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Trustees & Governance
- Establishing and reviewing the school’s vision, values and strategic priorities.
- Ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of pupils.
- Approving key policies and ensuring statutory responsibilities are met.
- Supporting the school’s improvement journey through effective governance.
- Promoting a culture of high expectations, inclusion and continuous improvement.
The Role of the Board of Trustees
The Board of Trustees plays a vital role in the strategic leadership and governance of Ribbon Academy. Trustees work closely with school leaders to ensure that every child receives the highest quality education, experiences a broad and ambitious curriculum, and is supported to achieve their full potential.
Trustees are responsible for setting the long-term vision and strategic direction of the school, holding leaders to account for educational performance, and ensuring that public money is spent wisely and effectively. While trustees do not manage the day-to-day running of the school, they provide support, challenge and oversight to help drive continual improvement.
Strategic Leadership
Trustees help shape the future direction of the school by:
- Appointing and supporting the Headteacher.
- Monitoring educational standards, pupil achievement and progress.
- Reviewing the impact of the school’s improvement priorities.
- Overseeing safeguarding arrangements and ensuring the welfare of pupils remains a priority.
- Engaging with parents, pupils, staff and the wider community to understand the school’s strengths and areas for development.
- Evaluating the effectiveness of leadership and governance.
Accountability and School Improvement
Trustees ensure that school leaders are accountable for delivering the best possible outcomes for pupils by:
- Approving and monitoring the annual budget.
- Ensuring resources are targeted effectively to improve outcomes for pupils.
- Monitoring financial performance and compliance.
- Overseeing risk management and ensuring appropriate controls are in place.
- Ensuring that public funds are used responsibly, transparently and efficiently.
Financial Oversight and Risk Management
Trustees are responsible for ensuring the school remains financially secure and achieves value for money by:
Our Commitment
The Board of Trustees is committed to ensuring that Ribbon Academy remains a safe, inclusive and ambitious learning community where every child can flourish. Through strategic leadership, effective challenge and strong support for school leaders, trustees help ensure that the school’s vision becomes a reality for all pupils.
The Chair of Trustees can be contacted at admin@ribbonacademy.co.uk
Meet our Trustees
Mrs E Chandler
Mr P Garrod
Mr I Stevenson
Mr M Morton
Mrs A Sheridan
Mrs H Williams
Mr S Ball
Mrs V Scott
Miss C Corner
Miss P Huntingdon
Chair of Trustees
Mrs E Chandler
I’m Elaine Chandler and have worked in Education for over 30 years. Until recently I managed a service for Durham Council, supporting parents and carers of children with special educational needs and disabilities (SEND).
In late 2019 I retired from working full-time, but continue to work occasionally as an Associate for the Council for Disabled Children, supporting services nationally, to improve their practice. I also deliver regional training on SEND related issues. I live in Murton, have two sons and a daughter and two beloved grandchildren. Ava is in Y4 at Ribbon Academy. Both children love the school and so do I. I feel honoured to have become a Trustee and will do my best to support the school, staff, children and parents wherever possible.
Vice Chair of Trustees
Mr P Garrod
My reason for putting myself forward for Parent Trustee is that I want to be a part of something that ensures children have the best opportunities.
It has been a tough year for everyone, and our children have all missed out on so much, but one place that can always provide opportunities, is a school community. My work has always been focussed around community development in some way with a large part of it focussed on supporting young people making the most of their opportunities and realising their potential.
I enjoy working collaboratively with others and have experience working with and facilitating a number of boards and partnerships. I feel I have something to offer both on a personal and professional level.
Trustee (Chair of Business Committee)
Mr I Stevenson
I am currently chair of the finance committee and sit on several other committees and working groups.
I have over 16 years’ experience working in Education in Local Government. I became a Trustee because I am passionate about high quality education and I wanted to do something to support my local school. I have vast experience and as set of skills from my work in Education which I hope would be of use the school in supporting the Senior Leadership Team and shaping the strategic direction of the school in its efforts to provide a world class education for all the children and young people in Murton with every child achieving their full potential.
I am particularly interested in working with parents and other stakeholders to ensure the school has a positive and a prominent profile in the local community, that we have a culture of openness, a philosophy of constant improvement and that the talents and efforts of our children and staff are nurtured, valued and celebrated. I have a son currently enjoying his education in the school.
Trustee
Mr M Morton
My name is Mike Morton and I began my role as a Community Trustee in 2014. I previously worked at Murton County School while studying Pharmacology at University so I had an understanding of school life.
As a pharmacist in the hub of the local community, I thought it would be an ideal opportunity to become involved with the school. As many of the parent’s use our pharmacy and are familiar with my friendly face and professionalism this makes it easy for them to approach me with any issues they would like me to raise within school.
