A Message from our Chair
I have been a governor at Whitefriars Primary School for the past two years and I am very excited having recently been appointed Chair of Governors. I have over 30 years' experience in teaching and the last 27 of those years have been with Rushden Academy so I know the local community well. During my time as a teacher I have held various senior positions and had whole school responsibility for attendance, SEND, Pastoral and Safeguarding and have experienced numerous Ofsted inspections and been part of a leadership team that obtained "Good" Ofsted judgements.
Having recently retired, I am now in a position to play a more active part in the governing body's work. I care about education and I find my role at Whitefriars a rewarding one that can make a real difference to the lives of children and young people. Being a school governor has been a truly rewarding experience. It is a big responsibility but I feel a sense of achievement from my involvement. I firmly believe in the difference that good governance can make to the success of a school and I believe that my career has equipped me with a range of skills that will enable me to help make a positive contribution to the life of Whitefriars.
I am still passionate about all aspects of education and I think learning in the widest sense, is key to every child's future. I am incredibly proud to represent a school with such a strong community spirit and to contribute to ensuring it remains a place where every child feels supported and inspired.
Paula Smith
Chair of Governors
Meet the Governors
Val Cummins
As a governor I sit on the Quality and Standards Committee and the Head Teacher's Performance Management Committee. I also work with staff monitoring History and the School Business Manager to carry out Personnel and Payroll Thematic Audits. I am a semi-retired HR Consultant after working full-time for over 30 years as an HR Manager in local SMEs. My spare time is taken up doing several weekly school runs and I also enjoy various hobbies
Clare Atthews
I joined the governing body as a parent governor, sitting on the Quality and Standards Committee, the Head teacher's Performance Management Committee. I also work with staff in the monitoring of Early Years Foundation Stage. I was an early years childcare manager working in Pre schools and nurseries both here in the UK and in Doha Qatar. I am a big motorsport fan and spend much of my free time watching and attending races and events.
Andrew Presland
I have been a school Governor (initially at the Junior School) since 2013, and serve on the Resources Committee and as the Safeguarding Governor. By day, I am a Government statistician working in London. I am also an active member of Whitefriars Church, where I help lead a countryside walks group, and am a trustee of the Encompass charity, which oversees homeless accommodation in Rushden and Corby, Recovery House for men with drug or addiction issues and three local food banks. I also own a small woodland to the west of Kettering, which I am keen to be used by the local community for walking and camping.
Helen Toms - Vice Chair
Simon Sage - Parent Governor, Vice Chair and Chair of the Premises, Health and Safety Committee
Holly James - Co-opted Governor
Paula Smith - Co-opted Governor and Chair of the Quality and Standards Committee
Helen Lynett - Local Authority Governor
Jevon Corbett - Associate Member
Lucy Burman - Head Teacher/Ex-Officio
Jennifer James - Associate Member
Our Committees and Members
Chair of the Governing Body - Paula Smith
Vice Chair of the Governing Body - Helen Toms
Clerk to the Governing Body - Linda O’Sullivan
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