Hi, I’m Sue Rudge and the Chair of Governors at Townley. I joined the Governor Body just after the last Ofsted in March 2018 and have worked hard with Mrs Higgins to make improvements since then Before I retired in 2017, I was an acting Head and then a Headteacher in 2 large (400+ children) primary schools in the East of London. Having had both Good and Outstanding Ofsted gradings, I’ve a strong background to help Townley move forward.
When I’m not in my polytunnel, I spend my time throwing balls for my 2 dogs or I come into school as I love chatting with the children to see how they are getting on – not so easy with Covid, I know! I’m part of Hawker bubble so enjoy spending time there, but can otherwise be found in classroom doorways or on the gate! I love that most of the children know me but if I haven’t met you yet, please come up and say hello once the lockdown rules ease.
Lorna Kirk is a coopted Governor and responsible for Special Educational Needs
I was raised in the village and have many fond memories of my school days at Townley and then at the Neale Wade Community College in March. I was Head of Music at Downham Market Academy for sixteen years and am now the SENCO working for the Staploe Education Trust across their primary schools in Soham. I am looking forward to working alongside the staff and governors at Townley to ensure that every child experiences success in a nurturing and supportive environment.
I love walking in the countryside, frequent visits to the North Norfolk coast, playing the piano and socialising with friends and family. Please come and say hello when you next see me around the village.
Shelley Steer
I’m the staff governor chosen by the other school staff to represent them at the governing body. I share my views on various strategic matters and, where appropriate, those of the rest of the staff. In addition to teaching for seven years, I have a background in managing research with a focus on parenting interventions and supporting both parents and schools to improve outcomes for children.
I moved to Cambridgeshire from London in 2015, which is when I retrained to become a teacher, initially volunteering at Townley and the rest is history! I believe passionately that all children are entitled to a good education which is developmentally appropriate.
I am a Research Advocate for Fenland helping to disseminate research evidence and current best practice into other schools. I am also completing my Forest School Leader training and have really enjoyed learning about the huge benefits of outdoor learning in a woodland area. I have a 12 year old daughter who attended Townley and is now at Secondary School.
Simon Lind
I’m delighted to be joining Townley as a governor, my first impressions, especially after my first official visit to hear ‘pupil voice’, that is selected children talking about what they are learning in their lessons, is that Townley is a happy school with confident and articulate children obviously feeling safe and comfortable in school.
I have spent most of my professional life in education and feel that this is a good opportunity, not only to put something back into the community by volunteering as a governor, but also to learn from a well-run, vibrant and happy school, and be able to take some of those lesson back to my professional life as a shining example of how to do it!
I live in Welney and have already met some of you when doing traffic duty recently, I hope over the coming years to play a full role as governor, once I have learned the ropes!
Mike Prewett
I joined the governing body last term as a Parent governor. I have lived in the village for the last 8 years, having originally moved from Bristol to Cambridgeshire with the RAF. Since then I’ve spent time as a Police Officer and now work in retail for the big orange DIY store.
My two daughters both attend Townley and are currently in years 3 and 5. I have been a member of FOTs for 4 years, initially as a trustee before taking on the Secretary role. I’ve enjoyed helping to organise and run various fundraising events for the school as part of this and was excited when the opportunity arose to become a parent governor. I felt this would allow me to provide further help to the school while, for my own benefit, developing skills and a greater understanding of what takes place at Townley.
I have so far had the pleasure of watching the pupils take part in the year 5 maths challenge, Sports day and forest school.
While initially daunted to see just how much is involved in being part of a governing body I look forward to tackling these challenges with the help of the teachers and fellow governors and becoming more involved in the coming years!