Welcome Message from Chair of Governors

We all play an important role in fulfilling the school’s vision and aims, ensuring all children feel like VIPS; valued, inspired, progressing and secure.

Key to this are the school staff led by Mrs Downes and her senior team. As a Governing Body we provide both support and challenge across all areas of the school to ensure all children benefit from our set vision and aims. We also look forward to ensure the school meets the demands of modern times. Apart from our formal meetings we are active with assessments, face to face meetings, and monitoring visits.

The opinions and comments of parents and carers also form a valuable part of our governance, and we are pleased to receive these through the school surveys.

For those starting school, we trust the children quickly slot into their new routine, find friends, and enjoy school life. As parents, you can be assured that the Governing Body will do all it can to ensure the continuing good work for your children to achieve their potential, and to provide a pleasant learning environment .

Steph Heighway
Chair of Governors

I’m very pleased to be a part of Batchley First School’s governing board. I live in the community of Batchley and attended the school. I am looking forward to working strategically in partnership with the staff, parents, and the wider community. I want to enable the school, and its pupils, to be the best they possibly can.

I was elected as a parent governor in November 2018. I have a background in Governance, as I work as a Governors Clerk across a number of schools. I want to help support the school strategically and ensure the best outcomes for the children at Batchley First School.

I’m Sarah Downes and I am very proud to be the Headteacher of Batchley First School. I have been here since September 2020, appointed in the middle of a Pandemic. My aim is to ensure that every child receives the very best education possible and at the same time feels loved and valued whilst being educated at Batchley First and Nursery School. I enjoy working with the other governors to keep moving the school forward, trying to make it better and better for all the Batchley children.

My names is Rose Chester and I am a part of the teaching staff at Batchley First School. I’m the early years lead and currently teach a reception class. I have two children of my own and enjoy reading and being with my horses. I am new to the governing body and I am excited to get started.

I have been a Governor at Batchley First School for several years. Previously I worked as a teacher and head teacher in Primary schools in Birmingham and as a Schools Inspector in both Wolverhampton and Worcestershire.

I have lived in Redditch for over 30 years. My hobbies include walking, training and competing with my dogs as well as painting, pottery and embroidery in my spare time

I joined the Governors in March 2023 with over a decade of HR and Learning & Development experience. I’m a parent to a 5-year-old boy and a 4-year-old girl, which fuels my passion for equal opportunities in education. Having received vital support for dyslexia, I’m committed to an inclusive school environment. Beyond work and parenting, I enjoy gardening, exploring national trust sites with my family, staying informed about politics, and finding solace in classical music. Excited to work with out school community to enhance students’ experiences.

I was co-opted onto the Governing Board in January 2023. My working life was spent in Finance and Administration. I will serve on the Finance-Sub-Committee of the school and will be monitoring Health and Safety matters.

My names Jessica Leigh and I am a parent governor. I attended Batchley and now my two children do too. I’m currently working as a support worker for individuals with autism, learning disabilities and learning difficulties. I’m also studying social science and law to hopefully become a child and family social worker in the future.

I’m passionate about being a part of the governance board to help look at all aspects of the school from a strategic point of view and prioritise the importance of the wellbeing of all pupils and staff.”