Meet the Governors
School Governors are people from the school/local community who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education. They must be aged 18 or over at the time of their appointment. They are elected to serve on the Governing Body for a set period of time.
Governors come from all different backgrounds and all have various knowledge and experience needed to help the Head Teacher make the right decisions for the school. Together they are known as the Governing Body.
Governors have an important part to play in raising school standards through their three key roles of setting strategic direction, ensuring accountability and monitoring and evaluating school performance. They are clear of the three core functions of governance, which are:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff
- Overseeing financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent
The Governing Body
The Governing Body at Rawmarsh Ryecroft Infant School has a total of 9 Governors:
The membership is as follows:
2 Parent Governors
1 Local Authority Governor
The Head Teacher
1 Staff Governor
4 Co-opted Governors
This is called the Constitution of the Governing Body.The Governing Body is responsible for the conduct of its school, education of pupils, Safeguarding, Health & Safety and must promote high standards of educational achievement for all pupils. They achieve this by setting the following framework:
> Setting suitable aims and objectives
> Agreeing policies, targets and priorities
> Monitoring and reviewing aims, objectives and policies to ensure targets are
achieved.
Meetings & Structure
Governing bodies are required to meet formally a minimum of three times a year. Ryecroft follow the model on the left and meet 6 times per year; once every half-term. Governors attend these meetings and any other supplementary meetings related to Finance, Premises, Staff and Curriculum.
At Ryecroft we do not have separate committees – all Governors participate in and are responsible for all decisions made. Meeting dates are set in advance and meetings generally last between two and three hours.
Each Governing Body has a Clerk who will organise meetings, ensure Governors receive relevant up to date information and produce accurate minutes from each meeting held. Minutes of meetings are provided to the Local Authority and copies of these are available on request to the Clerk of Governors.
Miss C McGorrigan
Chair of Governors
Appointed by Governing Body : November 25
Term of Office: 26.11.25 - 25.11.29
Business Interest: Governor at Rosehill Junior School
Attendance: 2024/25 - 50%
I joined as Parent Governor in October 2021.
I have a little girl in who has just left Ryecroft and moved to Rosehill Juniors and who thoroughly enjoyed her time in school. I work in Financial Services and understand the importance of managing finances and how to best utilise allocated funding within businesses. I am hoping that this will enable me to offer a different perspective to the Governing body coming from outside the educational setting.
I am keen to be a part of the schools development and help create a vision that builds on the amazing work the staff already do, but also challenge where needed to enable the school to reach its full potential.
I firmly believe that early years settings within schools make a huge impact on the ongoing development of a child's education and gives them a foundation they can build on for their future. I hope that I can have input in continuing to make Ryecroft a safe and happy place for our children.
Mrs K Blythe
Headteacher
Appointed by the governing body on appointment to the Headship - April 2021.
Term of Office - 01.04.21 - ongoing
Business Interest - Governor at Rosehill Junior School
Attendance 2024/25 - 100%
Within my 23 year teaching career, I have spent the last 16 years as both the Deputy and Headteacher at Ryecroft. Previously I have worked in 2 other local authorities and in 3 diverse schools. For the last 17 years I have worked within school leadership co-ordinating all core areas of the curriculum and as a Special Needs and Disabilities Co-ordinator. I’ve successfully led whole school projects and national initiatives, mentored students and ECT’s. I have also moderated at KS1 for Rotherham.
My specialism is in Key Stage 1 but my passion is for high quality infant education that is accessible for all. After completing my NPQH, I am delighted to build upon my leadership and continue to develop our school as the headteacher. Working with the governing body provides welcome challenge and accountability as we strive together to deliver our vision and continue to provide a strong foundation, both academically and emotionally, for the children in the community we serve.
Mrs J Abbott
Vice Chair of Governors
Safeguarding & Attendance Governor (Co-opted Governor)
Appointed by Parents - October 2020
Term of Office - 01.10.24 -30.09.28
Business Interest: - Inclusion Team Leader at Rosehill Junior School; Governor at Rawmarsh Children's Centre
Attendance 2024/25 - 83.3%
My name is Jane Abbott and I have two children, one being at RCS and the other at Rosehill Juniors. I am originally from Rawmarsh where as a child I attended both of the above schools. After moving away for a short time I returned to Rawmarsh in 2003 to settle and start my own family.
I have been employed by Rotherham Council for over 15 years in various educational roles and I currently work as the Designated Safeguard Lead and Inclusion Lead at Rosehill Junior School. In my previous role as part of the Early Team working with families, schools and other agencies to promote opportunities for achievement for all children 0-19, my role was to advocate on behalf of children and their families to offer support and guidance on a range of educational and well-being needs. Through my work I have an extensive knowledge of Individual Education plans and Educational Health Care Plans as well as other areas of learning and support.
I promise that whilst offering to support the school needs to ensure that the strategic development of the school is achieved, I will also take the approach of a critical friend through the asking of questions and challenging the work of the head teacher and the senior leadership team to ensure that the school is not only achieving for every child, but that it is constantly striving to exceed for every child’s needs.
