Worlingham CEVC Primary School OUR GOVERNORS

Brenda Thompson Foundation Governor and Chair of the Governing Body

When I left school I began work at what was then called the MAFF Fisheries Research Laboratory, (now a Government Agency called CEFAS). I spent my whole career there working on various scientific research projects and spending a lot of time at sea on Research Vessels.

After taking early retirement I was asked if I would consider becoming a school Governor, after much thought and after I had found out what a Governor was exactly, I agreed. As I attend Worlingham church and act as sidesman on a regular basis I was appointed as a Foundation Governor.

I monitor Science, Literacy and Assessment, and I currently monitor the progress of Year 4 children who I have followed since they were in the Early Years Foundation Stage. I sit on the Finance, Curriculum and Ethos, Health and Safety and Personnel Committees and Chair meetings of the Full Governing Body.

I thoroughly enjoy the time I spend in school liaising with staff, pupils and other Governors all of which furthers my own education!!

Mr Peter Hobbs Foundation Governor

“I have lived in Worlingham for 30 years and I am a member of the Parish Church. I am keen to assist links between the school, church and community and to contribute to an ethos within the school that embraces the Christian faith and enables the spiritual development of the children.

In my professional work as a pharmacist I have managed team and budgets which I will apply to school governance in the field of performance management and financial control. I have also worked as a volunteer life coach for Youth at Risk, a charity working with disadvantaged young people which has given me an understanding of the issues of vulnerable groups within schools and the importance of aspiring to the best outcomes for all pupils.”

Deborah Smith Associate Member

"My name is Deborah Smith and I am in my second term as a Parent Governor at Worlingham Primary School. I have a daughter who is currently in Year 3. My role as a parent governor is to represent the views of parents at meetings and to have corporate responsibility for decisions made at meetings. I work closely alongside a body of other Governors and staff to plan the strategic priorities for school. I sit on the curriculum and the health and safety committee and attend full governing body meetings. One of my main activities this year has been to monitor the progress of year group 5 by meeting termly with year teachers and exchanging information. I also monitor the subject literacy and special educational needs, year where I meet termly with subject leads to talk about targets, resources and delivery. This year I have also accompanied children on school outings and helped coach the Yr 5/6 netball team.

I am very pleased and proud to be a parent governor of the school. Through my governing work, I have the opportunity to make a difference, not only to my own daughters education, but for all children and those in years to come. I thoroughly enjoy my governing work and enjoy working alongside a strong committed team of staff and governors of the school ".

Matthew Bodmer Parent Governor

My name is Matt Bodmer and I have been the local authority governor for 3 years. I am a member of the following committees, health and safety, finance and curriculum. I also monitor music and physical education within the school. I have been very impressed with the schools’ approach to providing a positive environment for learning. Through my work I have experience as a health and safety supervisor (IOSH,) safeguarding awareness and as a trainer in various aspects of work by attending a PTTLS (preparing to teach in the life long sector) course. I am also an adviser for senior managers at major events/incidents, specialising in large music events, locally the and nationally. I would recommend to anyone to become involved with Worlingham CEVC Primary as it is a really rewarding experience to work with such a dedicated team at the school.

Mrs Jan Pettifer Co-opted Governor

Jan moved to nearly twenty years ago, she lives in , just outside , married with two step daughters and five grandchildren, when she isn’t supporting the school through her Governance role, her interests include, growing her own vegetables, gardening, reading, going to the cinema, and helping to restore the Barn she lives in with John her building surveyor husband.

Originally Jan trained as a journalist; she worked in London for nearly twenty years within Human Resources in the public sector. In 1989 she took a year out to complete a Master’s degree before securing a post with Suffolk CC as an HR Manager within the Education/ School service.

She retired two years ago, and took up her role as a Governor in 2014 - helping to support the school through a range of HR issues, including performance management, reviewing working practices and absence management for all staff. She also supports the Health & Safety Committee, and has a particular interest in Primary Language.

Mr Phillip Worrall Parent Governor

I am Head of Maths at a high school and am involved with the Finance Committee at Worlingham CEVC Primary School as a Governor.

Mrs Holly Marchand Parent Governor

I am a mum of three children and I have recently become a parent governor at the school. My two girls are currently in Year 2 and Reception and I also have a son who is nearly two. I have lived in Worlingham for eleven years and I have worked at a primary school in during this time. I am currently Assistant Headteacher and SENCO working three days a week. I also have responsibilities for whole school data and assessment, and Safeguarding. I have been teaching for fourteen years and have worked in a range of infant and primary schools. My teaching experiences have mainly been in Early Years Foundation Stage and Key Stage One. However, I love working with, and helping, children of all ages.I have also been a teacher governor in my current and previous school. I have a particular passion for teaching reading and encouraging children to have a love of books. In my spare time, I enjoy gardening and going on holiday with my family.