The Role of Advocates at St. James Primary School
At St. James Primary School, our Advocates play a vital role in ensuring that every decision made keeps children at the heart of what we do. Acting as the direct link between the school and the Trust, Advocates work closely with school leaders and Directors to support continuous improvement and ensure that pupils receive the very best education and opportunities.
Advocates take an active interest in all aspects of school life. Through regular visits, they meet with pupils, staff and members of the wider school community to understand what is working well and identify areas for further development. They gather first-hand evidence, listen to the views of stakeholders and review school information to help evaluate the impact of provision across the school.
A key focus of the Advocates’ work is the quality of education and the curriculum. They support and challenge leaders to ensure that the curriculum is broad, ambitious and engaging, enabling every child to achieve their full potential. Advocates seek to understand how the curriculum is delivered, how pupils progress in their learning and how opportunities are provided for all children to flourish academically, socially and spiritually.
Advocates also have an important role in promoting the wellbeing of both pupils and staff. They monitor how the school supports children’s personal development, attendance, behaviour, safeguarding and emotional wellbeing, while also ensuring that staff are well supported in their professional development and workload. By listening to the experiences of pupils, staff and families, Advocates help to ensure that St. James remains a positive, nurturing and inclusive environment for all.
The findings from Advocate visits are shared with school leaders and the Trust Board of Directors, helping to celebrate successes, inform future priorities and ensure accountability. Through their work, Advocates help ensure that St. James continues to provide an excellent education rooted in care, aspiration and community.
| Name of Advocate | Conflict of Interest | Start of term | End of term | Appointing body | Area of responsibility |
| Lou Barker | None | 22/10/2024 | 21/10/2028 | Diocese | Chair Vulnerable groups Safeguarding |
| Heather Martin | None | 22/10/2024 | 21/10/2028 | Diocese | Christian character |
| Charlie Arthur | Parent | 01/09/2024 | 31/08/2028 | Trust | Attendance and Behaviour |
| George Downes | Parent | 22/10/2024 | 21/10/2028 | Trust | Digital strategy |
| Bridget Snasdell | None | 01/09/2026 | 31/08/2030 | Diocese | SEND and Inclusion |
At St. James Primary School we try to create an honest and open atmosphere in everything we do. Should you wish to contact the advocates, please be assured that your correspondence will be treated with the upmost respect and sensitivity. Please click through to the contact page to contact an advocate.