Please find below links to documents about the School's Governing Body:

Every school is required to have a Governing Board. Together with the Headteacher, Governors have a collective responsibility to ensure all the children in our school receive the best education possible in a safe, nurturing environment. The Headteacher is responsible for the day to day running of the school, known as operational leadership. The Governing Board is strategic.

The Governing Board’s core tasks are to:
1. Develop a vision and strategy for the school
2. Hold the school leader to account to ensure that every pupil has the best possible education
3. Oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent

The National Governance Association have created a video describing the role of School Governor: https://youtu.be/mRqJ_bFipHk  

We hope that you will find the following information informative. If you require any further information or would like to contact us, all Governors can be contacted through the school office, or, you can email the Chair of Governors:

Heather Phillips – Chair of Governors, Parent Governor, Equalities Link Governor, Chair of Headteacher Appraisal Committee

Hello, I’m Heather, I live in the village and both my children attend the school. As parents we love the close-knit community feel of the school and how well everyone gets to know each of the children and their families. I am an accredited cognitive behaviour psychotherapist and registered social worker and have been a governor at the school since 2020. I am passionate about ensuring every child is offered the opportunity to develop a love of learning within a safe, fun, challenging and nurturing environment that embraces them in their fullness. In my spare time I enjoy roller skating, face painting, baking and embarrassing my children by dancing like no one is watching! Please come and say hi to me at drop off or pick up or at school or PTA events. 

Emma Goulart – Co-Vice Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor, Curriculum & Assessment Link Governor, SEND and Children We Care For link governor, Member of Headteacher Appraisal Committee 

Hello I’m Emma and my younger daughter attends the school. I’ve been a governor since early 2022. It’s great to be involved with the school, helping to make sure it is a happy place where children can grow. I currently work as a Student Progress Manager for a homeschooling company, supporting homeschooled secondary level students all over the world. I previously had an over 12 year career working in Environmental Management for UK government agencies including research management and policy development in topics as diverse as the health impacts of pollution, nanotechnology and flooding. I love travel and the outdoors, and have lived in the USA, Switzerland and Canada, as well as various places in the UK.

Emma Brown - Co-Vice Chair of Governors, Foundation Governor, SIAMs link governor, Governor Development Link Governor, Member of the Headteacher Appraisal Committee

 Hello I'm Emma, I am new to the governing board, I started in September 2023 and have been appointed by the Diocesan Board of Education. I live in the village having moved back to the area from London 2 years ago. I grew up in nearby Brill and attended the village Church of England Primary School there and have very happy memories of my time at school. I've worked within the Education Sector for over 25 years. I started my career as a teacher and developed an interest in the role IT can play in supporting learning and teaching. I now work for an IT company that works solely in Education. My newest hobby is gardening and I'm on a very steep learning curve at the moment, my fingers aren't that green yet! I look

forward to being part of the school and wider community.

Jennifer Parks – Co-opted Governor, Safeguarding Link Governor, Attendance Link Governor, Filtering and Monitoring Link Governor, member of the Pay Committee

Hello, I'm Jennifer and I'm delighted to have joined the governing board as a co-opted governor in January 2025. As a Chartered Psychologist, I am often reminded of the important part schooling plays in providing a strong foundation for development of our young people and helping them find their sense of self. I am excited to have the opportunity to support this at the school and look forward to learning more about the wider community. In my spare time, I play netball and enjoy musical theatre and DIY. 

Graham Mogridge –  Co-opted Governor, Finance Link Governor, Pupil Premium Link Governor, Chair of the Pay Committee

Hello – I’m Graham, and I’m happy to be a governor at Charlton with both Finance and Pupil Premium responsibilities. I was born, and continue to live in Oxfordshire, and have relevant experience in education. I trained to teach through the Teach First programme, teaching in a disadvantaged school in West London. Currently, I am a subject leader in a state-funded secondary free-school in Oxford. I mainly teach Computing and Economics and have undergraduate degrees in both.

In my free time, I enjoy travelling, reading, watching films, and spending time with furry friends.

Alastair Nall – Parent Governor, Health & Safety Link Governor, Diversity, Equality and Inclusion (DEI) Link Governor, GDPR Link Governor

I am very happy to join as a parent governor in January 2025. I have two daughters at the school, who both very much enjoy it.

I am an IT Consultant primarily working in the policing industry, leveraging 12 years of experience in various police analytical roles.

I appreciate the efforts by the school and want to support where possible. I am committed to supporting the school's vision to 'Aspire and Grow Together'; and contributing to a thriving environment for all pupils.

Laura Airey – Staff Governor, Website Link Governor

Hello, I am Laura Airey and I am class teacher at Charlton on Otmoor. I joined the school in 2021 after previously teaching KS2 in Hertfordshire for 5 years. A high point of my teaching career was having the Prime Minister visit my classroom at the end of lockdown! I love working in a small village school where I can really get to know all the children, parents and teachers: it is a great community. I l enjoy teaching practically and using the outdoors, as well as having interest in helping children with SEN. In my spare time I love to read, practice yoga, go for long dog walks and eat nice food! I am pleased to be on the governing board to help the school to provide the best education for all of the children.