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 - Vacancy 

Parent Governors - Lorraine Kennealy 

Co-opted Governors - Andrew Quayle, Chris Brown, Helen Symons, Ivor Smith, Laura Lockwood, Paul Widgery and Rhoda Bailey.

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 

Ivor Smith

Paul Widgery

Rob Kelland (Associate Governor)

Teaching and Learning

Chris Brown (Chair)

Tom Parkin

Laura Lockwood

Rhoda Bailey

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.

Chris Brown - Co-opted Governor

Chair of Teaching and Learning Committee

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.

Rob Kelland - Associate Governor

Resources Committee.

Focus: Health Safety and Welfare

Paul Widgery - Co-opted Governor

Resources Committee 

Ivor Smith - Co-opted Governor 

Resources Committee

Laura Lockwood - Co-opted Governor

Teaching and Learning Committee

Becky Hopkins - Associate Governor

Teaching and Learning Committee

Rhoda Bailey - Co-opted Governor

Teaching and Learning Committee 

Governors' Registered Interests

Governor Attendance at Meetings

Attendance at Governing Body meetings for the Academic Year 2019-20

N.B. we had an extra FGB meeting in place of a committee meeting during Covid-19 lockdown.

*Resigned/joined during the academic year

Attendance at Governing Body meetings for the Academic Year 2018-19

*Resigned/joined during the academic year

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