Governors - What We Do

At Lainesmead Primary and Nursery School, we are fortunate to have a dedicated and active governing body. Our governors play a crucial role in shaping the educational experience of our pupils, working in partnership with the Headteacher and staff to support our vision of “Strive, Achieve, Excel.” They are not involved in the day-to-day running of the school; instead, they focus on providing strategic direction and maintaining high standards in teaching and learning.

Who We Are

Our governors come from all walks of life, including school staff, parents, and volunteers from the local community. This diverse group of dedicated volunteers brings a wealth of experience and expertise to the school, united by a shared passion for enhancing learning opportunities for every child.

Our Responsibilities

The governing body is responsible for:

• Strategic Oversight: Setting the school’s strategic direction, ensuring it aligns with our vision and values, and focusing on “the big picture.”
• Accountability: Holding the Headteacher accountable for the school’s performance, ensuring that all pupils receive a high-quality education and achieve their full potential.
• Financial Management: Overseeing the school’s finances to ensure resources are managed effectively and benefit our pupils.
• Community Engagement: Fostering strong relationships with parents, staff, and the wider community, promoting a culture of collaboration and support.

Our Commitment

We are committed to ensuring that every pupil at Lainesmead Primary and Nursery School has the opportunity to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Through our collective efforts, we aim to narrow the achievement gap, particularly for our Pupil Premium and SEND pupils, and to foster a culture of oracy across the curriculum.

Our governors are regularly involved in the life of the school through monitoring and evaluation visits, attendance at school events, and governor meetings. By working closely with school leadership, they help ensure that Lainesmead remains a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can succeed.

Governing Body

Alan Mulrooney - Chair of Governors - email: chairofgovs@lainesmeadprimary.co.uk
Mel Hay - Vice-Chair - Parent Governor
Lorraine Walker - Clerk to Governors
Alyssia Mepstead - Headteacher
Caroline Smith - Staff Governor
Craig Sunley - Co-Opted Governor
Andrew Lowson - Co-opted Governor

Heather Noble - Co-opted Governor 

Esther Hogg - LA Appointed Governor

Chair of Governors, Mr Alan Mulrooney

I have been a school governor at Lainesmead since my first child joined the school in 2017. As Chair of Governors I have supported the school in its journey to `Good with Outstanding features' as a result of the OFSTED inspection in 2022 and I am proud of the schools achievement of being recognised as a Thrive School of Excellence.

Working within the professional training and education sector enables me to develop business and programmes aligned with the changing needs of the modern workplace whilst supporting the development of teams and leaders throughout a range of industries.

My aim is to use my knowledge, experience and enthusiasm to support the Senior Leadership team, staff and parents to continue to ensure Lainesmead is a place where each and every child is happy and has the very best opportunities to thrive.

Mel Hay - Vice Chair - Parent Governor

When the eldest of my 2 boys started at Lainesmead in September 2018 I realised I would be involved with the school for the next 10 years, so jumped at the chance to become involved and make a contribution. Working together with the staff and parents within the school community, I want to ensure our children have every opportunity to learn and develop to the best of their abilities.

Alyssia Mepstead - Headteacher

I am honoured to have served as a governor for most of my time at Lainesmead Primary School and Nursery. I began as a staff governor while working as a teacher and have continued to work closely with the governing body as a senior leader. I attend all Curriculum and Full Governing Body meetings, ensuring our governors are well-informed on all aspects of school life and enabling me to address any questions or challenges they may raise.

Working with the governing body is a vital part of my role as Headteacher, as we are united by a shared vision for Lainesmead’s success. The governors provide both support and constructive challenge, helping ensure that our decisions serve the best interests of our pupils and uphold the school’s values. Together, we set the strategic direction of the school, drawing on the governors’ diverse perspectives and expertise.

Throughout my years at Lainesmead, I have collaborated with governors on key initiatives, including supporting disadvantaged pupils as Pupil Premium Lead, enhancing the curriculum, and developing behaviour and pastoral strategies. This close partnership is rooted in our shared commitment to pupil outcomes and well-being, creating a safe, inclusive, and inspiring environment where every child at Lainesmead can thrive. I am proud to work alongside such a dedicated team of governors as we continuously strive to improve the educational experience for our pupils.

