Governors
WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS
Welcome children, parents, carers and friends, to Bury CE Primary School.
As a governing body we are very proud of our children and the school community. In our role we support Mr Moore, the senior leadership team and all of our staff, not only in creating a welcoming school but in developing our children into young adults who enrich our society. At Bury school we live by our core set of Christian values: wisdom, humility, perseverance, compassion and courage. These values are integral to the school and drive our every action. The governing body would like to thank parents and carers for encouraging and supporting their children and for taking an interest in their learning and development throughout their journey at Bury.
I am pleased to call myself Chair of Governors of Bury CE Primary School and to be part of such an amazing school community. I have been part of the Bury team for three years, first as a parent and then as a parent Governor and CoChair of Friends of Bury School (FOBS), so I feel I am in an excellent position to chair the governing body as I have a solid understanding of the school, the staff and the wider community. Each time I visit the school, the confidence and positive attitude of our children makes me very grateful to be here. I also feel privileged to lead a team of governors who work so hard to guide the school’s strategic direction.
I look forward to sharing your journey at Bury with you. Please don't hesitate to contact me should the need arise.
Lisa Tupper
Chair of Governors
Bury C of E Primary is a Voluntary Aided (VA) school and as such the Governing Body is responsible for all capital works including all building costs and improvements, IT resources and infrastructure. This is managed through the School Development Fund (SDF) which is controlled by the Governors. The SDF, which was previously known as the Governors’ Fund, is a vital element in ensuring that Bury School is a safe, well-equipped and pleasant environment for the children and staff.
The funding for such work, as a Church of England school, comes from the Diocese of Chichester. They provide an annual grant of 90% towards work which is the Governing Body’s liability, but we, the Governing Body, are responsible for raising the remaining 10% of the cost of any capital work. Therefore, if capital works cost £10,000 the Governing Body can claim a grant of £9,000 but will have to fund the remaining £1,000.
If our 10% share cannot be raised the projects are not approved, which in turn would lead to our school falling into dis-repair.
Many years ago, the monies required to support church schools came via the parish. However, the Diocese recognised that contributions through the parishes dropped along with service attendance, so consequently they introduced a scheme to include all parents who choose to send their children to a Church of England school. Voluntary Contribution schemes operate across most VA schools in Sussex.
To support the school in fulfilling its current and future commitments, the Governors ask that every family consider making a regular contribution to the School Development Fund. The value of your contribution is for you to decide and is entirely voluntary. We know that not all families can afford to contribute but we assure you that all children are treated equally irrespective of any contributions their parents/carers have or have not made.
A gift to the school can make such a difference and if you are a UK tax payer you can donate in conjunction with the Gift Aid scheme, increasing your contributions considerably. A monthly contribution of £10 with Gift Aid means the School Fund receives £12.50 which over a year would amount to £150.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
I thought State schools were paid for through our taxes. Why are we having to contribute?
The day-to-day operational running costs of voluntary aided (VA) schools, like those of other state-maintained schools, are fully paid by central government via the local authority.
However, VA Schools differ from other maintained schools in that only 90% of the capital costs are met by the Local authority and Diocese, with the school's governors contributing the remaining 10% obtained through such activities as voluntary contributions, grants and donations.
Why not charge a set fee for each child?
VA schools are not allowed to charge fees to students, although parents/carers are usually asked to pay a voluntary contribution towards the schools' maintenance funds. We rely entirely on the generosity of the school community for the majority of this 10% share.
Why do I need to complete a Gift aid form?
This is optional however, if you are a UK tax payer, any charitable organisation which you donate to can reclaim 25% from HMRC. This increases the total value of the donation at no further cost to you. For example, if you donate £10 per month the charity can claim a further £2.50. Over the course of a year this is an additional £30 just by completing the Gift Aid declaration form for UK Tax Payers.
What is the Fund for?
The current priorities for the Fund are to help pay for:
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Replacement of windows,
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Re-surfacing the carpark.
What the School Development Fund does not pay for:
Operational cost such as Staffing and general premises costs, supplies and services, curriculum supplies and learning resources, subsidised school trips. These are funded by the Local Education Authority. Many extras such as music lessons, musical instruments and Beekeeping equipment are paid for via the FOBS fundraising.
I attend and donate at events arranged by FOBS. Is this the same fund?
Although Friends of Bury School (FOBS) fundraising can contribute to the SDF through occasional donations, the funds raised via the FOBS events are mainly used to support the enhancement of the Children’s educational experience. These funds have previously covered the costs of such things as music lessons and instruments, the equipment for the Bee Keeping, hosting or assisting events such as the Wassail and Love Bury.
Will my voluntary contribution be anonymous?
All contributions and donations are treated confidentially – only the Fund Administrator is aware of donor details.
How often should I contribute?
This is a voluntary scheme so this is entirely up to you and your situation. Some schools suggest 3 termly payments but if it is easier for you to pay monthly or annually it does not matter and really is down to your own personal circumstances.
How much should I contribute?
This is entirely up to you as it is a voluntary contribution. Other schools have suggested amounts such as £60 per year or £5 per month but we will be very grateful for any and all donations. We are reliant on your generosity and understand that everybody’s circumstances are different.
How do I contribute?
