Governance of our school
The Elliot Foundation Academies Trust is the governance body responsible for the school as a whole with the Board of Trustees accountable for decisions made. For more information on the Trust and how our governance structure works, please visit www.elliotfoundation.co.uk (Trust Governance and Community Council documents) noting in particular the Scheme of Delegation and Accountability and Representation documents. The Trust Legal and Governance Director can also be emailed on jem.shuttleworth@elliotfoundation.co.uk
Welcome and Introduction to our Community Council
The Trust governance model recognises that Community Councils are, whilst a full and formal part of the governance structure in line with the Trust’s Articles of Association, wholly advisory bodies who focus on;
○ The ethos and values of the school
○ The ambition, appropriateness and effectiveness of the school’s curriculum for its children
○ The wellbeing of pupils, families and staff
This year at Cavalry we have a particular focus on the development of the curriculum for Maths and support provided for vulnerable pupils.
Community councillors are a much valued group of volunteers that play a crucial role in our school offering challenging but positive and proactive support to the Principal and Senior Leadership team on behalf of the children and community that the school serves. They know and celebrate the strengths of the community that the school serves alongside holding the highest aspirations and expectations for our pupils.
Community councillors are appointed from current parents, staff and pupils alongside committed individuals from the wider community. Councillors have an interest in the education and wider opportunities offered by the school to all pupils and have some free time to give to supporting the continued development of the school.
If you are interested in finding out more about Cavalry’s Community Council, please contact the headteacher
Cavalry Community Council Annual Summary Report
Cavalry Community Council was established in September of this academic year and we are delighted to have welcomed councillors from the parent body, staff and community. We have also welcomed listening to the views of pupils across this academic year.
Over this year we have met four times with two visits into school where we met with pupils and staff to develop our understanding of various aspects of school life. Particular highlights of this year were 1) gaining a deeper understanding of the impact of the new Maths scheme across both key stages and the new approach to the early teaching of Maths across nursery and reception, and 2) learning more about the impact of Covid disruptions on the children’s learning and wellbeing.
Next year, as we become more established, we are looking forward to exploring the use and impact of Pupil Premium funding, and the wellbeing of our pupils and staff. If you would like to contribute, then please do contact our Chair, Anna Betts, via the school office email address of admin@cavalryprimary.org
Anna Betts
Chair - Parent
I joined the governing body back in 2015 as a parent governor and have seen many changes. I now head up the new Community Council which is a great opportunity to spend time in school and have a deeper understanding of the curriculum being taught. I have two children who have loved their time at Cavalry, one who has moved to secondary school and the other in Key Stage 2.
Ben Bullman
Community
Professionally, I am a senior tutor at an independent further education college, also holding the position of designated safeguarding lead. I am the proud parent of two children who attended Cavalry and I have sat previously as a parent governor. I am excited to now represent the local community on the council. I remain living within the school catchment and continue to take a keen interest in the academic and pastoral support provided by Cavalry to local children. Through my own daughters I am involved with a number of local sports clubs and will help support Cavalry develop their ongoing sports and welfare curriculum.
Niamh Kelly
Parent
I have recently joined the community council as a parent representative. I am a secondary school teacher with nearly 10 years experience teaching English, History and Humanities. I have two daughters, my eldest daughter attends Cavalry Primary School. I am passionate about teaching and learning. I hope to be able to share my own educational knowledge and experiences to enhance student learning and well-being at Cavalry Primary.
Karen Lindsey
Community
Fiona McCallum
Headteacher
I have been the headteacher at Cavalry since 2015, although my association with the school also includes the period from 2002 to 2010 when I was deputy head. With over thirty years experience as a primary school teacher, I am passionate about enabling every child to reach their full potential through a broad and balanced curriculum. I’m keen to support our community council’s work to involve parents and the wider community in shaping the future of our school.
Graham Muduwa
Parent
Katherine Nightingale
Community
Rune Webb
Staff
I have been teaching at Cavalry since 2012, having first been a student here during a PGCE placement. I began teaching adults whilst completing my undergraduate degree and quickly transitioned to working within a nursery and primary setting. I firmly believe that through education we can build aspiration and equip children to succeed within and beyond the horizons of their communities. Working with the community council affords me the opportunity to build support for the children, community and school as we strive towards preparing the children for their futures. If you'd like to discuss this or any aspect of education, please get in touch.
Louise Wilson
Staff
I have been teaching at Cavalry for over 8 years predominantly in the early years, which is where most of my 20+ year teaching career has been spent. I am committed to providing a rich, stimulating and challenging curriculum right from the start of a child's education, believing that this sets the foundations for lifelong learning and behaviour. My decision to work with the Community Council stemmed from the passion I have to work collaboratively with all members of the school community to ensure everyone works together for the benefit of our pupils who deserve the very best.
