The Governing Body at Ditton Lodge Primary
The Governors are responsible for policy and strategy and the Headteacher is responsible for the day-to- day running of the school and ensuring that the policy and strategy agreed by the Governors is implemented. The Governing Body has a large number of legal responsibilities and amongst these are ensuring that the National Curriculum is properly delivered, arranging for religious education to be carried out, deciding how to spend the delegated budget and approving the many different school policies, such as those referring to discipline and behaviour and health and safety. In this section of the website you can find out who the governors of our school are.
Our Govenor Bios
Chair of Governors: Dr Cinzia Scarpini - cscarpini@dittonlodgeprimary.co.uk
Executive Headteacher: Lisa Tweed - ltweed@dittonlodgeprimary.co.uk
Mrs Lisa King - lking@dittonlodgeprimary.co.uk
Why did you become a governor at Ditton Lodge? I wanted to learn more about the school and view it from a different perspective from that as a parent. I also felt that it was a way that I could contribute back to the school.
Why do you think local governors are important? Local governors have a better understanding of the locality and therefore have the knowledge to make informed decisions that are beneficial to both the school and the local community.
What do you think is the strength of Ditton Lodge? The strength is the reputation that has been earned and retained by a strong leadership and support team.
Mrs Amanda Banks- abanks@dittonlodgeprimary.co.uk
Why did you become a governor at Ditton Lodge? I became a Governor in 2014 when my eldest daughter was in Reception. I worked in a local primary school and felt that I had experience and knowledge to share with Ditton Lodge in leading the teaching and learning committee. I wanted to help shape the future for children and young people in our local community. My passion is for children and young people to enjoy their years at school and achieve the best that they can.
Why do you think local governors are important? Local Governors are important because they work with staff and the Local Authority to help the school provide the best possible education for all children and young people. Local governors are volunteers and want to be involved in school improvement in their local community. I felt honoured to be voted on as a parent governor and later in 2018 as a staff Governor.
What do you think is the strength of Ditton Lodge? The pupils themselves are a strength of Ditton Lodge. The students are proud of their school and of their learning. The children always want to share in detail about their lessons and speak so fondly of their experiences in school. It is always a pleasure to attend whole school events or be invited to participate in a book study or pupil voice session. The Ditton Lodge children wear their purple uniforms with pride and believe in the Ditton Lodge High 5.
Mrs Amy Bugg - abugg@dittonlodgeprimary.co.uk
Why did you become a governor at Ditton Lodge?
I have 3 children who have attended Ditton Lodge, 2 of which are still pupils. We joined the school 4 years ago and I have been so incredible impressed with the care that they have all received. My 3 children are very different both academically and in personality. Ditton Lodge has catered perfectly for each of their needs. Two of my children entered the school needing a lot of support for various reasons and within a very short space of time were loving school again. I am was very keen to give back to the school who had made such a huge impact on my children hence why I wanted to be a parent governor.
Why do you think local governors are important?
Local governors aid the Senior Leadership Team and also hold them to account- asking pertinent questions to ensure that the school is being run in an appropriate way. This maybe ensuring that health and safety is up to date, discussing finance planning or enquiring in to how the curriculum is being taught and received by the pupils. It is a way of evaluating the school from an outside perspective.
What do you think is the strength of Ditton Lodge?
Ditton Lodge not only cares for the academic side of its students but also the emotional wellbeing. These in my opinion go hand in hand. Happy, cared for children will learn better.
Mrs Wendy McLaughlin - wmclaughlin@dittonlodgeprimary.co.uk
Why did you become a governor at Ditton Lodge? I wanted to develop my professional skills and experience such as strategic planning/thinking, financial planning and team working. I was also very interested to learn how a school is run. Finally, I wanted to build relationships and networks within our community along with supporting children and young people, to ensure they are ready for their next challenges in Secondary School.
Why do you think local governors are important? Governing bodies are the strategic leaders of any school and have a vital role to play in making sure every child gets the best possible education. The purpose of Governing bodies is to 'conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement at the school'.
What do you think is the strength of Ditton Lodge? At Ditton Lodge we have a very strong community bond and a great working relationship with our children and parents/guardians. The teachers and Governors always put the children's needs first to ensure they have the best opportunity available to them. Our teachers work tirelessly with the children to support them throughout their time within Ditton Lodge. We also encourage our 'High Five Values' which help our children be a resilient as possible: Listen; Enjoy and take risks; Aim high and achieve; Respect; Never give up.
Dr Anna Hardiman-McCartney - rahardiman-mccartney@dittonlodgeprimary.co.uk
Mr Alex Bedford- abedford@unitysp.co.uk
Why did you become a governor at Ditton Lodge? Unity Schools Partnership prides itself on school and MAT leaders taking an active governance role. I became a governor at Ditton Lodge to support a local school within a local town near to where I live. Governance also helps me keep in touch with the strategic leadership of a particular school.
Why do you think local governors are important? Leading and working in a school is a joy, but it is all consuming. Governors give the school a wider perspective - an external view. I also believe governors bring an external skillset to the school. They offer reasonable challenge as well as support and community connections to enhance the lived experience of pupils at the school.
What do you think is the strength of Ditton Lodge? Ditton Lodge has a wonderful community with leaders and teachers who care about their pupils. The staff are delivering a fabulous evidence-led curriculum that is enriching the pupils’ learning and social experiences.
Please find additonal details about our govenoring body on the resources section of this page.