Kingswood Primary School Governing Body – Who’s who.
Pauline Lawson:
I have been a governor at Kingswood Primary School since February 2010. I volunteered whilst I was happily working from home in Mogador Road. My work life has changed since then but I have been fortunate to have great employers who are happy to provide me with the time to fulfil my role as a governor.
I have lived in Lower Kingswood since July 1997 and I have two children who are in their 20’s. I am a lawyer who specialises in elderly client issues. I had inspirational teachers who gave me a lifelong love of books and history. I think you create memories from your school days which have an important influence for the future.
I am passionate about Kingswood Primary School and the opportunities that it provides for the pupils. We have a wonderful location and a range of activities to inspire and encourage each child to reach their full potential.
Sheila Banton:
I am one of the newer governors at Kingswood, having been appointed as a co-opted governor in September 2016. With my background in finance (I am a Chartered Accountant in practice, hold a degree in mathematics from London University, and have worked in the City and in Industry), I have joined the Resources Committee at Kingswood. I was previously a governor of a local independent girls’ school from 2012 to 2016 and have two adult daughters.
Clare Bishop:
I am Clare Bishop and have been a Governor at Kingswood School since May 2016. I have over 18 years expertise in Human Resources Management which includes: setting strategy, resourcing, people and performance management and managing change. I hope these professional skills will help me in this really important role of School Governor which I take very seriously. I was very keen as a full time working Mum to give something back to the School where my son is very happy. In my role as School Governor I will be focusing on the Resources Committee.
Sharon Cloud:
I joined Kingswood’s Governing Body in 2013, was appointed a co-opted governor in November 2014 and have been a member of the Resources Committee and the Pay Committee.
Having qualified as an attorney in the United States in 1987, I have held numerous roles in family and commercial law in the US andEngland and am currently a non-practising solicitor.
I am a dual US/UK national and in between following my interests in walking, Pilates, reading, tennis and golf, I have served on various school admission appeals.
Karen Englefield:
Hello, my name is Karen Englefield and I have been a co-opted governor since November 2014 and Link Governor for Training for the last two years. I am also a member of the Achievements Committee. I have lived locally for nearly 30 years and worked in the Life Assurance and Pensions industry as a Business Analyst.I am now enjoying early retirement and take great pleasure in being involved with this wonderful school.
Dr Angela Hall:
With a background of teaching followed by educational design (developinginnovative science curricula and resources for schools and colleges), I now work as a freelance STEM education consultant.I have also been involved in teacher professional development.I have a particular interest in getting a wider range of young people into science careers, having led on national intervention projects in partnership with schools and universities.
Iam delighted to have become a co-opted governor at Kingswood Primary School in 2016.I am particularlyinterested in the Forest School approach and can see the great advantages offered by asmall village school. My ownthree children were at Walton-on -the-Hill and Tadworth primary schools before moving on to The Beacon, so I have experience of these local schools as a parent.
Helen Junkison:
I was elected parent governor in February 2015.I have a background in teaching and this has helped mewith my work on theAchievements Committee, of which Iam nowtheChair.Apart from visits to the school in my role as a Governor I alsoenjoyvolunteering at the school twice a week tolisten to readers andI was lucky to have the opportunity to accompany Reception Class on Forest Schools on a few occasions!My two children attend Kingswood and I live locally.
Suzanne Northam:
As a parent governor I am on the Achievements & Pay Committees and am also the Governor for Special Educational Needs & Governor for Looked After Children. I have spent a lot of time with the KPS SENCO & support staff, parents & children working with them to ensure we as a school provide the best opportunities for our children.
I have volunteered in classes for several years providing reading & Forest Schools support. I also help with the FPTA fundraising activities.
My working background includes over 20 years in the financial sector in Sales & Marketing. I particularly enjoy corporate event management and my current role in the charities sector is as Programme Coordinator for a charity working with Stroke survivors living with aphasia.
Christine Sheehan:
I was appointed as a co-opted governor in September 2016 and I have a particular role to helpthe governors of Kingswood investigate the risks and rewards associated with the changing landscape of education, particularly in relation to academies. The aim is to enable Kingswood stakeholders to have the information required so that governors are able to make an informed decision in the best interests of its pupils.
Phil Simmons:
I joined the Governing Body of Kingswood Primary in March 2015 as a co-opted governor. My background includes various management roles in the NHS and pharmaceutical sector, with particular experience in sales, marketing and organisational re-design. In education, my particular interest is in science and technology and I am currently working at a local secondary school.
I chair the Resources Committee at Kingswood
Duncan Steele:
I have been head teacher of Kingswood since 2008/9 and thoroughly enjoy leading the school alongside the staff, children, governors and parents. The nurturing and caring ethos provided by the staff is a key factor as to why children enjoy Kingswood and achieve well. I am always looking at ways to further improve the school to ensure our children have a high quality education which includes a variety of exciting experiences over the years. Before joining Kingswood, I taught in a wide range of schools in Surrey, Hammersmith and Fulham, Lambeth and Oxford.
Outside of school, I like to spend time with my family, usually playing or watching sport. I am also a season ticket holder at Crystal Palace FC!
Julia Waterson:
I joined Kingswood as a class teacher and the Deputy Head in 2009 and have been on the Governing Body as the staff representative for 6 years. I am part of the Achievements committee and with over 25 years of experience in a variety of schools in Croydon and Sutton, I have a passion that children are given the best possible education. I strongly believe that this is what the children receive at Kingswood and am proud to be part of such a supportive staff team.
Clerk to the Governing Body -Tessa Jones:
Since becoming Clerk to Governors, I have gradually grown my clerking portfolio and bring experience from different types of schools, both primary and secondary, through my role as Clerk to the Governors at various other schools. I regularly attend training to ensure that the advice and support I provide remains up to date and have successfully completed the nationally recognised Accredited Clerk qualification. I am ACIS qualified and prior to moving to education was Company Secretary within a national membership association. I live locally and have two children.