Academy Council
The Academy Council
The Academy Council is the name for the governing body of an academy and we work closely with the Headteacher and other staff to set a strategic direction for Foley Park Primary Academy. We act as a ‘critical friend’, complementing and enhancing the school leadership by making sure all statutory duties are met. These include appointing the Headteacher, providing support and challenge, and holding the school to account for its impact on improving outcomes for all pupils. This continues to be particularly important following the school’s "Journey to Good", and beyond.
The Headteacher, who is a member of the Academy Council, runs the school on a day to day basis. The Academy Councillors are responsible for the strategic overview of the school and for overseeing the curriculum. We also handle formal complaints, personnel issues, buildings, health and safety, policies and some disciplinary matters.
The Academy Council includes representation from school staff, the community and parents; people who have experience and skills that enable us to support and advise on school issues.
The Academy Council meets regularly and has a number of sub-committees which look in more detail at such areas as health and safety, disadvantaged pupils, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), safeguarding, and the curriculum. The Academy Council feeds into the Victoria Academy Trust Board.
If you have any matters that you'd like to raise, please let us know.
Our Academy Councillors
Richard Collie
Role: Chair - Community Councillor
Link Councillor: Various but including Maths, English and Science
Appointed: 18/10/2019, reappointed 18/10/2022
Term of Office: 3 years; Expires 18/10/2025
Business/Percuniary Interests: None Declared
I became a Councillor to help the school to push its boundaries in continuing to provide a safe and progressive learning environment not just for my grandchildren who attend the school but also for all pupils. Whilst I am a link councillor for specific subject areas, I am interested in all aspects of the curriculum and the school day. I am always happy to talk about the school so feel free to stop me in the playground (Tuesdays and Wednesdays are when I can normally be spotted) to have a chat.
Before I retired I ran a management consultancy company for over 20 years which focused very much on improving operational performance. I am married, have two daughters with one working at Kidderminster College and the other teaching Year 6 children in Birmingham. Although a while back now, when my daughters were going to school both my wife and myself became heavily involved in their school lives, my wife as a governor whist I chaired the PTA for 6 years."
Steve Robinson
Role: Vice Chair - Community Councillor
Link Councillor: Various but including Safeguarding, PSHE and RE
Appointed: 20/5/2022
Term of Office: 3 years; Expires 20/5/2025
Business/Percuniary Interests: None Declared
I’m a massive believer in our education system and the amazing work teachers do all over the country. I was a teacher myself in primary schools for a decade of my life and worked myself slowly up the ladder working in my later years as Head of Literacy and Year 6 at a school in Oldbury and then Assistant Headteacher at a West Bromwich school. Both were in special measures when I joined them and was part of the team that brought both schools out as good.
In my role as Church minister of Riverside Elim Church Bewdley I believe that we need to play a role in making a positive difference in our communities. “Love where you live” being a key strap line with me at church and we have some people from church who live in the Foley Park area as well as on staff. When this opportunity arose to become part of the board at Foley Park I was incredibly excited as it brought two of my life passions, teaching and the community, together.
In this role I want to bring my expertise from my teaching career and my expertise from my community building and caring to the school community. Something which I am eager to explore and engage in. I have a long history of safeguarding, needing to be trained since my first teaching role over 15 years ago and still in my church role today.
Nina Price
Role: Parent Councillor (appointed by parents)
Link Councillor: Pupil Premium, Attendance, Art
Appointed: 3/12/2021,
Term of Office: 3 years; Expires 3/12/2024
Business/Percuniary Interests: None Declared
I was first involved with Foley Park over 15 years ago when I was a youth worker delivering a range of extra-curricular sessions in schools across the Wyre Forest. I loved the warmth and ethos of Foley Park and this was the reason my husband and I bought a house within the catchment area with a plan to sending our own children there in the future…and we did just that! I have continued to work within community engagement roles locally. I believe wellbeing is essential in children’s ability to grow and learn and I am passionate about engaging with young people through arts, play and cultural activities.
I am very excited and proud to be part of the Foley Park family and I look forward to growing into my role as parent councillor.
Sobia Shaw
Role: Community Councillor
Link Councillor:
Appointed:
Term of Office: 3 years;
Business/Percuniary Interests: None Declared
Vacancy
Role: Teaching staff councillor
Link Councillor:
Appointed:
Term of Office:
Business/Percuniary Interests:
Vacancy
Role: Non-teaching staff councillor
Link Councillor:
Appointed:
Term of Office: 3 years; Expires
Business/Percuniary Interests:
Vacancy
Role: Community Councillor
Link Councillor:
Appointed:
Term of Office: 3 years; Expires
Business/Percuniary Interests: