Our Local Governing Body

Churchfield’s Local Governing Body includes parents (elected by the school's parent body), members of staff (elected by the school staff) and co-opted local governors (appointed by the local governing body and/or the Trustees, because they have the skills required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school).


What the Local Governing Body does

 

The school is overseen by the Board of Trustees for the Quality First Education Trust. The Trust Scheme of Delegation sets out how certain roles and responsibilities are delegated to the local governors of each school. 

Churchfield’s LGB works as a team of local governors to challenge, monitor and support the school, to make sure it provides a good quality education for its pupils. There are normally two full Local Governing Body meetings per term.

In addition to attending meetings, local governors may take on a link or lead role for an aspect of the school. As part of this link role, they will undertake pre-arranged visits and/or work with members of staff to monitor particular aspects of provision, and report back to the Local Governing Body. All governors are appointed on a 4 year term.

If you wish to contact the Local Governing Body you can do so via Irene Morley, Clerk to Governors, via the School Office.    

View meeting attendance for 2022-23. 

Meet the Local Governing Body

Article ImageKaren Parkinson

Chair of Governors
Co-opted Governor, current term of office March 2020 to March 2024

After joining Churchfields as a co-opted governor in 2016, I have been able to support the Churchfields team in a range of roles whilst on the local governing body.

I bring over 15 years experience in education and special needs support to the board. I run a private tutoring service; as well as an online children’s book shop. I am passionate about making education accessible to all, giving children as many life experiences and opportunities as possible and ensuring that all children nurture a love of reading.

As Chair of Governors, I will work alongside the Churchfields team to ensure that we aim for high standards and give the support to our pupils and staff so that we deliver on our promise of a first class education for all. I also serve as a Trustee on the Q1E Trust board

Article ImageAmara Jacobs

Co-opted Governor, current term of office July 2022 to July 2026 

Article ImageTess Marjoram  

Elected Parent Governor, current term of office Jan 2022 to Jan 2026

With two children attending the school, I was elected to join Churchfields LGB as a parent governor in 2022. 

Professionally, I have two decades of experience working in business development, marketing and communications for high profile architecture practices and built environment agencies. Developing new strategies and relationships are some of my key strengths. 

I aim to represent the Churchfields community within the LGB, utilising my range of skills and experience to work alongside the excellent team at Churchfields to improve on their high standards for all children. 

Article ImageColin Matthews

Staff Governor, current term of office Sept 2020 to Sept 2024

Colin Matthews is an experienced teacher and currently one of the Assistant Headteachers at Churchfields Primary School. He was elected to the LGB by the staff.

Article ImageCarrie Starace

Parent Governor, current term of office January 2022 to January 2026

I was elected Parent Governor in December 2021. My son is currently in Year 5, and my daughter is in Year 8 at a local secondary school after completing her journey through Churchfields. They have both been supported wonderfully in very different ways. We love the school and its wider community.

After teaching secondary PE earlier in my career, I’ve been running a business for the past 16 years dedicated to improving PE & sport for children in Lewisham primary schools. I liaise with Headteachers & PE Leads, deliver training for teachers & midday supervisors, and recruit & manage my own team. 8 years ago, we decided to franchise and now have 12 different business owners around the country replicating our vision for a more inclusive, higher quality PE experience for all children.

I’m also a Family Liaison Volunteer for Bromley Brighter Beginnings. Our charity supports local families either in refuge or going through tough times by sourcing things they need for their children. I’m very aware of the challenges families face and understand we all need extra support at times.

I believe a broad curriculum together with wider experiences and development of emotional intelligence is essential for nurturing the whole child, and aim to ensure school staff have all the support and resources they need to do this successfully.

Rachael Talmage

Elected Parent Governor, current term of office March 2023 to March 2027

Safeguarding link governor

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Liz Williams

Staff Governor, current term of office March 2024 to March 2028

Liz Williams is an experienced class teacher and our computing specialist teacher at Churchfields Primary School. She was elected to the LGB by the staff.

Former members of the LGB who have served within the past year

Michelle Punt

Co-opted Governor, resigned September 2023

Michelle was a Co-opted Governor at Churchfields from July 2018 to Sept 2023. She is an HR specialist who has worked within an education environment for 25 years and is currently Chief People Officer at St Dunstan’s College.

Lucy Rosser

Co-opted Governor, stepped down in summer 2023

Lucy served for 12 years in a governance role at Churchfields, and saw many changes, including the conversion to an Academy. Lucy has a long association with Churchfields, firstly as a parent, then as an ARC teacher for nineteen years, and then as an ARC volunteer for several years. She is now a grandparent and occasional volunteer. 

Andrew Newbon

Elected Parent Governor, term of office ended December 2022