Local Academy Commitee

Here at Cold Aston we have an established Local Academy Committee.

The Terms of Reference and Scheme of Delegation which applies to the Local Academy Committees are on our main NCSF website, the link of which is below.

All governors on the LAC are appointed by the Board of Directors although the consent of the Gloucester Diocesan Board of Education is required for all Foundation governors. The term of office is 4 years although the term of office for ex officio, staff and parent governors may cease earlier if their circumstances change.

Cold Aston

Foundation ex officio: John Hollows (appointed 27/3/23)

Head of School: Alison Rawlings (appointed 01/09/2024)

Parent Governors: Astrid Vaughan (appointed 27/3/23)  and Lisa Walker (appointed 01/09/2024)

Foundation: Karen Bullock (Chair) (appointed 27/3/23)  and [vacancy].

Staff Governor: Katie England (appointed March 2024)

Karen Bullock- Chair

My husband and children were pupils at Cold Aston School and we feel a strong connection to the school both personally and as a vibrant part of our village community. It is a joy to hear the children in the playground or school field for playtime or sports, or to see them in the school allotment having fun whilst learning. This environment provides an ideal space for the children to learn about themselves and the world around them. The village church is used regularly for worship and as a space for other school events further embedding the school and village connections. There are sports clubs and after school clubs together with Forest School and wraparound care to provide a variety of learning and social opportunities for them.

I believe that children should be given the chance to experience different approaches to learning as they develop as individuals. When I visit the school I see this reflected in the work of all the staff as they build the ethos and values of the school into the curriculum and daily life here.

Rev. John Hollows: Vice Chair

Curate, St. Andrew’s Church, Cold Aston (and the Benefice of Northleach)

My wife, Stephanie, and I have lived in Cold Aston for over 10 years. We know how important our School is within the local community. Amongst other things, it enriches the life and witness of our local Church.

Together with other members of the community, we are pleased to visit the School each week to present a Bible story. The students help us act out each story in creative ways. We also sing Christian songs with them – they are energetic singers. We are always impressed with the enthusiasm, skills, and knowledge of the students.

I have been delighted and privileged to serve as a member of the Local Academy Committee. I have been impressed by the strength of our teaching faculty, our support staff, our volunteers and our wonderful parents. Above all, our students always communicate energy and joy.

In addition to my service in the Church, I also work as the director of a European bank. In our spare time, Stephanie and I enjoy sailing with our family and caring for our grandchildren.

Astrid Vaughan- Parent Governor

Born and raised in Germany I have spent the last 15 years working in the USA, Spain and Switzerland, but when my daughter was born, my husband and I decided to come to the Cotswolds. We felt it is ideal for our daughter to grow up in a beautiful village school surrounded by the countryside and a strong community.
The reason I have joined the governor's team as a parent governor is that I believe education is the key to a happy and self-determined life. All children have a built-in curiosity and are eager to learn. Cold Aston school provides a great setting for the children to thrive and all staff members go to great length to bring out the best in the children. Being a small school, I think it is vital that parents and other members of the community support the staff with their time and expertise, so this generation of pupils as well as the coming ones can enjoy their learning journey in such a wonderful setting.

Attendance at LAC Meetings during Academic Year 2023-2024

3 LAC Meetings over the academic year

Karen Bullock attended 3/3

John Hollows attended 2/3

Astrid Vaughan attended 3/3

Rebecca Hibell (Former Head of School) attended 3/3

Katie England attended 3/3

Katie England- Staff Governor

I am currently one of the class teachers at Cold Aston with responsibility for a handful of subjects. As a small school our staff have to work together closely. This has helped me gain a healthy understanding of our school, which gives me a good position to work alongside our LAC members in striving for ever-continuing improvement across our school.