Governors

Welcome to our Governors’ Section

The Governing Body consists of representatives from staff, parents, community and Devon County Council. It ensures that statutory roles and responsibilities are met and also monitors the work of the school. Governors work with the school to provide the best learning environment and educational opportunities for the children and staff.

The governing body of South Molton Community Primary School reconstituted in 2015 and is now structured as follows:

LA Governor - Vacancy 

Ex Officio (Headteacher) - Tom Parkin

Staff Governor - Penny King 

Parent Governors - Mary-Ellen Whalley and Lorraine Kennealy 

Co-opted Governors - Andrew Quayle, Chris Brown, Jason Wragg and Helen Symons.

Associate Governors - Becky Hopkins and Rob Kelland. 

The position of Chair is Andrew Quayle. 

There are currently vacancies on the Governing Body in the category of Co-opted and LA Governor.

Associate Governors have voting rights at committee level.

The Clerk to Governors is Jo Kingdon

clerk@southmoltonprimary.devon.sch.uk

Committees

All governors attend Full Governing Body meetings. In addition, they are also members of either the Resources or Teaching and Learning committee.

Resources

Lorraine Kennealy (Chair)

Tom Parkin

Andrew Quayle

Helen Symons 

Rob Kelland (Associate Governor)

Teaching and Learning

Penny King (Chair)

Tom Parkin

Chris Brown

Mary Ellen Whalley

Jason Wragg

Becky Hopkins (Associate Governor)

Our Governors

Andrew Quayle - Co-opted

Chair of the Full Governing Body

Finance and Resources committee

Term of Office: 21/09/16 - 20/09/20

I have recently retired from full-time employment and relocated to North Devon, having spent the last 20 years working outside the UK, living in 5 different countries on 3 continents. I am a Chartered Accountant and have many years of experience in senior financial roles in multi-national companies. Although my exposure to the education sector is that of a parent, I think my overall business skills and experience can support the school in its future development, especially in terms of financial management but also as part of an effective and supportive governing body.

Tom Parkin – Headteacher

Current term of office: 10/06/13 - ongoing

In his position as Headteacher, Tom is an ex-officio governor

I have been a governor and Headteacher at SMCPS since April 2013. I feel very positive about the future for this school and working with community to ensure all children receive the best education. We have wonderful facilities and environments and I would like to ensure they are used to their full potential.

Penny King – Co-opted Governor

Chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee

Focus: Curriculum and EYFS 

Current term of office: 08/07/15 - 07/07/19

Penny was co-opted onto the governing body

I have been the Deputy Headteacher at South Molton Community Primary School for a year and a half and I am the class teacher in Yellow Class. I have recently become a Governor and it has been great to be part of such an enthusiastic and passionate Governing body. I look forward to working together with staff, parents and governors, continuing to develop our school as a fantastic place to learn and achieve.

Mary Ellen Whalley – Parent Governor

Teaching and Learning committee.

Focus: Community and Parent Links

Current term of office: 08/07/15 - 07/07/19

Mary Ellen was co-opted onto the governing body

I have two boys who attend the school. They both really enjoy their time at school, which I believe is the key to ensuring that they learn. I have been really impressed with the range of opportunities that have been open to him since he has joined the school and as a Governor I am keen to ensure that these continue to grow. I teach A level Geography at Petroc and therefore have experience in education, although for the opposite end of the age spectrum. I value education highly and wish that all pupils have access to an excellent start to enable them to achieve their future goals, whatever they may be.

Chris Brown - Co-opted Governor

Safeguarding lead governor 

Term of Office: 07/03/18 - 06/03/22

First and foremost, I am a parent of two wonderful girls who are currently navigating the challenging social and academic environment of school. My wife and I moved to North Devon 15 years ago. We live on a farm, and very much enjoy the local countryside and community . My career in business extends over 30 years, with directorship and management experience in logistics, leisure, manufacturing and education. I have sat on various charity committees, primarily focused on supporting disadvantaged children. I have a passion for wishing to see young children fulfil their potential, through exploration, nurturing support, and lots of fun.

Helen Symons - Co-opted Governor

Resources Committee 

Focus: Personnel 

Term of Office: 07/03/18 - 06/03/22

I grew up in Dorset and relocated to Devon sixteen years ago. I have been employed in the travel and tourism sector since leaving university. My son currently attends South Molton Community Primary School. I have been very impressed by the facilities of the school and more importantly, the professionalism and care afforded to our children by every member of staff. All children are unique and I am keen to play a part in ensuring that the potential of each child is maximised.

Lorraine Kennealy - Parent Governor

Resources Committee

Chair of Resources 

Term of Office: 02/05/18 - 01/05/22

I am delighted to be a governor at South Molton Community Primary School. I have two wonderful girls who attend. They both love school and I feel very happy that they are in a safe environment in which they are progressing well.

After 11 years as an Assistant Manager of a hotel, I am now a Catering Manager for a local school federation. I hope to bring my past and present skills to help develop and support the governing body.

Jason Wragg - Co-opted Governor

Teaching and Learning

Term of Office: 07/03/18 - 06/03/22

I am fairly new to South Molton having moved here in 2016 and started a new family. I am currently a lecturer at the University of Central Lancashire (UCLan). I am involved with school after being impressed with their ethos and attitude towards education such an important stage in a child’s life. As a governor I look forward to supporting the school to continuing to provide a good start to the students

Rob Kelland - Associate Governor

Resources Committee.

Focus: Health Safety and Welfare

Becky Hopkins - Associate Governor

Teaching and Learning Committee

Governors' Registered Interests

Governor Attendance at Meetings

Attendance at Governing Body meetings for the Academic Year 2017-18

*Resigned/joined during the academic year

Attendance at Governing Body meetings for the Academic Year 2016-17

*Resigned during the academic year

Attendance at Governing Body meetings for the Academic Year 2015-16

*Resigned during the academic year

Attendance at Governing Body meetings for the Academic Year 2014-15

* Associate Governor

** Resigned