For the last 15 years (10 years of which have been in Cornwall and 5 years in Birmingham) I am an Educational Psychologist. Through my work I have been passionately promoting childrens’ social and emotional well-being, as well as implementing evidence based approaches to ensure high standards of academic attainment. My aim is always to give our children the greatest life chances through their education. This is especially pertinent in the current climate which has affected our children in so many ways.
Following training at the University of Cambridge, I am also a qualified teacher (having worked as a primary and SEN Teacher in the UK and abroad), so I fully understand the pressures experienced by teachers today. As an Educational Psychologist I support/supervise/train school staff; develop school policies; assess children; provide psychological therapies; and advise parents. This roles means that I have a clear understanding of the structures, policies and practices of the education system within Cornwall. I am inspired to apply for the opportunity to support Lostwithiel Primary School as a member of the governing body so that I contribute to the successful education of all children in school to give our children the best foundation to their education.
I have worked at Lostwithiel Primary School for over 23 years as the Reception Class teacher. I am passionate about providing our children with the best possible education and experiences so that each individual develops a love for learning and reaches their true potential. I am the CELT Early Years Lead.
I joined Lostwithiel Primary School in 2007, working initially as a one to one teaching assistant. When the pupil left the school, I remained in Year 6 as a teaching assistant. I absolutely love my role and am very passionate about ensuring that every child reaches their potential at our school.
I ran the school's Parent and Teacher Association for many years and am delighted that we now have such an enthusiastic group of parents who have taken this over. I am also 'Chief Coach' and most enthusiastic supporter of our school netball team. My role as a governor is to oversee Health and Safety, working closely with our Site Manager and the Trust Estates Team.
I completed my BA (Hons) in History and Development Studies at the University of St. Mark and St. John and initially wanted to be a curator of a museum. Voluntary work delivering education workshops in a museum made me quickly realise that I wanted to become a teacher so I completed my PGCE in Primary Education in 1998 and never looked back!
I have taught predominantly in Key Stage Two, with Year 6, History and English teaching being my specialist areas. I initially became an Assistant Headteacher at St. Mewan (another CELT primary school) and then Headteacher there in 2016. I moved to Lostwithiel Primary School as Headteacher in September 2023 and now work for the trust as one of their Primary School Improvement Leads.
As well as this I am also a Pastoral Associate for the Cornwall Association of Primary Heads.
I am passionate about ensuring that we not only provide the very best educational experience for our children but that we also enable every child to find their talent or interest. Teachers inspire so that children can aspire!
For the past seven years I have been licensed by the Diocese of Truro as the Associate Priest to the Benefice of Lostwithiel. After completing my ministry training and my degree in Theology I was ordained in 2011 at Truro Cathedral.
Prior to my ordination I worked for several years with social care as a support worker within the Mental health team. Having left this role, I then went into education working at Bodmin College firstly as a HLTA then with further training I qualified as the Safeguarding Officer working closely with many other agencies. To ensure the students health and wellbeing I was able to work closely with the GPs surgeries in creating a Health drop-in service where the students had access to Drs and nurses. Whilst working at the College I became a Staff Governor a position which I held for several years. After leaving the College I joined a large primary school as a Parent Support Advisor. Again, I was invited to join the Governing body. I am looking forward in being part of the Governing Body here at Lostwithiel School and to offer my support and guidance in any way.
After gaining my degree at Falmouth University and commencing employment as a former local reporter for the Cornish Guardian, a change in employment or two in similar fields I now find myself leading regional operations for Trading Standards in London since June 2021.
My role is varied, and I find myself achieving lots of goals for the benefit of the suspected 10 million people who call London their home! But what about my local area?
Wanting to contribute more to our glorious county, I sought to become a school governor upon my eldest starting his Primary education in 2022 at a different CELT trust school.
I have proven experience of dealing with funding and ensuring monies are spent in the most practicable ways possible for the benefit of as many as possible. I am very pleased to start this role and look forward to becoming what I hope will be a valued Community Governor at this fantastic school!
I am passionate about fostering an environment where every child has the opportunity to thrive and reach their full potential. I trained as a primary school teacher at Bishop Grosseteste University in Lincoln, where I earned a degree in Education Studies and History. My commitment to excellence in education was further enhanced through the completion of a postgraduate certificate in Primary Mathematics.
In my professional role as the Safeguarding Lead at Pondhu Primary School, I prioritise the safety and well-being of all pupils, ensuring they have the secure and nurturing environment necessary for their academic and personal growth. I bring this same dedication to Lostwithiel Primary School, where my goal as a governor is to contribute to creating the best possible outcomes for every student. I am deeply committed to ensuring that each child is empowered to achieve all they are truly capable of, fostering a love for learning that lasts a lifetime.
I have worked in education, in Cornwall, for over 15 years. I began my career as a class teacher, before becoming a middle leader and headteacher. I joined Cornwall Council in 2020, as a Curriculum Advisor before taking on the role of Senior Education Effectiveness Officer.
My day-to-day work, heading up the Quality of Education team, involves working with a range of settings, providing them with support and challenge to enable them to continually improve their educational provision and ensuring compliance with statutory responsibilities.
Through a rich experience of working with a broad cross section of schools I’ve discovered that no two are ever quite the same! An understanding of context is key to meeting the individual needs of a school and its community of learners. As a champion of equality, diversity and inclusion I believe, fundamentally, that every child matters. In my role as parent governor, I look forward to supporting the school to ensure that, at all times, every child gets a good deal from the education and enriching experiences on offer here.
From my own experiences and interactions with the school as a parent, the school’s irresistible values of pride, passion, partnership, perseverance and participation are lived out every day at the school. I am delighted to be able to contribute towards ensuring this continues.
When not helping out on the school run, you can find me chasing round after livestock which we keep on our very small smallholding, or planning the next weekend adventure with my two children, which usually involves the great outdoors. I’m a big fan of rugby, podcasts and pasties (but probably not in that order).
Finally, and in the spirit of full disclosure, as a true Devonian I do apply the cream before the jam when making up a scone…but hopefully we can get over that!