Mrs J Tate
SEND & Pupil Premium Governor (Co-opted Governor)
Appointed by the Governing Body - January 2013
Term of Office - 06.10.22 - 05.10.26
Business Interest - No business/pecuniary/material interest(s)
Attendance 2024/25 - 100%
I joined the governing body in 2012 and became the designated SEN governor. I have worked in school for over 15 years and currently work as a teaching assistant in Foundation Stage which I thoroughly enjoy. Part of my role involves supporting children with special educational needs and ensuring that all their needs are met. I work hard to ensure children reach their full potential regardless of their background and individual barriers to learning. All children including those with SEN are well supported within the school.
Before becoming a teaching assistant I worked for Rotherham Health Authority for 13 years in Podiatry and then Sterile Services. Volunteering at Ryecroft whilst my son was in reception prompted my decision to pursue a career as a teaching assistant and I am proud to be part of the school!
Mrs Cath Young
LA Governor
Appointed by the LA - April 2026
Term of Office - 08.04.26 - 07.04.30
Business Interest - No business/pecuniary/material interest(s)
Attendance 2024/25 - N/A
My name is Cath Young and I moved to the Rawmarsh area 29 years ago.
I worked at Ryecroft Infants from 2008 until 2023 as a Teaching Assistant and Cover Supervisor mainly in Year 2 classes but I also spent some time in Year 1.
Before having my two children, I ran my own business for 10 years designing, making and selling my ceramics.
I am currently working at Maltby Academy as an Exam Invigilator alongside developing my own work once again.
Ryecroft Infants is a very special place with a hard working and dedicated team and I am happy to be able to offer any help I can utilising my experience and skills.
Mrs Vicki George
Equality / Wellbeing Governor (Parent Governor)
Parent appointed by GB/board due to no election candidates: November 2025
Term of Office: 26.11.25 - 25.11.29
Business Interest: No business/pecuniary/material interest(s).
Attendance: 2024/25 - N/A
Hi, my name is Vicki George.
I am delighted to join the governing body as a Parent Governor. I currently have a child in Year 1, and my older son also attended the school a few years ago. It’s lovely to see some of the same staff that still remember him. I bring over 20 years of experience working with children and families, including extensive work within the education system and supporting schools. I am passionate about children’s education and learning, and I hope that my experience, knowledge, and commitment will help support the school and contribute positively to it's continued success.
Mrs L Owen
Cyber Security / Curriculum (Staff Governor)
Appointed by Staff: March 2024
Term of Office:14.03.2024-13.03.2028
Business Interest: No business/pecuniary/material interest(s)
Attendance: 2024/25 - 83.3%
My name is Louise Owen. I have two children, both who have attended Ryecroft and have now moved onto Rosehill. I have lived in Rawmarsh all my life and attended Ryecroft as a child myself.
I have recently joined Ryecroft as a Cover Supervisor in Year 2. Previously to this I worked as a Teaching Assistant at another local primary school for 20 years, working across both key stages. I have many years of experience supporting children with SEND and running intervention programmes aimed at supporting children to close the gaps in their learning.
As a staff governor I hope to represent the views of all staff and help to support the school in ensuring all children achieve their full potential.
Mrs D Carnell
Health & Safety (Parent Governor)
Appointed by the Governing Body: April 2024
Term of Office: 14.03.24 - 13.03.28
Business Interest: No business/pecuniary/material interest(s)
Attendance: 2024/25 - 100%
My name is Diane Carnell. I have two children, one who is currently in FS2 and the other will be joining next year.
I work as a management accountant and have 25 years experience working within the manufacturing industry. As well as having financial skills and experience of analysing data, part of my role is to work closely with other departments, support them and help implement improvements.
I'm excited to join as parent governor and I am keen to attend training and get to know the school. Hopefully I can use my skills to enhance the team.
Miss J Martin
Strategic Lead / Training Governor (Co-opted Governor)
Appointed by the Governing Body: November 2021
Term of Office:01.11.25 - 31.10.29
Business Interest: No business/pecuniary/material interest(s)
Attendance: 2024/25 - 66.7%
I joined the governing body in November 2021, as I wanted to be involved in the education of children and help the next generation.
Working as a Senior Manager in the NHS, I have several transferable skills, that I can bring to the role of school governor, which will complement the wealth of experience the board already has. I recognise the importance of the board establishing an ethos of aspiration for all pupils as well as the need for the retention and wellbeing of staff.
As a member of the board I will support the leadership team in setting the school’s aims and objectives around how the school will develop and improve, in line with national requirements and needs of the students, ensuring that the budget is spent in key areas to meet the schools visons and student’s needs whilst also maintaining value for money.
I promise to be both supportive and challenging whilst monitoring and evaluating the school’s effectiveness, acting as a critical friend around areas of improvement and holding the leadership team to account for delivery.
Historic Terms of Office
Mr C Oxer
Chair of Governors
Health & Safety Governor (Co-opted Governor)
Appointed - May 2017 by the governing body.
Term of Office - 01.09.24 - 31.08.28
Business Interest - Chair of Governors at Rosehill Junior School
Attendance 2024/25 - 50%
Mr A Hayes
Curriculum Governor
(LA Governor)
Appointed by the Governing Board - September 2021
Term of Office - 01.09.21-31.08.25
Business Interest: Headteacher at Rosehill Junior School
Attendance 2024/25 - 66.7%
Register of Interests
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Register of Interests 2024 - 2025 | [pdf 83KB] |
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