
31/03/2025 |
Welburn Hall School Governor Attendance 2018/19
| Name |
Number FGB meetings |
| Alan Payne (Co-Chair) |
7/9 |
| Sue Morgan (Co-Chair) |
6/9 |
| Marianne Best (Head) |
7/9 |
| Sarah Barker (left 18/6/20) |
2/9 |
| Susan Binks (from 7/11/18) |
5/9 |
| Sam Ellis |
3/9 |
| John James |
6/9 |
| Darren Kendell (left 25/07/19) |
1/2 |
| David Lamb (from 13/03/19) |
6/9 |
| Gillian Locker (left 25/09/19) |
0/1 |
| Vivien Stephens |
5/9 |
| Anne Lealman (from 06/11/19) |
5/8 |
Welburn Hall School Governor Attendance 2018/19
| Name |
Number FGB meetings |
| Alan Payne (Co-Chair) |
6/8 |
| Sue Morgan (Co-Chair) |
7/8 |
| Marianne Best (Head) |
8/8 |
| Sarah Barker |
7/8 |
| Susan Binks (from 7/11/18) |
6/6 |
| Sam Ellis |
5/8 |
| John James (from 7/11/18) |
4/6 |
| Darren Kendell (from 7/11/2018) |
3/6 |
| David Lamb (from 13/3/19) |
4/4 |
| Gillian Locker |
3/8 |
| Vivien Stephens (from 12/12/2018) |
4/5 |
Welburn Hall School Governor Attendance 2017/18
| Name |
Number FGB meetings |
| Alan Payne |
8/8 |
| Sue Morgan |
8/8 |
| Marianne Best (Head) |
7/8 |
| Sarah Barker |
3/7 |
| Gillian Locker |
4/8 |
| Paul Aber (left 07/02/2018) |
3/4 |
| Michael Garrod (left 14/03/2018) |
3/5 |
| Andrew Hill (left 31/08/2018) |
5/7 |
| Laura Walker (left 31/08/2018) |
4/8 |
| Rachel Marr (left 04/11/2018) |
3/7 |
Governor Induction
Available - click here
Governor Visits to the School Policy
Available - click here
Instrument of Government
Available - click here
