Governor Profiles Nov 2013

Governor Profiles Nov 2013

Andy Bostridge
Local Authority Governor
/ Andy is an experienced Governor, having previously been served on the Governing Body of his children’s Secondary School in Lewisham. Andy works as an engineer for Royal Mail and due to his shift work rota, gives regular and generous time to the school. Andy attends Assemblies, meets with School Council, pops into classes, has lunch with the children, meets with the Head Teacher and Senior Leaders to discuss the school’s work. Andy has an interest in IT gadgets, travel and enjoys playing golf. As Chair of Governors, Andy leads the governing body team in strategically leading the school forward. His frequent visits to school mean he knows the school and staff team well, so is well-placed to serve on all the Committees. Recently, Andy has been working in partnership with Chairs of Governors from other schools. Although Andy’s own children are grown up, he is enthusiastic abut the learning, achievement and progress of young children.
“What friendly children…what smiley, hard-working staff…what an exciting atmosphere!” This is what Norma thought on her visit to Bromley Road – and still does on subsequent visits. Norma enjoys working with children and believes the early years are so vital for developing skills and a love of learning. Although retired from Headship of an Infant School, Norma’s still keenly involved in children’s lives, particularly those of her six grandchildren – the eldest of whom has just gone to University and the youngest is an energetic and busy toddler. Norma believes that her grandchildren help to give her a special perspective as a Governor. Norma’s involvement in school life is wide-spread. You’ll see Norma welcoming parents to events in St. George’s, helping children to read, joining in lessons, attending Pupil Progress meetings, meeting with Subject Leaders and the Head Teacher. Norma’s particularly interested in Literacy and Numeracy, Early Years, Personnel, Learning and Achievement. In her spare moments, Norma enjoys walking the family dog, gardening, visiting National trust properties, as well as getting lost in the peace and quiet of the countryside. When you see Norma, remember to ask her how well Olive is galloping along! / Norma Dodd
Local Authority Governor

Stuart Dixon
Local Authority Governor
/ Stuart lives locally and describes himself as a keen cyclist, photographer and Francophile. He works in a local authority education department and has extensive knowledge and skills that he brings to the Bromley Road Governing Body, particularly Finance and Buildings. Stuart has recently taken on responsibility as our child Protection/Safeguarding Governor, including Looked After Children and Attendance. He has just completed his Master’s Degree in Law, focusing on children’s rights and youth justice. Stuart’s motivation for becoming a governor was based on his belief that every child deserves a good educational start in life and his desire to help his local school. Although Stuart works fulltime and for extensive hours, his commitment to the school is strong. Whenever possible, he visits during the day and takes a keen interest in the children’s daily experience of school life. Stuart’s other activities have included setting up a special needs housing association and working on youth exchanges with a ‘twinned’ town in France.
Alan joined the Governing Body in 2010 in order to find out more about how schools function and how the education system works. As a chartered architect, he is keen to bring his considerable knowledge, skills and understanding to the Governing Body team. Alan visits the school frequently – dropping off his son, attending parents’ meetings and special events, as well as serving on the Building and Finance Committee. / Alan Old
Parent Governor

Alison Davis
Parent Governor
/ Alison is an experienced Governor, having served on Governing Bodies elsewhere prior to joining Bromley Road in 2010. Her current business is in vintage jewellery, but previously Alison was a manager in the Civil Service and a writer for stage and television. While her daughter attended Bromley Road, Alison was one of our regular volunteers and joined in lessons, activities, trips and special events as well as helping children to make good progress in reading. Alison’s Governor responsibilities include children and families who speak English as an Additional Language and ensuring the school uses the Pupil Premium Funding appropriately. Alison continues to support Bromley Road on a regular basis, supporting the teaching of reading.
Louise grew up in Beckenham herself and now her daughter attends Bromley Road. It was her care for the school and her local community that inspired Louise to become a Governor. Louise works within the educational profession, but at Secondary school level, where she works 4 days a week as an Art teacher, with the additional responsibility for the induction of new teachers and the professional development of trainee teachers. Louise relates well to the staff and is actively involved in the Achievement Committee, keenly analysing the children’s achievement and progress. Louise has the added benefit of knowing Bromley Road through her mum – who attended the school as a child herself. The current works to move the school office have invoked more memories for Louise’s mum, who can remember lining up in the back playground to come in to her classroom. Louise’s involvement in the local community includes St Paul’s Church, Beckenham tennis Club and Indelible Studios at CitygateChurch. / Louise Woolmer
Parent Governor

Karen Minnis
Head Teacher
/ Karen was appointed Head Teacher in September 2010, having previously been Deputy Head at another BromleyPrimary school. Karen has a firm-belief in life-long learning and has enjoyed the benefits that great schooling brings, including travel, love of literature and theatre and the challenges of applying skills to new situations. She now enjoys working with colleagues, including staff, Governors and parents to make each day a memorable learning experience for others.
Karen enjoys opportunities for working in partnership with other schools and, as a geographer, is keen to create a lasting international link for Bromley Roaders.
Victoria joined the leadership team atBromley Road in April 2013, having previously been an Inclusion Manager at another BromleyPrimary school. Her previous role has developed her passion and commitment for ensuring that pupil’s individual needs are met, so that every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.
Victoria enjoys both her teaching and leadership role, working with governors and colleagues in creating a learning environment that stimulates and challenges all pupils, so that they leave Bromley Road as confident and independent young adults.
As a former competitive swimmer, Victoria looks forward to the sporting opportunities that KS2 will bring Bromley Road pupils. / Victoria Kilbey
Deputy Head Teacher

Lisa Lipscomb
Staff Governor
June became a Community Governor early in 2013. She has lived in the area most of her life and is currently licensed as a lay minister at St. George’sChurch. She has recently completed her studies for an MA in Christian Spirituality. Now retired from teaching, June has workedin a number of localprimary schools serving as a class teacher, Special Needs Co-ordinator and Deputy Head. Her final appointment was as Head of a Specialist Provision for primary aged pupils with highfunctioning ASD. Retirement has given June time to pursue her interests in music and calligraphy. She plays the guitar and the flute, and isa member of Beckenham Chorale. June enjoys her visits to BromleyRoadSchool. Sheis keen that all pupils receive a rounded education and are given the opportunity to achieve well. / June Mackenzie
Community Governor

Alison Kitson
Parent Governor
Geraldine Adams’ passions are to ensure children are supported to achieve their maximum potential and that they get the best possible start in life.
She is currently Head of a Multiagency Team working in the Early Intervention and Targeted Service, Children and Young Peoples Service in Lambeth, offering support to families, children and young people who have a wide range of additional needs.
Geraldine works closely with schools, GPs and the Voluntary Sector and last year she was part of the team in Lambeth Children’s Services that underwent an Ofsted Safeguarding inspection which returned an Outstanding judgement.
Previously, Geraldine worked in the NHS, first as a Registered Nurse and then as a Health Visitor in Southwark and Lambeth. Her other management roles have included being a Business Manager for Children’s Services, Borough Child Health Manager, Assistant Director of Child Health, managing a range of Specialist Services for Children and Young People with Special Needs and Assistant Director Primary Care and Child Health Services taking strategic responsibility for the development of GP services. / Geraldine Abrahams
Community Governor