I took early retirement in 2017 after 26 years service in School Business Management.  During this time I studied and was awarded both the Diploma and the Advanced Diploma in School Business Management with the National College for School Leadership and the Institute of Administration Management. These studies also included the award of the IAM Professional Higher Diploma part 1.

My husband and I married in 1980 and we have three children and currently seven grandchildren and one great grandson. 

I am interested in Family History and has been compiling my family tree for many years where a few surprises have come to light. 

With my experience I wanted to volunteer in the education sector and joined the Local Advisory Board for Stambridge and Waterman Primary Schools in 2017 and I am currently Chair of the LAB. In 2021 I joined Wickford CofE Infant school LAB and was elected as Chair. 

I believe in lifelong learning and in 2019 I led Stambridge and Waterman LAB into a DFE funded development programme, ran through Governor Space, in Leadership for Governors. The LAB undertook training and a final development programme that enriched their roles. 

I strongly believe that all children deserve a good education and opportunities to develop. 

Shaun's involvement in the trust started when he was asked to be one of three interim governors prior to the Stambridge becoming part of the trust.  A key instruction to the interim board was to make arrangements for SPS to become part of a trust.  This work was successfully completed and Shaun has since continued in the role of deputy chair of the LAB, overseeing Waterman and Stambridge schools.

Shaun is currently Managing Director of Rochford District Council and brings a wealth of experience of managing in the public sector to the role of Deputy. Amongst other qualifications he has a masters degree in business administration.  Shaun is a local resident, and therefore has a keen interest in the performance and success of local schools.

I currently work within a Local Authority heading up a Domestic Abuse Housing Service and have done so since 2017. As part of my role, I work very closely with other statutory and third sector organisations surrounding domestic abuse and housing.

My Son attends Stambridge Primary school and with my experience, I volunteered to become a Parent Governor as part of the Local Advisory Board (LAB) for both Stambridge & Waterman Primary Schools in the academic year 2022/23.

Outside of work my passion is being outside and looking after the myriad amount of animals that make their way into me and my Son’s lives – this even involved taking home chickens that the Reception class hatched! When it’s raining, I prefer to devour any book that’s been left unread.

I have a strong belief that all children should be given the tools to prosper in life and reach their full potential, regardless of any perceived barriers, social or otherwise. By joining the LAB I hope I can support the schools to continue delivering this to their students.

Leading learning in many schools over my extensive teaching career ensures my ambition to create a healthy, happy and safe space for learning is a non-negotiable for all children and their families.  Prioritising this, alongside the setting of high expectations of achievement for staff and children, has been fundamental to my success.   Leading and driving forward improvements has ensured a commitment to professional development at both primary and secondary levels.  As a Specialist Leader for Education and Specific Learning Difficulties, I have the opportunity to promote and ensure the ambition that all children will succeed.

The opportunity to drive Waterman to outstanding for our children and community is at the heart of all we do. The context, ethos, values and challenges, alongside the numerous successes provide a unique setting, well suited to my passions and strengths. My desire to work in fully inclusive school which aims to make a difference in all children’s lives, developing a strong. diverse and respected community has always formed my moral compass. This has ensured the intent for our curriculum is fully inclusive and diverse with the ability to hold ambitious expectations for all pupils with additional and special educational needs and disabilities. Ensuring we develop a ‘keep up not catch up’ culture has ensured we establish and sustain culture and practices that enable children to access the curriculum and learn effectively. Implementation of several whole trust strategies with research led pedagogies has led to great achievements for all.   The support of our trustees and governors will ensure we make a significant difference in all children’s lives ensuring their continued success.