Our Governance Structure

Within Yorkshire Trust, each school has a Local Governing Committee (LGC) that supports the work of the school and the Trust. The LGC has certain delegated authority to oversee the running of the school under the Scheme of Delegation as defined by our Board of Trustees.

Further information about our governance structure, including details of our Trustees and Members, is available via the Yorkshire Learning Trust (YLT) website.

Our Local Governing Committee (LGC)

Our Local Governing Committee (sometimes called our Local Governing Board or Local Governing Body) is responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a high- quality education and safe environment for all our children. Together with the Headteacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management of the school, the Governors set the school’s aims and some school specific policies.  

Governors are people who volunteer their time to work together as part of the LGC team and who wish to make a positive contribution to their communities. Governors do not need an education background; they have an interest in the role of schools in society and have enquiring minds which contribute to the effective running of the school and the educational achievements and wellbeing of its pupils.

Main aims of our Governing Board

The purpose of governance is to provide:

• Strategic leadership
• Accountability and assurance
• Strategic engagement 

LGCs carry out a number of important duties alongside the Trust, which include:

• Ensuring our children are safe.
• Working with school staff to ensure inclusion and equality for all.
• Reviewing policy on the school’s curriculum.
• Setting standards for pupils’ behaviour.
• Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe.
• Setting and monitoring the school’s aims and policies.
• Agreeing the school’s development plan and monitoring progress against clear objectives.
• Determining how the school’s budget is spent.
• Understanding the views of our stakeholders, including children, parents and staff.
• Hearing appeals and grievances.

Our meetings and membership

Our LGC usually meets six times a year. Minutes of the LGC meetings are available on request from the School Office or via clerktogovs@ylt.org.uk.

Attendance at LGC meetings is recorded and published annually on the YLT website .

Governors are expected to declare any relevant business and financial interests they may have. This Register of Business Interests is available via the YLT website.

Our LGC consists of 9 governors; the Headteacher, elected Parent Governors, elected Staff Governor; and Trust-Appointed Governors. The Register of Business Interests includes a list of our current and recent governors, how they were appointed to the LGC, and their term of office.

Our Chair of Governors is Dan Bodey who can be contacted by writing to the school address, or emailing Cofg@kp.starmat.uk

Our Current Local Governing Board is as follows:

Dan Bodey (Trust Appointed Governor)- Chair of Governors

Contact details- Cofg@kp.starmat.uk 

 

 Melanie Lawrence (Headteacher)  

 

 

 

 

 

 

Alyson Buckton (Trust Appointed Governor)

I am the headteacher at Brayton C of E Primary School, which is also one of the STAR MAT schools.  This is my fourth headship, having led schools across Yorkshire ranging from 2 classes and 30 pupils up to my current setting which is 2-form entry.  As a teacher, I trained in Early Years education and over my career I have taught across all primary age groups from Nursery to Year 6, including whole Key Stage classes.

Away from work I am a keen but slow runner, and have been known to take part in long endurance events around the trails of North Yorkshire.  I am also halfway through studying for the NPQEL (National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership) with a group of colleagues from Yorkshire and the North East.

 

Becky Cussans (Trust Appointed Governor) 

I previously worked in the STAR MAT, at South Milford Primary School for 7 years. Where I  worked my way through different roles and  qualifications from HLTA to Thrive Practitioner Status. During that time, I was given the opportunity to support Kellington Primary School for a few months before deciding to try a new career path, working for North Yorkshire Council. 

I worked in the Housing Options team for 20 months, gaining a variety of new skills in regards to housing, before finding my way back to supporting children and young people as a Team Leader in the SEN Team. I have always had a passion for helping families and their children grow and develop. Allowing them to understand their emotions along with the skills for self regulation. It was being away from schools, the families and the children that made me want to find a way to continue the support I gave when being inside the school building. Becoming a Kellington Governor brings me great excitement to be able to support the school in its continuing journey. 

I am extremely proud of being the mum to two wonderful children, who bring me great pleasure in all that they achieve and will continue to achieve, whilst squeezing in an active hobby of running. Away from the day to day runnings of life, I enjoy getting on a plane and getting some sunshine.

  

Caroline Gilley (Trust Appointed Governor)

Having worked in apprenticeships for a University, I bring valuable experience in quality assurance systems and processes, ensuring that our apprenticeship programs meet regulatory standards and contract requirements. With over 20 years of experience across various educational settings, I've gained a deep understanding of the sector.

I believe that Primary School plays a crucial role in shaping children's futures, providing them with a strong foundation to build confidence, skills, and potential in whatever path they choose. I’m excited to support the Kellington Governing Board in its ongoing commitment to helping every child reach their full potential and succeed.

Outside of work, I have a large family, including young grandchildren who keep me busy. In my free time, I enjoy walking my dog, staying active with Zumba classes, and indulging in my love for holidays and dining out—though they tend to offset my fitness efforts! 

 

Amy Reynolds (Staff Governor)

Having taught for 7 years across two schools, my experiences have supported my development and shaped me as a professional. During this time, I have taught from EYFS to Year Three. I have recently been working in year 1 and 2, where I have recently been involved in key stage 1 moderation and experience of delivering SATS. My role as History and Geography leader includes developing the curriculum and supporting staff in the implementation within the classroom. In addition to this, I lead OPAL play, which is an initiative to develop children's active participation in play times and lunch times. In shadowing our phonics lead, I am supporting the introduction of our new phonics scheme carrying out assessments and staff training. In joining the governing body I intend to support the school ethos and represent the staff.

If you are interested in volunteering for the school or Trust as a school governor, please see our latest vacancies and application form available on the YLT website.

Diversity statement

At YLT we believe that diversity and inclusion are integral to our success. We are committed to creating a workplace where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

We actively seek to recruit, develop, and retain the most talented individuals from a wide range of backgrounds, perspectives, and experiences. We celebrate the unique contributions of each team member and are dedicated to fostering a culture of equality, where differences are not only embraced but are seen as a source of strength.

Our commitment to diversity and inclusion is reflected in our policies, practices, and the way we do business. We strive to ensure that our recruitment processes are fair, unbiased, and inclusive, and we are continuously working to improve them.

We understand that diversity drives innovation and creativity, and we are dedicated to building a diverse team that reflects the communities we serve.

Yorkshire Learning Trust – additional governance and financial information

Details of our Trustees and Members are on the YLT website. There are statutory obligations for Trusts to publish additional governance and financial information online. This includes our Articles of Association; Annual Reports and Accounts; funding agreements Executive Pay reports; and Gender Pay Gap reports. This information is published on our Trust website.