Introduction
Orton C of E School's Governing body is made up of 14 Governors, all of them volunteers (apart from the staff members, although this part of their role is voluntary for them too!) and all of them bringing different perspectives, expertise and experience to the Governing Body for the benefit of the school.
The School has to have a document known as an Instrument of Government to define the Governing Body and this requires Orton C of E School to have the following:
- Two Parents Governors (elected by parents)
- Two Staff Governors, one of whom is the Head Teacher (automatically
a Governor ) and one whom is elected by the staff
- One LA Governor (appointed by the Local Authority)
- One Co-Opted Governor (appointed by the Governing Body)
- Eight Foundation Governors (appointed by the PCC/Diocese of Carlisle)
Andrea Mounsey is our elected Staff Governor. Details of Emma Pomfret, our Head Teacher and Andrea are elsewhere on this website but the remainder of the Governing Body may need some introduction:
Richard Petty - Chair of Governors (Foundation Governor)
Rachel Woof-Foundation Governor
Rachel became a Foundation Governor in September 2021 and is a member of the Finance and Staffing Committee and the subject in school she is attached to is one of her favourites – History.
Brought up on a farm near Appleby, she has worked in various administrative roles and for the last 21 years in local secondary schools in Penrith and now in Kirkby Stephen as an Exam Officer and Cover Manager; an enjoyable but sometimes stressful role which involves a lot of collaboration with pupils, staff and parents.
Rachel married and set up home with Rowland in Orton village 31 years ago and their children attended Orton School. She is a practising Christian, being part of the village Methodist Chapel where over many years she has worked with young people from 4 to 19 and is currently part of Families Together in Orton and Tebay team, organising events for all ages in the two villages.
Rachel loves walking, gardening, flower arranging and baking.
“My husband Rowland was a Governor when our children attended Orton School and now it seems it is my turn. I feel a sense of pride in our village school where both my children and their friends thrived and hope to be able to be part of the school community where the ethos of love, forgiveness and hope is the aim.”
Rev Brendan Giblin-Ex-officio Foundation Governor
Since April 2023 Brendan has been Priest-in-Charge of a new grouping of eight Anglican churches stretching from Brough to Tebay – including All Saints’, Orton. Before moving to Cumbria Brendan served as priest in various parishes in Yorkshire including the market town of Wetherby and small villages in Wensleydale. Over the years Brendan has been a governor of primary schools of differing shapes and sizes, and has loved the opportunity to support schools in helping their children flourish.
Brendan enjoys hill-walking and horse riding.
Local Authority Governor-currently vacant
Daniel Morley-Parent Governor-details coming soon
Rebecca Shelton-Parent Governor -details coming soon
Mary Jenkin-Foundation Governor
Mary moved to Orton over 22 years ago when her husband retired from being a Vicar elsewhere in Cumbria. From her early teens she has worked with primary aged children in Sunday Schools, Brownies, Cubs etc and as a Paediatric Staff Nurse. After the youngest of their four children started school full time she worked for over ten years in a large primary school with children experiencing special needs - work she found extremely rewarding.
She is a practising Christian and a member of All Saints Parochial Church Council as well as being team leader for Open the Book (ask your children about this) and helping to organise Charlie's Church (ask your Class 1 child!) .
Mary loves their large garden and walking, when other commitments allow.
"I feel very privileged to be a Governor in Orton C of E School and although I do not have the experience that some of my colleagues have as Governors, I do feel that working with children in the past will help me to develop skills that may benefit our village school."
Ian was elected as a Parent Governor in May 2015 and became a Foundation Governor in December 2017. Ian's children attended the school, and he is married to Mrs Simpson (Catherine).
Ian is a Paramedic and is employed by for North West Ambulance Service and works throughout North Cumbria, with this Ian brings a wealth of skills and experiences to the governing body, including safeguarding, risk assessments and leadership. He is a member of the Safeguarding and the Buildings and Grounds Committees.
Ian, has reputation for being approachable and friendly with a wicked sense of humour.
Julian Thorpe - Co-opted Governor
Julian has been a Foundation governor since 2002. He was first appointed by the PCC when his son, James was about to start at the school.
From his appointment, Julian has been a member of the Buildings & Grounds Committee which he currently chairs. He has been involved with most building and refurbishment projects in the school in recent years including the new build hall and classrooms (from plans and funding through to
completion and snagging) and in summer 2014, the sourcing and creation of The Cube temporary classroom. Julian is also a member of the Finance and Staffing Committee and his particular subject interest is maths.
“When first asked, I had no objection to getting involved and hoped I could be some help to the school. I like solving practical problems, don't mind a challenge and enjoy working with the children.”
Vacancy - Clerk to the Governors
Recent Governors
Nigel Coward-Associate Member -Jan 2023-end of term
Andrea Dutton - June 2023 - Resigned
Rev Sandra Ward - June 2023 - Resigned
Matt Wray- September 2023-end of term
Unfortunately not the ones with chocolate chips.
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