Our Governing Body
Mrs Patricia Carrington – LA Governor – Co-Chair
Dr Wynitia Oakhill – Parent Governor – Co-Chair
Mrs Lisa Hillman – Headteacher
Mrs Liz Koole – Co-opted Governor
Mrs Sue Belej – Co-opted Governor
Mrs Lauren Coffin – Parent Governor
Mrs Vic Coope – Parent Governor
Mr Paul Smith-Goodman – Parent Governor
Mr Derek Knight – Associate Member
Miss Hannah Beale – Staff Governor
Roger Slater, Clerk to the Governing Body available via clerk@slimbridge.gloucs.sch.uk
You can contact the chair directly via chair@slimbridge.gloucs.sch.uk
Governors’ Profiles
Patricia Carrington
Co-Chair of Governors
Governor type: LA.
Term commenced 01.12. 2010
A bit about me
I’ve been resident in the village for 32 years and was actively involved in Slimbridge school life when my son attended there. I am now retired but my background was in Management and latterly as a Director of a Health & Safety Consultancy. I am involved in the village church and the District Scout movement.
Why I’m a Governor:
I believe we have a responsibility to ensure all young people have access to the best possible start in life through good education and social activities where each child is encouraged to fulfil their potential. I want to see the school continue to develop within its ethos of a caring community where every child matters and is valued for their individuality. I have specific responsibility for Safeguarding and Health & Safety.
Wynitia Oakhill
Co-Chair of Governors
Governor Type: Parent Governor.
Term commenced 06.09.2022
A bit about me:
I have two children currently attending Slimbridge School. I have recently stopped working as a palliative care physician to become a full time mum which I am thoroughly enjoying and it has allowed me to feel more connected to their schooling. I enjoy cooking and hosting, bike rides with the children and amateur dramatics – currently with the Slimbridge Showgroup.
Liz Koole
Governor Type: Co-Opted
A bit about me:
I have lived in the village for 32 years and our 3 children all attended Slimbridge school. I started my career in Dursley as a Families and Children social worker, working especially with children who had disabilities. I then worked at Gloucester Royal Hospital supporting families who had a child with cancer or leukaemia. Following that I spent many years with Winston’s Wish, helping children navigate bereavement after the death of someone close to them. I now occasionally train professionals and love spending time with our 4 young grandchildren. When not playing in the sandpit, doing jigsaws or enjoying imaginary play with them, I like to work in our garden, read and walk in the countryside.
Why I am a governor:
I believe every child should be safe and happy at school, where their curiosity can be nurtured and they can develop a love for learning. I want to help the school achieve this for every pupil. Our own children have happy memories of Slimbridge school and I would like that every child can leave the school having a good foundation for later years.
It is important for children to have a sense of belonging, not only to the school but also to the wider community. Slimbridge school is very much part of the community and I would like to support this.
Lauren Coffin
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Term Commenced: 27.10.23
A bit about me:
I am a mum of 3 children; my eldest son is currently in Year 2 of Slimbridge School, my daughter attends Little Otters, and my youngest is looking forward to joining the School community next year. In 2013 I began my career as a Primary School teacher, a role I was extremely passionate about but decided to take a break from following the birth of our second child. In my free time I enjoy running, pilates, painting and walking our 3 dogs.
Why I want to be a governor:
As mentioned, I am truly passionate about education and I feel very strongly about primary schools providing a safe space for all children to achieve their full potential and develop secure emotional well-being. I have been very impressed with the ethos that runs through Slimbridge School and the compassion of its staff. I am excited by the prospect of contributing to the success of the school and being a small part of its journey moving forward.
Vic Coope
Governor Type: Parent Governor.
Term commenced 23.11.2023
A bit about me
Having had two very different careers, one in trade fairs and one in teaching, I am now loving being a full-time mum. My son is in Year 2 at Slimbridge Primary School and we love being part of the school and wider community. My hobbies and interests include speaking foreign languages (Italian, some French and a smattering of Spanish and German), making things, yoga, reading, theatre, live music and long walks with the family dog.
Why I am a governor
Having lived in the parish for over 15 years, I was delighted when the opportunity arose to be a governor. I feel passionately that all children should have the very best education and I believe that Slimbridge Primary School provides a safe and nurturing environment in which children can learn, have fun, make friends and most importantly – make mistakes – as that’s where the growth really takes place.
Sue Belej
Governor Type: Co-opted
Term commenced
A bit about me
I have been working for WWT as part of the learning team since June 2000. I love connecting with nature and helping our visitors to do the same is really rewarding.
My spare time is spent volunteering for the Cinnamon Trust, walking a gorgeous dog twice a week, as well as spending time with my own dog and rabbit.
Why I am a Governor
I have always enjoyed my relationship with everyone at Slimbridge Primary and returned to the Governing board because of this.
The education world has evolved a lot since I was at school and I look forward to helping everyone become the best they can be in an environment where they feel happy,
nurtured and challenged.
Paul Smith-Goodman
Governor Type: Parent Governor.
New parent governor … bio to follow …
Derek Knight
Governor Type: Associate Member
Term commenced 20.10.2020
A bit about me:
I am a chartered engineer working in a regulated industry; this involves me in a governance role both from a competence and from a process perspective. I engage with many different nationalities and have years of management experience from leading teams both small and large, to delivering complex projects. I have been involved on large bids with the government which has given me a good understanding of engaging in government policies and funding streams.
Why I am a Governor:
I volunteered to become a parent governor as my family are at the beginning of a decade long affiliation with Slimbridge School and I am extremely drawn to being involved in this journey. I believe learning is a life-long endeavour and that people realise their potential through a school’s nurturing and educational influence.
Why I want to be a governor:
I have been so impressed with Slimbridge School and its nurturing environment and, therefore, wanted to play a role in ensuring its continued success. I am very passionate about community and togetherness, which is in abundance at the school.
Hannah Beale
Governor Type: Staff Governor
Lisa Hillman
Governor type: Headteacher (Ex Officio Governor).
Term commenced 01.09.2023