Now retired, I am delighted to be a governor at Southview School, and I hope to bring a lifetime of experience in business, the local community and being a parent of children with both moderate and severe learning difficulties, together with the challenges and rewards this can bring. If I have a main aim it is to work with the other Governors, to ensure the school can be the absolute best it can be for the students, parents and staff alike.

I qualified as a teacher in 1971 and worked until I retired in 2007. The last 24 years in service was as a headteacher of 3 Essex Primary schools. In 2003 I completed an M.Ed at Cambridge which focussed on improving governance. I have worked as a part-time tutor for Essex Governor Services since 2006 writing and delivering courses for governors.

As a headteacher I was keenly aware of the importance and support a governing body can give to a school. I have always believed that ALL children regardless of their ability should have the best opportunities to succeed in school.

Having worked in health and social care since leaving school, firstly with older people and then with children and adults with moderate, severe and life limiting learning difficulties. For the past 27 years I have worked for the London Ambulance Service, initially as a paramedic and most recently within the Emergency Planning and Specialist Operations Team. I bring a range and wealth of experience and knowledge from my role in the  ambulance service which involves engagement, governance, compliance and assurance, strategic planning and leadership and the planning and preparations for major incidents and events. I aim to bring my skills and knowledge to the board of governors to support the senior leadership team in the ongoing development and growth of Southview School. 

I'm very proud to have been Head Teacher at Southview since 2013. I believe passionately that all children, regardless of any difficulties, should have access to a high quality holistic education based on their own individual circumstances. I celebrate the fact that our education package looks different for each child or student.

Our Governing board is committed to providing the best for our children and students, and I am very happy to be part of this group and to be working with such committed people.