Meet the Governors
My background as a School Business Manager gives me a deeper understanding of the wider issues in education and this has helped me to support the school in a variety of different areas. With changes around meeting the needs of all pupils it is particularly important to stay abreast of current legislation and guidance. This is an area that I feel I can contribute to because of the role I have and the training I undertook to become a School Business Manager over 3 years.
I particularly enjoy coming into school to speak to the children and learn about their lessons. They are always keen to let you know what they have done and show you their work in their books.
Orrets Meadow is a fantastic school and the children are happy and settled. This is testament to the wonderful team there and how they work diligently to improve self-esteem and confidence so that all children can progress and achieve their very best.
I look forward to another exciting year and feel confident the school will move from strength to strength.
I have been a qualified solicitor for 25 years, specialising in commercial property development work. I hope to be able to bring my skills in relation to problem solving, contract negotiation and project work to support the School.
I am a parent of four children aged between 9 and 19, two of whom have special education needs. My passion for helping children with additional challenges comes from my personal experience of seeing my own child struggle in a mainstream environment which did not meet their needs. As a family we have been on a long journey over the last six years navigating the difficulties this presented and the negative impact it had on my family. It has made me realise how an understanding, flexible and calming environment can transform the learning outcomes for a child and I wish all children could have the benefit of a positive and nurturing learning environment similar to that provided at Orrets Meadow.
I spend a lot of my time tracking updates in SEN matters, attending courses and reading articles about the challenges facing SEN children and their families. I also feel strongly about sharing experiences and supporting others and so I formed a support group at my youngest child’s school for the parents of his Year 5 and Year 6 peers facing similar challenges. We meet regularly to provide support to each other, share articles/course notes and discuss our respective experiences and it has proved invaluable. It gives me a huge sense of fulfilment to be able to help others when they are facing similar challenges to those we faced and I hope my experience in this regard will be of benefit to my role as a governor.
I am an energetic and enthusiastic Early Years Foundation Stage teacher and SENDCo. Throughout my professional career high expectations, diversity and inclusion have played a pivotal role in ensuring that all children are provided with the opportunity to develop to their full potential.
By allowing children to gain a sense of achievement as a direct result of their contributions and efforts, no matter how little or often they may choose to present them, inspires and motivates children to strive towards achieving their own successes. I believe that by presenting children with planned learning opportunities in contexts that they find relevant, fun and interesting; ensures the foundations are in place which allows children to become emotionally and socially secure within themselves.
Since starting at Orrets Meadow my son has thrived in an environment that takes the time to nurture and care for his individual needs. Creating the right emotional environment to support children's learning is vitally important when developing resilience and independence. It is the responsibility of all adults involved in this process to present a positive ethos when guiding and facilitating individual children through their formative years. Forming an integral part of this methodology is the understanding that all adults have a Duty of Care in the nurturing and education of children.
I have 3 wonderful children in my care, one of whom joined Orrets Meadow last year. I am committed to working with staff, families and fellow governors to help create a positive, inclusive environment for all children.
I look forward to supporting the continued success of our school community.