Meet the Governors

Malcolm Gentry- Chair

Member of the Personnel, Finance and Strategy Committees I have been a governor at Highfields for 16 years or so. I have had the honour of being chair for the best part of 14 years. (To be honest I can’t quite remember when I first became chair).

My wife and I have lived in the area for 30 years and have two sons, now both adults. Both my sons were former pupils of Highfields and it would be fair to say that I am a governor because I wanted to give something back to the school that played a part in their development.

I am now retired but prior to this was an employee of BT plc. I was the Principal Commercial Manager for BT Enterprises. I have many years of managerial experience with large teams and with commercial responsibilities for large budgets.

Gaius Phillingham

In May 2007 we moved into the area and our eldest son took a place at Highfields.  A year or two later I became a governor and although both our children have moved onto High School; I don't want to leave!

I have recently been asked to serve as Vice Chair of the whole governing body, am chair of the Premises Committee and sit on the Finance Committee too.  I am the Pastor at a local church and so really enjoy my subject responsibilities of Music and Religious Education.

It has been a privilege to serve the school during the time that we have achieved an Outstanding rating from Ofsted. 

Dave Ashley

I have been a governor at Highfields for 9 years and am currently the Chair of the Finance Committee, as well as being on the Strategy Committee and being the governor responsible for Assessment.

My two children went to Highfields, which prepared them very well towards success at Manningtree High School, which they both now attend.

A primary school teacher myself at a school in Colchester, leading the junior phase and being responsible for the teaching of maths across the school, as well as being a Safeguarding Deputy Designated Person, I find my working experiences very portable to my role as a governor. 

Away from schools, I am the Chairman of Lawford Parish Council, sitting on all committees associated with this role, and hence am able to make links between Highfields and the wider community. I am also a trustee of a charity responsible for the Alms-houses in Manningtree, and a trustee of a local housing enterprise trust.

Hannah Doran
I’ve been a governor for three years and chair the Curriculum Committee, with particular responsibility for the Early Years Foundation Stage, Art and Design & Technology, and Behaviour. 

I have three children, with two at Highfields, in Y6 and Y3; my oldest daughter is in Y8 at Manningtree High School. We moved to Manningtree in April 2013 and have really enjoyed settling into the local community and getting to know everyone.  

I became a governor because it’s a fantastic opportunity to support Highfields, its staff and students, and to have a positive impact on children’s education. I also work four days a week as a managing editor at the Financial Conduct Authority in London.

Rebecca Howlett
I am a parent governor and my two children attend Highfields in Years 2 and 5. I am a teacher, teaching French and German to Years 7 to 11 at a local secondary school. I am part of the Curriculum Committee and have subject responsibility for MFL here at Highfields. I am very proud to be associated with such an outstanding school.

Kathryn Glover

I sit on the Premises Committee and I also have subject responsibility for PE. I have one child at Highfields, in year 2, and one who started school in 2017. I became a governor because I wanted to support Highfields to become the best it can be. I also work part-time as a civil servant at the Department of Health and hope that my experience of governance and management will be a useful contribution to the governing body and the school.

Sarah Coe

Hello, I am a co-opted governor with subject responsibility of PSHE, responsibility of attendance and will also sit on the personnel committee.

I have always lived in and around the Tendring area and wished to volunteer my time to my local community. I am passionate about education and the importance it has in young people and children's lives, which is why I felt becoming a governor for a local school was important.

I am an employee of Suffolk County Council and work as an Education Welfare Officer, supporting in attendance improvement across the county. I'm hoping my knowledge and experience will support my role as a governor, but I am also looking forward to all of what the staff, parents and children at this school can teach me too!

Darren Cole

I am a new governor with responsibility for Computing and Raising Attainment.

My two children have attended Highfields since Reception and are now in Year 3 and my eldest is now in Secondary School.

My background is suited to my role as governor as I spent 7 years as a Primary school teacher. For the past 10 years I have worked as an education adviser for Essex County Council with a particular focus on software to support assessment and data analysis. With all the recent changes to the Primary curriculum and end of Key Stage assessment I wanted to offer my knowledge and skills in this area to help support the school through the necessary changes.

Christine Meadway

I’ve been a governor since my youngest son was a pupil at Highfields and I think I’ve served on the Premises Committee for most of this time.  I also serve on the Personnel Committee and because I used to work in the community health services with children with additional needs I’m now the governor with responsibility for children with SEND, working closely with the school SENCO, Mrs Bowden.  I also have governor responsibility for monitoring the way Pupil Premium is spent within the school and ensuring that the school and its environment is a safe and happy place for everyone who studies and works here. 

One of my greatest pleasures as a governor is seeing our children being encouraged to grow in confidence and develop their skills and talents, whatever they may be.

Karen Acfield

I am a newly elected Parent Governor, serving on the Curriculum committee and subject responsibility for Maths. I have one child who attends Highfields Primary and another child who has recently moved on from Highfields to secondary school.

Kathryn Filmer

I am a newly elected Parent Governor and I will be serving on the Premises committee, with subject responsibility for Design/Technology. My children attend Highfields Primary and I live locally to the area.

The Governing Body 2017- 2018

Governing Body Members for the current and previous academic year who have stepped down

Name and address of Chair of Governors & Clerk to Governors:

Chair of Governors: Malcolm Gentry

Clerk to Governors: Sue Madell

Both can be contacted via the school:

Highfields Primary School,

Colchester Road,

Lawford,

Manningtree,

Essex CO11 2BN

Telephone: 01206 392223

Information supplied by Governor Services EES

Membership of Committee Highfields Primary School

Governing Body 2017- 2018

If you are not a member of a particular committee but are interested in the agenda you may attend any meeting as an observer.

Attendance of Committee Meetings 2016- 2017

NA- Not applicable

*- Apologies

Governors Training

Attendance

Training with Pam Langmead 20^th June 2017 at Lawford C of E Primary School

Attendance of Committee Meetings 2015- 2016

NA- Not applicable

*- Apologies

Register of Business Interests 2016- 2017

Governor resigned from role in last 12 months

Governor Subject Responsibilities/Support 2017