Welcome to our Governors’ section.

Hello from Curdridge Primary School Governing Body! 

What does the Governing Body do? 

Essentially we are here to ensure Curdridge Primary School is a great, safe place to learn and work.  Whilst we don’t get involved in day to day operational decisions, we are responsible for the school’s vision, ethos and strategic direction, for holding the school leaders to account for the school’s educational performance and for overseeing the school’s financial performance, ensuring that its money is well spent.  We also have various statutory duties such as Safeguarding, ensuring the curriculum is broad and balanced and ensuring compliance with various legislation such as the Equality Act 2010 and Health and Safety regulations.  In order to carry out our role, amongst other things Governors visit the school regularly and meet as a board twice a term.   

Interested in becoming a Governor? 

The most important qualities for being a Governor are enthusiasm, commitment and an interest in education.  You don’t need teaching experience but it is helpful if Governors can bring skills from other areas of life.  Governors are volunteers and terms run for 4 years, although there is usually the option to stand for more than one term.  There is a time commitment but it is a very rewarding experience.  If you are interested, please do get in touch with any of the Governors or contact the School Office to find out more. 

Who are we? 

There are currently 10 Governors on the Governing Body and we are supported by our professional clerk, Jacqueline Finney.  In addition to Sally Wood (Headteacher) and Anna Harmer (Staff Governor) the other Governors are: 

Sarah Baker (Chair, Parent Governor) 

Welcome!  We’ve lived in Curdridge since 2013 and enjoy being part of this lovely village community.  I’ve always felt that Education is hugely important and wanted to support our local school as much as possible.  I’ve been involved with CPS as a reading volunteer since our son started as a Year R in 2015 and then became a parent governor in 2018.  It’s lovely seeing how the school helps the children develop and learn and is very rewarding (and actually very enjoyable) being able to play a part in that.  I knew very little about being a Governor when I started but the training and support provided by Hampshire Education Authority is excellent.  Work-wise I have a business and accountancy background and have been a Chartered Tax Advisor for over 20 years. 

Lisa Childerley (Co-Opted Governor) 

Hi, I am Lisa and joined as a Governor of the school in 2021.  Previously my experience of being a governor was of an inner city primary school in Southampton.  I have a particular interest in education and how to ensure children and young adults develop and learn (not just academically) to the best of their abilities and get an equal chance at school.  I firmly believe that education needs to be tailored to individuals as much as is possible and that each person has strengths.  I am a solicitor working in London but I have lived in this area all my life (my grandparents lived in Botley and I have lived in Curdridge for over 20 years).  Outside work my family’s main hobby is sailing which we all enjoy to different standards! 

Philip Hedger (Vice-Chair, Co-Opted Governor) 

Geraldine and I have been residents of Curdridge since 2015.  Prior to that we lived (and worked) in the US for 25 years, and in other countries for a few years.  We have three daughters and four grandchildren.  The quality of the School and its Staff together with the special community in which it is situated persuaded me that being a governor would be a worthwhile time investment.  It is!  Although I am a novice school governor, I am determined to learn fast!  My background is finance, law, corporate management and a spell as a diplomat.  I continue to work as a consultant and teacher.  I am in awe of my fellow governors! 

Adam Holliday (Parent Governor) 

Hi, I’m Adam and I became a Parent Governor less than a week after my son started at CPS in September 2023.  As a family we moved to Curdridge in December 2021, only a short distance from where I spent my own childhood in Boorley Green.  Whilst I do not have a background in education, I have spent the last 10+ years of my professional career involved in Engineering and Manufacturing Management, predominantly in highly regulated industries.  I am looking forward to learning more and contributing as much as I can towards the future of the school.    

Andy Reynolds-Jones (Parent Governor) 

Hi, I’m Andy and I started being a Parent Governor in July 2022.  I have 2 boys at the school, Ben and Freddie, who are a school year apart.  I’ve been in and around Southampton since I came down for university, but only made the move north of the motorway in 2019.  Living more in the countryside has been brilliant and being involved at CPS, whether that is BBQing at fetes or just doing the school run has made me want to offer more back to community through the school.  When I’m not playing with the kids, going sailing or mountain biking, I work as a supply chain analyst. 

Sara Stubbing (Co-Opted Governor) 

Hello, I am Sara Stubbing.  My special responsibilities include being a Maths governor, sports premium governor and also being on the pay committee for school employees.  I have lived in Curdridge for over 30 yrs.  My children attended Curdridge Primary School and recently my granddaughter attended a nursery in the village. I am keen to support my local school, its teachers, parents and children.  I enjoy being back in the school in person again, now Covid is behind us.  I do not have an extensive background in education but have time and enthusiasm to help and support the school to produce the excellence in education which is so important for the future of our society and our country.  I am enjoying the training opportunities provided by Hampshire Education Authority and the help from the more experienced governors, to assist me and other new governors in achieving this aspiration.   

Mark Windebank (Parent Governor) 

Hi, I’m Mark and I’ve been a Parent Governor for the school since July 2020.  I live in Curdridge and we have a son and a daughter who attend the school.  We’ve lived in Curdridge since 2018 and love living here.  I am a senior barristers’ clerk with a firm specialising in family law and employment.  In my spare time I enjoy playing rugby and being on the water, whether sailing, surfboarding or paddle boarding.  I do as much drop off and pick up as I can, so always feel free to come and say hello. 

Alison Yates (Local Education Authority Governor) 

Alison recently early retired from a successful corporate career and decided she wanted to give back to the community by volunteering for a number of roles in the area and thus continuing her sense of purpose.  Whilst she does not live in Curdridge she has lived in this area for 29 years.  Alison is a Postgraduate Human Resources and Development professional.  After leaving university she worked in several large hospitality and manufacturing organisations until 1994 when she joined Johnson & Johnson, famous for those Baby products, Calpol etc. and although she worked for that sector for the first 8 years, most of her J&J career was spent in US Corporate and the Medical Devices sectors.  Alison’s role before early retiring was the HR Director for Medical Devices UK & Ireland.  She focused on organisational business strategy, leadership succession and development, and diversity and inclusion in the final years of her career.  Whilst, she has little experience with primary school education she has a passion for ensuring that children get the very best start in life as she has seen first-hand what that great start does for adults coming through into the corporate world of work.  Alison will be able to bring robust experience of performance management, recruitment, diversity and a sound business background.  Up till recently Alison also sat as a Pension Trustee for a very large corporate pension scheme.  Alison enjoys playing golf (badly!), gardening, yoga and travelling both in the UK and on broader global adventures. 

Governors who served in the last 12 months but who are no longer on the Governing Body: 

Sarah Wright – Local Education Authority Governor.  Start date July 2019, end date May 2023. 

Graham Townsend – Parent Governor.  Start date September 2021, end date September 2023.