A welcome from the Chair of Governors
On behalf of the full Governing Body of Sleights Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School, may I wish you a very warm welcome to our school.
Firstly, a little bit about me. I have been a school Governor for almost thirteen years and have been in the position of Chair for the last nine. I find being a Governor a very challenging, yet rewarding experience. With all my 3 children attending the school over the past 17 years, I can certainly say that Sleights School has a special place in my heart. Therefore, I am passionate about doing my best for the school.
The Governing Body is responsible for setting the strategic development of the school and to support and challenge the Headteacher in achieving its priorities and goals. In 2019, the school was graded as Good in both SIAMS and OfSTED inspections under new framework. In both inspections, the strength of the Governing Body was recognised.
Each Governor has a priority linked to the school development plan. This means that, as well as attending full Governing Body meetings, each Governor works closely with the Headteacher to monitor their specific area. We have Governors from all different backgrounds to bring a wide range of skills and expertise.
Governors are often present in school so that we can see the children at work and to talk to them, to support the dedicated staff and to ensure the clarity of vision and ethos of the school is at work.
We aim to give all our pupils the very best education and experiences so that they can achieve their full potential and we continually strive to improve.
Sleights School operates an open door policy and we encourage parents to be involved in school life. If you have any questions please do not hesitate to contact myself or Mr Grason-Taylor, our Headteacher.
Gemma Kellerman
Chair of Governors

Full Governing Body
Governor | Role | Term of Office | Appointed by | 2023/2024 Attendance |
Mr Scott Grason-Taylor | Headteacher | 01/09/2017 - | Governing Body | 100% (1/1) |
Mrs Gemma Kellerman | Chair of Governors (Co-Opted) | 10/05/2023 - 09/05/2027 | Governing Body | 100% (1/1) |
Mrs Andrea Lindoe | Vice Chair (Local Authority) | 11/05/2020 - 10/05/2024 | Local Authority | 100% (1/1) |
Vacancy | Ex-officio | Diocese of York | NA | |
Mrs Jenny Taylor | Foundation | 01/09/2023 - 31/08/2027 | Diocese of York | 100% (1/1) |
Mrs Lucy Taylor | Staff | 03/09/2022 - 02/09/2026 | Staff | 100% (1/1) |
Mrs Rosie Fluin | Parent | 16/09/2023 - 15/09/2027 | Parents | 100% (1/1) |
Mr Sam Newton | Parent | 16/09/2023 - 15/09/2027 | Parents | 100% (1/1) |
Vacancy | Co-Opted | NA | ||
Mrs Ben Dickinson | Co-Opted | 16/09/2023 - 15/09/2027 | Governing Body | 100% (1/1) |
Mrs Kristie Price | Co-Opted | 28/11/2022 - 27/11/2026 | Governing Body | 100% (1/1) |
Mrs Helen-Louise Hann | Associate Member | 03/10/2022 - 02/10/2026 | Governing Body | 100% (1/1) |
Mrs Helen Stapley | Clerk to the Governing Body |
- No current or previous Governors have any relationship with any school staff.
- In addition to her duties as a governor at Sleights, Mrs Lucy Taylor (Class Teacher) is also a governor in another NYCC primary school. Mrs Rhiannon Porter (Class Teacher) is also a governor in another local school (non NYCC)
- Mrs Andrea Lindoe (LA Governor) and Mrs Kristie Price (Co-Opted Governor) work in other Local Authority schools.
- Attendance information last updated: September 2023
At Sleights Church of England (Voluntary Controlled) Primary School, the Governing Body brings together a wealth of varied experience to challenge and support the school and its development.
The full governing body meets at least once a term. This is also the case for the finance committee.
All other committee structures and members can be downloaded here: Governor Committees (September 2022)
What is a school governor?
A school governor is a volunteer role that plays a part in raising school standards. The role of the governing body is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school. Governors provide strategic leadership and accountability in schools by:
- setting the aims and objectives for the school
- setting policies for achieving those aims and objectives
- setting the targets for achieving those aims and objectives
- monitor and evaluate the progress that the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
- be a source of challenge and support to the headteacher (often referred to as a critical friend)
How do I become a school governor?
Almost anyone over 18 years of age can become a governor. There are no particular qualifications or requirements, other than a willingness to give time to the role and a capacity for working with other people. There are different types of school with different categories of governor.
There are different categories of governor: parent, staff, foundation, partnership, local authority or co-opted. The type of governor you will become depends on your situation; however all governors have the same roles and responsibilities once part of the governing board.
There are currently no vacancies for becoming a governor at Sleights. However, if you would like to know more about the role, or express an interest in any future vacancies, please do not hesitate to contact the school office (01947 810395) to arrange a meeting with the Chair of Governors.
Governors who have left office in the last 12 months
Vicky Gilpin (Parent) Term of office ended on 15th September 2023
Laura Williams (Parent) Term of office ended on 15th September 2023
Pam Jones (Foundation) Term of office ended on 1st September 2023
Diane Exelby (Co-opted) Term of office ended on 10th May 2023