Governing Body
Local Authority Governor
Chair of Governors
After leaving school and agricultural college, I worked as a gamekeeper, both in East and Mid-Devon until redundancy forced me into a career and location change. Having spent almost 30 years working in the aviation sector, the last 20 years of which were spent in Belgium, I moved back to Devon in 2016.
I returned with a young family, two girls, just about to embark on their educational journeys. I was therefore delighted to discover that the county still possessed its small village primary schools and that my daughters would be able to benefit from the unique style of education that they provide.
I was happy to be approached to be a Governor for the Federation, as I am enthusiastic about doing my bit to help our types of school to survive and thrive, so that future generations can also benefit from them.
Although my knowledge and experience of education is limited, I feel I can bring a different approach to the work of the governing board, and I’m not afraid to ask the simple questions that sometimes need asking.
I would encourage anyone who is interested in the success of our schools, whatever their knowledge or experience, to consider being a Governor, as it is important to have many different views and approaches to the work we do.
Alison Mackey
Executive Head
As Executive Headteacher, I am proud to lead the Devon Moors Federation and to work closely with the eight unique and diverse schools in our group. We work collaboratively together to create positive learning experiences for all the children and are overseen by one governing body with shared aims and vision. I have been a member of the Governing Board for several years and have sat on the Finance & Personnel committee as well as leading the Teaching and Learning committee.
I began my teaching career in the early 90s, and have been fortunate to work in a variety of primary schools both in the UK and overseas. From 2018 to 2025, I had the privilege of leading Copplestone Primary and Pre-school as Head of School. Over the years, I have taken on a range of leadership roles, including Head of Department, Pastoral Leader, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher, and I also hold a Master’s degree in Educational Leadership. Safeguarding has been a central part of my role, and I bring many years of experience as a Designated Safeguarding Lead across several schools.
I am passionate about creating school communities where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to achieve their best. I have developed a whole-Federation curriculum which offers exciting and varied opportunities, helping children to develop a love of learning that stays with them for life. Working with staff, families and the wider communities in our Federation to nurture happy, confident and resilient learners is what motivates me every day.
Stef Hastie
Business Manager
My name is Stefanie Hastie, and I am the Business Manager and a Governor for the Devon Moors Federation.
I started working at Filleigh Primary School in September 2006 as the Administrator and over the years I have developed my role to support all five schools in the Devon Moors Federation. During this time, I have completed the Certificate of School Business Management and the Diploma of School Business Management. Both my children attended Filleigh Primary School.
As the Business Manager, I am part of the Senior Leadership Team for the Federation and am responsible for Finance, Human Resources, Personnel, Premises and Health & Safety. I work closely with the Executive Head and Heads of School.
As a Governor, I bring the knowledge and expertise of my role to the Governing Board. I am also the Pre-School governor representative and work closely with the Pre-School Leaders to maintain the excellent provision across all the schools in the Federation. I am committed to working with the Governing Body to ensure that we continually develop our schools and provide an environment in which all pupils can thrive.
Lorraine Crosfield
School Champion for Copplestone
I was a secondary teacher in Surrey for 34 years and a teacher governor in two of the schools I taught in. My main subjects were Home Economics and Maths, but my priority was pastoral care. I was a Head of Year for many years and a Senior Teacher in charge of Key Stage 3 in a large comprehensive school. I also taught in a Prep School as Head of RE where I designed and managed the delivery of the subject throughout the school and taught it to pupils from year 3 to year 8 (including common entrance and scholarship preparation). I believe strongly that children should be given the opportunity to excel in their own individual way in a safe, non-stressful school environment and should be given a wide-ranging educational experience that will be positively remembered into adulthood and will prepare them for the future. Elaine Pau
Reverend Steven Jones
Information to be added soon
Aoife-Jane Culley
Information to be added soon.
Hayley Reynolds
I am the Head of School at Lympstone Primary School, where I have worked for 12 years as an EYFS teacher and lead. I also lead phonics and early reading across the school. Last year, I spent time working with Little Wandle, a phonics provider, supporting schools with their phonics delivery – an area I am particularly passionate about.
I became a governor in 2024 and greatly value the role. It has given me a deeper insight into our wonderful federation, which I am proud to be part of.
Izzie Hooper
Information to be added soon.
Kate Collier
I am the parent of a child at Filleigh Primary School and am pleased to be able to be involved as a Governor for the Devon Moors Federation. I was a primary teacher for nearly 20 years, working at schools in Mid and North Devon. I now work for the Local Authority in the Inclusion and Learning Team. I am especially interested in supporting children with special educational needs and working with schools and families to remove barriers to learning. I know how unique and special village schools are and how they can foster close-knit communities where every child is known, valued, and supported in a nurturing environment that celebrates individuality and connection. I’m excited to contribute to the continued success of our schools and to help ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive both academically and personally.
Joanna Cook
I am a veterinarian, a life-long learner with a love of education! I have previously worked in universities teaching on undergraduate veterinary programmes and delivering bespoke teaching for higher education establishments. I believe that a good education provides children the opportunity to shape their own lives, find happiness and have a positive impact on their wider society both as children, and in the future as adults. Now that I have two children who are at the start of their own education journey, since 2024 I've been supporting the local schools of the Devon Moors Federation as a governor. I enjoy my role on the board and am proud to work with the Federation for the benefit of all children in our community.
Charlotte Board
I fulfil the role of Clerk to the Governors. This involves providing administrative support to the governing board, including organising meetings and taking accurate minutes. I also advise on the board's statutory obligations and assist with the preparation of policies, as well as with the recruitment of new governors, co-ordinating the induction process and helping arrange governor's training. Messages can also be left for me by telephoning Copplestone Primary School on 01363 84265.
My contact details are:
Charlotte Board - Clerk to the Governors
Copplestone Primary School
Bewsley Hill,
Copplestone
Devon, EX17 5NX