Chairman’s Message

Mr Eric Appleton

I became a governor because I was curious about how schools run and how the education sector assists our children to achieve their potential. With no prior experience in the education sector, it’s been a steep but interesting learning curve these last two years. What I do have is a broad set of commercial and management skills which has helped me to assess how the governing body is run and how to improve leadership and efficiency.

In my relatively short tenure, we have appointed an Executive Head to drive the strategic priorities of the Federation. We’ve made great progress by establishing a new structure of governance, bringing in governors with the relevant skills for the job at hand.  As a relatively young federation of schools, we are still learning how to leverage the benefits of this formal partnership but are seeing fruits for example in sharing best teaching practice and by leveraging bulk purchasing across the schools.

In creating a new team to focus on Children, Families and the Community, you can expect to see an increase in the level of parent engagement and a drive to leverage the resources in the communities we serve. Our immediate priority is to get parent feedback through a survey and then take the actions required to ensure your voice is heard. We aim for you to feel well informed and involved in all areas of your children’s time at our schools.

Ultimately, we as governors are here to ensure all children make the best possible progress and have an enjoyable experience during their time at school. With my own three children attending Snitterfield School, I’m personally motivated to achieve this goal and get first hand feedback on the impact of our activities. Key priorities for us are to ensure the ongoing financial viability of each school which can only be achieved if they are at full capacity. To support this, we need to be widely known as high quality rural schools with great facilities, a passionate, motivated and loyal teaching staff and where children are happy and can thrive. If we can deliver this, then we will become Outstanding.

We are all volunteers. If you have something to offer why not come and join us as an associate member and make your own impact?

You can contact me at Appleton.E@welearn365.com or contact our Clerk, Sally Beardmore, on 01789 292112, email sallybeardmore@warwickshire.gov.uk.

Eric Appleton, Chair of Governors