Appointments 2010-11

Committee Members 2010-11

		Jacky Ulliott I have been a Governor for approximately sixteen years and took on the role of Chair in 2001. I began as a parent governor when my eldest son came to Light Hall. All four of my children attended the school. My youngest son left in 2004.  I have continued in my commitment to the school.  I live in the local area and believe passionately in supporting the staff and pupils of the school in whatever way I can.
		John Williams I was appointed as a Local Authority Governor in January 2010 and I serve on the Personnel and Finance and General Purposes Committees. I welcome the opportunity to help Light Hall succeed and enjoy the open and honest approach all Governors display in meetings. There is a genuine and heartfelt desire to do everything possible to help pupils develop to their full potential. I am a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Bankers and have spent most of my career in Financial Services. I am currently a Director of a major Estate Agency group and a Board Member of a Housing Association in Birmingham.
		Mary Beattie I am a staff governor serving on both the finance & general purposes and personnel committees. I have been employed at Light Hall for nine years after originally covering for staff absence, and now having the role of ICT Manager. I have watched the schools ICT provision grow extensively particularly since gaining the specialism of Maths and Computing. I decided to offer my services as a staff governor six years ago to help and gain further understanding of both school budgets and personnel issues.  We certainly had a challenge after the disastrous fire in 2006! I find it very rewarding to be part of a team of committed individuals who give their own time to enhance the education of young people. I have lived in Solihull for over twenty years and have three beautiful grown up daughters who bring me great joy and of whom I am extremely proud.
		Drew Hall This is my fourth year here at Light Hall School. My background is based around physical education as this is my area of expertise at the school. However, over the past two years I have chosen to combine this with pastoral care. Currently, I am head of year to years 8 and 9 and thoroughly enjoy the challenge the role offers. My decision to become a curriculum governor was taken in 2008, as I wanted to understand more about the decisions that are made with reference to academic progress in the school. I enjoy being able to offer opinion and help shape the direction the way the school is moving forward in terms of curriculum.
		Kate Stowe I'm currently serving as Assistant Curate at St James Church in Shirley, where I've been for the last 3 years. Northampton born and bred, I enjoy following the fortunes of the Northampton Saints rugby team. Before donning the dog collar, I taught maths at a secondary school in Halesowen, so I'm delighted to be re-establishing my links with education through my role as a Community Governor at Lighthall. I enjoy drinking good wines and curling up to read the Sunday paper with a pot of coffee and a packet of chocolate biscuits. I'm married to Matthew and we have a very fluffy cat, Lightfoot.
		Ann Hunter During my working life I held posts in the Lucas Organisation, British Gas and a company which organised Environmental Shows at the NEC Birmingham, Glasgow and Bristol.  I have supported Light Hall since my children attended in the 1980’s, becoming a Governor in 1989.   I represent Light Hall Governors on the Management Committee of LAYCA, the youth and community centre on the Light Hall Site and, through LAYCA am a trustee of Shirley Citizens Advice Bureau.  All of which I find very interesting and rewarding.Since retiring my husband and I have travelled extensively exploring the English canal system on our narrow boat ‘Minstrel’ from Chester to Leeds and Lincoln, down to Bath and Bristol, learning so much about our beautiful country.  We also visited New Zealand, South Africa and Canada. I look forward to continuing my association with Light Hall giving support and help, to see the school provide a safe, happy and productive environment for the education of children, allowing them to achieve their full potential and leave as confident, successful young people.
		Heidi Cosford I work in the Governor Services Section of Solihull Council and decided I wanted to become a governor after my daughter started at Light Hall School last September and loved it so much that I felt I wanted to make a positive contribution to such an excellent school.  Since leaving college I have worked as a secretary in various organisations including local government, accountants, solicitors and the police with a short career break as a teaching assistant in nursery and reception.  My passions are horse riding, ski-ing and scuba diving.
		Martin Mynott I became a Governor whilst my daughters were at Light Hall.  Five years on I’m still here and hope to be in the future whilst I’m still wanted, even though both daughters have now left, both benefiting from their years in the school and with fond memories: the older is now at Cambridge University reading Medicine, and the younger at the Sixth Form College, currently looking at university options for Sports Science.  I became chair of the Finance and General Purposes Committee about 3 years ago.  I felt quite honoured when asked if I would do this, given the impressive standard of my fellow Governors.  I feel privileged to serve alongside them, and with a School Leadership Team who show such professionalism, dedication, and breadth and depth of knowledge. Education is in the blood in my family.  My late mother was a teacher, my wife still is, there’s a sister-in-law, niece, nephew ...  My wife and I are committed 100% to parenthood, extending to a deeper involvement in the matters that affected our children and others too; perhaps the progression to Governor was a logical outcome.  My interest remains and grows, even though my daughters have moved on.  The school has had, and continues to have, many challenges, and I never felt I could just turn my back on it and say “Bye, bye!  Got what I want!  Going now!”  We had the disastrous fire a few years back, and then the rebuild.  Now the recession is biting.  What next?  The school needs and deserves enduring support. I’m a Data Analyst with National Grid, with just over 35 years in the industry, the last 20 as an IT professional.  I have always enjoyed cooking, and having developed a passion (obsession) with healthy eating, forever exploring new ways of using whole grains, pulses, vegetables etc.  We make all our own bread by hand, developing new variations using different seeds, herbs, flours etc – a highly therapeutic activity recommended to anyone.  Kneading is good exercise on top of the brisk daily walks that I take!  My other great passion is the cryptic crossword, enjoying equally those in the Times and Guardian.