There are a number of ways that you can contribute to the School Development Fund;
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by Standing order (account number: 01681258, sort code: 30-95-09, account name: Bury C of E (Governors) Fund),
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online payment, (as above)
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by cheque made payable to “Bury C of E School (Governors) Fund”
Lisa Tupper (Parent)
Chair of Governors & parent to Arthur in year 5 & Maggie in year 3. By day I’m a farmers wife and run Bignor Roman Villa. I have a love for sunflowers & pumpkins and like nothing more than walking the dog on the Downs. I’ve been part of the governing body for 4 years now. When I’m not doing governor duties I’m a keen member of FOBS and enjoy spending time helping in the Bury Rangers sessions with Kestrels & Little Owls.
Emily Ind (Parent)
Vice Chair of Governors and have been a part of the governing body for 4 years. I live in Bury village and am mum to Oscar, who previously attended Bury school and is now at secondary school in Year 7 and Tilly who is in Year 3. I am a senior planning officer in Brighton and Hove. When not at work I enjoy volunteering in school for Bury Rangers sessions and enjoy exploring new places as a family.
Stephanie Fane (Foundation)
I went to school in Lima, Peru from 7-13, when my father worked there, so I speak Spanish. At London University I read Biochemistry and Physiology, but decided against research so did a PGCE teacher training. I have been married for 49 years. I taught in Horsham, then had 9 years off while I produced our 3 children. I was a teacher and then headteacher at St James, Coldwaltham from 1990 to 2000. I was then a School Leadership Consultant in West Sussex and Surrey, and briefly an Ofsted inspector, before I retired in 2017. I have been a Governor at Bury since 2015 and Chair of Governors from September 2016 to September 2021. I am also a passionate gardener, and love theatre, opera and ballet. Most importantly I am a devoted granny!
Christine Parker (Foundation)
I'm responsible for Special Needs. I'm a retired Infant teacher and specialised in teaching dyslexic children in my last job. I love gardening and am interested in all the arts including music.
Peter Cowley (Foundation)
Governor since 2018
Early years lived in Nigeria and moved to Arundel for the past 68 years.
Previously an apprentice trained Precision engineer working on Computer Numerical Machines throughout the UK. Moved to The Bodyshop in 1990 and ran the engineering and infrastructure for Bodyshop site and looked after all energy and energy efficiency requirements for them.
Activities now include, Church volunteer for restoration, repairs & Community events at St Nicholas CofE at Arundel & Premises Officer for St Philips Catholic Church Arundel.
Some of my Interests: Underwater Photography & Scuba Diving (not recently with the advent of parenthood!) Rugby (now just to watch).
Steve Bailey (Local Authority)
My son, Luke, was a pupil at Bury C of E from Year R through to Year 7. He's now at secondary school in Y9. I was UK Operations Director for Lockheed Martin. I retired 5 years ago. Now I spend my time on the school runs and keeping fit. I also volunteer at Bury C of E to help out with Bury Rangers every Friday afternoon. I have been a Governor for 1.5 years.
John Rudd (Foundation)
I have been married 52 years with two children and four grandchildren.
I worked in the City at Lloyd's for 33 years, living four years in Brazil and travelling worldwide throughout my City career.
When I left the City I set up my own company running a successful operation teaching English as a foreign language for 15 years.
In the last 17 years I have also been a Governor of a Language School Group, stepping down this year.
I am a Foundation Governor of Bury School liaising with St John's church in Bury where I am a member of the congregation.
Judith Daykin (Foundation)
As a relatively new Governor I am learning quickly all about the role. My working role as a pharmaceutical trainer means I am passionate about learning and I am also extremely involved in local village affairs. It is my wish to support school and village as best I am able. Otherwise I love time with family, walking my dogs and living in a lovely place.
Rachel Seymour (Teacher & SENDCo.)
Why Bury CE Primary?
Seven Years ago, I came to cover the Year 1/Year 2 class for a day to see if I was a suitable ‘fit’ to cover a class for 10 weeks and I haven’t left! I have taught Key Stage 1 (Kestrel class) however this year, I have been given the opportunity to support 3 other Rother Valley schools with their SEN provision.
I have two children aged 21 and 17 who are both spreading their wings into the world of music. In my spare time I enjoy walking my border collie along the beach, watching the sunset, and going to live theatre or music events.
Thomas Moore (Headteacher & Ex officio)
I was appointed headteacher of Bury CE Primary in January 2017. Prior to that I worked in a large primary school in Crawley and before that a large junior school on the outskirts of Derby. I enjoy reading the latest educational research and looking for how it might be applicable to our children in further improving the quality of education on offer here. I have a particular passion for wildlife and am privileged that I get to share this with the children on an almost daily basis, regularly working with the children to identify flora and fauna in our local environment. In my spare time, when not thinking or reading about education, you can often find me somewhere in the South Downs photographing the huge variety of species and amazing landscapes that we have on our doorstep.
Sally Pattie (Clerk to Governors)
I was born in Kent, we emigrated to Australia. I came back 40 years ago to continue pursuing a corporate career. After feeling somewhat burned out, I decided to try the entrepreneurial route, mixed in with some more financial sector work. It varied from a food product to my own interior design business to inventing the Doddle – a collar for dogs which contains the lead. I currently seem to do a lot of different things, but the most challenging has been learning the ropes of being a Clerk to the Board of Governors! I really enjoy the challenge and working with the Board – they are a great team.