Luton Primary School

Who are we?

The Governing Body is a group of volunteers who come from all walks of life and backgrounds, and who are selected to represent the parents, staff and local community. Our primary concerns are the education, well-being and happiness of the children and staff. 

There are no committees; the Governors meet as a Full Governing Body at least 6 times per year, however specific tasks may be carried out by smaller working parties. Most of us are also regular visitors to the school. From time to time we also invite associate members who bring specific knowledge or skill. 

What do we do?

We work closely with the Headteacher to make key decisions vital to the successful running of the school. We play an important role in improving standards and managing finance.

• To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school
• To oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure that money is well spent
• To contribute to the school’s self-evaluation and understand its strengths and weaknesses
• To support and strengthen the school leadership, holding the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to account for improving the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.

The day-to-day running and management of the school is the role of the Head Teacher and the Senior Leadership Team. Through monitoring the different aspects of the school’s work, we aim to support and challenge the Senior Leadership Team on how effectively the school is working to improve the learning and outcomes for all children.

How can we be contacted?

Governors can be contacted by letter or email through the school office. If you have any queries, do ask.

Governors cannot deal with issues concerning individual children or matters that are a matter of routine or part of the day to day running of the schools. These should be raised through the normal channels e.g. the class teacher or Headteacher as set out in the Complaints Policy.

Luton Primary Governing Body                                September 2024

Carolyn Gilmore

Now retired after over 30 years spent working as a teacher and education consultant, I have been involved as Governor at the school for a long time. I was heavily involved with the amalgamation, and I consider it a privilege to continue to support Luton Primary School in its aim to give every child the best possible educational experience which will allow them to thrive and enjoy learning. I was a Cub Scout Leader in Medway for many years, and in my spare time enjoy baking, crafts and the theatre.

Sue Crittenden

I have been married for 35 years and moved to Luton when I was 7 years old. I attended Luton Infant and Junior Schools and have been working at the school for many years doing various roles. I am now part of the admin team. I have 2 children who both attended Luton School. My daughter is 25 and lives in Spain and works as a citrus trader. My son is 22 and is training to be an actuary at PwC in London. I am very involved in the community by being part of the committee for the Luton PACT. I am a volunteer in the cafe at Rochester Cathedral and I am a member of Gillingham WI. In my spare time I am trying to learn Spanish. I am never going to be fluent but I can order food and drink! I am a keen baker and bake a lot for charity.

Toni Grist

My name is Toni Grist and I am a governor at Luton primary school, a position I have held for sometime.  I was born and still live in the Luton area and actually attended the infant and junior schools from 1969 to 1975. My job within the school is home school support and I am passionate about the well-being and welfare of the children who attend this school and their families. It is a privilege to be part of this new school which continues to be a fantastic hub of learning, nurturing and caring for all the children attending Luton Primary School.

Simon Curry

I am a qualified ecologist and environmental manager and first moved to Medway in the 1980s to take over the development and running of Capstone Farm Country Park and lived very close to the school for many years. I have lived and worked in Medway ever since and two years ago I was elected as Local Councillor for Luton and Wayfield.

I am passionate about the protection of the environment and am working hard to bring real improvements in Medway. As the chair of the Medway Urban Greenspaces Forum, I help to set up Friends Groups on our greenspaces and this includes the Friends of Millennium Green just near the school.