Welcome to Stuart Road Primary Academy

Information

Governing Body

Chair of Governor Statement - Welcome from the Chair

Hello

I am lucky enough to chair the Local Governing Body (LGB) for Stuart Road. I have been a Governor since April 2016 and was Chair for a year before we merged the Governing Body with High Street Primary in October 2019. Over the last year, it became apparent that Stuart Road and High Street were at different stages in their journey and that they needed the right level of leadership and direction to allow them to be successful. Therefore, this summer the decision was made for Mr Frame to return to Stuart Road as full time Headteacher and for Mrs Blake to offer full time support to High Street. This meant that we had to reinstate a stand-alone LGB for Stuart Road, with separate arrangements being put in place for High Street.

All of the staff were very busy during the summer term, delivering ‘Educare’ for those children that needed it in addition to providing a comprehensive package of home learning prior to the full return in September. However, as with the rest of the country, it is inevitable that many pupils are not as far along their learning journey as we would expect in a normal year and the school is working hard to help them catch up.

The LGB works with the school’s Leadership Team and Reach South Academy Trust, helping to set the vision and strategy; providing support and challenge to ensure that the school continues on its journey towards outstanding. We are committed to maintaining a safe and secure environment where every child loves to learn and explore, with the opportunity to fulfil their potential and be ready to move to secondary education from a sound base in Year 6.

We are a fairly small body at the moment and would welcome two or three volunteers (parents, grandparents or family friends) who have some time and energy to give to make sure that the LGB is able to fulfil its role. We meet six times per year and Governors are encouraged to visit the school and get to know the staff and pupils (COVID permitting) when practicable. If you, or anybody you know, is interested, please get in touch with Mr Frame or myself through the school office.

Our Governors

Please read our pen portraits for the Governing Body.

If you would like an appointment with our Chair of Governors, Gary Blake, please contact the school office on 01752 57668 or via email to the clerk to governors Lindsey Johnson, lindsey.johnson@reachsouth.org

Mr Gary Blake

Chair and Co-opted Governor

Responsibility: Chair and Maths and Finance
Appointed by the Local Governing Board
Term: 12.10.20 - 11.10.24
Attendance 2020-21: 3/3
Declaration of Interests: None

I have had a strong connection to Plymouth since 1977, when I began my engineering training at the Royal Naval Engineering College at Manadon. I retired from the RN in 2012 after an interesting and varied career as a Submarine Weapon Engineer and volunteer locally as a case worker with SSAFA - a military charity supporting service personnel, veterans and their families. I have also worked with young people preparing for the Duke of Edinburgh’s Award Scheme; training for and supervising expeditions on and around the moor. I have been a Governor at Stuart Road since April 2016 and my son and daughter have both worked as Primary Teachers in the local area so have a fair understanding of the issues that affect the education sector. I strongly believe that encouraging children to enjoy learning from an early age is crucial and I am proud to be part of a committed and inspirational team. In addition to my volunteering, I enjoy being a grandad, walking, music, hockey, cricket and golf.

Mr Chun-Sun Chan

Staff Governor

Responsibility: Staff governor
Elected by staff
Term: 11.11.20 - 10.11.24
Attendance 2020-21:2/2
Declaration of Interests: None

Mr Mitch Frame

Headteacher

Responsibility: Whole school
Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal
Term: 12.10.20 -
Attendance 2020-21: 2/3
Declaration of Interests: None

I have been in teaching for over 24 years, working in a variety of schools in Yorkshire, Cornwall and Devon. I worked for a period as an ICT consultant in Yorkshire. Prior to teaching I was a staff nurse and therefore have a wide range of experience of working and supporting people.

I have been the Headteacher of Stuart Road Primary since 2005 and took on the role of executive head at High Street in September 2018.

I have been a serving governor for the past 17 years in a number of schools.
I am married with one son. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, music, golf and cycling.

Mrs Joanna Hannon

Staff Governor

Responsibility: Staff
Elected by staff
Term: 01.07.17 - 30.06.21
Attendance 2020-21: 3/3
Declaration of Interests: None

Charlotte Kelly

Parent Governor

Responsibility: tbc
Elected by parents
Term: 19.03.21 - 18.03.25
Declaration of Interest: Chair of Friends of Stuart Road Primary Academy and sister is a teacher at a Trust academy.

I was brought up just down the road in St.Cleer, completing my education in Liskeard and St.Austell before heading for the Bright Lights of London. I spent an amazing 10 years in the Travel trade, traveling the world for free and experiencing different people & cultures. I then spent another 10 years in the Estate Agency business, working my way up in a very male dominated world to a Senior Branch Manager. A year travelling the world (while we could) before getting married at Kitley House, just up the road. A bit of fun managing Bars around Barnet before starting a family and a new adventure in Plymouth. My daughter has been coming to this school since Nursery and loves the Urban Village atmosphere of Stuart Road Primary Academy. I re-instigated the Friends of Stuart Road (PTA) 2 years ago and am hoping as we get out of lockdown that it will take off again with the support of the wonderful parents and volunteers of Stuart Road School. I am also instigating a Palmerston Street Community group with the inaugural event in June of The Big Lunch.

Rachel Willingham

Co-opted governor

Responsibility: tbc
Appointed by: Local Governing Board
Term: 24.03.21 - 23.03.25
Declaration of Interest: tbc

I have three children two who have attended Stuart Road. My youngest is in Year 6. My background is in health and I have worked in the private and NHS sector as a Nurse Manager for a number of years. I am passionate in ensuring all children have the opportunity to have an education they deserve wherever they live. I have a special interest in SEND and my son attends Woodlands Special School and has complex needs.
In our spare time as a family we enjoy walks in the countryside and spend our summers camping. I am approachable and happy to talk to any parents at Stuart Road. I live locally to Stuart Road and I am normally on playground pick up at Stuart Road.