I have undertaken several Trustee training sessions to enhance my position and I was Chair of the Board for a period of time. I am committed to still having an active role as Trustee within the school.
Headteacher
Mrs A Sheridan
My name is Ashleigh Sheridan and I am incredibly proud to be both Head teacher and a Trustee at Ribbon Academy.
My teaching career began in 1995 (in the last century)! Early experience of leadership and management fuelled my ambition to aspire for roles beyond the classroom. When Ribbon opened in 2006, I became a Key Stage Leader and after a couple of years in this role, I became Deputy Head teacher. The expansive role of Deputy head teacher afforded me a wide range experience and an excellent grounding for my current role of Head teacher, which I began in January 2017.
My dual roles of Head teacher and Trustee afford me the unique and privileged opportunity to influence the strategic direction of Ribbon Academy, which was commended by Ofsted in our 2017 inspection. Ribbon is a very special place full of amazing children and staff, and this is my motivation. We are a caring and inclusive school where all stakeholders want children to succeed not only in their education but, socially and emotionally so that they can cope with life beyond the school gates.
When I not at Ribbon, I enjoy spending time with my family. My husband and two young sons, Archie and Noah, keep me very busy with their love of sport – life is very busy in the Sheridan household! Ribbon has a very bright future and I look forward to what we can achieve together.
Trustee
Mrs H Williams
Hello everyone my name is Hayley Williams and I am one of the parent trustees here at Ribbon Academy.
The reason I wanted to be a parent trustee is that I have a passion for education, I understand how each adult who has the pleasure of working with children, needs to be part of a wider community team, this of course includes us as parents. We share the responsibility together without child’s/children’s school, to help shape a positive future for every child in our care.
I feel I can support the school in its commitment to instilling their values of communication, empathy, excellence, positivity, resilience, self-awareness, and teamwork. These values will support each child in developing into an effective adult who is able to make a positive contribution to society.
As a parent trustee, I will share many similar concerns as other parents and carers with regards to education and the well-being of our children. I will bring these concerns with me in this role and aim to support Ribbon Academy to overcome any challenges they may face at present and over the next 4 years.
Finally, and most importantly, as a parent trustee representative, I will aim to represent you, the parent, the main care giver, the child’s/children main support system, to be a voice, as a member of the Murton community, and most importantly as a parent.
Trustee
Mr S Ball
Hi, I’m Steve, Trustee for Ribbon Academy. I joined the Board of Trustees to help ensure that all children and staff have an amazing experience whilst at Ribbon Academy. I have been involved in education for many years, inspiring learners to be creative, and I hope to add my own experiences to support innovative Ribbon initiatives.
The absolutely best part of being a Trustee is walking through the school, experiencing the school in real-time. The classrooms and corridors completely overwhelm me with such amazing illustrations of knowledge, creativity, and imagination!
I am a huge fan of the Ribbon RESPECT virtues – Resilience, Empathy, Self-awareness, Positivity, Excellence, Communication, and Teamwork – virtues which I believe are essential for every child’s learning at Ribbon Academy, and also key for continued studies beyond Ribbon Academy.
Trustee (Chair of the Curriculum & Standards Committee)
Mrs V Scott
I’m Victoria Scott and my interest in becoming a Parent Trustee is inspired by my love to support my daughter’s already very successful school. I have worked in education for almost 10 years and have gained a wealth of experience, skills set and a strong understanding of the rapidly developing education priorities. I aim to use these to champion Ribbon’s core values, ethos and support their commitment to continuous school improvement.
I am particularly interested in Ribbon’s work on enabling the best possible outcomes for our children evident in the ‘RESPECT’ character traits, ensuring pupil’s social and emotional needs are met which then allows academic success to follow. Through the wider-school community, I have had the opportunity to see how you successfully embody the school’s ‘Growing Together’ vision which makes everyone, who works alongside our children, aware of the important role they play in developing the ‘whole child’ and this rightfully so, includes us as parents / caregivers. I feel that my shared passion for children’s wellbeing, high-quality education and ultimately preparing our children for life outside of school as well as in it, would support any strategic direction with the best interests of our children in mind.
Although I have no specific experience of school governance, I enjoy working collaboratively and I am dedicated to work alongside other parents and stakeholders to support the school’s ambition that all children access an inclusive, dynamic and enriched education whilst at Ribbon Academy.
Trustee
Miss C Corner
As a solo mum with very high expectations, passion for education/learning and fierce love for my little people I knew exactly what I wanted for my children for their education journey and was delighted when my son joined Ribbon academy 3 years ago.
I am a regular visitor within school supporting reading and offer my time to accompany school trips. I really do love joining in school life as a volunteer, being part of such a wonderful learning environment and seeing the wide ranging experiences on offer to the children and families. What Ribbon offers the families of Murton is truly inspirational and something so uniquely special, you gift children with a love of learning, a platform to sore, believe in themselves, in their ideas, abilities and dreams, a truly inspiring foundation to grow and learn.
