GOVERNORS OF WELBURN HALL SCHOOL
The Governing Body carries out a very important job behind the scenes in supporting and challenging school staff to improve the outcomes for children.
Governors have three core functions:
• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
• Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent.
We carry out regular audits of our skills in the light of the skills and competences we need, taking account of the Department for Education’s Competency Framework for Governance.
We update our knowledge through governor training, reading, visiting school and presentations at our meetings.
Governors’ meeting minutes can be requested by contacting the Clerk penny.fenton@northyorks.gov.uk or admin@welburn-hall.n-yorks.sch.uk
How does Welburn Hall Governing Body work?
Welburn Hall Governing Body does not have separate committees. It follows a Circle Model of Governance, which allows us to streamline decision making processes by reducing the reliance on committee meetings, in favour of a more consolidated, whole group approach.
We find the circle model more effective, as a constitution of only 12 governors makes separate committees difficult to manage. With a committee model, we would run the risk of committees lacking sufficient members or being unable to achieve a quorum.
The Circle Model provides many advantages for our school governance. It enhances information flow and every governor actively participates in all meetings, resulting in them having a more comprehensive understanding all of the school's operations. This, in turn, allows governors to have more informed discussions as all aspects of governance are brought to their attention. For example, governors will be able to directly scrutinise the link between finances and the curriculum rather than these being analysed in isolation by separate committees. All decisions are centralised within the Full Governing Board (FGB) and decisions are made by all governors. The circle model allows our decision-making to be accelerated.
All governors focus on the key areas of strategic improvement, safeguarding, finance, staffing, health and safety, curriculum, teaching and learning, SEND, pupil progress and outcomes, health and wellbeing, attendance and performance management. However, governors are aided in their decision-making by link governors who monitor progress and developments in these areas and feedback to the full governing body.
In our circle model, each governor has specific areas of responsibilities and is a link governor for those areas. Some areas have only one link governor, others have two. Link responsibilities can be seen in our governor profiles below.
As the governing body considers all aspects, we meet more frequently. We meet between 6 to 8 times each year, allowing for decisions to be made promptly and effectively.
GOVERNING BODY MEMBERS
In accordance with our Instrument of Governance, Welburn Hall Governing Body has a maximum of 12 members, made up of the headteacher, two parent governors, one staff governor, one LA governor and seven co-opted governors.
All twelve members have voting rights on the Full Governing Body.
We have one associate governor, who is able to attend governor meetings, but does not have voting rights on the Full Governing Body.
Who are Welburn Hall Governors in 2025-26?
| 2 Parent Governors | Term of office | |
| Mr Alex Wynn | from 25 March 2025 | to 24 March 2029 |
| | |
| 2 Staff Governors | Term of office | |
| Ms Marianne Best, 0.8 Headteacher | from 1 January 2026 | Ongoing |
| Mrs Rebecca Sealy | from 5 May 2022 | to 5 May 2026 |
| | |
| 1 LA Appointed Governor | Term of office | |
| Rev Alan Payne (Chair of Governors) | from 7 May 2023 | to 6 May 2027 |
| | |
7 Co-opted Governors
(Appointed by the Governing Body) | Term of office | |
| Dr Jon James | from 7 November 2022 | to 6 November 2026 |
| Dr Susan Morgan | from 7 November 2022 | to 6 November 2026 |
| Miss Helen Porter (Vice Chair) | from 7 October 2025 | to 7 October 2029 |
| Ms Holly Benson | from 25 March 2025 | to 24 March 2029 |
| Mr John Cheetham | from 28 April 2026 | to 27 April 2030 |
| Ms Elspeth Crookenden | from 28 April 2026 | to 27 April 2030 |
| Ms Alison Moffat | from 28 April 2026 | to 27 April 2030 |
| | |
| 1 Associate Governor | | |
| Ms Alison Keane, 0.2 headteacher | | |
| | |
| Clerk to the Governors | | |
| Mrs Penny Fenton | | |
GOVERNOR PROFILE OF SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE
Ms Holly Benson
Co-opted Governor
Link Governor for SEND; Statutory Compliance
I studied at Leeds Beckett University gaining my teaching degree (QTS) in Physical Education. I am a qualified SENDCo, and have been in this position for a number of years. I currently work in a large multi academy trust, 42 schools representing both primary and secondary mainstream and resource Provisions. My role within the trust is a Director of SEND focusing on school improvement, focusing on quality of education, inclusive practice and compliance. In addition I am fortunate enough to be an accredited Mental Health First Aid trainer, and ELKLAN, delivering training nationally. I have 2 children and we live on a farm with lots of animals including Alpacas. I am looking forward to being a Governor at Welburn Hall.