		John Greenan I am one of two teacher governors. I have been Head of Modern Languages at Light Hall School for nearly 20 years .For better or worse- hopefully, for better- what I have done here constitutes my life’s work. I am really proud of my department and feel privileged to work here, especially as we now have such good accommodation and resources. I feel at home here and I used to live in Colebrook Rd. so I know the area really well. I remember the days of having to paint my own classroom and using ancient and decrepit textbooks. The rooms we had in the old block were tiny and claustrophobic so I really appreciate my current penthouse. Outside of school, I am interested in lots of things. I read a lot of fiction and history books and watch far too much TV (especially Sky Sports and ‘Escape to the Country’). I like cooking, cycling and gardening. I do work for the LibDems, read ‘The Guardian’ and wear sandals in the Summer. I love Radio 4 . My family were Irish immigrants (Cobh, Co.Cork & North Dublin). We spent most of our childhood in Selly Oak, Birmingham. Life was hard as a kid as we were not well off and my mother died when I was in Year 6. I was the oldest and had to look after my three brothers and sisters. Education for me was a way out –and up! I worked hard at school and won a scholarship to Cambridge to read Modern Languages. I have been married to Carol for 26 years and we have three children. Joanne is 21 and at Sheffield University, studying Law and French ; Susie is 18 and wants to go to Liverpool University and James is 14 (at St.Peter’s) and is mostly studying Call of Duty on the Xbox. Hence, I have no money!
		Vic Scutt I have been the Headteacher governor since my appointment in January 2000. I am involved in all the governor committees. As a governor I am proud to see the role and impact of the role grow over time. The governors have the ultimate say in terms of the direction of the school, and I am pleased that I have been able to work with them, benefiting from their support and challenge, over many years. They represent the various aspects of our community, and thus help to ensure that we best support and deliver on behalf of our students, parents and local citizens. My own teaching career includes schools in Bedfordshire, St Helens and Knowsley. Previous to my appointment, I was a community governor of a primary school in Knowsley. I am married and have two children. My wife is a primary teacher. We also now have three grandchildren, which we greatly enjoy!
		Dawn Shuttleworth I became a Governor in 2005 during the time my daughter attended Light Hall. My nephew currently attends the school and my brother and I are former pupils, so Light Hall has been part of our family for some considerable time. As far as I am aware, I am the only Governor who is a former Light Hall pupil!! I serve on the Curriculum Committee and the Head Teacher Performance Review panel . I live locally to the school and I have worked full time for a local finance company for 24 years. They say the role of a Governor is to be a 'critical friend', but in my experience it has also provided me with the opportunity to offer whatever support I can to the Light Hall staff, pupils and parents in my community, and given me a real insight to how it all pieces together and what makes it a successful and happy environment. Meeting with the senior management team on a regular basis always reminds me how hard they work and demonstrates their drive and commitment to the education of our pupils; they are so dedicated. I look forward to continuing to support them.
		Melanie Arrowsmith I have been a Parent Governor for just under a year and sit on the Finance and General Purpose Committee. I am a School Administration Manager at a local Infant School and am married to a School Caretaker. Due to having such an involvement in other school’s I wanted to be able to contribute in part at one of my children’s schools, particularly as my eldest daughter is so happy at Light Hall. She is about to go into Year 9 and my son is due to start Year 7 in September. They will be followed by my youngest daughter next September. Other than eating out and spending time with my family, I love reading, and am a huge football and darts fan!
		Carole Castle I am a new governor who has lived in Shirley for twenty years. I have two teenage boys; one attended Lighthall School and is now in an apprenticeship and the other is currently in year eleven. I have appreciated the help and support from Lighthall that both have received over the years. I currently work as a trainer/data controller for a building trade supplier. Prior to that I was a store manager for a large retailer for twenty one years. I have an avid interest in education and hope that I will be able to contribute in my role as governor by using the skills I have obtained in my professional life.
		Sue Bauckham I became a governor as I felt it was time to actively support the school. I have two children, my daughter who has been through the school and had a very positive all-round experience from her time at Light Hall. My son is presently at the school, he enjoys going and taking part in the opportunities that are offered to him. I value the time and effort that is put in by all the staff as they look for each pupil to achieve their potential. I attend the curriculum committee as having children in education at present I can offer feedback from the perspective of a parent.

