Wadhurst CE Primary School

I’m a Londoner by birth and my first career was as a research scientist, working for 21 years firstly as a space scientist at the University of Kent and then for the Ministry of Defence developing tanks. In 2009 I left that work to became a vicar, originally serving in rural Kent. I came to Wadhurst in January 2019 as the new vicar, and that made me also Ex-Officio Foundation Governor at the school with responsibility for helping the school in the areas of RE and school ethos.

I came with some experience of school governance having served for over six years on the governing body of the Church of England primary school in my previous parish, where I was the Safeguarding Governor. I view working with schools as one of the most stimulating aspects of my role in the community and I thoroughly enjoy coming in to the school to take weekly Acts of Worship (which I usually do with my wife, Heather), and on other occasions such as helping with science week.

I am a Parent Governor with responsibility for SEND. I have been a governor at the school since 2018. I live in Wadhurst and have two children that attend the school.

I have worked in education for 13 years. I am currently a reception class teacher at a school in Tunbridge Wells. In the past I have been part of the extended leadership team of the school, with responsibility for Maths.

I have a particular interest in outdoor learning/forest school which first developed after visiting a school in Norway. I am an advocate of learning through play and the importance of focusing on children’s wellbeing and involvement in learning to ensure all children reach their full potential

I am a mother to lively twin boys, who are currently in year 4. My family and I have lived in the area for over 12 years, and love the Wadhurst community.

I have worked as a lawyer in Government for 14 years in the Cabinet Office, Department for Education, Department for Culture Media and Sport, and am currently a senior commercial legal advisor to Defra. I think that Wadhurst Primary is a special school, with a wonderful caring, and nurturing environment.

I am passionate about inclusion, and want all children to have the opportunity to thrive and discover their unique talents.

I have been a Foundation Governor since 2012 and am currently chair of the Teaching Learning Committee.

I’ve had a varied career in education working as a teacher and leader in primary schools and children’s centres, both in the UK and overseas. My particular interest is in early childhood development and literacy which has led me to work as a local authority advisor and for Ofsted. When I became a parent, I took a break from teaching but did not give up learning, studying for a Masters degree. I also help run Jellybeans, the toddler group for Wadhurst church.

I have a young son who loves being at Wadhurst Primary.

I am a newly appointed Foundation Stage Governor which means that I attend the local Church and support the school in considering the spiritual development for our children as part of a holistic education and develop our connections with the local community.

I am a Doctor in Educational, Child and Adolescent Psychology and have worked as an Educational Psychologist across the South East for nearly a decade. I am interested in the connections, relationships and systems that we are all part of and how we can support children in a whole range of ways to thrive and feel confident within their own individuality. I am very excited to be joining the Wadhurst Governing Body and hope to support the school to continue to be a valuable part of the village and provide an excellent education, in the broadest sense of the word, to our children.

I have two young children who keep me on my toes, I help with Jellybeans, the parent and toddler group run by the church, I am involved in local Friends of the Earth climate change activism and love music.