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Meet the Governors

Helen Connett : Chair of Governors - Leadership and Management; SEN

Both my children currently attend Pomphlett and I have seen them flourish in an environment so dedicated to high standards but also a broad and balanced curriculum. Being part of the governing body has given me an incredible insight into how the school works and the hard work and dedication that this necessitates from all staff and volunteers. I became a parent governor at Pomphlett in February 2013 and have recently become the Chair of Governors. I am link governor for Special Educational Needs (SEND). I have worked in education for almost twenty years and currently work as a part time teacher at a Plymouth school with a role within the senior leadership team.

Anthony Banbury : Teaching and Learning
I was born in Plymouth and have lived here all of my life, so far. I am a Local Authority Governor and was appointed to serve on Pomphlett School’s Governing Body in 2011. I have been governor for over 12 years. I was a governor (chair for 4 years) of Plymouth Hospital and Outreach School before it closed in 2011. My career has been in Education. I was a teacher, deputy-headteacher and headteacher in schools in and around Plymouth for almost 40 years. I took early retirement from Headship in 1997. I immediately returned to teaching on a supply and short contract basis in schools in and around Plymouth – finally teaching in a school in Saltash. I retired from teaching in August 2008. Being a governor of a school is a huge privilege, as well as carrying much responsibility. I will serve the children of Pomphlett School to the best of my ability – as they deserve to be served. They are our future.

Laura Biggs Parent Governor : Early Years Foundation Stage ; Premises

My background is in biological science and I spent most of my career working at Plymouth University before leaving to spend more time with my family. I joined the governing body of Pomphlett in 2011 when my eldest son started in reception. I have four children, who attend (or have attended) the school. My children enjoy their time at school and have found Pomphlett to be a friendly nurturing place to learn.

I am proud to be a member of the governing body of Pomphlett primary and to be part of the team dedicated to running a successful happy school. As governor I have responsibility for health and safety and supporting the early years provision. I particularly enjoy attending governor’s days when I get the chance to see the wonderful work which goes on in the school. I find the children enthusiastic and proud of their school and I enjoy discussing their hopes and dreams for the future. I hope to continue supporting Pomphlett as we move onto bigger things.

Steven James Donald : Finance; Organisation

I was born in Plymouth and attended both Goosewell Primary School and Coombe Dean School during my educational years.

On leaving school I started working for Plymouth City Council, first within the Sports Development Unit and then for the past 4 years, the Events Team.

I now live in the Pomphlett area and have two children that attend the school, Isabel in Year 4 and Isaac in Foundation.

I have many interests including playing golf and following football as well as enjoying time with my family, especially breaks away to the caravan in Exmouth.

Since November 2014 I have served as a Parent Governor at the school and take this role as a privilege and will do my best to ensure that the high standards that the school deliver are continued and that the children gain the best education and school experience that they can.
I have been a Governor at Pomphlett Primary School since 2012 and currently have responsibility for Community.

Gary Thomas: Safeguarding and Child Protection

I'm Gary Thomas currently the Parent Governor responsible for Safe Guarding at Pomphlett Primary. I am a stay at home Dad to our three children, taking a break from my role as a support worker for University students with mental health issues. I served in the Royal Navy for many years and have lived in Plymstock for the last 15. Being a parent governor allows me to support the school which has been such an important part of my children's lives.

Pat Skinner : Community
I have lived in the Billacombe area for 27 years where both my children and now my grandchildren attend schools.
Recently I retired from the Civil Service and as well as involvement with Governor duties I also enjoy volunteering for the National Trust in Business Support and helping in school with listening to readers.

Claire Makelis: Staff Governor

I am the deputy headteacher at Pomphlett and currently teach Year 6. I am responsible for the development of all teaching and learning as well as being the English subject leader. Pomphlett is a really great school to work in and our Governing Body are a part of the team that helps drive improvement and raise standards. I strongly believe that our Governing Body provides excellent challenge and support to us as a school and therefore play a very important role.

Jo Kohler : Staff Governor

I have been working at Pomphlett Primary for the last 13 years and currently share my time between working as a year 1 Teaching Assistant in the mornings and a Higher Level Teaching Assistant in the afternoons. As a member of staff for this length of time, I have had the good fortune to have worked with of most of the children at some point and been able to share in the enrichment of the children's learning. I have developed the tools and skills alongside the Pomphlett School staff to ensure every child becomes an independent learner. In both my Governor and staff roles I will continue to provide a caring, exciting and positive environment to enable the children to 'Believe Achieve and Succeed' their full potential.

Pomphlett Primary School,
Howard Road, Plymstock,
Plymouth, Devon, PL9 7ES

pomphlett.office@horizonmat.com
01752 408966