Our Governors
Welcome to the Ellwood Community Primary School Governing Body page.
Ellwood School’s Governing Body work very hard to support the Headteacher, teaching staff and its pupils. The main vision and aim is to ensure that Ellwood Community Primary School is able to provide the best possible education for our children and to prepare them for life in modern Britain.
School governors are volunteers who strive to make a positive contribution to children’s education and life. Together, with the head teacher, they set the future direction of the school, plan for school improvement, monitor its effectiveness and decide how the school’s budget should be spent to ensure good outcomes for all. They make decisions collectively on matters such as school policies and the school’s development plan and act as a "critical friend" to the school. They support the school but also hold leaders to account.
The members that make up the Governing Body are chosen by the local authority, the community and parents. All our Governors are volunteers and are not paid for the role. They have their own jobs and lives but they still dedicate their own time to the school for the good of the children. Some are visible in school on a regular basis, whilst others bring other expertise such as financial, HR, strategic planning, education and other helpful skills. They are a valuable asset to the school, bring wisdom and different perspectives.
As well as sharing a common desire to be involved in supporting the school, the Governing Body have statutory duties by which they are legally bound. The Governing Body is ultimately responsible for all matters relating to the school including teaching and learning, safeguarding, health and safety, staffing, premises and ensuring financial accountability and sustainability. The full Governing Body meets approximately once every term. There are two committees (resources and performance & standards) who meet regularly to consider more specific issues of finance, staffing and curriculum.
Reverend Michelle Ireland - Chair of Governors
I have been visiting Ellwood Community Primary School for over two years as the local Methodist Minister. During this time I have led assemblies, worked with groups of children to plan assemblies and have advised staff on various festivals throughout the year. Having previously been a primary school teacher it has been good to be back in the school environment.
I am passionate about the whole area of mental health and well being for pupils and staff and affirm the school motto, ‘Believe, Achieve, Belong.’ These are vital elements for a school that aims to provide a nurturing, inspiring and inclusive environment where children, staff and governors are cared for and their potentials are realised.
I am a retired Commercial and Compliance director, where I spent 20 years in financial services, 19 years as a business owner. I have a degree in Economics from the University of York (1984)
Since selling my business to AXA in 2007, I have undertaken the following youth/community voluntary work:
Governor Parkend Primary School 2008-2018, 3 years as Chair
Governor Wyedean School & Sixth Form Centre - ongoing, current Chair
Chairman Lydney Hockey Club 2010- ongoing
Coach Lydney Hockey Club Academy 2008-2019
Parish Councillor Woolaston 2012- ongoing
Volunteer Panel Member Gloucestershire Youth Support Trust 2008-2018
Committee member The Gaff Youth Club, Sedbury 2008-2017, 4 years As Chair
England Hockey National League Umpire 2014- ongoing
I have lived in the Chepstow area since 1988. I have 2 daughters, one graduated from Durham University in 2020 and the other left Wyedean Year 13 in 2020 to study at the University of Birmingham.
Mrs Woodhouse qualified as a teacher after having a 10-year career in ICT. She gained a BSc Honours degree in Information Technology whilst working in an ICT environment. Teaching was always a career that she wanted to pursue due to the rewarding nature of the job and being able to inspire the next generation. Having a short break from ICT in 2014 opened up the opportunity to complete a PGCE in Primary Education.
Mrs Woodhouse has been part of Ellwood School since 2018, teaching Year 5 and Year 6, and joined as a Staff Governor in October 2023. Mrs Woodhouse is Senior Teacher and SENCo and has a number of responsibilities which include leading; English, Geography and History.
curriculum . Staff say this consideration of time means there is minimal impact on workload. Because of this regular evaluation, leaders and governors have a secure understanding of the strengths of the school and what it needs to do to improve. Governors are highly supportive of the school and know it well".