Our Governing Body
Mrs Patricia Carrington – LA Governor – Co-Chair
Dr Wynitia Oakhill – Parent Governor – Co-Chair
Ms Ann McDonald – Co-opted Governor – Vice 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
Mr Chris Ford – 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.
Ann McDonald – Vice Chair of Governors
Governor Type Co-opted Governor.
Term commenced 08.03.2022
A bit about me
I retired to Slimbridge in 2020 having spent forty plus years in education, both in the UK and overseas. My roots lie in Gloucestershire, I grew up in Standish, was a class teacher in the Forest of Dean and Deputy Headteacher at Fairford Primary School, followed by Headships in Wiltshire and Hampshire. Earlier in my career, having spent six years teaching with SCEA, (Service Children’s Education Authority) Hong Kong, it was little surprise when the Far- East beckoned again. I was appointed Principal and CEO of Kellett School, The British International School in Hong Kong in 1996, where I remained until retirement.
Why I am a Governor
Upon reflection, it was perhaps inevitable, having spent my career in schools neither the passion for, nor my interest in education diminishes. Slimbridge Primary School was the foundation of my nieces’ education, one now working in Silicon Valley, the other a mother and banker. Together, we often reflect warmly upon their ‘Slimbridge days.’ I am delighted to contribute to a Governing Body who are committed to the success of their village school, support the ambition of our recently appointed Headteacher and that of her team and for all the pupils in their care.
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.
Chris Ford
Governor Type: Staff Governor
Lisa Hillman
Governor type: Headteacher (Ex Officio Governor).
Term commenced 01.09.2023