Beoley First School is a nurturing, family-focused environment dedicated to personal and academic development. Our primary focus is to ensure that every child in our care has the best possible start in life; staff, governors, families and children work collaboratively to create a stimulating and ambitious environment that fosters a love of learning and allows all children to reach their full potential.
The Governing Board is a group of elected volunteers who form part of school’s Leadership and Management.
The remit of the governing board is strategic. Through questioning, critical friendship and support we hold the leadership to account for the school’s direction and outcomes.
We have three distinct roles:
- 1 To hold the headteacher to account for the vision of the school.
- 2 To ensure financial probity and value for money.
- 3 To offer support, scrutiny, and challenge to the school leadership in pursuit of improvement and performance.
Chair of Governors is Darren Turner and can be contacted via the Clerk to Governors at clerk@bfs.shiresmat.org.uk
Safeguarding Governor is Mrs Sarah Phillips. The role of Safeguarding governor is to be in charge of overall effectiveness and management of safeguarding, filtering and monitoring arrangements and the safety and welfare of staff and pupils.
Who is who
Emily Wingfield
Chair of Governors
I am a parent to 2 pupils at the school. I am a Senior Lecturer in English Literature at the University of Birmingham, where I also hold the positions of School Senior Tutor (overseeing student academic support) and University of Birmingham lead for the Birmingham National Literacy Trust Hub. Alongside my research specialisms in medieval literature, I have a strong teaching interest in early years literacy and experience of sitting on numerous academic and administrative committees at Birmingham and elsewhere.
Darren Turner
Vice Chair of Governors
I have been involved as a parent at Beoley First School for almost seven years now, as all of my children have, or are attending the school. I responded to a request for new governors in 2019, and joined in November 2019. During my time as a Governor I have served as vice chair, and since September 2021 have been Chair of Governors. I am also Chair of the Finance and Staffing Committee, ideal given my experience as I am a qualified accountant.
Although my term has been heavily interrupted due to Covid and the challenges that have been imposed on us all, I have still very much enjoyed the process of support and challenge firstly to Ben Irving, then his successor Steve Philp. Working as a Governor can be highly enlightening as to the day to day challenges that any school can face, especially given the wide range of stakeholders involved.
Steve Philp
Staff Governor
I joined Beoley First School as Headteacher in January 2024 and, as part of my role, serve on the Local Governing Committee.
As Headteacher, I am responsible for the day-to-day leadership and strategic development of the school, working closely with staff, governors, families and the wider community to ensure that Beoley continues to provide a safe, supportive and ambitious environment for all pupils.
Through my role on the Governing Committee, I provide governors with insight into the school’s performance, priorities and development, while working collaboratively to support continuous improvement and positive outcomes for every child.
Sarah Phillips
Governor
I trained and graduated as a primary school teacher over 30 years ago and, now working in further and higher education, I specialise in safeguarding and welfare. I am also a qualified headteacher (NPQH), although I chose not to take up a headship role, instead moving into the Further and Higher Education sector.
I have close and ongoing ties with Beoley Village Hall, with our own boys having attended Beoley First School, and through my role as Secretary of the Beoley Village Hall Management Committee.
As a Governor, I have particular responsibility for Wellbeing, Safeguarding, Allergies and Anaphylaxis. I hope to use my experience to support the school in these areas and help ensure that current and future generations of children continue to thrive.
Hazel Hatton
LA Governor
I have been a Governor at Beoley First School since 2016. I live and work within Beoley Village and enjoy being part of the community. In my previous hectic life I worked in retail Banking in a managerial role which has afforded the skills and attributes I can bring as a Governor. I have enjoyed getting to know the excellent staff at the school and admire their dedication and professionalism in the ongoing challenging environment. Better than that though is seeing how well the children thrive in a school surrounded by nature’s resources.
Nick Irons
Parent Governor
As a Parent Governor, I bring a parent’s perspective to the Governing Committee and help represent the views and experiences of families within the school community.
I am committed to supporting Beoley First School and working alongside fellow governors and staff to help ensure that pupils receive the best possible opportunities during their time at the school.
Through my role as a Governor, I hope to contribute positively to the continued development of the school and support its work in providing a happy, safe and successful environment for all children.
Mandy Lowe
Parent Governor
I became a Governor in late 2022. My connection to the school is through my own child who is a pupil here. I’m excited to be part of a dynamic team of experienced Governors. In my professional life, I am a Director of a Recruitment business, where I focus on leadership, management, and innovative recruitment solutions. This experience has honed my skills in collaboration, reflection, and effective communication, which I bring to my role as a Parent Governor. Witnessing the dedication of our teachers first hand is truly inspiring. It’s a privilege to work with this exceptional group of Governors to support the school in creating an environment where every child can thrive.
Alan Bailes
Co-opted Governor
I am a co-opted governor and currently the Bromsgrove District ward member for Alvechurch South, which includes Beoley First School. In the past I have been the Chair of Governors for Alvechurch First School, although some years ago it gave me valuable insight into school life. In my professional life, although semi-retired, I am a Chartered Transport Planner running my own Transport Planning and Traffic Engineering company. I am excited to be part of the Board of Governors for Beoley First School and look forward to adding value to the Board.
Amy Roadknight
Clerk to the Governors
I joined Beoley First School in September 2025 as the School Administrator and also serve as Clerk to the Governing Board.
My role gives me the opportunity to support many different aspects of school life, from administration and communication to governance and compliance. I particularly enjoy being part of the Beoley community and supporting the school, its staff, pupils and governors in helping the school continue to develop and thrive.
Structure
Prof. Emily Wingfield – Chair of Govenors
Mr. Darren Turner – Vice Chair of Governors
Mr Stephen Philp – Staff Governor
Mrs Sarah Phillips – Co-Opted Governor
Mr Alan Bailes – Co-Opted Governor
Mr Nick Irons – Parent Governor
Mrs Mandy Lowe – Parent Governor
Mrs Hazel Hatton – Local Authority Governor
Mr Marc Worrall – Shires MAT Link Governor
We currently have a open vacancy for another Staff Governor.
Meetings
The Full Governing Body meets 5-6 times per year:
LGC1 – Wednesday 23rd September 2026
LGC2 – Wednesday 11th November 2026
LGC3 – TBC in January 2027
LGC4 – TBC in March 2027
LGC5 – TBC in May 2027
LGC5 – TBC in July 2027