MEET OUR GOVERNORS
The Local Governing Body takes a strategic role, as a critical friend to the school and to be accountable for its decisions. It works with the Headteacher to set aims and objectives for the school, and agree, monitor and review policies, targets and priorities.The whole governing body is made up of governors appointed by the Trust, parents and staff. It meets nine times a year with the different committees usually meeting once a term, with the exception of the hearings, appeals and pupil discipline committees which meet only as required.
Governors may be contacted via Freeman Community Primary School by letter or telephone, on 01449 612067. The Chair of Governors, Mrs Hayter, is also our Designated Governor for Safeguarding and can be contacted on 01449 613710.
Mrs Hayter - Chair and Trust Governor
With a background in nursing, Mrs Hayter retired from full time work as the Chief Nurse in Suffolk in 2010 and since then has been a Non-Executive Director on NHS Boards. Living in the village for over 40 years, Mrs Hayter's children and grandchildren attended Freeman CP School and she is a Church Warden for Stowupland Holy Trinity, and welcomes the school’s links with Holy Trinity Church.
Start date: April 2024 (4th term) End of term: April 2028
Mrs Gerry - Headteacher
Mrs Gerry is the Headteacher at Freeman CP School, she has been at the school as Deputy Headteacher and now as Headteacher for 10 years. She has been in education for 17 years and has experience of teaching all year groups in the Primary School age range. Additionally, she has experience leading a number of subjects.. Mrs Gerry has two children, one of which attends Freeman.
Start date: September 2020 End of term: Ongoing
Mrs Grocott - Parent Governor
Mrs Grocott has been a governor at Freeman CP School since September 2015 and is currently Chair of the Learning and Achievement committee. She has four children, three of which have attended or are currently at Freeman. A primary school teacher for the past 18 years, Mrs Grocott currently works part time in a local Stowmarket school. Working in education, she has always had an interest in the development of children and the education that is offered to them. Mrs Grocott became a governor with the hope that she can bring a dual perspective to the governing body; being a parent whilst also being knowledgeable about the education system.
Start date: November 2022 End of term: November 2026
Mrs Bird - Trust Governor
Mrs Bird has been a community governor since June 2022 and is also a member of the Personnel and Communications committee. She lives in Stowupland with her husband, two young girls, dog and cat, ‘Maverick’, who is a frequent visitor to the playground at Freeman, much to the delight of the children. Mrs Bird became a governor in order to learn more about the education system and how she, along with like-minded others, can support the school in providing a safe and caring environment within which children can reach their full potential. As Head of Marketing at an HR digital transformation consultancy, she also hopes to use her knowledge of people-centric processes and systems to support the school in developing its teaching and support staff, as well as engaging effectively with parents and the wider school community.
Start date: June 2022 End of term: June 2026
Mrs Mason - Parent Governor
Mrs Mason has 10 years experience as a Health and Safety professional before moving on to work for West Suffolk Council where she regulates businesses with environmental permits. She has two children currently attending Freeman CP School, and hopes to use her time on the board learning about governance and education so that she can support and challenge the school to further benefit its pupils. Mrs Mason has a particular interest in SEN and hopes to explore this further as she gains experience in her role as Parent Governor.
Start date: November 2022 End of term: November 2026
Mrs Houghton - Trust Governor
Mrs Houghton joined as a community governor in July 2023, having attended the primary school herself many years ago! With a keen interest in education, she is passionate about the importance and influence early years education has on a child and wants to lend her support to ensuring the next generation have as much support as possible in reaching their potential. Having spent the last 7 years as a Maths tutor, she is particularly passionate about numeracy and also enjoys lending support in the classroom where possible. Mrs Houghton also has a background in people management and process improvement and forms part of the Finance sub-committee.
Start date: July 2023 End of term: July 2027
Mr Moye - Trust Governor
Start date: May 2024 End of term: May 2028
Mrs Riches- Trust Governor
Start date: June 2025 End of term: June 2029
Mrs Margetts- Parent Governor
Start date: June 2025 End of term: June 2029
Mrs Cockle - Staff Governor
Mrs Cockle has been teaching at Freeman since September 2021 and has been a teacher since 2014. Prior to teaching, she worked in the NHS as a nurse and midwife before spending 7 years living overseas. She has 3 grown up children and has had experience of the education system from a parents perspective. Mrs Cockle became a Staff Governor to learn more about the running of a school and share her experiences in education from the perspective of a teacher.
Start date: March 2025 End of term: March 2029
Details of Local Governing Boards' Terms of Reference and CET's Scheme of Delegation can be found using the link below.
Terms of Reference - CHILDREN'S ENDEAVOUR TRUST (childrensendeavourtrust.org.uk)
All governors serve on the sub-committees.