Danielle Crouch - Deputy Headteacher

As Deputy Headteacher at Lainesmead, I bring an understanding of the school’s operations, curriculum, and strategic goals to my role as a governor. I contribute to curriculum and full board meetings, ensuring decisions made align with the school’s vision and the needs of our pupils and staff. 

My leadership responsibilities include assessment, safeguarding (DDSL), and promoting positive behaviour. I lead initiatives such as the School Parliament, Prefects, and nurture provision, ensuring inclusivity and pupil voice are at the heart of our school. I also manage staff appraisals, oversee deployment, and support teacher development as an ECT tutor. 

My role as a governor involves supporting the governing board in maintaining high standards of education, promoting inclusivity, and fostering strong school-community relationships. 

Caroline Smith - Staff Governor

I have been the Teacher Governor 5 years now and I am very proud to be part of the Governing Board at Lainesmead. During my time at Lainesmead, I have thoroughly enjoyed my role as class teacher, Year Group Leader and Subject Co-Ordinator for E-Safety, History and Geography and now Science. I became Teacher Governor as I wanted to expand my passion of teaching and learning beyond my own classroom to support the wider ethos of the school. I look forward to providing my continued support, alongside the other stakeholders, for all Lainesmead pupils to strive, achieve and excel to reach their full potential.

Andrew Lowson - Co-Opted Governor

I live in Old Town in Swindon and work for Nationwide Building Society. I graduated from the University of Hertfordshire in 2016 with a degree in Physics with a year abroad. I am proud to be a member of the governing board at Lainesmead and I am looking forward to my second year as a governor. In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, running, cycling and going for walks around Swindon.

Esther Hogg - LA Appointed Governor

My family and I moved to the area in 2019 and love it! I have two children at Lainesmead, and am pleased to be able to serve this school and community as a governor. I work for the council, supporting families and in my free time I like to be outside walking, on a bike, or with friends.

Craig Sunley - Co-Opted Governor

My family and I live in Old Walcott, I have two children at Lainesmead, and a niece and nephew joining in the next couple of years. I am keen to make a difference and help the school as a governor. I work for Innovate UK as a Business Analyst and in my free time I like to walk the dog, spend time with family and friends, do a bit of geocaching and watch some Formula 1.

Heather Noble - Co-Opted Governor

Since my daughter joined Lainesmead in 2021, I have been interested in what is happening in the school and how I could support.  I currently work as attendance officer for the Ridgeway School and was involved in the school becoming on of the DfE national attendance hubs. I am passionate about the importance of school attendance to allow children to be equipped with academic knowledge and social skills to allow them to meet their potential.  Before I had my daughter I worked for Nat West in various roles including branch manager so have experience in people management and the recruitment process.  I am keen to use my knowledge and skills to support Lainesmead continue to provide a great education to our children. 

Lorraine Walker - Clerk to the Governors

My name is Lorraine Walker and up until May 2017 I worked at Lainesmead Primary School and Nursery as a Teaching Assistant. I had over 17 great years there. Both of my children went to Lainesmead and now my 2 grandchildren. In October 2018 I became a School Governor which I thoroughly enjoyed. In April 2020 I took over the role of Clerk to the Governors and, although challenging, find it a very worthwhile role.

Governors Contact Details

If you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, please write to them care of the school office or email them at chairofgovs@lainesmeadprimary.co.uk

Governors Scheme of Delegation

Governors Scheme of Delegation outlines the policy for the delegation of financial powers and the duties of the governing body.

Become a Governor

At Lainesmead Primary and Nursery School, we are always looking to welcome passionate and dedicated individuals who are committed to supporting our school and enhancing the educational experience of our pupils. If you are interested in becoming a governor, we would love to hear from you.

Please contact the school office at [insert contact email/phone number] for more information on how to apply or to discuss the role further.

We look forward to hearing from you and thank you for your interest in helping us shape the future of Lainesmead.