Who can become a school governor?

You don't need to have a child at a school to become a governor

All types of people can become school governors. No special qualifications are required, but you must be 18 or over on the date when you are elected or appointed.

Enthusiasm, commitment and an interest in education are the most important qualities. You don't need to have a child at the school.

Many schools would particularly welcome new governors who have transferable skills developed at work, or who have a particularly good understanding of the community served by the school.

What do school governors do?

The governing body of a school is responsible for ensuring that it is run to promote pupil achievement. Its duties include:

• setting strategic direction, policies and objectives
• approving the school budget
• reviewing progress against the school's budget and objectives
• appointing, challenging and supporting the headteacher
• The governing body is made up of:
• parent governors (elected by parents)
• staff representatives (elected by school staff)
• local authority governors (appointed by the local authority)
• community governors (members of the local community appointed by the governing body)
• for some schools, people appointed by the relevant religious body or foundation
• up to two sponsor governors, or four if the school is a secondary school (appointed by the governing body)

What would be involved?

Governing bodies make their decisions based on the advice of committees that deal with specific issues like the school's curriculum, premises or finances. If you become a governor, you will probably be asked to serve on a committee where you have an interest or can make a contribution.

The amount of time involved for each governor varies between schools. However, in a typical month in a typical school you can expect to spend at least six to eight hours on your duties.

Being a governor is a serious commitment, but it can be rewarding. Find out more about the benefits of becoming a school governor on the School Governors' One Stop Shop (SGOSS) website.

Expenses

You may be paid allowances for any expenses you incur when carrying out your duties, either by the governing body or the local authority. You cannot claim attendance allowances or payments for loss of earnings.

Training and support

Schools are being encouraged to participate in the National Training Programme for New Governors - view the training materials on the GovernorNet website. GovernorNet also provides information and guidance for governors.

The GovernorLine support service can provide advice on legal and other issues by telephone or email.

Governorline: 0800 0722 181

How employers can help

If you are working you may be entitled to "reasonable" time off work to carry out your duties as a governor. You will qualify if you are technically an "employee" and do not work in one of the exempted occupations.

Your employer does not have to pay you for your time off, but may do.

Your employer could benefit as a result of you becoming a school governor. Details of potential benefits for employers are available on the SGOSS website. SGOSS can also provide support for companies who want to encourage their employees to get involved.

Apply to become a school governor

You can apply to be a governor:

• directly to your school
• through your local authority
• through SGOSS
• Governor Information courtesy of DirectGov.uk

For further information contact

L. Edwards (Light Hall School. PA to headteacher)
0121 744 3835

... or visit these Governor resource sites

Resources
Governor net	Official DfES website
Ofsted	Office for Standards in Education.
NGC	National Governors' Council
ISCG	Information for School and College Governors.
Governorline>	Confidential advice line for Governors.
Ofsted	Office for Standards in Education.
Teachernet	Information about a variety of issues affecting schools.
NASG	National Association of School Governors (independent organisation)