Welcome To Our New Website!
Welcome To Our New Website!
Ellwood Community Primary School

Our Governors

Welcome to the Ellwood Community Primary School Governing Body page.

Ellwood School’s Governing Body work very hard to support the Headteacher, teaching staff and its pupils. The main vision and aim is to ensure that Ellwood Community Primary School is able to provide the best possible education for our children and to prepare them for life in modern Britain. 

School governors are volunteers who strive to make a positive contribution to children’s education and life. Together, with the head teacher, they set the future direction of the school,  plan for school improvement, monitor its effectiveness and decide how the school’s budget should be spent to ensure good outcomes for all. They make decisions collectively on matters such as school policies and the school’s development plan and act as a "critical friend" to the school. They support the school but also hold leaders to account.

The members that make up the Governing Body are chosen by the local authority, the community and parents.  All our Governors are volunteers and are not paid for the role. They have their own jobs and lives but they still dedicate their own time to the school for the good of the children.  Some are visible in school on a regular basis, whilst others bring other expertise such as financial, HR, strategic planning, education and other helpful skills.  They are a valuable asset to the school, bring wisdom and different perspectives.

As well as sharing a common desire to be involved in supporting the school, the Governing Body have statutory duties by which they are legally bound.  The Governing Body is ultimately responsible for all matters relating to the school including teaching and learning, safeguarding, health and safety, staffing, premises and ensuring financial accountability and sustainability. The full Governing Body meets approximately once every term. There are two committees (resources and performance & standards) who meet regularly to consider more specific issues of finance, staffing and curriculum.

Reverend Michelle Ireland - Chair of Governors

I have been visiting Ellwood Community Primary School for over two years as the local Methodist Minister.  During this time I have led assemblies, worked with groups of children to plan assemblies  and have advised staff on various festivals throughout the year. Having previously been a primary school teacher it has been good to be back in the school environment.

I am passionate about the whole area of mental health and well being for pupils and staff and affirm the school motto, ‘Believe, Achieve, Belong.’ These are vital elements for a school that aims to provide a nurturing, inspiring and inclusive environment where children, staff and governors are cared for and their potentials are realised.

Helen Cornock 
I am the proprietor of 3 nurseries which I feel will support me in the role as Governor at school. Early Years Education is my passion along with outdoor learning. I am keen to ensure that children reach their full potential and at Ellwood we believe that all children should Believe, Achieve, Belong.
Andy Lord - Co-opted Governor 

I am a retired Commercial and Compliance director, where I spent 20 years in financial services, 19 years as a business owner. I have a degree in Economics from the University of York (1984) 

Since selling my business to AXA in 2007, I have undertaken the following youth/community voluntary work: 

Governor Parkend Primary School 2008-2018, 3 years as Chair 

Governor Wyedean School & Sixth Form Centre - ongoing, current Chair 

Chairman Lydney Hockey Club 2010- ongoing 

Coach Lydney Hockey Club Academy 2008-2019 

Parish Councillor Woolaston 2012- ongoing 

Volunteer Panel Member Gloucestershire Youth Support Trust 2008-2018 

Committee member The Gaff Youth Club, Sedbury 2008-2017, 4 years As Chair 

England Hockey National League Umpire 2014- ongoing 

I have lived in the Chepstow area since 1988. I have 2 daughters, one graduated from Durham University in 2020 and the other left Wyedean Year 13 in 2020 to study at the University of Birmingham. 

Mr Chris Toomer - Parent Governor
 
When looking at local schools, we chose Ellwood because of the immense care for the children that we saw and the wide range of experiences that the pupils enjoy, both in and out of the classroom. I have taught in a secondary school and try to bring a parent’s perspective to the board.
Mrs Milford - Head Teacher
 
Mrs Milford has been the Head teacher at Ellwood Community Primary School for the past 7 years. Prior to this she worked in a large city school, numerous smaller rural schools and spent many years working in another local forest school. She has over 25 years experience working in primary schools with all age ranges and abilities. She is passionate about ensuring that all children are happy, feel safe and achieve their full potential.
Hannah Woodhouse - Staff Governor

Mrs Woodhouse qualified as a teacher after having a 10-year career in ICT. She gained a BSc Honours degree in Information Technology whilst working in an ICT environment. Teaching was always a career that she wanted to pursue due to the rewarding nature of the job and being able to inspire the next generation. Having a short break from ICT in 2014 opened up the opportunity to complete a PGCE in Primary Education. 

Mrs Woodhouse has been part of Ellwood School since 2018, teaching Year 5 and Year 6, and joined as a Staff Governor in October 2023. Mrs Woodhouse is Senior Teacher and SENCo and has a number of responsibilities which include leading;  English, Geography and History. 

Rachel Meek - Parent Governor
 
I decided I wanted to be a Parent Governor as Ellwood Primary School is a massive part of my life, my children go to Ellwood school and I have been cleaning for the school daily now for nearly a year. I have learnt so much working at the school and I'm very intrigued to learn so much more, this is why parent governor seems so fitting for my position at the school. I'm lucky enough to be able to watch my children grow and develop within the school and I'd like to do the same for myself! I am keen to become more involved with learning more about the school which really excites me. Previously I was a carer for 12 years and then cleaning became my therapy. I juggle two jobs, one here at Ellwood School and another at a local pub in the kitchen, cleaning and prepping food. This opportunity will give me something to put my brain to, as a single parent you can feel quite lost within yourself and now at this time in my life, I want to learn more and Ellwood School has given me that opportunity, I cant wait to learn more! 
Mrs Anita McKelvey
I am pleased to be coming back.to my role as a co- opted governor at Ellwood.  I was not able to remain as a school governor and an Early Years Regulatory Inspector with Ofsted.  However, as I now work for Gloucestershire County Council, I can take up this role again.  I am keen to ensure all children achieve well and get the best start in life. I have over 25 years experience working with preschool children and ten years as an Ofsted inspector which will support me in my governor role. I am passionate about ensuring that all children can grow and develop in supportive , safe environments and will work to ensure
Ellwood Community Primary School continues to do this well. 
 
Pam Cullis
 
I am a retired nurse. As a mother & grandmother I have strong links to Ellwood school. I attended Ellwood school myself, as did my own mother. I have lived in Ellwood for the last 21 years & would like to see the school continue to thrive & develop.
Claire Heal
 
I have 2 children who moved to the school in 2023 and I have been so impressed with Ellwood school.  The team show passion and interest in each child and strive for them to achieve their best version of themselves, giving each child the chance to thrive.  I studied Religions Education and Music at University and have spent my working life in Insurance, now working as an Operations Manager in a large insurance company where my role involves people management, budgets and planning which I believe are useful transferable skills for a governing body.  I joined as a governor to learn more about the running of the school and support the leadership and teaching teams.