My observations of school life have filled me with a desire to join in with supporting the already exemplary provision and teaching offered at Ribbon as a parent trustee. I applied to join the trustee role as feel that my early years background, time teaching in FE and HE and previous work in children’s palliative care have given me a wide range of skills and great understanding of the needs and challenges of children, families, and education. My current work in children’s mental health allows me to work extensively across differing school environments and advocate for children’s wellbeing within school this is something which I believe Ribbon do exceptionally well and as a trustee I want to make a positive contribution supporting Ribbon to continue nurturing children’s education and wellbeing in an outstanding way. I am looking forward to the trustee role and gaining more insight into the achievements and challenges of school life and supporting reflection and growth within the academy.
Trustee
Miss P Huntingdon
My name is Paige Huntingdon. I am a member of the local community and the school community as a parent of two children who attend the school. As a dedicated primary school teacher, I understand the importance of ensuring high-quality intent and implementation in the education offered to children, ensuring that they receive the best possible learning experiences and the greatest impact and outcomes are achieved. I am particularly passionate about reading and its ability to open doors and level the playing field, giving every child access to the curriculum, regardless of their background or ability, allowing them to thrive and succeed.
I was eager to take on the role of trustee as making a difference to the young people in school is a truly rewarding experience. Additionally, it presents a valuable opportunity to share and gain a range of skills and experiences.
I look forward to working with fellow trustees and the school community to make a positive impact on the future of Ribbon Academy.
Key Documents
‘Personal development is “Outstanding”, offering a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school.’
‘Early years provision is rated “Outstanding”, with staff providing a magical learning journey that encourages curiosity and independence.’
‘Parents are highly supportive of the school, agreeing that their children are happy and well-supported.’
‘Inclusivity and Nurturing Environment: The school is described as inclusive and nurturing, with high expectations for pupils’ behaviour and achievements. Celebratory displays showcase pupils’ accomplishments, creating a positive and inspiring learning environment.’
‘Quality of Education: The quality of education provided is considered “Good”. The curriculum is broad, inspiring, and well-thought-out, enabling pupils to build on their knowledge progressively.’
‘Pupils thrive in an inclusive, nurturing environment where their accomplishments are celebrated.’
‘The school has a strong safeguarding culture, with effective systems in place to ensure the welfare and safety of all pupils.’
‘The quality of education at the school is “Good”, with a broad and inspiring curriculum that builds knowledge progressively.’
‘The school provides rich extracurricular opportunities, such as “Ribbon Radio” and the “Poets’ Podium”, which help develop pupils’ confidence.’
‘Pupils feel safe and have positive attitudes towards learning, understanding and demonstrating the school’s values.’
‘Reading and Literacy: Reading is prioritised, with an effective phonics program starting in the early years. Pupils’ love for reading is nurtured through various competitions and a well-stocked library.’
‘Safety and Well-being: Pupils feel safe at the school, describing it as a “safe spot”. There is a strong culture of safeguarding, with effective systems in place to report and follow up on concerns. The pastoral team works tirelessly to ensure the welfare of all pupils.’
‘Community and Extracurricular Activities: Pupils engage in activities like ‘Ribbon Radio’ and the ‘Poets’ Podium’, developing confidence and showcasing their talents. The school also runs breakfast clubs, after-school activities, and a community café, enhancing the sense of community and belonging.’
‘Behaviour and Attitudes: Behaviour and attitudes at the school are rated “Good”. Pupils exhibit positive attitudes towards learning and demonstrate a strong understanding of the school’s values.’
‘Behaviour and attitudes are rated “Good”, with pupils showing positive behaviour both in and out of lessons.’
‘The Ribbon Academy is rated as “Good” overall, reflecting high standards in various aspects of school performance.’
‘Early Years Provision: The provision for early years is rated “Outstanding”. The staff provide an exceptional range of carefully planned learning activities that encourage curiosity, independence, and the development of spoken language from day one.’
‘Leadership and Management: Leadership and management are rated “Good”. Leaders have high ambitions for every pupil, and there is a strong culture of mutual support and teamwork among the staff. The governing body and trustees are knowledgeable and committed to the success of the pupils.’
‘Leadership and management are “Good”, demonstrating high ambitions for all pupils and a strong culture of mutual support among staff.’
‘Personal Development: Personal development at the school is rated “Outstanding”. The curriculum provides a wide range of experiences that prepare pupils for success beyond the school gates, including educational visits and active citizenship opportunities.’
‘Reading is a priority, with an effective phonics program starting in early years, fostering a love for reading among pupils.’