Didi Nicholson – Foundation governor – Chair of Governors
Responsibility: Inclusion (including SEND)
Class link: Years 3 and 4
I have three children, and have experience of ten very differing schools, both in the UK and abroad. I bring a strong church commitment and I ran a Sunday school for five years. I trained as an editor and worked in the travel guidebook business for many years. My family has been closely connected to this area for a very long time.
Steve Fairclough – Foundation Governor – Vice Chair of Governors & Chair of Finance Committee
Responsibility: Safeguarding Governor, Chair of Finance Committee and Vice Chair
I retired in 2017 to Brighstone from a 25 year career in teaching ( The last 14 years as Headmaster)
I have kept busy in “ retirement”; Tutoring Maths and Science for GCSE and A level, coaching Hockey and Tennis at Ryde School and I am the Safeguarding Governor and Chair of the Education Committee at St John’s College in Southsea. My wife,Heather, teaches in St George’s School in Newport and we have one daughter who is currently a Teaching Assistant in London. We love being part of village life and have an ongoing passion for education.
Rebecca Lennon – Headteacher
Having been teaching for over 20 years, both on the mainland and on the Isle of Wight, I have taken on a range of roles throughout my career: class teacher, DT subject lead, English subject lead and Assistant Head, and I now have the privilege of being Headteacher here at Brighstone. I have been teaching in this lovely village school for 13 years since my husband and I moved to the island from Cheshire, and I love being a part of this friendly community. We have a strong and enthusiastic team here at Brighstone, where everyone has a passion for helping children thrive and be their best in a happy and supportive environment.
Lorraine Ireland – Foundation Governor
Responsibility: EYFS Inc. Pre-School Liason
I moved into the village over 6 years ago and feel very fortunate to have joined this community. Having now retired I have time to contribute to our School. In undertaking this role I will draw upon some of the skills I gained whilst working as a Children’s Nurse and as a University Lecturer in Nursing, providing education for undergraduate and postgraduate students. My roles have required developing, delivering and reviewing the quality of educational programmes. My passion lies in making learning stimulating and promoting the potential of each student.
I know from mentoring University students that early educational experiences have been very important in shaping their futures and I want the children at Brighstone School to have the very best start.
Pete Boyle – Foundation Governor
Responsibility : Data Governor
Curriculum Link: Science
I have a Maths degree from Imperial College and have worked in finance for several years. We always planned to move to the West Wight when we had children as we feel it is such a wonderful place to bring them up. Our children love being at Brighstone School, so I feel honoured to be able to bring some of my skills and experience to the governors board.
Janet Craig – Parent Governor
Curriculum Link: Music, PE
We have lived in Brighstone for over 9 years. When we first moved to the island and started searching for where to settle there was no comparison to Brighstone and I couldn’t imagine living anywhere else. My three daughters attend Brighstone Primary and I am constantly amazed at the progress they are making! I have no experience in teaching but have worked for a number of years at HMP Isle of Wight as a facilitator delivering cognitive behavioural based treatment programmes. This has given me a good understanding of how children’s beliefs develop about themselves, people and the world, the impact their experiences have on them and what is important in developing good emotional management, problem solving skills and positive interpersonal relationships. I hope to be able to use some of this knowledge in this role.
When not at work I can generally be found attempting to instill these skills into my brood!
Fiona Graham – Foundation governor
Responsibility: Early Years Foundation Stage
Class link: Years R, 1 and 2
As a parent of children who have been at Brighstone Primary, I have a real vested interest in the school and the local community. In 2013/14, I worked in the school office so I hope to be able to bring differing perspectives from both within the school and as a parent.
Dilys Gladdish-Kemp – Parent Governor
The beauty of the Isle of Wight has called me back for a second time and this time I wish to make roots. My son has thrived as a toddler here in Brighstone and I am pleased he has been able to start from Reception class at the school. I was keen to join as a Parent Governor to share this journey with my son. It will be a good investment of my time to give back to the community in helping facilitate further progression of this wonderful school.
Mary Snow – Staff Governor
I have been working at Brighstone Primary School since 2007. I have had many roles in the school. I have been a midday supervisor, school cook, football coach and now I am a learning support assistant and 1-1.
My four children and husband, all attended Brighstone School and have some wonderful memories from sports days, great advents, hosted by the BSA and not forgetting our fantastic shows.
Outside of school you will find me either in the garden or on the side of a football pitch watching my son play.
Governing Body Information:
Governors roles and responsibilities and membership of committees 2020-2021
Full Governing Body terms of reference September 2020
Governor’s Code of Conduct 2020
Scheme of Delegation September 2020