Many hands build a house, many hearts build a school
Welcome to our Governors’ section.
The Governors at Clyro Church in Wales Primary School are proud to be part of the ongoing development of the school, and to contribute to the future of all current pupils. We invite prospective pupils and parents to get in touch and find out more about our school.
The role of the Governors
All members of the Governing Body are obliged to act in accordance with the Code of Conduct for Governing Bodies. All Governing Bodies are also duty bound to work within the legal parameters set within The Government of Maintained Schools (Wales) 2005 Act.
The governor role is strategic rather than operational. Governors don’t get involved in the day-to-day running of a school, but support and challenge the school’s leadership team, to drive school improvement. The role involves monitoring and evaluating the progress of the school, which requires being curious, critical and asking difficult questions.
Governors work in partnership with staff to ensure that the education provided meets curriculum requirements and that pupils benefit from a nurturing and fulfilling experience at Clyro School, allowing them to thrive as they develop, academically, socially and emotionally. Governors also work with staff to set standards of behaviour. They interview and appoint staff and make decisions regarding the budget. Governors have legal responsibilities and can only act together, rather than as individuals. Governors receive training and support from the Local Authority to help with their work. The Chair of the Governors may be contacted through the school.
As you can see from the list below, Governors are parents, teachers, representatives of the Church, the Local Authority and the community. This brings a broad range of experience and opinion to the Governing Body, providing a fair and balanced approach to monitoring the school progress and making decisions which will affect staff, pupils and parents. A key expectation of all Governors is to visit the school and take an active interest in school life, meaning that decisions are based on real time at the school, and with an understanding of day-to-day school activities, challenges and achievements.
Our Governors
Mrs. H. Elliott
Parent Governor (Chair)
I became a parent governor in January 2024 and then became Chair in November 2024. I grew up in Clyro and was a pupil at Clyro school many years ago. I moved back to the area in 2012 and work in Hay. I have been a parent at the school since 2020. My eldest daughter moved on to High School in September last year and my youngest daughter is currently in Year 2. I’m excited to be back at the school again, but in a more grown up role! Please don’t hesitate to let me know if you have any questions, or great ideas for the school.
Mr. A. Crichton-Stuart
Community Governor (Vice Chair)
I serve as the Community Council representative on the Board of Governors. I live and work in Hay and Clyro, and both my son and daughter have attended Clyro School. This is my first term as a Governor, though I have previously served as Chair of the Friends of Clyro School. We are incredibly fortunate to have a school at the heart of our community, full of enthusiastic, dedicated and caring staff. I am excited to become apart of the Board of Governors and help move the school into its new chapter of its ever growing story.
Mr. M. Southcoat
Local Authority Governor
I live in the local area, having retired after working in a variety of roles in Education across mid and South Wales. My wife and I have two grown up children, one a teacher and the other a specialist children’s physiotherapist. We also have four grandchildren who take up a lot of our spare time. I have a particular interest in financial matters and the curriculum.
Mrs. A. Sweeting
Foundation Governor
I am a newly appointed Foundation Governor of Clyro Church in Wales School. I am originally from the Builth Wells Area and have lived in Llyswen for 32 years. Throughout the majority of this time I commuted to Newport, S. Wales where I was a primary school teacher and then Headteacher of a Church in Wales School. I now work as a volunteer in several areas of the community and am involved with local churches. With my husband I also travel extensively within the UK and overseas, which we thoroughly enjoy. I continue to have a particular passion and interest in the education of children and look forward to serving on the Governing Body.
Mrs. M. Fforde
Community Governor (ALN Governor)
I became a parent governor when my daughter, Tabby started at the school back in 2012 and have
been involved in a variety of governor capacities ever since. I work at Hay Castle as the Learning and Activities Manager where I love to engage children and adults with the heritage and stories of the site and the locality. I am also a passionate Welsh language learner and enjoy hearing the pupils using their Welsh at school.
Mrs. R. Drysdale
Parent Governor (Safeguarding Governor)
I joined as a parent governor in 2022. I work as PA to the Head at Christ College in Brecon and run a smallholding with Hereford cattle and Romney sheep. I have a background in Social Services and Arts Administration, and in my spare time accompany the Brecon Male Choir, sing as a Lay Clerk at Brecon Cathedral and enjoy spending time with my 2 boys who attend Clyro School.
Miss. F. Field-Williams
Parent Governor
I’m Felicity Field-Williams, the newly elected parent governor of Clyro School. I currently have 3 children in at school, from Reception to Year 5. I am also a community midwife for Powys Teaching Health Board and therefore work alongside local families on a daily basis as part of my role.
Miss S. Griffiths
Teacher Governor
I’m Sinead Griffiths, the Deputy Headteacher (Currently Acting Headteacher) at Clyro School. I currently teach Years 3 and 4 but have spent most of my time teaching Reception, Year 1 and Year 2 since being at Clyro School. I am also a Mum to an 8 year old daughter and know how important it is for children to attend a happy and supportive school setting that provides them with many experiences and learning opportunities. I enjoy fitness, and baking or doing all things creative with my daughter in my spare time.
Mrs. S. Groves
Headteacher (Ex Officio)
Current vacancies
1 x Non-Teaching Staff Governor
1 x Foundation Governor (application in progress)
1 x LA Governor (application in progress)