Mr John Cheetham
Co-opted Governor
I was born in Manchester in 1949 and after grammar school I studied Art in London, qualifying as a Graphic Designer.
Having a lifelong passion for wildlife, I first worked in conservation in Guyana. My career in the film industry began in Special Visual Effects and Animation, whilst at the same time I volunteered at weekends in a special school for mixed disabilities. I became their Art Teacher and studied Braille, BSL and Deafblind signing.
After qualifying with the RNIB, I became a Senior Master at the Royal London Society for the Blind school, working with profoundly blind and deafblind children, aged from 5 to 19. At the same time, I qualified as a hypnoanalyst and maintained a part-time practice, specialising in phobias and hysterical conversion.
Following a number of first-time wildlife breeding successes as a private collector, I was sought to manage a large gameranch in Zimbabwe, where I co-ordinated a conservation project.
Returning to the UK just before 'the troubles', I was Curator of a large zoo before taking up the position of Core Service Manager with the Educational Service for Hearing and Vision.
Having been posted overseas in this role, I was commissioned by the Minister for Health in Gibraltar, to initiate support services for sensory disabilities in that British Territory, after which I retired.
My wife and I have four children, six grandchildren (and counting) and we have settled in Yorkshire since 1993. I commuted to postings throughout that time as my children began school here.
Finally, in terms of school governance, I was a Parent Governor at Pickering Infants School, then at Lady Lumley's School, where I was Chair of Governors for two years until the Covid 19 lockdown.
In addition to wildlife, my many interests include playing double-bass in a local jazz band.
Ms Alison Moffat
Co-opted Governor
A Chartered Fellow CIPD, and HR professional with experience of running my own HR, OD, L&D and Management Consultancy since 1995, and with experience across the public, private and voluntary sectors, I have recently commenced semi-retirement. Retaining a small portfolio of clients (a professional institute, a University and a humanitarian agency), I remain committed to being professionally and socially active, and am a Town Councillor (Kirkbymoorside where I am currently leading the Community Awards project), volunteer at the Helmsley Arts Centre and am an active league playing member of the Malton and Kirkbymoorside tennis clubs. With experience of the Ofsted environment both professionally (leading University apprenticeship programmes) and personally (having gained insights through my adult learning-disabled goddaughter's experience of the SEND environment and now living independently in a supported living setting), I enjoy continuing to use my personal qualities, skills and experience (drawing on particular specialisms in Performance Management & Competencies, Management & Leadership Development, Project Management, Equality of Opportunity and Diversity, and Transformational Change Leadership & Management), to make a difference not just to an organisation but those it supports.
Dr Jon James
Co-opted Governor
Link Governor for Student Wellbeing; Pupil Premium; Resources
I graduated from the University of Manchester with a degree in physiology in 1974 and medicine in 1977. Subsequently I became a Fellow of the Royal College of Physicians and the Royal College of Paediatrics and pursued an NHS career in Acute Paediatrics, mainly at the Friarage Hospital in Northallerton and James Cook University Hospital, Middlesbrough. I retired from acute medicine in 2013 and then worked for the Hamilton and Richmond Clinical Commissioning Group for 6 years. Thus, having provided health care for 36 years, complaining all the while about the lack of funding from commissioners of health care, I joined the commissioners and complained about the lack of funding from central government. As I ended my administrative career, the COVID pandemic broke out and I spent a year vaccinating both young and old and realised to my chagrin that only a small proportion of those I vaccinated were older than me. Just when I thought it was all over, I became a governor at Welburn and discovered that shortage of money wasn’t limited to the NHS. I see my role as supporting the school in any way that I can and in particular, making sure that children, individually and collectively, have the necessary resources to be safe, thrive and achieve the best possible outcomes.
Dr Susan Morgan
Co-opted Governor
Link Governor for Curriculum, Teaching and Learning; Preparation for Adulthood, including Careers; Health and Safety; Resources
Now retired after a lifetime in secondary education, my interests include rearing sheep and using the wool fleeces in many creative ways. I love gardening and reading. At Manchester University I gained a degree in Biochemistry, which subsequently led to a PhD following research into cell biology. The dual interests in both Biology and Chemistry allowed me to teach both subjects to A level for many years. Latterly working as Deputy and then Head Teacher, I have gained huge insight into planning curricula for all types of learning and all of the management issues facing school leaders today.
Rev Alan Payne (Chair of Governors)
LA Governor
Link Governor for Safeguarding and Child Protection; Staff Wellbeing; Pupil Attendance
Teacher of RE, Parish Priest, Area Dean, Director of Ministry Development and Training. Diocesan Board of Education. Consultant on Persons, Roles and Systems. Honorary Canon of Southwell Minster, Chair of Governors, Infant, Middle & Secondary Schools. Currently Retired priest with permission to Officiate, Vice Chair Resources Lady Lumley's, Chair Welburn Hall. Interests, Caravanning, Gardening, Guard on North York Moors Railway, Bird Watching. Singing.
