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 Mandi, I first started working at Parkside 15 years ago, as an Individual Needs Assistant. I was lucky enough to be offered a job as a Teaching Assistant, when the pupil I was with moved to Heathfield Community College. I was a TA until 2020. I now cover PPA for class Teachers, drive the Minibus and teach the swimming lessons.

I became a Governor because I wanted to give something back to the school that taught me so much about myself, as well as our 2 daughters that are now in their 20's, they still talk fondly of their time at Parkside. I am a firm believer that Parkside staff have played a huge part in helping them become the fantastic adults they are now.

I am the staff governor at Parkside, so I have a unique role on Parkside’s Governing Body. I am the school’s Special Educational Needs Coordinator, so a member of staff as well as a member of the board.

I am also the Pupil Premium Governor, representing and reporting on the interests of ‘looked after’ and post adopted children, and those who qualify for free school meals.

I am passionate about ensuring that all children have an equally good chance of achieving their full potential while at Parkside School, be that lower level learners or the most able pupils. I help to ensure that Parkside remains an all-inclusive community.

When not at school, I support my three children at university and college. I have two away now, and only one left at home. My husband and I love to walk my three dogs at the weekends; I live in the middle of the Ashdown forest (in Winnie the Pooh country near Hartfield), so have plenty of beautiful places nearby to do this.

I have spent most of my working life within financial services focusing on governance responsibilities and am currently a part time consultant with a large international bank. 

I have been passionate about becoming a school governor and to be able to give back to the local community by contributing my experience, skills and knowledge.  I am delighted to become a governor at Parkside and to support it in its commitment to achieve its aims and values for its childrens’ education. I have been made very welcome by the committed team who work there.

I live in Ticehurst, and enjoy running and cycling as well as playing tennis.

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.