Our Local Governing Body

St Michael's Church of England First School is part of West Somerset Academies Trust.  

In September 2020 our Local Governing Body joined forces with Old Cleeve C of E First School LGB. 

 ST MICHAEL’S CHURCH OF ENGLAND FIRST SCHOOL

LOCAL GOVERNING BODY

Headteacher: Miss Janine Donovan

Chair of Governors:  Rev Simon Robinson 

Clerk: Mrs Helen Hatfield 

The Governors' term of office is for 4 years.                  

Tel:    (01643) 702759                             

E-Mail: office@st-michaels.somerset.sch.uk

____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Meet the Governors

Janine Donovan - Headteacher

Janine joined West Somerset Academies Trust in January 2018 as the Headteacher of St Michael’s C of E First School and Director of Early Years. Prior to this Janine was Headteacher of a rural primary school. During her headship at the school she moved the school from requires improvement to good with outstanding in the Early Years.

In her role as Director of Early Years, Janine works with the Head Teachers and Early Years Teachers across West Somerset Academy Trust to create an outstanding curriculum that inspires children and meets their learning needs, to ensure they achieve their potential.

Simon Robinson (Chair of Governors)

Simon is both a teacher and a priest. He spent twenty three years teaching in Bristol and London and was a Headteacher for nearly fourteen years. Simon was ordained in 2012 whilst still a Headteacher. He loves living and working in Minehead and has been involved with our school since he arrived. Simon is currently the Chair of the Local Governing Body and is happy to hear from parents and carers at any time.

Paul Rushforth

Paul is the Chief Executive Officer of the Trust. He has been a Headteacher of four schools over the last 21 years and is currently a National Leader of Education as his leadership was judged outstanding by Ofsted. Paul has worked as an additional inspector and lead inspector for 11 years and been based in West Somerset for the past 15 years. He works with a number of partner Trusts to review primary and secondary provision across the South West

Sonia Watters

Sonia moved to West Somerset in 2001 and became a Governor at St Michael’s in 2002 when three of her children were attending the school. St Michaels is a school very dear to her heart and she has been employed here since 2002, both as a Teaching Assistant and Teacher, before becoming the Special

Educational Needs and Disability Co-ordinator four years ago. She is wholeheartedly committed to the role as a Governor and ensuring they do the very best they can for the children.

On a personal note she owns a small holding on the Brendon Hills with her husband where they have sheep and horses. One of her greatest pleasures is walking her two dogs through the wonderful Somerset countryside.

Ingo Gasperini

Ingo was born in 1971 in Germany. After A levels he studied Landscape Gardening and Environmental Management, during which he worked for 6 months at a desert research station in Namibia. Following his studies he worked at a national park near Dresden leading outdoor programmes for children. Returning home he worked as a landscape gardener and set up a business with a friend leading outdoor activities. In 2002 he moved to Alcombe and married Ruth, who he met in Namibia. They have two children, one at St. Michaels, one at the Middle School. Ingo is a landscape gardener. He attends St Michael’s Church Alcombe where he runs Young Church and a monthly Contemplative Worship service. Ingo has been a Governor at St. Michaels school since the beginning of this year.

Jane Bellamy

Jane was appointed as a foundation governor in January 2019. Jane was the headteacher of a C of E primary school near Milton Keynes for 15 years & also acted as Head of the Virtual School for children in the care of the local authority.

She moved to this area following her retirement & is delighted to be able to be part of St Michael’s School. Jane is keen to ensure that the Christian ethos of the school is upheld.

Old Cleeve/St Michael's LGB Attendance at Governors Meetings 2020-21