Our Governors

The Local Academy Committee

Governors who serve on the committee are volunteers from all walks of life who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education by supporting the school. The Local Academy Committee act as a critical friend, offering support, advice and providing accountability.  They monitor the following areas:  Safeguarding, Premises, Staffing and Recruitment, Admissions, Curriculum, Community and the Headteacher's Performance Management.  The LAC may also be called upon to attend hearings and appeals.  Other areas where the LAC may support the school include GDPR, website and policies.

The governors hold no pecuniary interests.

The Local Academy Committee works under the umbrella of the Elveden Schools Trust Board who are also responsible for Finance, Audit and Risk as well as Standards and Ethos.

More information on the Trust Board can be found by following the link below:

Elveden Schools Trust Governance

Our School Governors

The Local Academy Committee was appointed in Autumn 2024.

St Edmundsbury Church of England Primary Academy LAC Membership

governing-body-membership-March 2024.pdf

Code of Conduct

Code of conduct 2024.pdf

Governor Biographies

Frances Parr - Foundation Governor (Chair of Governors)

A recently retired Head Teacher, I want to volunteer as a Governor at a local school as I appreciated the hard work, dedication and support that an effective Governing Body can contribute. As a teacher, my particular interests and areas of expertise are Early Years and children with SEND. My Christian faith is very important to me and will shape my contribution as a Foundation Governor through an emphasis on creating a positive, inclusive and caring learning environment. At home there are 9 grandchildren who keep us fit and busy, Lego and baking being firm favourites.

I am looking forward to working with the children and staff as we journey together.

Nicola Warwick - Parent Governor - (Vice Chair of Governors)

I have a daughter in Key Stage 1 and my son is due to join Reception next September. My professional background is in primary school teaching where I was full time until my daughter was born. During my teaching career, I have taught in Hertfordshire, Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. Recently, I have returned to primary teaching in a part-time role. I am committed to improving outcomes for all children. At home, I enjoy walks in the countryside with my family and I am a keen reader. For the past few years, I have run a local playgroup and I am particularly interested in maternal mental health and strategies to reduce social isolation.

As a parent governor, I am eager to support the children and staff of St Edmundsbury now and in the years ahead.

Alice Sheepshanks - Foundation Governor

With a background in Modern Languages, I now work as a Literacy Tutor at Howard Community Academy. I focus not only on academic improvement but on encouraging the children to show courtesy and respect to others. I love all forms of drama, regularly performing in amateur productions and I read avidly, with a particular interest in children’s literature. As a member of the congregation of St Edmundsbury Cathedral I leapt at the chance to become a Foundation Governor and to try to make a difference.

I believe very strongly that every child has the right to a good education, and I’m looking forward to playing my part in helping every pupil at St Edmundsbury School to receive a wonderful start in life.

Stephen King - Local Authority Governor

I am a practising lawyer and a local authority appointed governor. Having held a position as governor in another school some years ago, as part of the Government ALLIES initiative (a local lawyer in every school) I volunteered to join the governors at St Edmundsbury in order to offer my skill sets. My experience is of managing and developing legal professionals and support staff in a large multi-site national law firm combined with the oversight of a large department of legal professionals specialising in insurance, healthcare and dispute resolution.

Lara McMurray - Staff Governor

I am the staff representative on the governing body. I trained as teacher in 2013 and taught in Hackney schools for 5 years before moving to Bury St Edmunds in 2019. My degree is psychology so I was delighted when the opportunity arose at St Edmundsbury to take on the role of SENDCo and complete my SENDCo Award.

Revd Andrew Miller - Foundation Governor

I am the Team Rector of the Lark Valley and North Bury Team of Churches and have been since August 2021. St Edmundsbury School is found in one of my parishes and I am pleased to be a governor at the school. Alongside this I am also delighted to be a part of the life of the school in other ways such as leading Collective Worship and lessons in school and hosting services in Church with and for the school. As well as being a minister in the Church of England, I have a past in science, enjoy reading, walking and film and hope that these and other qualities will help staff and pupils at St Edmundsbury School.

Will Bishop - Parent Governor

A parent of two and our eldest Son in Key Stage 2. My clear aspiration is to help the school and children. New to the role as parent governor, my belief is that life is a precious opportunity where we all play a part, and we play that part together. I'm keen to listen, learn and respond where I can. Outside of school I work in engineering, and enjoy being creative. Our spare time as a family is spent being outdoors in the fresh air, walking and exploring.

Attendance Records

The LAC are meeting on the following dates:

24th October 2024

13th February 2025

22nd May 2025

Recruitment

Governors Recruitment Leaflet