SCHOOL GOVERNORS
The governing body has a range of duties and powers and a general responsibility for the conduct of the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement including setting targets for pupil achievement, managing the school's finances, making sure the curriculum is balanced and broadly based, appointing staff and reviewing staff performance and pay and many more.
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The governing body has considerable discretion as to how to discharge its responsibilities but is required to constitute itself in line with the regulations and to appoint a chair and vice chair. The governing body may delegate certain of its responsibilities to certain governors or committees of governors, although in general, it is not compelled to do so.
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The Ethos Statement, taken from the School's Instrument of Government, states:
"Recognising its historic foundation, the school will preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Church at parish and diocesan level.
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The school aims to serve its community by providing an education of the highest quality with the context of Christian belief and practice. It encourages an understanding of the meaning and significance of faith and promotes values through the experience it offers to all its pupils."
The Governors can be contacted either by email, through the contact page on this site, or via the School Office.
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It is a requirement to publish a Register of Governors and their Interests. We have also published a Committee Structure.
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The School is governed by the following Governors, assisted by the Clerk, Diane Merker :
Donna Jones
I am the Head Teacher and I started working here in April 2010. I have responsibility for Co-ordinating Science and Music and am the Foundation stage co-ordinator. In my role as a Governor of Cradley School I have responsibility for the Governor run Nursery, the Families, children and community committee and Health and Safety.
Ex-officio by virtue of office as Head Teacher
Appointed:
1/12/2015
Appointment end date:
Heading 3
Until end of post
15/06/2025
Attendance 2024-2025:
6/6
Katharine Parsons
I moved in to the village recently, having previously lived in Surrey, and Suffolk. I have been a primary teacher for over 30 years, and been involved in many changes to education during this time. Having served as a teacher governor at my previous school, I am delighted to join the governors at Cradley, and keen to put my experience and enthusiasm for education to good use. My particular interests are music, literacy, science and RE, but as a primary teacher I have taught most curricular areas. I am involved in St James the Great Church and I enjoy walking, gardening and singing in choirs.
Vice Chair of Governors/Foundation Governor
Appointed:
18/10/2021
Appointment end date:
Heading 3
17/10/2029
15/06/2025
Attendance 2024-2025:
4/6
Sarah Jackson
Chair of Governors/Parent Governor
Appointed:
20/06/2025
Appointment end date:
Heading 3
19/06/2029
15/06/2025
Attendance 2024-2025:
Recently appointed
Eryl Copp
I have served as Chair of Governors and a Governor at Cradley School since 2011. I have enjoyed my roles hugely. Having had to resign as Chair in 2025 due to ill health I look forward to remaining a Governor with responsibility for Early Years.
I taught Early Years for many years followed by becoming a lecturer at Northampton College and Worcester University.
During my time lecturing I have co-written many books on Early Years and edited Education Books for Hodder & Stoughton. I have also been a Mentor and Advisor. My interests include painting in oils and water colours, pottery, millinery, plants, music and reading my kindle.
Foundation Governor
Appointed:
25/1/2018
Appointment end date:
Heading 3
22/03/2026
15/06/2025
Attendance 2024-2025:
6/6
Phil Mifflin
I have lived in Cradley with my wife, Kate since 2014. We have 3 children, Jacob, Harry & Lottie. Lottie is still at Cradley Primary School and the boys who also attended have moved on to High School at The Chase, in Malvern. I work all over the country as Head of Facilities for a national retailer and am a qualified chartered Building Surveyor. I am a keen sportsman with a passion for football, rugby, tennis and golf. I have been a Governor for the last four years and I hope my skills and experience help support the governing body and school in providing the best experience possible for the children of Cradley Primary School.
Parent Governor
Appointed:
1/9/2021
Appointment end date:
Heading 3
31/08/2025
15/06/2025
Attendance 2024-2025:
3/6
Jane MacFarlane
Ex-officio Foundation Governor
Appointed:
01/09/2025
Appointment end date:
Heading 3
Until end of post
15/06/2025
Attendance 2024-2025:
Recently appointed
Russ Shalofsky
LA Governor
Appointed:
1/04/2020
Appointment end date:
Heading 3
01/10/2028
15/06/2025
Attendance 2024-2025:
4/6