Our Governance Structure
Our school is part of Yorkshire Learning Trust. The Trust can be contacted at Yorkshire Learning Trust, Rose Cottage, Toulston, Tadcaster LS24 9NB; email: enquiries@ylt.org.uk; phone: 01937 538538.
Within Yorkshire Trust, each school has a Local Governing Committee (LGC) that supports the work of the school and the Trust. The LGC has certain delegated authority to oversee the running of the school under the Scheme of Delegation [RG1] as defined by our Board of Trustees.
Further information about our governance structure, including details of our Trustees and Members, is available via the Yorkshire Learning Trust (YLT) website. [RG2]
Our Local Governing Committee (LGC)
Our Local Governing Committee (sometimes called our Local Governing Board or Local Governing Body) is responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a high-quality education and safe environment for all our children. Together with the Headteacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management of the school, the Governors set the school’s aims and some school specific policies.
Governors are people who volunteer their time to work together as part of the LGC team and who wish to make a positive contribution to their communities. Governors do not need an education background; they have an interest in the role of schools in society and have enquiring minds which contribute to the effective running of the school and the educational achievements and wellbeing of its pupils.
Main aims of our Governing Board
The purpose of governance is to provide:
- Strategic leadership
- Accountability and assurance
- Strategic engagement.
LGCs carry out a number of important duties alongside the Trust, which include:
- Ensuring our children and young people and staff are safe.
- Working with school staff to ensure inclusion and equality for all.
- Reviewing policy, such as on the school’s curriculum and collective worship.
- Setting standards for pupils’ behaviour.
- Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe.
- Setting and monitoring the school’s aims and ethos
- Agreeing the school’s development plan and monitoring progress against clear objectives.
- Monitoring the school’s budget to ensure it is spent in the best way for our young people.
- Understanding the views of our stakeholders, including children, parents and staff.
- Hearing appeals and grievances.
Our meetings and membership
Our LGC usually meets six times a year. Minutes of the LGC meetings are available on request from the School Office or via clerktogovs@ylt.org.uk.
Attendance at LGC meetings is recorded and published annually on the YLT website.
Governors are expected to declare any relevant business and financial interests they may have. This Register of Business Interests is available via the YLT website.
Our LGC consists of 9 governors; the Headteacher, elected Parent Governors, elected Staff Governor; 2 Foundation Governors; and Trust-Appointed Governors. The Register of Business Interests includes a list of our current and recent governors, how they were appointed to the LGC, and their term of office.
Our Chair of Governors is Mark Gibson and can be contacted by writing to the school address, or emailing cofg@kf.starmat.uk
If you are interested in volunteering for the school or Trust as a school governor, please see our latest vacancies and application form available on the YLT website.
Diversity statement
At YLT we believe that diversity and inclusion are integral to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.
We actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We celebrate the unique contributions of each team member and are dedicated to fostering a culture of equality, where differences are not only embraced but are seen as a source of strength.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our policies, practices, and the way we do business. We strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are fair, unbiased, and inclusive, and we are continuously working to improve them.
We understand that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve.
Yorkshire Learning Trust – additional governance and financial information
Details of our Trustees and Members and governance arrangements are on the YLT website.
There are statutory obligations for Trusts to publish additional governance and financial information online.
This includes our Articles of Association; Annual Reports and Accounts; funding agreements; Executive Pay reports; and Gender Pay Gap reports. This information is published on our Trust website
Who are we
Mel Walmsley
Headteacher
Mark Gibson
Chair of Governors
I am a parent of two young children, one of whom has recently started at Kirk Fenton. I have worked in education for the past 16 years and have always been passionate about ensuring that all children receive an excellent education. My career has included teaching, leading teacher training programmes and supporting leadership development. More recently, my work has focused on data and performance.
I enjoy volunteering in the community and have been a governor at a nearby primary school for the last four years. I also coach a team at Ulleskelf Junior FC, which has given me the opportunity to support children’s development outside the classroom. Becoming a governor at Kirk Fenton allows me to combine my professional expertise with my passion for education, and I hope to contribute positively to the school’s mission of inspiring a love of learning and preparing children for future success.
Alison Davey
Vice Chair / Trust Appointed Governor
Helen Darnton
Staff Governor
Hi I’m Mrs Darnton, I started working as a teaching assistant at Kirk Fenton in 2022.
Before having children I worked as a solicitor specialising in employment law.
I have been a parent governor since 2019 and have really enjoyed getting to know the school. I am so pleased to be working at Kirk Fenton now and everybody has made me feel very welcome.
When I am not at school I enjoy spending time with my husband and two children. We love family days out and enjoy swimming, cycling, walking and spending time outdoors discovering nature.
Nina Wrightson
Trust Appointed Governor
Simon Peacock
Trust Appointed Governor
I live in Church Fenton and I’m an electrical engineer and have worked in the power industry for 40 years. I’m now working part time on National Grid’s Yorkshire GREEN project, while studying for an MSc at Leeds Beckett University. I’ve three children that all attended Kirk Fenton from Reception through to Year 13 at Sherburn High School; from there they all went on to university. Since my eldest child was in Year2 at KF I’ve been a governor and trustee for the STARMAT and I’m delighted to be a governor again at Kirk Fenton. In my spare time you’ll find me running and walking our two labradors.
Reverend Paulie Watkin
Ex Officio Governor
I have served as an ex-offcio governor for Kirk Fenton school since late 2021, having been licenced as the Vicar of the Tadcaster Benefice at the same time, and which includes St Mary's Church Fenton. I have been ordained in the Church of England for around 14 years, and trained for ministry at Westcott House in Cambridge.
I have a special interest in inclusion and firmly believe that both the school and the life of the church should be a welcoming and friendly environment for all. As the Vicar I regularly lead school Collective Worship (assemblies), and enjoy working across the denominations; especially with the Methodist Church which also has a church building within the village. I endeavour to make all of the services which I lead at St Mary's Church to be enjoyable, spiritually uplifting, and fun for all ages! I'm also very happy to be contacted by people interested in or who are exploring faith, so please do get in touch if you would like to.
In my free time, among other things I enjoy spending time with my family, walking in the countryside, music, and international cuisine.
Eleanor Edwards
Parent Governor
In my spare time I enjoy time with my family and exploring Yorkshire.
