The Governing Board

“Governors and trustees support the school effectively. They know the school’s strengths and act quickly to resolve any potential risks to the school’s quality of education. The newly appointed leadership team is dedicated and has a clear vision for the school.”

OFSTED January 2025

Chair of Governors Welcome – September 2025

Hello,

This year I have the privilege of serving as the Chair of Governors for the second year here at Oakfield First School.  I am a parent governor and have 2 boys at Oakfield, one in Y1 and the other Y4. 

Oakfield’s local governing board is made up of staff, parent and community governors, all are volunteers and together bring a broad range of skills and experience. What unites the governors is a shared commitment to support the school and a deep passion for ensuring all the children here thrive.

Over this academic year, the governing board are looking forward to supporting school leadership in developing a new 5-year strategic plan.  This will be the “big picture” and the anchor for all strategic development going forward.   We look forward to stakeholder consultations with parents, pupils and staff to ensure that this plan really meets the needs of all. 

Everything we do is rooted in the school’s mission: Excellence through partnership in learning.

It reflects our belief that the best outcomes for children happen when school and families work closely together. We all have a role to play in supporting children to achieve their potential and we truly value your part in that journey. Your involvement, through reading at home, attending events, or joining the PTA all make a real difference. Together, this creates the best possible environment for your child to grow, learn, and flourish.

Oakfield’s core values are respect, responsibility, and resilience.  Governors use these values to guide the school’s long-term vision and shape the culture we’re building. As governors, we ensure these values are reflected in the school’s priorities and in how we support every child to grow and thrive.

This school is a very special place. It’s not only about academic learning, but about nurturing the whole child, helping them grow in confidence, curiosity, and kindness.

The dedicated staff work tirelessly to create a safe, supportive, and inspiring environment every day. And as governors, we’re proud to stand behind that commitment, ensuring that your children receive the very best foundation for the years ahead.

On behalf of the local governing board, thank you for choosing Oakfield. We are honoured to be part of your child’s First school journey, and we look forward to working together in the years to come.

Yours Sincerely

Mrs C Gamble

What do we do?

The local governing board (LGB) acts as a vision setter and are strategic decision makers for the school.  We challenge and support the Headteacher to ensure that all children receive the best possible education. 

Governors work in close partnership with the Executive Headteacher, Head of School, staff and colleagues at Windsor Learning Partnership to deliver on the 3 core functions of a governing board:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding the executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, the performance management of staff and the implementation of the governing boards strategy for the school.
• Overseeing financial performance

Meet the Governors

How are we constituted?

Oakfield First School is a member of the Windsor Learning Partnership (WLP).  As per the WLP Scheme of Delegation, Oakfield First School has a Local Governing Board (rather than local governance remaining in the centrally within the multi-academy trust)

To reflect DfE policy, Oakfield LGB shall be structured of not more than 11 individuals, which must include:

1. Headteacher, ex-officio;
2. One staff Governor (elected)
3. Two parent Governors (elected)
4. Five community Governors appointed by the LGB; and
5. If the Board of Trustees had concerns about the performance of the school(s)

overseen by the LGB it would be able to appoint additional Governors.

The Chief Executive Officer has a standing right of attendance to any LGB meeting, but is not a voting Governor. The LGB may invite other members of staff to attend in a non-voting capacity.

The standard term of office for each Governor is 4 years. 

The Chair and Vice Chair of the board are elected annually at the last board meeting of the academic year, in preparation for the new term. 

Who are we?

Staff Representatives

Howard Seymour – Executive Headteacher

Laura Morris – Head of School

Staff Governor

Jenny Hathaway

Parent Governors

Charlie Gamble – Chair of Local Governing Board

Vacancy

Community Governors

Alexandra Bamber - SEND

Ashley Goff – Health & Safety, Mental Health & Wellbeing

Gilly Jones – Vice Chair of Local Governing Board, Safeguarding

Vacancy

Vacancy

Local Governing Board Meeting Dates 2025-2026:

Monday 29th September 2025 at 18.30

Monday 17th November 2025 at 18.30

Monday 19th January 2026 at 18.30

Monday 16th March 2026 at 18.30

Tuesday 5th May 2026 at 18.30

Monday 6th July 2026 at 18.30

Governor declared business interests, tenure and LGB roles 

How can you get in touch?

If you would like to contact the Chair of Governors or any other Governor, or request copies of previous minutes, please send an email via the Governance Professional – Ruth Jackson, email : RJackson@clewergreen.org.uk