Message from Mrs Valerie Cadd – St. John’s Chair of Governors
I became a governor because I believe every child has a right to a high quality education and to attend an Outstanding School. It is my belief that all St. John’s Governors also want to do the very best they can for the school, the pupils and the local community. That is why they voluntarily give up so much of their time.
The governing body is the school’s accountable body. We work as a team in which constructive working relationships are actively promoted. The role is made easier by the fact that the school has outstanding leadership, committed and capable staff at all levels, wonderful children and extremely supportive parents/carers.
What does The Governing Body do?
It is responsible for the conduct of the school and for promoting high standards. The governing body aims to ensure that children are attending a successful school which provides them with a good education and supports their well-being and keeps them safe. It is also responsible for upholding the Christian character of the school.
The governing body:
Sets the strategic direction of the school by:
Setting the values, aims and objectives for the school
Agreeing the policy framework for achieving those aims and objectives
Setting targets
Agreeing the School Improvement Plan which includes approving the budget and agreeing the staffing structure
Challenges and supports the school by monitoring, reviewing and evaluating:
The implementation and effectiveness of the policy framework
Progress towards targets
The implementation and effectiveness of the School Improvement Plan
The budget and the staffing structure
Conducts self-evaluation
Ensures accountability by:
Responding to Ofsted reports when necessary
Responding to SIAMS reports when necessary (Church Inspection)
Holding the Head Teacher to account for the performance of the school, through support and challenge
Ensuring parents and pupils are involved, consulted and informed as appropriate
Making available information to the community.
Valerie Cadd
Chair of Governors
Governor Shared Area
Academy members
Academy Governors
Foundation
Mrs V Cadd
Chair
I am a regular worshipper at St John’s Church and I am an elected member of the Parochial Church Council (P.C.C.) and Deanery Synod. I was a teacher with a special interest in working with pupils with Special Educational Needs for over 30 years before I retired. I have been a Foundation Governor at St. John’s C.E. Academy since 1998. I am appointed governor by Durham Diocesan Board of Education, following recommendation from St. John’s P.C.C. I am also very actively involved with Girlguiding U.K. and I am currently Girlguiding Durham South’s President.
Mr M Doswell
I am the father of two current pupils at St John’s C.E. Academy and a regular worshiper at St Columba’s Church, Darlington. I have been working in the Further Education and Skills sector, dealing predominantly with adult apprenticeships since 2007 and am currently an Operations Manager of a large national training provider. I am appointed governor by the Durham Diocesan Board of Education, following recommendation from St. John’s P.C.C.
Mrs J Pattinson
I have been a Foundation Governor at St John’s C.E. Academy since January 2014. My appointment by the Diocesan Board of Education followed a recommendation for the position by St. John’s Parochial Church Council (P.C.C.). I am a regular worshiper at St. John’s Church where I am also an elected member of the P.C.C. I was employed as a Civil Servant for 20 years and then for the last 18 years as an administrator continuing to administer a pension scheme on behalf of the Department for Education (DfE).
Reverend S Plummer
I was born and brought up in Newcastle upon Tyne and moved to Darlington in 1970. From leaving school, to having my children I was employed as a computer operator. I have worshipped at St. Johns since 1972. My own children attended St. John’s School and during that time I was elected parent governor for a number of years. I became a Reader at St. John’s Church in 2001 and in 2015 was ordained priest. I have also been a member of Girl Guiding and was a Brownie Guide leader of a unit based at St. John’s Academy.
Mrs C Marsh
I am a regular worshipper at St John’s Church and I am an elected member of the Parochial Church Council (PCC). I am a Chartered Management Accountant, currently self-employed. I also hold the London Chambers of Commerce Private Secretary’s Certificate. I have been a Foundation Governor at St. John’s C.E. Academy since 2012 and am a St John’s PCC appointed Governor. Having an interest in children and young people, I am also a Trustee of Darlington Area Churches Youth Ministry charitable trust.
Mr J Harrison
I am a regular worshipper at St. John’s Church. I am a retired chemical engineer , working the main of my working life in the packaging industry but in latter years, after being made redundant, as an exhibition manager in the animal feed industry. I was appointed a Foundation Governor in 2015. I am a past Group Scout Master for the 1st. Darlington B.P. Scout Group. I am a Player ,Trustee, Committee Member, and Band Sergeant for Northallerton Silver Band.
LA
Mr E Robinson
Vice Chair
I am a member of St William’s Parish on Albert Hill and a former Head Teacher of St Teresa’s RC Primary School in Harris Street. I taught for 32 years with the last 18 years as Head Teacher. My aim as a teacher was to ensure each child achieved their best and that their time at school gave them special memories for life. I have been on St John’s Governors since 2007 and I am also a Governor with Borough Road Nursery School. I am a volunteer driver with the Friends of the Memorial Hospital.
Head Teacher
Miss C Large
I was appointed as Head teacher of St John’s CE Primary in September 1999; formerly I was a Deputy Head in Durham and a Leading Maths Teacher for the authority. I am immensely proud to be Head teacher of a school where everyone is made to feel welcome and special which is probably why staff tend to stay at St John’s for a long time! It is a privilege to work with a dedicated team of staff and governors who are firmly committed to ensuring that every child flourishes and achieves their very best, providing them with the solid foundations needed for future success.
Elected Parent
Mr A Linsley
Originally from the Teesdale area, where I worked in the public sector, I am now living in Darlington working for Royal Mail delivering in and around the local community.
I am the father of two children who currently attend St John’s C.E. Academy and I am a regular worshipper at St John’s Church.
Appointed in 2017 as elected parent governor, I am proud to have joined and be involved with a great team of experienced governors, striving to achieve and maintain the current high standards already in place at St John’s.
Mrs J Hazlewood
I was appointed in 2012 as an elected parent governor. I have been actively involved within St John’s School since 2009 in a variety of ways in all year groups. I have helped the children in class settings in structured play, guided reading, maths and literacy, held cooking sessions and accompanied on a variety of school trips and sports events. I have previous experience of coaching at a gymnastics club and since 2011 have helped coach at St John’s after school gymnastics club. I am also a long term member of the PTFA of which I am Chair. Previous work positions have included Property Search Executive, Senior Regional Co-ordinator for the North East and North West Regions at the Centre for British Teachers, Office Manager, Buildings and Facilities Manager and Business Reports Analyst.
Staff
Mrs M Brown
I was appointed to St John’s in 1998 after working initially in Sunderland and then as a KS2 Leader in Essex. I am proud to be the Deputy Head of such a lovely school which so clearly promotes Christian values. It is a privilege to work alongside such a dedicated team of staff and governors who strive to provide an outstanding school experience for all our children and their families.
Mrs S A Railton
Link Governor
I have been involved with St. John’s school for 20 years as both my sons attended this school. I also work at St. John’s as an Administration Assistant. I have been a governor for 15 years. Starting as a parent governor and now I represent the non teaching staff on the board. St. John’s is a very special and outstanding school and I feel honoured to be part of its past and future success.
