The governing body fulfils a largely strategic and good governance role in the running of the school.

It’s main functions are:

1. To establish a strategic framework to clearly define the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction by:
   Setting the aims and objectives of the school;
   Developing policies to achieve those aims and objectives;
   Setting targets to ensure those aims and objectives are met.
2. To monitor and evaluate progress towards the achievement of its aims and objectives, and regularly review the strategic framework for the school in light of that progress. In establishing and monitoring the strategic framework, the governing body considers any advice given by the headteacher and must comply with any trust deed relating to the school.
3. To ensure the sound, proper and effective use of the school’s financial resources.
4. To act as a critical friend to the headteacher: it will support the headteacher, offer constructive criticism, and hold the headteacher to account to ensure that they meet their responsibilities for the educational performance of the school.

The school will provide the very highest standard of education that will prepare the children for the next stage of their learning. Sound financial planning will enable the school to serve its community and to continue to innovate and develop its educational provision.

The Governing Body will measure the progress of the school achieving this aim by the use of the following statements:

• 90% of children will make at least expected progress in reading, writing and maths.
• Pupil attainment will be at least in line with the national average and mostly above in reading, writing and maths (although the Governing Body recognises the potential for cohort reflected dips).
• The school will continue to serve and to be involved in its local community.
• The Governing Body will continue to develop its role of effectively challenging and supporting the school.
• We will continue to create a positive and supportive working environment for staff and pupils.
• We will continue to ensure children are happy and engaged at school. Their personal development will be nurtured, and they will be encouraged to gain an understanding of their rights and responsibilities as global citizens.
• A broad, well balanced child centred curriculum will be delivered in a cross curricular topic based approach.
• Pupils’ good behaviour will be maintained through consistently high quality teaching, excellent staff-pupil relationships and clear procedures.
• Effective use of resources will allow the school to give pupils the best possible education on a long term basis.
• Governors will use a range of tools to understand the views of parents.

 

Nic Stevenson – Chair of Governors  (LA Governor) 

Having grown up in Mudeford, and moved away for university and then work, my family and I moved back to Mudeford in 2018, and my son Eddy started at the Infant School in 2019. Although he has now moved on to the Juniors, I wanted to continue to support the school, its teachers and the wonderful children there. Professionally I worked as Head of Strategy for the UK’s aviation regulator, and bring experience of strategy, policy-development, engagement and government to the governors. I’m a very keen cyclist and love the outdoors – weekends and spare time usually find me in the forest or at the beach, either on two wheels or with the dog.

 

Daniel Pope – Headteacher (Ex Officio)

I began my teaching career in 2007 at a Primary school in Surrey before leaving to become Deputy Head Teacher here at Mudeford Infants School in 2011.  I then went to be Deputy Head Teacher of Hill View Primary school in Bournemouth before returning to be Head Teacher at this wonderful school in February 2017.  I wholeheartedly seek to make a positive contribution to the education and lives of the children in our community.  Away from school, I really enjoy running and you will more often than not find me at a Parkrun somewhere every Saturday!   I love spending time with my children and family and enjoy competing in various ways with my friends.

 

Frank Paines – Vice Chair (Co-opted Governor)

I’ve been a governor at Mudeford Infants School for a number of years, my eldest was in year 2 when I first became a governor and he’s now left home and got married.  My years in the school have given me the opportunity to work with 3 head teachers and to gain a detailed understanding of all aspects of the school and the responsibilities of being a Governor.  In my day job I’m a Project Manager working on major programmes; my experiences in industry are the basis of the skills I bring to the Governing Body.

 

Shelley Cheeseman (Staff Governor)

 

Dimitrios Pegioudis  (Co-opted Governor)

 

Lucy Brown (Co-opted Governor)

 

Matt Rippon (Parent Governor)

 

Oliver Poxon (Parent Governor)

My eldest daughter joined the school in 2023 and since then, I've been struck by the dedication of the school’s staff to creating a positive and supportive environment for the children and the important role that the school plays in the local community.

I currently work as a Finance Director and have worked as a qualified accountant in both the private and public sectors. I hope that my experience and skills in financial and commercial management and strategic planning, will be valuable in my role as a parent governor, and I look forward to contributing to the school’s future.

 

Caroline Watkins (Co-opted Governor)

I rejoined the governing body in 2025 after serving two terms as a governor at Mudeford Infants from 2015 - 2023. During that time, I chaired our Resources Committee, served as Vice-Chair and Chair of Governors before stepping back for a period.  I bring over 20 years' experience working in the field of HR and Employee Relations - my current area of interest is in Employee Engagement, Recognition and Wellbeing. 

Although both my sons have been through the school and have since moved on to junior school and secondary education respectively, I'm still passionate about all the children in our local community being able to make the best possible start in education by accessing high quality learning opportunities in a friendly and nurturing environment.  That's why I continue to support the school as a Governor and volunteer in the Learning Garden.

 

John Churchill (Associate  Member)

 

Emily Harvey  (Associate Member)

 

Any of the governors can be reached by e-mail at  governors@mudefordinf.dorset.sch.uk