Stella Byrne (Chair of Governors)
I moved to Clare in 2021. Being newly retired, I have enjoyed the opportunity to become involved in local societies and community events. I volunteer in the Country Park Visitor Centre, lead historical tours of Clare and volunteer weekly with CLASP supporting local elderly residents; preparing a hot meal and leading craft / socialisation activities. I enjoy long distance walking, swimming, sewing and craft activities.
My 40 year career was spent in education, working in primary schools in Hertfordshire and Kent. My final role was as Headteacher of a village primary school graded good with some outstanding elements. I have particular interests in enriching the curriculum, provision for SEND and innovative uses for Pupil Premium funding. I spent several years as a Local Authority Numeracy Consultant; offering training and curriculum development to schools and teachers across Kent. I also lectured on maths to PGCE and Primary Education students at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Declaration of Business Interests: None
Jenni Carter - Vice Chair of Governors
I moved to Clare 4 years ago with my husband and our now 5 year old son who currently attends Clare bears pre-school. As a family we enjoy visiting the park often and getting involved in the community events. For the past 10 years I have worked in various analyst, research and performance monitoring roles within Essex County Council. Over this time I worked in many areas including adult social care, children's social care, public health and most recently the climate action commission. I am looking forward to my role as Governor and contributing to the Clare school community.
Declaration of Business Interests: None
Sam Bareham
Having taught for nine years, I have been a teacher at Clare Community Primary School for the last five years. Prior to this, I worked for a construction company as a data analyst and served in the military, after leaving university. I have a number of roles within the school, including English Lead and PE Lead, in addition to my role as Staff Governor. I believe reading to be a gateway into wider learning and that a love of sport gives children self-belief, inspires teamwork and encourages healthy habits. I enjoy working at Clare Community Primary School, particularly how the ‘family’ ethos is clear in everything we do.
Declaration of Business Interests: Teacher at Clare Community Primary School
Georgina Dennett
I consider myself very fortunate to have grown up in Clare, and now settling here with my husband and son. Having attended Clare Community Primary School myself, I feel privileged to become a Governor and contribute to the school, especially as my son now attends as well. I am keen to have the opportunity to become more involved in the local community, and particularly with something as important as our children’s early years.
I have spent over 15 years in finance and analytical roles, currently as a Commercial Finance Director for a growing life sciences company in Cambridge. My down time with my family; enjoying the countryside and historical houses near and far, every playground my son can spot, and any opportunity to bake at home!
Declaration of Business Interests: None
Christine Kennedy
Previously a Governor at both St Benedict’s secondary and Clare Middle School, I was also a founding member of Clare Primary School PTFA.
After many years both working and supporting the Education System in my role of Business Manager - encompassing all aspects of finance, HR, premises and Health & Safety - I am very much looking forward to using my experience to support Clare Community Primary school, particularly as my grandson now attends the school. I have lived in Clare for nearly forty years and in my retirement welcome the opportunity to become involved with the local Community.
Declaration of Business Interests: None
Joey Kettle
I am a Clare resident and live with my wife Amy and Son Rory, who is 1 year old. I work for Dellar Sports Coaching as a Primary PE/Sports Coach, including at Clare Community Primary School where I teach PE and run clubs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday mornings.
With my career being in education and having worked in many schools around Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, I feel, as a governor, I can offer experiences of other schools’ successes and offer different ideas based on what I’ve seen. I am passionate about making the school the best place it can be for all involved.
Declaration of Business Interests: None
Alison Robinson
I am mum to two children at Clare Community Primary School and work for a charity.
With a background in marketing & PR, I trained as a journalist and then worked in the corporate sector for 13 years, heading up marketing and events teams.
Outside of work, I have an interest in interior design, cooking, and getting lost in a good book. I'm delighted to have the chance to work alongside the staff and governing body to oversee what I believe is a nurturing and exciting school community.
Declaration of Business Interests: None
Shelley Thurgood
I am a parent of two children who attend Clare Community Primary School, and will complete my BA Hons Integrative Counselling degree at the University of Suffolk by the end of April 2023 - my goal being a masters in Study Childhood Development and Attachment Theory. Childhood development is a very keen interest of mine, as my ultimate goal is to become a child therapist and work with creative arts. I am currently working for an organisation which supports and offers counselling and group work for families who are experiencing difficulties, and am a practicing counsellor, with safeguard training via Suffolk Council, for adults and children. I also have previous experience as a training manager, where my role was to assist and support young adults in completing their NVQ, in Maths, English and Hospitality. I am energetic and like to be busy; my interests have mainly been focused on my studying and reading, but I enjoy being creative and also organising charity events.
Declaration of Business Interests: None
Samantha Tompkins
I joined Stour Valley Community School in September 2022 as a maths teacher, having qualified over 10 years ago. I have always been passionate about encouraging students to enjoy learning Maths and making it fun in any way I can. I want to change the stigma around the belief that Maths is difficult; anything can be easy, when you know how and I enjoy learning to teach students in different ways that work for them.
Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my friends and going for long walks with my neighbour exploring our local area. In April 2023 I began visiting Clare Primary School to do interventions with students in Year 5 and 6; firstly, to prepare some Year 6 students for their SATs, and more recently to help improve the numeracy skills of some Year 5 and 6 students. Their enthusiasm reminds me why I became a teacher and why I want to be more involved in working with the school.