Governors and Governance Statement

In my day job I lead a team of training professionals around the world who deliver skills in IT, networks and communications. When you work in training and the delivery of skills it’s easy to see the value that a good strong educations delivers.

I have always passionately believed that all children have the right to great education and that is why i became a school governor. I wanted to help positively influence, and be involved in, education and ensuring great outcomes.

As my father was in the military my own education involved various schools across the UK and in Germany!

I am also a school governor at a secondary school in Birmingham so am involved with schools from EYFS to Year 11.

I want all children to be challenged, and enabled, so that they can reach their highest potential through the acquisition of skills delivered in a quality, friendly and supportive school environment.

Date of appointment: Term renewed, appointed Chair 6th July 2021
Term of service : 4 years up to 29th January 2026
Responsibility : Chair of Governing Body, Vice-Chair of Finance & Staffing Committee, and Topic
Register of interests : Business Interests - Co-Opted Governor at Wheelers Lane Technology College Connections to staff - None
Attendance 2021/22: Full Governing Body - 6 out of 6

I joined Sladefield’ s Governing Body back in 2007 as a Parent Governor; my eldest son was in Year 1 and was sent home with a letter inviting parents to apply to be parent Governors. I knew that schools had Governors but wasn’t sure what they did! As an engineer, I knew that a governor is a device that regulates the speed of an engine to make sure it operates within set limits and performs the best it can...so I asked.

The role of a School Governor as part of the Governing Body is the same principle - to oversee the running of the school, to ensure its performing the best it can to the current education legislation. As a Governor, you are involved with approving the annual budgets, scrutinise the educational performance, make decisions on variety of things, from who is awarded school contracts, to should the school become a academy. This is what makes been a Governor a worthwhile and rewarding role and why I volunteered to become a Governor at Sladefield.

Professionally, I work at the University of Birmingham as a Senior Electronics Engineer building bespoke equipment for PHD students to do their research.
Personally, I am happily married with two grown up sons, and, in my spare time, I am involved with Scouts and also enjoy kayaking and amateur radio.

Date of appointment: Term renewed, appointed Vice Chair 6th July 2021
Term of service : 4 years to 18 July 2025
Responsibility : Vice-Chair of Governors; Chair of Finance & Staffing Committee member; Health and Safety; Science
Register of interests : Business Interests - None; Connections to staff - None
Attendance 2021-22: Full Governing Body - 6 out of 6

Hello everyone

I have been the Headteacher at Sladefield since January 2017, and have been a teacher and Senior Leader within the education system for almost 19 years (I know I don’t look old enough!!). During that time, I have been Inclusion Manager, led of each phase in a primary school (from EYFS to KS2), and been Assessment Co-ordinator, so I can honestly say that I have a breadth of knowledge and understanding when it comes to being an educator!!

In every school I have taught in, I have been part of the Governing Body, and so I have plenty of experience of how meetings run, and the expectations that are in place for Governors. I am also a Governor at another Primary school, and so I have the opportunity to be on the ‘other end’ of governance.

I am extremely proud to work at Sladefield and to be part of our aspirational community. It is a pleasure to work as part of a dedicated team striving to make Sladefield the best. I am also very proud to belong to a really strong Governing Body that is built up of a group of very committed and effective members. Over the last couple of years, we have worked hard together to make the Governing Body as effective as it is now. It is essential that the school has an effective Governing Body so that the school and its staff are held to account, and that an ‘external eye’ is there.

Date of appointment: 1st January 2017
Term of service : Head Teacher
Responsibility : Head Teacher
Register of interests : Business Interests - None Connections to staff - None
Attendance 2021/22 : Full Governing Body - 6 out of 6

(Deputy Head Teacher)
Hello, I am the deputy head teacher and staff governor here at Sladefield since April 2016. I have been part of the governing body in some form during the time of I have been at Sladefield. I have been teaching for over 20 years, predominantly in ks1 and early years. I have been a PE coordinator, Computing coordinator, and PHSE leader. I love my job and feel very privileged to work here at Sladefield, which is a wonderful school. My specialism in teaching would probably be teaching reading and phonics, this is an area I am passionate about, and have extensive knowledge and experience in this area.

In my ' real life' I am married with 2 children and also have a grandson, who keeps me on my toes outside of school. I love spending time with my family and friends, travelling and going to the theatre. I am a 'techno geek' who enjoys learning and using new technology.

Date of appointment: 24th January 2022
Term of service : 4 years till 24th January 2026
Responsibility: Inclusion & EYFS.
Register of interests : Business Interests - None Connections to staff - None

Hi there! My name’s Matt Sadler and it is my privilege to serve as a school Governor at Sladefield. As a head teacher of a Birmingham school myself, I know full-well the challenges and the rewards that are associated with growing and shaping young minds. I believe passionately that collaboration is essential for success and therefore am fully committed to working alongside and supporting the wonderful team at Sladefield in ensuring that the children continue to get the fantastic education they deserve.

Away from the world of education, I am a father myself to two young children who I am incredibly proud of (99.9% of the time)! I am also passionate about sport with a Saturday afternoon spent at Anfield, Liverpool definitely up there with my happiest of places!

Date of appointment: 7th October 2019
Term of service : 4 years to 7th October 2023
Responsibility : Maths, & Pupil Premium
Register of interests : Business Interests - Head Teacher at Minworth Primary School Connections to Staff - None
Attendance 2021/22 : Full Governing Body -5 out of 6

I have had the pleasure of working at Sladefield Infant School since April 2016. I am the English Leader for the school and the current Year 1 Leader. I took on the role of the school governor as I feel that I am approachable member of staff that values the opinions of my colleagues. I am also fortunate in having my son attend this school, and by being a school governor, it allows me to continue to support the school.

In my free time (when I have any!), I enjoy spending time with my family, reading books and taking part in my favourite sport, Thai boxing.

Date of appointment: 18th January 2022
Term of service: 4 years till January 26
Responsibility: Safeguarding & English
Register of interests: None
Attendance 2021/22: 3 out of 3

I moved from Yorkshire to Birmingham in August 2020 to take up the post of Vicar of Christ Church with St Margaret’s, and Sladefield is geographically situated right in the centre of the parish I serve. It is therefore a great joy and privilege to have been appointed as a Governor. I am fully committed to the value of creating the best possible environment for children to thrive and learn- Sladefield is clearly a wonderful vibrant school at the heart of the community.

As well as leading the congregations at both churches, my work as Vicar involves serving the whole parish, and I am looking forward to making connections with pupils, staff and parents at Sladefield. Prior to ordination, I worked as chaplain of a 2-18 school for several years, and in my last parish my work involved a great deal of contact with the local schools.

I am married to Guy, and mother to four young adult children. In my spare time, I love cooking and reading novels.

Date of appointment: 12th January 2021
Term of service: 4 years till January 25
Responsibility: Behavior and RE &PHSE
Register of interests: None
Attendance 2021/22: 5 out of 6

I joined the governing body at Sladefield Infant school in order to take a more active role in the education of my two children and also with the hope that I can contribute to the well-being and development of all children at the school. I have always been a firm believer that parental involvement and strong community links have been key to ensuring academic success.

My professional background is also in education and I currently am the Head of History at a large secondary school and sixth form in Sandwell.

Date appointed: 6th October 2021
Term of service : 4 years to 6th October 2025
Responsibility : Attendance and ICT.
Register of interests : Business Interests - None Connections to staff - None
Attendance :2021/22: 6 out of 6