Letters from our Chair of Governors
Mr Phil Harrison
Mr Phil Harrison
|
6th March 2025
Dear Parents and Carers I hope this letter finds you well. I am writing to update you following the latest meeting of the Baldwins Gate CE Primary School Governing Body, which took place on Wednesday, 12th February. It was a productive meeting where we discussed several key areas, including statutory assessments, the school’s development plan, and financial planning. We were particularly pleased to welcome Sophie Barker as a new Parent Governor. Sophie brings a wealth of skills and experience to the role, and we are confident that she will be a valuable addition to the governing board. We also discussed ways to further enhance opportunities for pupils, particularly in recognising talents across a wider range of subjects. Governors are keen to ensure that children’s abilities in subjects such as art and PE are celebrated with us alongside academic achievements in English and Mathematics. The school leadership team is committed to continuing to provide a well-rounded and enriching curriculum for all pupils. One significant decision taken by the Governors was to trial an earlier opening time for the Breakfast Club from September, with doors opening at 7:45 am. This change is dependent on securing additional funding, and we will update parents as soon as a final decision is made. Another important area of discussion was the school’s financial position. It is reassuring to note that, due to an increase in nursery pupils and additional income from BUZZ Breakfast and After School Club, the school is in a positive position moving forward. A Finance Operations Committee will be formed in the summer term to ensure continued financial stability and careful planning for future investment in staffing and resources. I also want to take this opportunity to personally thank Mrs. Lowndes for the professional and compassionate way she handled a sensitive incident at the end of the school day on Tuesday, 25th February, which involved the police. I was deeply disappointed to see this matter appear on the Stoke-on-Trent Live website, as the school took every step necessary to ensure the safety and well-being of the children and communicate with you in a fast moving situation. As a former Headteacher and Her Majesty’s Inspector of Schools, I want to assure you that I am unequivocal in my support for the school leadership team and the decisions they made in this situation. The safety of our children is at the heart of every action taken by school staff, and I have complete confidence that their response was appropriate and in the best interests of all pupils. I encourage you to speak to Mrs. Lowndes when she is on the school gate, and I make every effort to stand alongside her when my schedule allows. If you have any questions or concerns, we are always happy to speak with you. I thoroughly enjoyed watching the children come into school in their World Book Day outfits this morning – thank you for the effort you go to in order to make this day so incredible! Thank you for your continued support in making Baldwins Gate CE Primary School a fantastic place for our children to learn and thrive. Best wishes Phil Harrison Chair of Governors Baldwins Gate Primary School 9th December 2024
Dear Parents and Carers As we approach the end of a busy and successful term at Baldwins Gate Primary School, I wanted to take a moment to reflect on the fantastic progress we’ve made as a school community and to thank you all for your continued support. At our recent Governing Body meeting, we celebrated many achievements and planned further steps to support our children’s education and wellbeing. Highlights included:
Looking ahead, we are excited about new initiatives such as plans to improve the school’s online presence with updated photography and information. Finally, on behalf of the Governing Body, I want to thank you for your continued support of the school. Your involvement and encouragement play a vital role in our collective success. As we enter the festive season, I wish you all a joyful and peaceful Christmas break. May it be filled with happiness and time spent with loved ones. We look forward to welcoming everyone back in the new year, ready for another term of growth and achievement. Warm regards. Phil Harrison Chair of Governors Baldwins Gate Primary School 1st October 2024
Dear Pupils, Parents, and Staff I hope this letter finds you all well. I am writing to share some updates following our recent Governors' meeting, held on Wednesday, 25th September. Firstly, we are delighted to report that pupil numbers at Baldwins Gate Primary School continue to increase. This is wonderful news for our school community, as it allows us to maintain year group classes and provide even more resources and opportunities for our pupils. We are confident that the school leaders are managing the slight increase in pupil numbers well and that the ethos and culture of our wonderful village school will be maintained. At the meeting, the Governors were also pleased with the School Improvement Plan for 2024/2025 presented by Mrs Lowndes. We feel assured that the plan sets a clear and ambitious path forward, and we have high expectations for the academic year ahead. We are committed to supporting the school’s ongoing progress and are excited to see the results of the hard work and dedication of both staff and pupils. Pupil outcomes across the school were strong last year and we are committed to building upon this strong foundation. I would also like to take this opportunity to extend our heartfelt thanks to Dawn Frost, who has served as a Governor for some time. Dawn has resigned from her role, and we are deeply grateful for her contributions and dedication to the school throughout her time on the board. Her efforts have been invaluable, and we wish her all the best for the future. As a result of Dawn's departure and an existing vacancy, we now have space for two co-opted Governors to join our board. We are eager to find individuals who are passionate about helping us drive the school forward. If any parents or members of the community are interested in discussing the role of a Governor, I encourage you to get in touch with me via the school reception. Further information about the role of Governors can also be found on the school's website. Meet our Governors - Baldwins Gate CE(VC) Primary School Thank you for your continued support of Baldwins Gate Primary School. Together, we can make this year a success for everyone involved. Best wishes. Phil Harrison Chair of Governors Baldwins Gate Primary School |