Ms Helen Porter (Vice Chair)
Co-opted Governor
Link Governor for Curriculum, Teaching and Learning; Preparation for Adulthood, including Careers; Digital Safety and Cyber Security; Filtering and Monitoring
I retired as headteacher of an all age (2-19 years) specialist school in August 2021, having worked in special education since 1987. My work focused particularly on students with visual impairment but also those with physical disabilities, cognition and communication difficulties, Autistic Spectrum Condition, Hearing Impairment and social, emotional and mental health issues. My time as headteacher allowed me to develop extensive experience in leadership, curriculum and assessment, student and staff management and support, safeguarding, school finance and budgeting, school improvement and self-evaluation. It was a role I loved and I thoroughly enjoy still being involved in special education through the very different position of governor at Welburn Hall. I love watching young people learn and develop their independence and confidence, and value the opportunity to be part of a process that supports their successful journey into adulthood.
Ms Rebecca Sealey
Staff Governor
Special Educational Needs, & Disability Coordinator
I am the SENDco at Welburn Hall School. I started with Welburn in September 2022 as the nurture class teacher. In March 2023, I also worked temporarily as the SENDco until it became my main role in September 2023. Whilst working as a Teaching Assistant at Applefield Special School and as a Family Support Officer with Henshaws, I found a passion for working with students with SEND. I started teacher training through the Graduate Teacher Programme and passed my training in 2008. My first job was in North Yorkshire as an Early Years and Key Stage 1 teacher, and I quickly moved into Early Years Team Leader and worked a temporary Deputy Head. In 2014, I moved into the role of SENDco for a large Academy group in York and worked across three mainstream schools who had Enhanced Resource Provisions for communication and interaction. I specialised in Dyslexia and ASD, and completed a Post Graduate Certificate in Special Educational Needs with Bath University. After returning to work following the birth of my son, I started working across two Pickering schools as the SENDco and as part of the senior leadership team. After deliberating for many years, I decided to make the move from mainstream to special provision so I could fully immerse myself in SEND and work towards becoming a specialist.
Mr Alex Wynn
Parent Governor
Link Governor for Parental and Student Engagement
I have four children, one of whom attends Welburn. My background is Hospitality where I worked for twenty years up until Covid. Among my main responsibilities was Health & Safety. After taking furlough and a couple of years to help raise my family I started working for the local taxi company, where I still work today. I am very much looking forward to being a governor at Welburn Hall.
Welburn Hall School Governor Attendance 2023/24
| Forename |
Surname |
Governors Category |
Meetings |
Attended |
Not Attended |
Apology Not Sent |
Apology Not Accepted |
| Marianne |
Best |
Headteacher |
8 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Susan |
Binks |
Co-Opted |
8 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| Allison |
Clark |
Parent |
8 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| James |
Jonathan |
Co-Opted |
8 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| Sue |
Morgan |
Co-Opted |
8 |
6 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
| Alan |
Payne |
Local Authority |
8 |
7 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| Helen |
Porter |
Co-Opted |
8 |
8 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Caroline |
Price |
Parent |
8 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| Becky |
Sealy |
Staff |
8 |
5 |
3 |
0 |
0 |
| Vivien |
Stephens |
Co-Opted |
8 |
6 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
Welburn Hall School Governor Attendance 2024/25
| Forename |
Surname |
Governors Category |
Meetings |
Attended |
Not Attended |
Apology Not Sent |
Apology Not Accepted |
| Holly |
Benson |
Co-opted |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| Marianne |
Best |
Headteacher |
9 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Susan |
Binks |
Co-opted |
9 |
7 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| Allison |
Clark |
Parent |
4 |
2 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| James |
Jonathan |
Co-opted |
9 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Sue |
Morgan |
Co-opted |
9 |
7 |
2 |
1 |
0 |
| Alan |
Payne |
Local Authority |
9 |
8 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| Helen |
Porter |
Co-opted |
9 |
9 |
0 |
0 |
0 |
| Caroline |
Price |
Parent |
3 |
1 |
2 |
0 |
0 |
| Becky |
Sealy |
Staff |
9 |
5 |
4 |
0 |
0 |
| Vivien |
Stephens |
Co-opted |
6 |
5 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
| Alex |
Wynn |
Parent |
4 |
3 |
1 |
0 |
0 |
For further information on Welburn Hall Governor Induction Policy, Governor Visits to the School Policy and the Governor’s Instrument of Governance, please view the links below:
Governor Induction
Available - click here
Governor Visits to the School Policy
Available - click here
Instrument of Government
Available - click here
Governor Responsibilities
Available - click here
