Academy Council

The Redstart Primary School is part of the Cabot Learning Federation, a multi-academy trust that is responsible for a number of academies across Bristol, South Gloucestershire, North Somerset, Gloucester and Somerset. Governance for a multi-academy trust operates at two levels. At trust level, there is a Board of Directors. The directors are accountable to the Department for Education and external government agencies, including the Charity Commission, for the quality of the education the trust provides and the effective use of the associated academy funding. They are required to have systems in place through which they can assure themselves of quality, financial probity, safety and good practice. The Board is provided assurance on a number of these areas through various sub-committees, as shown in the diagram below. Visit the CLF website for more information about the board.
At a local level, each academy has an Academy Council comprising of up to 9 Academy Councillors. Academy Councils are responsible for holding Principals and their leadership teams to account for the quality and effectiveness of the academic experience of the students under their care with the aim of securing effective school improvement. They do this through monitoring performance against an annual academy improvement plan, through monitoring risks and responses to risks, and by overseeing systems and processes for the safeguarding of children and the health, safety and wellbeing of academy staff.

Chair of Academy Council

Sapphire Lynch, Chair of Academy Council

I first joined the Governing Board at Redstart in 2019 and have served as Chair of Academy Council since 2021. I have worked as a translator for 20 years supporting expats living in the UK so I have a keen interest in supporting EAL children. As link councillor for disadvantage, I work with the school to ensure the best outcomes for all children regardless of their background. I am particularly interested in improving literacy and instilling a love of reading.

Local Academy Councillors

Jen Hill
Jacqui HiscoxSupport Councillor

My children attended Redstart Primary School in its early years. During that time I was a member of FoRS and was part of the school community.

I worked for many years in Finance and Administration.

When the position of a Support Councillor became available I felt it was an opportunity to again support children, and the school which gave such a good foundation to my own children's education.

I enjoy craft related hobbies, and love walking in the countryside and growing my own fruit and vegetables.

Carlie stroulger

Both my children attended The Redstart Primary School since Reception class.

I still currently have a child in Year 5 at Redstart while the other is now in secondary school.

I then joined The Redstart Primary School in October 2022 as a receptionist/administrator.

The opportunity to become the staff support councillor came up and I thought it would be a great insight to see what goes on behind the scenes and to further my knowledge and skills.

I love working alongside the children and their families and giving them support and help.

It's just me and my boys and if I am not doing the football run, we go out exploring with our dog and go on many other little adventures.

Joanne Thompson

I have been connected to Redstart School since 2012 when we relocated to Somerset and my daughter joined in Year 4. As a family we were drawn to the values that are evident throughout the school and particularly the focus on Forest School opportunities. In September 2022 I became Secretary of the Friends of Redstart School as a way of giving my time and energy to enhance the experience of the children here through the additional experiences and resources that are provided by the charity.

When the opportunity to join the Academy Council came up, I recognised that I could use my experience as a primary school teacher to support the school in this role. I am passionate about all children having a positive experience of school, knowing that they are valued in a community that will help them discover their talents and fulfil their potential. My belief that all children should be supported to access the curriculum and be proud of their achievements has led me to take on the responsibility of SEND Lead on the council.

Joe Draper
Martin Richards
Nikki Tilley

Contact Us

The Redstart Primary School
Redstart Road
Chard
Somerset
TA20 1SD
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The Redstart Primary School is proud to be part of the Cabot Learning Federation. 
Registered Company: Cabot Learning Federation
Company No: 06207590