Governing Body

Welcome to the Governing Body Webpage:

On this page we will explain the role of the Governing Body and how we implement our role.

The Governors are all volunteers who support and challenge the Headteacher in planning and providing the best education for the children within a happy learning environment, helping them to develop as confident and successful individuals. The day to day running of the school is the responsibility of the Headteacher. The Governors help to set the strategic direction of the school; ensure finances are used effectively to provide a positive and exciting learning environment and the resources necessary to deliver high standards of teaching and learning and to keep the children safe.

There are 12 Governors who sit on the Governing Board together with the Headteacher, Mrs Foulds. They represent the Parents, the local Community, the Local Authority, Staff and its Church Foundation. Each Governor serves for a term of 4 years. Training is provided for new and current Governors.

The Governing Board meets five times a year. In addition there are 3 sub-committees:

Most of the Governors’ work for the school takes place at Committee level with all decisions ratified by the full Governing Board.

In addition Governors take on further responsibilities for curriculum areas. They visit school on a regular basis to get a better understanding of the school, look at the children’s work, monitor behaviour, evaluate progress and ensure the school supports children of all abilities. They also take an active role in drawing up and monitoring the School Improvement Plan.

The Governing Board draws on a range of skills from its members to support the school. If you would like to know more about the role then do get in touch with any of the Governors or the Headteacher.

The Clerk to the Governors is Mrs Ann Duffy.

Members of the Governing Board:


Committee Structure

Resources Committee:

Chair - James Travers (appointed September 2021)

Nicola Foulds, Alison Cresswell, Klara Bromley, Faye Leatt

School Improvement Committee:

Chair - Helen Walker-Foss (appointed September 2021)

Nicola Foulds, Natalie Stone, Linda Hack, Pat Faulkner, Claire Knox, Lisa taylor

Head Teacher's Performance Management Committee:

Alison Cresswell, Linda Hack


Mrs Alison Cresswell also sits on the Board of Governors elsewhere

There are no Business or Financial interests to declare for the Governors above.

Our Instrument of Government can be found here.

IoG.doc

Governor Biographies

Alison Cresswell Chair of Governors

I have many years of experience as a Governor, initially on the board of Brailsford School where I later became Chair of Governors and then, after the Federation of Brailsford and Bradley C of E Schools, I became Chair of Governors for the Dales Federation.

I have two children who attended Brailsford Primary School before moving on to their secondary education, and I have a background of working as a Healthcare Professional within the NHS.

I am motivated by a wish to ensure that all children are able to access an excellent, wide ranging education in a setting that they feel happy and safe, that will empower them with the knowledge and skills to succeed in the wider world. As a Governor, I aim to work with our schools to achieve this.


Faye Leatt – Parent Governor

I work for University Hospitals of Derby & Burton, as the Workforce Development Lead. I have a passion for developing our people and proud to be driving a ‘Grow Our Own’ this across health and social care careers.

As a professional coach, I encourage health, wellbeing and time to think for individuals and teams to help maximise their full potential.

As a Parent Governor I hope to complement the Board, from a business and people development perspective.

Having two children and currently renovating our home, keeps me on my toes.


James Travers – Co-opted Governor

I have been a governor initially for Brailsford and then for the Dales Federation for a number of years now, with specific interests in the Resources Management Committee & STEM subjects.

I have 3 children, the oldest of which has now moved on to QEGS but the younger two are pupils at Brailsford. I’m a Business Analyst by trade, with a strong background in finance, and a knack for asking difficult questions and getting to the root of the situation.

I’m a strong believer in education for education sake but am also acutely aware that a child’s formative experience at primary school set the stage for their achievements throughout life. I want the very best for all children, and that will be different for each of them.

I feel that by being part of Dales Federation’s governing body I can help ensure our children and staff have the resources and settings to be happy and confident in all that they do and to strive to be the very best that they can be.


Klara Bromley – Co-opted Governor

I joined the Dales Federation Governors in 2021 as a co-opted Governor.

I have many years of experience working as part of a Senior Leadership Team within the Charities Education Sector and have capabilities in strategic management, HR and governance. I currently own my own business with responsibilities for finance, recruitment and business development.

I’m a passionate believer in the importance of early years education and after completing my degree in Art Therapy, I have continuing interests in mental health, wellbeing and diversity.

Having previously worked within both Further and Higher Education settings, I am passionate about education and want to support the federation to gain the best possible outcomes for all children.