Local Governing Committee
The Local Governing Committee (LGC) provides oversight of the school on behalf of the Board of Blackdown Education Partnership
The overall purpose of the Local Governing Committee is to:
Ensure all students within the academy have access to a high quality education provision in line with the shared vision.
Monitor the implementation of the development/improvement plan of the individual academy within the Trust, ensuring that it is delivering against agreed strategic and local objectives; moving the academy and the Trust as a whole towards achieving and sustaining a regulatory judgement of outstanding in all areas.
Ensure that the academic and wellbeing needs of students are being met effectively through the design and delivery of a broad and balanced curriculum which, through use of personalised, developmental support, helps to maximise each student’s success and enjoyment.
The scheme of delegation sets out the different roles played by the Trust and the LGC, and Terms of Reference describe the work undertaken by the LGC as well as the Trust’s Board and Committees:
Members of the Local Governing Committee
Governors are recruited locally, and their work is set within the vision, values and policies as defined by the Trust and governed by an approved Scheme of Delegation.
“Our governors help to ensure that, as headteacher, I am always acting in the best interests of the school and the Trust. They ensure that Orchard Grove continues to improve its performance and seizes opportunities to unlock new opportunities to thrive. They help to reduce risks and ensure stronger growth and it has been fantastic to witness Orchard Grove becoming more and more embedded within our local community over time.
I gives me great pleasure to introduce to you our Orchard Grove governors:"
Mr Healey
The clerk to the Local Governing Committee is Lisa Bush.
Information regarding Governor’s appointments and business interests are held centrally on the Blackdown Education Partnership Website - Governance Documents
Information about governors' attendance at meetings is given below:
Community Governors
We are currently looking to recruit Community Governors to help our school.
Governors provide critical challenge and support to the leadership team of the school with the ultimate aim of improving student progress and outcomes. Taking a governance role is a unique opportunity to positively influence children's lives.
If you would like to be involved or for more information, please contact:
Julie Gregory, Governance Professional
01884 842900
Helen MacConnell – Chair of the Committee
“I was appointed Chair of Governors of Orchard Grove Primary School in 2022 and have been involved from the planning stage through to the opening. I am very excited, and feel privileged, to be involved in the development of this new school as it grows.
I have a background in education having been a primary school teacher and Deputy Headteacher before having my family. I am Vice-Chair of Governors at The Castle School, and Chair of Governors of St George’s Catholic Primary School in Taunton, having been a governor there for many years. I am also a trustee of St George’s Pre-School.
As Chair of Governors of Orchard Grove School, I will strive to build on the excellent foundations already laid down. I will work hard to fulfil the Blackdown Education Partnership’s aim, for every child who becomes part of the school to achieve, belong and participate. My ambition is for every child to be supported to reach their full potential, in a caring, nurturing, stimulating environment.”
Catherine Pearce
“I applied to be a parent governor of Orchard Grove because I live on the estate and am delighted to be involved with helping the new school develop and grow. I know how important education is and how the primary years can shape a child's direction in life. I have lived in Taunton all my life (except the university years) and while I do not have any education experience, I advise on governance in my role as a Pension Consultant and look forward to using those transferable skills as part of the Orchard Grove governing body to help all children at the school flourish and enjoy their time there.”
Imogen Ball
“My oldest son was one of the first cohort of Orchard Grove reception children. I wanted to be part of building this amazing school community on Orchard Grove and was delighted to be appointed as a parent governor. I live on and love Orchard Grove. I am passionate about creating a community and especially supporting those who are isolated or struggling. I am part of the Orchard Grove Church team but currently spend most of my time bringing up our boys.”
Paula Gibson - SEND Governor
“After spending a number of years as an HR officer for a global Engineering company, I changed careers and joined the Education sector, doing a variety of different roles within schools and Multi Academy Trusts, including 10 years as a Governance Professional as well as a parent governor at my own children’s school.
I know the importance of providing every child with an outstanding education and am excited to be part of Orchard Grove’s journey as we welcome children, their families and the community to the School.”
