Our Governing Body
The role of the governing body is a strategic one with three core functions:
- setting strategic direction
- creating robust accountability
- ensuring best use of financial resources
The work of the governing body is driven by the school improvement plan. Discussions, decisions and actions for governors focus on school finance, staffing matters, use and condition of premises, pupils' wellbeing, curriculum, data and assessment, working with stakeholders, admissions and organisational changes.
The full governing body must meet at least three times per academic year but most meet more frequently through committee meetings. There is an expectation that governors will also undertake monitoring visits into school to find out more about the school throughout the year. Governors work closely with the headteacher and make decisions collectively as a team.
How To Become A School Governor
If you require further information on the roles and responsibilities of School Governors or you are interested in becoming one, please contact NCDAT's Head of Governance, Victoria Miller - V.Miller@ncdat.org.uk
Our Governors
| Name | Position | Term of Office | Special responsibility role | Register of Interests |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| William Cowie | Governor | 07/07/2023-06/07/2027 | Chair; Link Governor for Safeguarding, Maths & PE | Business Interest - J Dinning (Investments) Ltd (from 07/07/2023 to current). |
| Karen Telfer | Executive Headteacher | 28/09/2020 - | Headteacher, Beamish Primary (from 28/09/2021 to current). | |
| Judith Russell | Staff Governor | 18/05/2021 -17/05/2025 | Deputy Headteacher, Beamish Primary (from 18/05/2021 to current). | |
| Jean Carleton | Governor | 09/09/2023-08/09/2027 | Vice Chair; Link Governor for Art & Literacy | Retired None Declared |
| Wendy Guile | Governor | 18/03/2021-17/03/2025 | Link Governor for SEND, YFS (Yearly Foundation Stage) & Geography | None Declared |
| Dr Damian Parry | Governor | 03/07/2023-02/07/2027 | Link Governor for Science | None Declared |
| Rachel Henry | Staff Governor | 17/05/2021-16/05/2025 | None Declared | |
| Helen Faulds | Parent Governor | 26/11/2021-25/11/2025 | Link Governor for ICT and Music | None Declared |
| Reverend Simon Spencer | Governor | 22/03/2023-21/03/2027 | Link Governor for RE, PSHE and History | None Declared |
Record of Attendance
2023-2024
| Name |
Full Governors Gathering 26/09/2023 |
Headteacher Performance Review 24/10/2023 | Finance, Premises & Personnel Meeting 24/10/2023 | Pupils & Curriculum Meeting 24/10/2023 | First/Pay Review Meeting 07/11/2023 | Full Governors Meeting 14/11/2023 | Full Governors Meeting 12/03/2024 | Full Governors Meeting 02/07/2024 |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Mr William Cowie - Chair of Governors | Present | Present | Present | X | X | A/A | A/A | Present |
| Mrs Karen Telfer - Head Teacher | Present | X | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present |
| Mrs Judith Russell - Deputy Headteacher | A/A | X | Present | Present | X | Present | Present | Present |
| Mrs Jean Carleton | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present | Present |
| Mr David Ward | Present | X | Present | X | X | A/A | X | X |
| Mrs Wendy Guile | Present | Present | Present | X | A/A | Present | Present | Present |
| Dr Damian Parry | Present | X | X | Present | Present | Present | Present | A/A |
| Cllr Danny Wood | Present | X | X | A/A | X | Present | X | A/A |
| Mrs Rachel Henry | Present | X | X | Present | X | Present | Present | Present |
| Mrs Helen Faulds | Present | X | Present | X | Present | Present | X | Present |
| Reverend Simon Spencer | Present | X | X | Present | X | Present | Present | Present |
Governing Body Resigned Members
| Cllr Danny Wood | Local Authority | 27/11/2020-26/11/2024 | Governing Body Appointed |
Appeals Pupils & Curriculum |
Durham County Councillor Pelton Parish Councillor Labour Party Member Governor at another Primary School in Durham |
None |
| David Ward | Parent Governor | 01/11/2020 - 31/10/2024 | Parent Appointed by Governing Body |
|
|
None Declared |