Governance

Governance of our school 

The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust is the governance body responsible for the school as a whole with the Board of Trustees accountable for decisions made. For more information on the Trust and how our governance structure works, please visit www.elliot foundation.co.uk (Trust Governance and Community Council documents) noting in particular the Scheme of Delegation and Accountability and Representation documents. If you have any questions about our governance structure please contact Katie Stobbart, Head of Legal and Governance (katie.stobbart@elliotfoundation.co.uk).

You can contact the Chair of the Governing Board, Mr D Gallie, via office@elliotfoundation.co.uk.

Welcome and Introduction to our Community Council 

The Trust governance model recognises that Community Councils are, whilst a full and formal part of the governance structure in line with the Trust’s Articles of Association, wholly advisory bodies who focus on;

○ The ethos and values of the school

○ The ambition, appropriateness and effectiveness of the school’s curriculum for its children

○ The wellbeing of pupils, families and staff

This year our Community Council are supporting the school to:

• consider ways to raise standards;

• consider ways to further develop our provision for pupils with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities

• improve communication with our local community

Community councillors are a much valued group of volunteers that play a crucial role in our school offering challenging but positive and proactive support to the Principal and Senior Leadership team on behalf of the children and community that the school serves. They know and celebrate the strengths of the community that the school serves alongside holding the highest aspirations and expectations for our pupils. 

Community councillors are appointed from current parents, staff and pupils alongside committed individuals from the wider community. Councillors have an interest in the education and wider opportunities offered by the school to all pupils and have some free time to give to supporting the school to embed our school vision and values.

If you are interested in finding out more about Westwood's Community Council, please contact Sandra McLaughlin (clerk) at smclaughlin@westwood-cambs.org

We are currently looking to recruit a parent to join our Community Council, if you are interested in working with us, please contact Sandra McLaughlin (clerk) at smclaughlin@westwood-cambs.org

Please see below the following information about our Community Councillors:

Tina Bidwell - Community Councillor:

I’m Tina and I’m proud to have been part of the Community Council for the last 4 years and part of the governing body before that. My background is in early years education and safeguarding. Experience which  I hope will be useful and supportive to the Community Council. I feel passionately that all children should have opportunity to achieve the best they can with their welfare and happiness being at the very heart of this.

Diane Crabbe - Community Councillor:

I have been a Community Councillor at Westwood Primary School since it became an academy in
2018. Prior to that I was a member of the school Governing Body, first joining as a parent governor
in 2004, although my first connection to the school was way back in the 1960's when I was a
Westwood pupil myself! I believe that a good primary education is essential for a child's overall
development and wellbeing, not only in terms of knowledge but in teaching vital social and life skills
necessary for a successful transition into secondary education and beyond.

Sarah Gore - Staff Councillor:

I am Sarah Gore, currently a Year 1 teacher here at Westwood Primary and soon to be Year Lead.

My whole career has been dedicated to the care and education of children; I started out in nurseries, progressed to teaching assistant and took the leap into teaching just over 4 years ago. I love working with children and get great satisfaction from seeing the improvements children make, both academically but also socially and emotionally. 

I have worked in several schools in the county, so have a good working knowledge of education, both within Westwood primary but also other school settings.

Outside of work, I am a wife and mother to 4 daughters, so my work doesn’t finish when I leave school! 

I have worked exceptionally hard since gaining my qualified teacher status and am proud to be moving up to Year Lead in the next academic year. I have a good understanding of teaching and look forward to gaining a better understanding of ‘whole school life’ as part of my role within the school council.

Chris Harrold - Parent Councillor:

I'm Chris, I chose to become a school parent councillor  because I believe our children are the future. The education for the children is paramount, I also feel that all children and parents have the right to be heard and have someone who they can talk to for support. I have two children at Westwood in Year 3 and Year 4.

Claire Hilliar - Staff Councillor:

My name is Claire, and I am honoured to serve as one of the community councillors representing Westwood Primary School. Having previously held a similar role whilst working at a secondary school, I am pleased to continue contributing in this capacity. I deeply value the important role schools play in shaping the lives of children and fostering their development.

Throughout my career, I have had the privilege of working in South Africa as well as in several schools across England. These experiences have given me valuable insight into diverse educational approaches and reinforced my commitment to creating nurturing, supportive learning environments for all children.

I strongly believe in the importance of a holistic education, one that nurtures individual strengths and provides a broad range of experiences and opportunities. I am particularly passionate about ensuring that every child has access to equal opportunities, as this foundation is essential to giving them the best possible start in life.