Governors

Who are we?

• Carol Kay – Chair of the Governing Body

 I have been a governor now at Burntstump Seely Primary for over for eight years, and chair of governors for 6 years. I am a foundation governor which means that I was appointed by St Paul’s Church to be on the school governing body. As well as leading the local governing board I have responsibility for monitoring school improvement, for making sure that safeguarding policies and practices are in place, for checking how the fund for disadvantaged children is spent and helping with the appraisal of our headteacher.

I have worked in primary schools for over 35 years, first as a class teacher and then later in my career as an assistant headteacher, and finally as an acting headteacher.

Although now retired from teaching I am still passionate about education and enjoy coming into school to meet and talk to the staff and children, watch concerts and plays as well as to attend meetings.

•  Sue Ellis – Foundation Governor and Vice-Chair

I have been a foundation governor at Burntstump Seely since November 2016. I am a retired hospital pharmacist and parent of four adult sons. I am interested in education and am keen to be involved in enabling children to achieve their potential. Being on the governing body of this friendly caring school is a privilege as is being a part of Southwell and Nottingham Multi-academy Trust. I am particularly interested in promoting the distinctive nature of a church school. From my professional life I have transferable experience of staff appraisal, staff recruitment, inspection frameworks and risk management. I endeavour to offer my full support to the Head teacher and all staff as the school strives to retain “Good” Ofsted status.

• Dawn Sladen - Foundation Governor

 I was elected as Parent Governor in December 2019 and have two boys at School who joined during the Spring. In hindsight I wish they had started as young children, as this School offers unlimited opportunities to all its children along with some fantastic facilities and all located within the countryside.   The School is a hidden gem and we are exceptionally lucky to be part of the ‘Burntstump Seely Family’.

I decided to apply for the role as I wanted to give something back to this lovely countryside School and to the dedicated staff who work tirelessly for the children. I am currently assigned link-governor responsibility for H&S and GDPR.  

The role of a School Governor is both challenging but rewarding and I find the School Governing Board is balanced by an eclectic mix of both professional and personal backgrounds and experience,  which allow for the diverse community the School serves. I hope that by bringing my mix of non-school experience to the role, it will allow for debate, discussion and growth within the Governing Body to promote this fabulous school within Nottinghamshire, where more children can experience the level of welcome, inclusivity and equity as my boys do every single day.

• Brendan Gaynor - Foundation Governor 

 Hello, my name is Brendan Gaynor, and I am a foundation governor for Burntstump Seely CofE Academy.

Both my sons attended Burntstump Seely, and although they have now progressed to secondary education, I have maintained my connection and commitment to the school – it is a special place, with a lovely atmosphere, in a beautiful setting.

I have a background in both the private and public sector and have extensive voluntary work experience.

I was inspired to become a school governor as it became clear to me during the first pandemic lockdown just how critically important our schools and our teaching and support staff are to our children and to our wider community. I believe very strongly in the school's Christian foundation and recognise how important these principles are to all our children in their lives, and I celebrate the learning and mutual respect that comes from our wonderfully diverse school community.

As a foundation governor I want to ensure that our school continues to build on the great work it has done in recognising and respecting all beliefs and maintains the vibrancy, context, and "world view" that this provides. Everyone is welcome at our school - we are better and stronger for this. I commit to supporting the children and staff to the best of my ability, and I hope to play my part in ensuring the school’s continued success. 

• Melissa Moore - Parent Governor

 Hello! I'm Melissa (Mel) and am extremely excited and honoured to be on board as a parent governor at this amazing school. 

From the moment my family and I looked around via FaceTime (mind blowing!), we decided this is the only place we want our daughters to be educated, due to the atmosphere, environment, location, warmth from the teachers and staff, and the evident joy on the children's faces! At this point I realised I also I wanted to contribute to the awesome work of this school, and I am ecstatic to now be a part of the governing body.

 I am self employed, I run a graphic design business, and am a choir director for community, NHS and church choirs. My family and I worship at the New Testament Church of God, where I serve as the District Youth Director, overseeing the running of other NTCG youth and children's departments in Nottingham, Derby, and Long Eaton. I love children, and I think it is a rich and precious blessing to be able to contribute in any way to a child's development and life.

• Shamara du’Porte - Parent Governor for Special Educational Needs

Hello, my name is Sham, and I am proud to serve as the Parent Governor for Special Educational Needs (SEN) at Burntstump Seely. As a parent myself, I am passionate about ensuring that every child receives the support they need to thrive, both academically and emotionally.

I bring a strong commitment to representing the voices of families and working collaboratively with the school to foster an inclusive environment where all children feel valued and supported. My role involves advocating for pupils with additional needs, supporting the school in delivering effective SEN policies, and ensuring that every child has access to the resources and opportunities they deserve.

If you have any concerns or ideas about SEN provision at the school, I am always happy to listen and work together to make a difference.