The Board of Governors

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 I have been a parent governor at Middle Street Primary School since February 2024, when my son joined Reception. I am currently the co-chair of governors with Sally, and the safeguarding governor for the school.  It is a real joy to be able to work alongside the rest of the governors, the school’s leadership team and the committed, talented, staff, helping this kind, playful, inclusive and ambitious school thrive.

I have lived in Brighton since 2016 with my husband, our two children and our ridiculous dog. I am a qualified Social Worker and across my career I have worked to develop complex, multi-agency, safeguarding practice and policy in local authority, charity and central government contexts.  In 2023 I was appointed as one of the National Child Safeguarding Review Panel’s reviewers.

I’ve been a governor at Middle Street Primary School since September 2019, and I'm primarily responsible for monitoring and scrutinising everything to do with the curriculum and pupil progress. 

I moved to Brighton with my family in 2017, having previously lived in South-East Asia for fifteen years or so. Both of our children either attend or have attended Middle Street. 

Over the last few years, I’ve held a variety of positions within the education or humanitarian and development sectors, and I’m currently the Director/Owner of a language school in Timor-Leste. 

As the Staff Governor on the Board of Governors, I  unique staff perspective to the board. My role is to ensure that a staff perspective is heard in key decisions that impact the school’s direction and policies. I work alongside fellow governors to contribute insights on day-to-day operations, teaching practices, and the well-being of staff and students. By fostering open communication, I help ensure that the board’s decisions align with the needs of both the staff and the wider school community, creating a supportive environment for everyone.

I’ve been a parent governor since early 2020 at lovely Middle Street, where my daughter’s enjoying her life as a pupil and where I’m lead governor for finance and resources. I was previously a finance governor at what’s now Homewood College. I work in TV and communications. 

This is a tough time for schools, with more commitments and less financial support than I’ve ever known. What’s wonderful about Middle Street, and a huge tribute to its staff, including headteacher Rob C, is how the school is thriving. I love that it’s still a wonderful place to learn and grow up, retaining its unique character, warmth and strong sense of community. 

I have been a governor at Middle Street for 16 years, first as a Local Authority governor, then as Co-opted. I am retired, having spent all my working life in Education, first as a teacher then as a Local Government officer. I really enjoy being part of this vibrant school community, keeping in touch with developments in the education world and hopefully bringing relevant skills and experience to our work. Currently, I have particular responsibility for Attendance and Health and Safety. 

I have lived in Brighton for 16 years and was appointed as a local authority governor in July 2024.  I currently work for the local authority’s Safeguarding Adults Board- a multi-agency partnership with statutory responsibility for overseeing local safeguarding arrangements. I also have extensive experience of working in the housing and homelessness sector, and previously worked for the children’s SEN and disabilities service.

I look forward to getting to know this thriving school located in the heart of our wonderful city, and of working with the governors and school staff to ensure accountability and to promote high standards of education and achievement for the children who attend.

 As the Headteacher and a member of the Board of Governors, I am committed to ensuring the best possible educational experience for every child. I work closely with the board to set strategic goals, promote high standards of teaching and learning, and maintain a positive, nurturing environment for our pupils. My role involves guiding the school's leadership, fostering collaboration between staff and governors, and ensuring that all decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of our school community. Together, we strive to provide a safe, engaging, and inclusive atmosphere where every child can thrive and succeed. 

  I become a parent governor in 2020 when my daughter started in Reception. I now have a second child at Middle Street and cherish being part of the school community. I am the link governor for SEND, children wellbeing and equality and inclusion. I also become the Vice Chair of Governors in 2022. 

My background is working in the charity sector. Before moving to Brighton in 2010, I managed a Drug and Alcohol project in West London. Since moving here, I have worked with a charity that supports survivors of domestic abuse. 

I am a co-opted governor and staff member, having worked as a Middle Street teaching assistant for twenty years. My long involvement in school life as a parent of two pupils, as staff and as a governor since 2006, gives me a uniquely broad perspective on the school and its ambitions.

I am keen to help our parents find ways to support and engage with their children’s learning and I believe in a creative curriculum that excites pupils to enjoy school and thrive here as individuals.

I enjoy travelling and love to explore Brighton and the Sussex countryside.