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Governor Profiles

 
Constitution of the Governing Body

11 Governors: 1 Headteacher (ex-officio), 1 staff, 1 Local Authority, 3 Parents, 3 co-opted, 2 Foundation

 

 
 
Melanie Isherwood
 
Type of Governor: Co-opted Governor Co-Chair of Governors
 
Background: I live in Chiddingfold and have two children, aged ten and fifteen. My background is in IT having latterly been Training Director for a large US corporate. In this role I was managing the teaching of IT skills to all technical and end-users. Prior to this I was in Retail Management.
 
Why I became a Governor: I am a frustrated teacher and would have loved to taken my career in this direction! I have acted in a voluntary role with my children's school and gained such satisfaction that when the role of Governor at Milford Infants came up, I jumped at the chance. I believe my corporate experience and my experience as a mother lends itself well to both strategic and operational aspects of the School.
 
What I enjoy most about the role: I am still learning and the depth of knowledge required means that the learning will continue. In doing this, I intend to give as much as I can to support this fantastic school.

 

Maureen Holland

 

Type of Governor: Foundation Governor Co-Chair of Governors

 

Background: My main career was in teaching where I trained as a mature student.My final role was in a large middle/ primary school in south west London where I was head of department and also served on the senior management team. Another interest of mine was acting as a link tutor for students on teaching practice from a London university.

 

Why I became Governor: Initially I joined the governors when my grandchildren were pupils 6 years ago. I have lived in Milford for 12 years and have family connections to the area going back a long time. I think the school is an important part of the community .

 

 I am very happy to be part of the team at Milford Infant School.

 
Lydia Patterson 
 

Type of Governor:  Co-opted Finance Governor 

 

Background:     I live near Lurgashall and have a 17 year old son and a 10 year old daughter.  I am a Chartered Management Accountant and have previously been a Group Financial Controller for a PLC and Managing Director of a Media Solutions Company. 

 

Why I became a Governor:     Having school age children, I realise what an important role schools and particularly teachers play in developing our children, I feel and hope that the skills that I have gained over the years can be of value and will help the excellent team that we have at Milford provide the best support we can to the children. 

 

What I enjoy most about the role:   I am really enjoying working with an enthusiastic team of Governors from a range of working backgrounds that are really committed to Milford Infant School. 

Mrs Lucy Heslop

 

Type of Governor: Staff Governor

 

Background: I live in Milford and all three of my children, now aged 14, 16 and 19, are former Milford School ‘alumni’ who still reminisce and enthuse about their experiences and time here. As a child of two teachers, from a family and extended family of yet more teachers, teaching was definitely in the blood! I have worked in education for many years, starting out in an administrative capacity working as P.A. to a Deputy Head, Exams Officer, Work Experience and Work-related Learning Coordinator then Data Manager of a large secondary school in South London where I also undertook the Certificate of School Business Management. After moving closer to home as a School Office Manager at a local junior school, I soon realised that my true calling was to help develop young people more directly and so my teaching career began. I have taught at Milford since my youngest child moved on to junior school and am grateful every day to be part of this wonderful community.

 

Why I became a Governor: Having been a school governor in a previous role, together with my wide-ranging educational experience, it felt only right for me to offer my services when the opportunity to join the governing body arose.

 

What I enjoy most about the role: I enjoy being part of the strategic decision-making processes and striving to shape and develop our School to provide the very best for the community it serves.

 

Ben Welton

 

Type of Governor: Parent Governor

 

Background: I live in Godalming with my wife and two daughters, aged 10 and 7 both of whom are former pupils of the school. My background is in IT where I am a Director of a large IT Services business.

 

Why I became a Governor:  I love this school, I love the team and I love how they have developed, nurtured and educated my daughters so I thought the least I can do is give back in some capacity to support them.

 

What I enjoy most about the role:  The ability to help the school even in the smallest capacity. It's really tough for everyone at the moment and if I can help in any way then that makes me feel happy.

 

 

Will Mortimore

 

Type of Governor: Foundation Governor

 

Background: I live in Milford and have two daughters; one has been through Milford and the younger is still at the School.  My background is in Science and Technology, and I currently work at University of Surrey supporting researchers to get their innovations out into the real-world for societal benefit.

 

Why I became a Governor: I appreciate the great role the teachers and staff continue to do in developing our children and how it plays an important part in the community.  At a time when there are a lot of pressures on schools I hope that I can offer support from my experience and skills that will help the continue to thrive.

 

What I enjoy most about the role: Seeing the passion and diligence of the staff and working with a committed team of governors.

 

 

Darragh Jones

 

Type of Governor: Parent Governor

 

Background: 

I have three boys aged 7, 6 and 4 all of whom have or will have been pupils at Milford.  My wife and I own a local children’s nursery and are really interested in Early Years development and our children’s transition to full time education.  Before owning a Nursery, I had a career in Management Consultancy and IT.

 

Why I became a Governor: 

I was excited to be able to offer my experience and time to benefit the growth and management of the school in which my boys have benefitted so much.  

 

What I enjoy most about the role: 

I enjoy visiting the school and listening to how each of the curriculum areas are developing, and how the children are benefiting as a result.  

 

Esther Lyons 

 

Type of Governor - Parent Governor  

 

Background: I have worked for 17 years in local authorities, specialising in social housing and working closely with elected councillors to achieve their goals. I am passionate about equality, diversity and inclusion. I believe that primary schools have an important role to play in levelling the playing field between children of all socioeconomic backgrounds. I live in Milford with my husband and two children, both of whom attend Milford school. 

 

Why I became a Governor: From day one I was impressed by the high standard of teaching at Milford and the passion and dedication of staff at all levels.  Their hard work benefits the children and the wider community so much. When a parent governor vacancy arose, it felt right to offer my time and experience to support the school.

 

What I enjoy most: Being a governor is a chance to take a step back and look at the 'big picture': where are we now and where do we want to be? It's wonderful to be able to visit the school and see how it is evolving and improving in different areas.