Governors

On behalf of the Governors of the school I welcome you to our website. We are a small welcoming school, where children come from a wide area to receive a high quality education.

We pride ourselves in providing the best education possible for each child and our children go on to a wide range of secondary schools and academies including John Taylor, John Taylor Free School, Robert Sutton, Paulet, Ashby Ivanhoe, Mercia Academy (previously known as William Allitt) and The Pingle Academy.

The school ethos of PEACE is evident in everything that we do from the Perseverance we see from the children to the Excellence they strive to reach.

Our role is strategic and as a governing board we provide supportive challenge for the school leaders to ensure that statutory and financial requirements are adhered to. As a Church of England school we have a Foundation Governor and an Ex-Officio sitting on the board. Their role is to provide strategic challenge and monitor the implementation and effectiveness of the RE curriculum as well as ensuring we are distinctly Christian.

We hope that you find everything you need on this website – if you are looking for a school for your children and would like to visit us in person please do not hesitate to call the school office to make an appointment – you will be very welcome.

Stephanie Marbrow (Chair of Governors)

Governor Attendance at Meetings 2024 - 2025 Register of Interests 2024 Governor Attendance at Meetings 2023 -2024 Annual Governance Statement September 2024

S MARBROW – Chair (Local Authority Governor)

Link Governor for Safeguarding / LAC / CIN/ GDPR/ Health & Safety 

Chair of Finance and Chair of the Governing Board.

Term of Office: 16.07.2020 – 15.07.2024 Business, Pecuniary & Social Interests: No interests declared

“I have been a school governor for over 10 years and am currently the Chair of Governors at Coton school. I am the link governor for Safeguarding Children, Children in Need, Health and Safety and Looked after Children.

I am retired from my career in acute health but take an active part in the work of Derby and Derbyshire Safeguarding Children’s Partnership and some of their sub committees. I am a Director of Derbyshire Association of Local Councils and Chair of Rosliston Parish Council.”

REVEREND D ARNOLD – EX-OFFICIO

Link Governor for RE and Collective Worship Term of Office: 19.07.2022 – 31.08.2025 Business, Pecuniary & Social Interests: Parish Rector

M PANTON – Staff Governor 

Teaches Reception Term of Office: 01.09.2023 – 30.11.2026 Business, Pecuniary & Social Interests: No interests declared

H. Smart – Co-Opted Governor 

Term of Office: 19.7.2022 – 31.08.2025 Business, Pecuniary & Social Interests: Married to the clerk to governors

Helen sits on the finance committee.

K. Burton – Headteacher 

Business, Pecuniary & Social Interests: Co-opted Governor for Bird’s Bush Primary School, part of Perryhall MAT

It gives me great pleasure to be working alongside such a strategic and proactive Governing Board. They have a wealth of knowledge and expertise, and with their support and challenge, they can help to further develop Coton. I have been on Governing Boards throughout my 28-year teaching career and know the positive impact they can make when working together in making a difference to the children. I look forward to exciting times ahead!

Matt Stretton - PARENT GOVERNOR

Term of Office: 15.11.23 – 15.11. 27

Business, Pecuniary & Social Interests: Matt’s children attend Coton

Clare Hodson-Walker - CO-OPTED GOVERMOR

Term of Office: 15.11.23 – 15.11. 27

Business, Pecuniary & Social Interests: Governance Manager at DeFerrer’s Trust

Clare has a vast amount of experience in education in both leadership and in a school improvement role. Clare currently manages governance across a large Trust and has a wealth of experience of leading CPD to local governing boards.

“I am a Co-opted Governor and joined the Local Governing Body of Coton-in-the-Elms C of E Primary School in November 2023. I live in Staffordshire and have dedicated my career to education, beginning as a primary school teacher before progressing to headteacher and later working as a school improvement adviser. I currently serve as a Governance Manager within a multi-academy trust, giving me extensive experience in both education and school governance. I am passionate about supporting schools to provide the very best opportunities for young people and am proud to work alongside Coton’s dedicated staff and governors. What makes this school truly special is its strong sense of community and family, which I am committed to nurturing and upholding. I have a particular interest in Pupil Premium, SEND and inclusion.”

Andrew Smart - Clerk to Governors

Business, Pecuniary & Social Interests: spouse of co-opted governor, Helen Smart

Andrew’s role is to arrange the governor meetings, by circulating the agenda, minutes and papers for discussion. Andrew will take the minutes of the governor meetings and ensure governor compliance.

Richard Giddings - Parent Governor

“I work as a Learning and Development manager for a technology company, with a strong focus on helping young people grow and succeed. I live in the village and feel deeply connected to the school and its community. I’m passionate about learning and believe in creating opportunities that inspire curiosity, confidence, and lifelong development for everyone. As a governor, I’m committed to supporting the school in delivering the best possible outcomes for every child.”