Watling Meadows Primary School is proud to have a strong and dedicated Local Governing Body (LGB) that supports, challenges and champions our school community. Our governors play a vital role as our critical friends, helping ensure we remain true to our vision, values and commitment to providing an exceptional education for every child

Serving as a governor at Watling Meadows Primary School requires a commitment to the Seven Principles of Public Life and to a code of conduct which puts the school and its pupils at the centre.

The Governing Board has adopted a Circle Model of Governance, with meetings held once each term. Governors also undertake focused monitoring across key areas, providing assurance and reporting their findings to the Board. Separate panels or committees are established where required for legal, procedural or confidentiality reasons.

Our Local Governing Body consists of nine governors:

• 5 Community Governors
• 2 Staff Governors (including the Head Teacher)
• 2 Parent Governors
  This structure mirrors the model outlined in our official governance documentation.

We have significant delegated responsibilities from the Central England Academy Trust Board, ensuring that governance is robust, transparent and focused on the best interests of our pupils.

We are thrilled to welcome our five new Community Governors, who bring a wealth of experience, passion and commitment to shaping our new school as it grows.

Gwyn Evans – Community Governor

I am a retired Headteacher and live locally. I have taught for 44 years, including 28 years as a Headteacher in three Warwickshire schools. Since retiring, I have taken opportunities to continue using and developing my skills, while also learning new ones.
I currently volunteer as a governor, as a panel member for parent appeal hearings, and as Chair of the Nuneaton Festival of Arts Committee.

My personal interests include music, theatre, literature, gardening, walking and travel.
I feel very privileged to be part of the governing team and am committed to supporting the Head Teacher in creating a vibrant, nurturing and inclusive environment where everyone can be their very best.

Amanda Gardiner – Community Governor

Amanda possesses extensive experience in school governance, having served on the governing board of a Junior School in Bedworth. Her progression through a variety of governance roles, culminating in her appointment as Chair of Governors, has provided her with comprehensive expertise and insight. Amanda is dedicated to fostering the success of every pupil and ensuring that all stakeholders are respected and valued.

She is delighted to join the Board at Watling Meadows Primary School, as is eager to help shape the vision and ethos of a brand-new school from its very beginning. She looks forward to working with colleagues, pupils, and the wider community to create an inclusive and inspiring environment where every child can thrive.

Adam Lee – Community Governor

Having grown up in Nuneaton, less than two miles from the school, I feel a strong sense of connection in supporting the development of Watling Meadows Primary. I am proud to serve as a Community Governor and to contribute to the growth of a new school at the heart of our community.
As a current serving Headteacher in Warwickshire, I understand both the strategic vision and the day to day realities of school life. This enables me to bring practical insight to the governing board. I value strong relationships with families and believe that partnership between home and school is central to helping children thrive.
I am committed to ensuring that every child has the opportunity to flourish in a safe, ambitious and inclusive environment.
I am delighted to contribute to the beginning of Watling Meadows’ journey and to work alongside fellow governors, staff and the wider community. Together, I hope we can build a school where every child feels known, supported and inspired to achieve their very best.

Caroline Thompson – Community Governor

Some 40+ years ago I began my career as an NNEB Nursery Nurse.My interests were then and have always been related to children and their wellbeing.

I subsequently studied to be a Children and Family Social Worker, latterly undertaking a Post Graduate Child Protection Diploma at Warwick University.

I have worked across the Midlands and the UK in diverse roles with diverse responsibilities, but always in the context of Child Protection, Safeguarding, Child Care and Parenting.

I remain passionate about ensuring that professionals working with children (and families) have the necessary access and support, enabling and allowing them to undertake their roles with the necessary confidence, competence, knowledge, skills and self-awareness.

I worked in partnership with a respected and experienced Senior Clinical Psychologist to write and deliver training programmes with the above aim and we also co-developed a programme of Reflective Supervision.

I feel extremely fortunate to have worked in a variety of roles, meeting different professionals along the way. My development has been influenced throughout, learning from positive and less positive experiences. Importantly, gaining self-insight/awareness whilst recognising some successes alongside the many ‘things’ I might have done differently has been invaluable.

I look forward to this new and challenging role, working alongside others to further develop my skills.

Debbie Hibberd – Community Governor

I am delighted to be part of the team of governors for Watling Meadows Primary school. My working career was as a teacher, head teacher, Ofsted Inspector and local authority school Improvement officer.

Since retiring I’ve become a Supported Lodgings Host for Young People leaving Care and I have had to learn to navigate my way through Children’s Service’s teams and SEND. It’s challenging but rewarding. 

My hobby is the Theatre and I am trustee of Rugby Theatre…. And try to keep all drama on the stage…

Governance is a key element of the leadership and management within the Central England Academy Trust (CEAT) and of the schools individually and collectively.

Please click the link to see the Central England Academy Trust Governance Structure Central England Academy Trust - Governance

The Trust is Governed by its Articles of Association, set by the Government, and is a registered Company at Companies House.

The Trust has written a Scheme of Delegation, which clearly sets out the responsibilities and powers of the Trust and The Local Governing Body.

In addition, the Trust has provided a Terms of Reference document for its schools.

Details of the Trustees names, attendance at meetings and their business interests, can be found on the Trust web page.

Academy committee terms of reference

Central England Academy Trust - Home