Our Governing Body

The governors’ work affects most aspects of the school’s work.  They establish, with the Headteacher, aims for the school, and approve policies – for the curriculum, behaviour and discipline, for example; and are responsible for the school’s budget and the use and maintenance of the premises.  

They are expected to be in touch with the local community and to help guide the school to meet the community’s educational needs. They are also expected to help the school explain to the community what the school is trying to achieve for their children. 

School governors have legal duties, powers and responsibilities. 

They can only act together; they cannot act individually.

The full governing body meets twice each term.

The Key Functions of Ruswarp Church of England Governing Body are to:

• ensure that the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined 

• ensure that the head teacher performs his or her responsibilities for the educational performance of the school

• ensure the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources. 

The total number of governors on the instrument of governance is 9. 

Date of reconstitution:  07/2018

The Governing Body  comprises:

• Parents - 3

• Staff Governors - 1

• Head Teacher

• Local Authority representatives - 1

• Representatives of the church (also known as Foundation governors) – 2

• Co-opted governors - 1

Governing Body Committee Membership

Staff Discipline Committee

Three governors (or more), excluding the Head Teacher, Staff Governors and Chair of Governors

Staff Discipline Appeals Committee

As above but not same governors involved in making the initial decision

Pupils Discipline Committee

Three governors (or more), excluding staff governors.  No Associate Members.

Head Teacher Performance Management

Three governors (or more), including Chair of Governors plus two others.  No staff governors

Governing Body Pen Portraits

Governor

Christina Beamer

Pen Portrait

I am a trained Primary teacher who has a real love for learning and working with children.  I worked as a KS1 teacher at Ruswarp school for 6 years and thoroughly loved my time and experience here.  After having 3 children I took the decision to have a career break and devote my time to my family but still wanted to be a part of this wonderful school.  When the role of parent governor came up I jumped at the chance of being involved in supporting the school.  Living within the village also gives me an insight into the different ways the school can be involved in the community.  I currently have one child in the Learners class and my youngest two will attend the school so I have a real interest in supporting and developing the school wherever possible. 

Governor

Mrs Stephanie Bedford

Pen Portrait

I live in Briggswath with my husband and we have a daughter currently at Ruswarp Primary school and a son who attended the school before moving up to Eskdale.  I bring many outside influences and perspectives to the role of governor.  My mother tongue is Dutch, I moved to London aged 5 and in my 30's I lived and worked in Switzerland so now I also speak German.  I hold an honors degree in nutrition and food science as well as a post graduate degree in business.  My career started in Research and Development for a food company and then onto marketing and brand management for large international corporations. Now, to fit in with family life I've gone back to my nutrition roots as a self employed Registered Nutritionist and wellness coach

Governor

Andrea Hansell 

Pen Portrait

Governor

Helen Tillson 

Pen Portrait

I have had the absolute pleasure of being the head teacher at this truly amazing Church of England village school since January 2019    

Foundation Governor

Dr Andrea Dickinson-Back 

Pen Portrait

I was a research scientist in Genetic Toxicology for 10 years leading a research laboratory responsible for testing chemicals for cancer-causing properties. I also worked in Education for 20 years in both the primary and secondary phases. I retired as Principal School Improvement Adviser for Redcar & Cleveland LA where I led the School Effectiveness Service with a team of 40 people.

Foundation Governor

Revd Michael Gobbett (ex-officio)

Pen Portrait

I have been Rector of Whitby and Ruswarp since July 2016 having served before then in parishes in the Durham diocese. Before joining the Governing Body at Ruswarp I had been a governor in three different primary schools in the last twenty three years (one a Church Aided School in Bishop Middleham). Throughout my ministry I have engaged with children of all ages in leading collective worship in a whole range of schools in the primary and secondary sector

Governor

Steve Hinchliffe

Pen Portrait

I live locally enjoying the beautiful sights and sounds of Whitby.  I have had the pleasure of over 35 years of teaching experience in secondary schools in Nottingham, North Yorkshire and Leeds. I hold the national school headship qualification and spent time working in industry in photolithography.  Over the last couple of years I have also served as a public governor for Whitby on the York Teaching Hospital Trust.

Governor

Tracey Leng

Pen Portrait

I live locally and have been associated with the school since 1990 , when my two children were lucky enough to spend their primary education at Ruswarp school.  I am an Early Years Professional and qualified in the child care sector in 1974.  I own and run the Busy Bees Playgroup in Ruswarp.  

Governor

Victoria Smith 

Pen Portrait

I live in the village and have 2 children who attend Ruswarp School along with a younger child waiting eagerly in the wings. I have recently finished a 5 yr term of being Chairperson for a local Nursery so the role of a parent governor seemed the perfect opportunity to use the skills and knowledge gained to support this already fabulous School.

Clerk to Governors

Mrs Lisa Grason

Pen Portrait

I have a degree in administration and languages and lots of experience in admin and customer service.  I am employed by NYCC as Clerk to Governors at this lovely village school.  I enjoy working with the governing body, providing advice and support and preparing agendas and minutes for the meetings.  I also work in other local schools as a clerk and a teaching assistant.  I love living in Whitby, surrounded by beautiful countryside and especially like the beach where I can always be found in the Summer months - at our family beach chalet!