Governors
Within the STAR Multi Academy Trust, each school has a Local Governing Board (LGB) that supports the work of the Trust and the school. It has certain delegated authority to oversee the running of the school under the Scheme of Delegation as defined by the Trust Board of the STAR Multi-Academy Trust.
https://web.starmat.uk/governance
Governance Register of Business Interests - The STAR Multi Academy Trust
Minutes of the LGB for each school are available on request from the School Office or clerk to governors by emailing clerktogovs@starmat.uk.
Main aims of a Governing Board
Governing Boards provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools and have three core functions:
- To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- To assist the Trust in holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
- To help the Trust to oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent
The Local Governing Board of Kellington Primary School is represented by members who are Parents (elected by the parental body); Staff (elected by the staff), Trust Board appointments who are co-opted, (selected by the Governing Body to bring specific skills or expertise), as well as those with a role that entitles them to be a governor (Headteacher).
Our Current Local Governing Board is as follows:
Simon Peacock (Trust Appointed Governor)- Chair of Governors
I'm a STARMAT Trustee and Trust appointed governor to Kellington Primary School. For 8 years I was a governor and Chair of Governors at Kirk Fenton Primary School, after which I was part of the working party that formed the STARMAT and have been a Trustee since it formed.
I am an electrical engineer and project manager working in the power transmission industry, most recently for National Grid. However I'm taking a step back for a couple of years to undertake a second Masters Degree and to work in a consultancy capacity in the power industry.
I have five grown up children there of whom undertook their primary and secondary education in the STARMAT (or schools which became STARMAT). I'm determined that Kellington becomes properly recognised as the fabulous school that it is.
Away from work I am a keen runner and have completed numerous marathons and ultra-marathons.
Contact details- Cofg@kp.starmat.uk
Melanie Lawrence (Headteacher)
Alyson Buckton (Trust Appointed Governor)
I am the headteacher at Brayton C of E Primary School, which is also one of the STAR MAT schools. This is my fourth headship, having led schools across Yorkshire ranging from 2 classes and 30 pupils up to my current setting which is 2-form entry. As a teacher, I trained in Early Years education and over my career I have taught across all primary age groups from Nursery to Year 6, including whole Key Stage classes.
Away from work I am a keen but slow runner, and have been known to take part in long endurance events around the trails of North Yorkshire. I am also halfway through studying for the NPQEL (National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership) with a group of colleagues from Yorkshire and the North East.
Becky Cussans (Trust Appointed Governor)
I previously worked in the STAR MAT, at South Milford Primary School for 7 years. Where I worked my way through different roles and qualifications from HLTA to Thrive Practitioner Status. During that time, I was given the opportunity to support Kellington Primary School for a few months before deciding to try a new career path, working for North Yorkshire Council.
I worked in the Housing Options team for 20 months, gaining a variety of new skills in regards to housing, before finding my way back to supporting children and young people as a Team Leader in the SEN Team. I have always had a passion for helping families and their children grow and develop. Allowing them to understand their emotions along with the skills for self regulation. It was being away from schools, the families and the children that made me want to find a way to continue the support I gave when being inside the school building. Becoming a Kellington Governor brings me great excitement to be able to support the school in its continuing journey.
I am extremely proud of being the mum to two wonderful children, who bring me great pleasure in all that they achieve and will continue to achieve, whilst squeezing in an active hobby of running. Away from the day to day runnings of life, I enjoy getting on a plane and getting some sunshine.
Conor Douglas (Parent Governor)
Professionally, I am a degree qualified (BSc, MSc, MBA), award winning Chartered Engineer with over 17 years’ experience within the field of Inspection, Non Destructive Testing (NDT) and Asset Management. I have held senior management level roles within the Power Generation, Oil and Gas and petrochemical industry worldwide, including United Arab Emirates, West Africa (Angola), Gulf of Mexico (both USA and Mexico) and Australia. I moved to Yorkshire from Aberdeenshire in 2013 and I have no plans to ever leave! I am currently employed as a Global SME for a large Integrated Energy Company where I advise regional assets on their NDT requirements and asset management plans. I am an elected Member and Non Executive Director of the British Institute of Non Destructive Testing where I support the institute with as a STEM ambassador as well as strategy planning, financial management, apprenticeship development and general leadership.
In my personal life, I am a husband and father, with a 7 year old daughter who attends a STAR MAT school. In my role as a parent governor I hope to help the school achieve its strategic aims and look to support and grow the school community. I hope to bring my professional experiences into the academic setting and help the children achieve all that they can acheive.
Caroline Gilley (Trust Appointed Governor)
Having worked in apprenticeships for a University, I bring valuable experience in quality assurance systems and processes, ensuring that our apprenticeship programs meet regulatory standards and contract requirements. With over 20 years of experience across various educational settings, I've gained a deep understanding of the sector.
I believe that Primary School plays a crucial role in shaping children's futures, providing them with a strong foundation to build confidence, skills, and potential in whatever path they choose. I’m excited to support the Kellington Governing Board in its ongoing commitment to helping every child reach their full potential and succeed.
Outside of work, I have a large family, including young grandchildren who keep me busy. In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog, staying active with Zumba classes, and indulging in my love for holidays and dining out—though they tend to offset my fitness efforts!
Melanie Emsen (Parent Governor)
I am a Trust Appointed governor, and parent with 2 of my 3 young children currently attending Kellington Primary School.
As an experienced teacher of secondary Religious Education I have expertise in staff training, curriculum planning and whole child development. Whilst I am taking a career break to raise my family education remains a passion, as such I am committed to using my skills to support KPS in its quest for excellence. As a parent and local resident I am keen to ensure our neighbourhood school provides the best possible education for our youngsters and remains a cornerstone of the community.
Amy Reynolds (Staff Governor)
Having taught for 7 years across two schools, my experiences have supported my development and shaped me as a professional. During this time, I have taught from EYFS to Year Three. I have recently been working in year 1 and 2, where I have recently been involved in key stage 1 moderation and experience of delivering SATS. My role as History and Geography leader includes developing the curriculum and supporting staff in the implementation within the classroom. In addition to this, I lead OPAL play, which is an initiative to develop children's active participation in play times and lunch times. In shadowing our phonics lead, I am supporting the introduction of our new phonics scheme carrying out assessments and staff training. In joining the governing body I intend to support the school ethos and represent the staff.