Governers

Our School Governors

Coalway Junior School has 10 governors, some of whom represent the parents, some are members of the school staff whilst others represent the local community. We also have associate members who are experts in their field and offer advice to the governing body. Parent, local authority and co-opted governors hold their position for at least four years whilst school members of school staff are appointed for at least two years. The Head Teacher remains on the governing body for the duration of their appointment at the school.

Governors are deliberately drawn from a wide range of occupations & skills, so between them they can provide the school with business, IT, language, logistical, legal & educational skills & expertise.

Contact the Governing Body

What We Do

The governing body is legally responsible for the governance of the school, which includes setting budgets, making sure the buildings are well maintained, and giving staff the support and resources to deliver the curriculum. Governors also play a part in recruiting new staff, helping implement government Schools policies (from anti-bullying to Special Educational Needs) and planning for all aspects of the school’s development – from setting targets for the children’s achievement to improving the existing buildings and facilities.

How we do it

Governors hold full meetings a minimum of 3 times a year, and each governor is also assigned to one or more specific committee (the committees deal with everything from the National Curriculum and Staffing issues, to Premises, Health & Safety, Child Protection and Publicity). In addition to this many governors are familiar faces around the school – we attend school functions, are present at Parents Evenings and have individual responsibilities related to different curriculum subjects.

Why We Do It

Being a governor involves a huge amount of time and commitment. We need to familiarise ourselves with the world of education, get to know every last detail about how the school functions, plough our way through endless acronyms and educational lingo, and deal with Shire Hall. Governors are not paid, even though they are legally responsible for the School’s management. However, no-one who serves as a governor at Coalway does so for any reason other than the chance to promote the school and ensure that it runs as efficiently and successfully as possible.

Structure, Delegation and Terms

Governors, Register of Interest

Governors, Attendance Register

Governors

Rebecca Smith (Joint Vice Chair, Co-opted Governor)

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Rebecca Smith (Co-opted Governor)

I have two children, Alfie and Grace. Alfie attended Coalway Junior School and is now at Five Acres; Grace currently attends Coalway Junior School. Alfie loved his time at Coalway and Grace is enjoying her time there too.

I worked for 5 years within the adults team at Social Services and after that for 15 years at the Royal Forest of Dean and Gloucestershire colleges, supporting 16 – 18+ year olds as a Student Mentor. I have always been passionate about equal access to good education and believe that any school needs the support of its parents and the wider community to operate. During my time as a parent at Coalway I have volunteered to help with the running of the school library. Becoming a parent governor seemed like a good way to play an active role in helping and supporting the school so I joined the governing body in 2022.

In my role as Pupil Premium Governor, I hope to use the knowledge and experience gained from my roles within the education and social services to support the school with their Pupil Premium strategy, allowing them to continue to improve the attainment, engagement and general school experience of pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds.

Rob Weston (Parent Governor)

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Rob Weston (Parent Governor)

I was born and bred in our beautiful Forest of Dean and have been employed by FR Willetts Ltd Coaches for over 25 years, holding the International (Operator’s License) Certificate or Professional Competence. I love to travel long distances throughout the UK and Europe and thoroughly enjoy meeting people along the way.

I have 2 sons Archie and Harley, one of whom was educated at Coalway Junior School prior to his transition to Five Acres High School. The other currently attends Coalway Junior school  Most importantly, I enjoy spending my quality free time with them and my family.

Every child deserves a great education and start in life, hence my reason for becoming a Governor so that I may help maintain the high standards the school has on offer to the students at their beginning of life. 

I bring an honest and hard-working approach to my work. It is the same attitude I bring to this important role. I work with parents, teachers, the Head and other Governors to help drive the continued improvement needed to provide our children with best chance of success. I am a strong believer in the value and importance of a well-balanced education. I welcome the opportunity to help the school in any capacity I can.

Faye Drew (Joint Vice Chair, Parent Governor)

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Faye Drew (Parent Governor)

I have been lucky enough to grow up in the Forest of Dean and now raise my two daughters here, Darcie and Florence who both attend Coalway Junior School. The girls love the school and are forever busy with after school clubs, school council and eco committee.

I have worked for the Forest of Dean District Council for the last 10 years, starting in Emergency Planning and for the last 6 years in Legal Services as a Paralegal. I continue to volunteer on the Council’s Co-ordination Team who support in multi-agency working during emergencies, such as extreme weather events, flooding and large fires. 

I’m passionate about our area and supporting the local community. Having recently finished my paralegal qualification I’ve found myself with more time available and I’d love to put that time to good use by supporting the school. Working in local government gives me some insight into the challenges public services face and as a new Governor, I hope I can be a useful support!

Judith Aston (Co-opted Governor)

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Judith Aston (Co-opted Governor)

I was employed at Coalway Junior School for 25 years, firstly as a Teaching Assistant and then qualifying as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. In later years I continued as as Supply cover on a regular basis so I have a sound knowledge of school life.

I am married with two daughters who both attended Coalway Junior School and now have a grand-daughter there.

I have been on the Governing Body for over 20 years.

I am the Special Needs Governor and am committed to SEND and ensuring all children have the support and opportunities they deserve to reach their full potential.

I am Health and Safety Governor and make regular visits to school where I work with staff to ensure necessary training and records are kept up to date.