Our Governors

I'm Claire. I live on the Green Lane Estate, am married to Phil, and we have two sons who have loved being at Parkside and have benefitted so much from all the opportunities offered there. Both have now moved onto Heathfield Community College and have very happy memories of their primary school days at Parkside.

Since gaining a degree in law, I have worked in planning and logistics and then admin and health and safety. I have thoroughly enjoyed being on the governing body since I joined in 2016. I always did appreciate the staff at Parkside - since becoming a governor, my appreciation for them has increased further as I've gained more insight into how hard they work for our children. I became a governor because I love the school and it's community and wanted to support, challenge and contribute to the committed team who work there.

I’m Nicky. I am a Client Relationship Director at NatWest Trustee & Depositary Services, with 15 years’ experience within the financial services industry. Over the years, I have worked with various fund management companies in a fiduciary capacity to ensure fund compliance with FCA regulations.

I joined Parkside Community Primary School as a Governor in July 2022 and have been appointed as the Governor for Finance. I look forward to working with the Co-Heads and Governors, and applying my experience to support and monitor the school’s finances during my term as Governor.

I am passionate about raising aspirations for young people through education and experience and wanted to work as a Governor at Parkside so that I could support the school in its commitment to providing outstanding opportunities for all students.

I currently work as a Vice Principal in a large secondary school and I am genuinely interested in creating stronger links between the curriculum at primary and secondary level to ensure all students have the ability to achieve at each stage of their school lives. I also live locally and my eldest child attends Parkside, so on a personal note, I am keen to support the school and involve myself in its development.

Outside of work and being a mum, you’ll probably find me indulging in a bit of retail therapy, soaking in some peace and quiet on a country walk, or enjoying a large glass of wine!!

I’m Louise;

I moved to Heathfield in 2009. I’m married to Dave and we have a son, Alfie, who started in reception at Parkside in September 2022. I feel it is a privilege for him (though he will not yet realise this!) and us for him to be beginning his early education at Parkside.

My career background is as a commercial lawyer within the defence and aerospace industry and I’m a qualified solicitor (currently non-practising).

I grew up in Dorset as one of four children in a very noisy family; both my parents were teachers and I wonder daily how they survived their all-consuming work demands with us to contend with as well.

I became a parent governor at Parkside in November 2022. I volunteered for this role unexpectedly early on in my time as a school parent as it presents a rare opportunity to give something back to the school. I am looking forward to supporting the headteachers and to contributing, in as meaningful a way as I can, to the school’s ongoing success and the best interests of its wonderful children.

I am staff Governor at Parkside.  

As a staff governor, I play an important role in representing the views and interests of school staff on the governing body. In this role, I:

• Provide a staff perspective on the work of the governing body and the school's priorities.

• Communicate information between the governing body and my fellow school staff.

• Contribute to discussions and decision-making on a range of school matters.

• Attend regular governing body and committee meetings.

• Participate in training and development opportunities to support my role.

I am elected by my colleagues - the teaching and support staff at the school. I serve a fixed term on the governing body, typically 4 years.

This role allows me, as a member of staff, to have a voice in the strategic leadership and oversight of the school. I work collaboratively with the other governors to ensure the best outcomes for our pupils.