Login


Governing Body

Chair of Governor Statement - Welcome from the Chair

Hello

Welcome to another academic year. 

The last year had some notable high points, with the school building on a 'Good' assessment by OFSTED to deliver SATs results better than the national average.  It was not all plain sailing, with some extended staff absences with ill-health, in addition to further disruption from COVID-19, but the staff and pupils demonstrated remarkable resilience.  The determination of the school to ensure a solid grounding in the core subjects, whilst continuing to enrich the curriculum is great to see.

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 (maybe 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 every term and Governors are encouraged to visit the school and get to know the staff and pupils when practicable.  If you, or anybody you know, is interested in becoming a governor, please get in touch with Mrs Nicholls or myself through the school office.

 Gary Blake, Chair of Governors

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 
Jay Amies

Parent Governor

Responsibility: Early Years and Statutory Grants
Elected by parents
Term: 18.05.21 - 17.05.25
Attendance 2022-23: 2/2
Declaration of Interest: None

My wife and I have two children at Stuart Road Primary (currently in Year Two and Foundation) and we live just about as close to the school as you can get! We have lived in Plymouth for four years - although my wife is from the city - and I currently work at the University of Plymouth where I am project manager for EPIC2, an eHealth project in Cornwall. Before that, we lived in London where I spent more than 20 years as a service manager for a London Borough. I stood for election as a parent governor as I want to help ensure the best start in life for all Stuart Road pupils. I have an understanding of community issues, governance and accountability and hope to use this experience for the betterment of the school and local community. I can often be found on the (very short) “school run”, where I am happy to chat to any parents wanting to talk.  

Mr Gary Blake

Chair and Trust Appointed Governor

Responsibility: Chair, Maths, English and Finance
Appointed by the Trust Board
Term: 12.10.20 - 11.10.24
Attendance 2022-23: 2/2
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.

Charlotte Kelly

Parent Governor

Responsibility: Safeguarding SEND and Inclusion
Appointed by Local Governing Body
Term: 19.03.21 - 18.03.25
Attendance 2022-23:2/2
Declaration of Interest: Chair of Friends of Stuart Road Primary Academy and sister is a teacher at a Trust academy (Began 19.03.21)

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.

Sharon Mackenzie

Staff Governor

Responsibility: Staff Governor
Elected by Staff
Term: 31.01.23 - 30.01.27
Attendance 2022-23: 1/1
Declarations of Interest: None

I joined Stuart Road Primary Academy in January 2020 as Office Manager. This being my first role in a primary school but being previously employed at Stoke Damerel Community College for 13 years in various administration /data roles.
Stuart Road Primary is a wonderful community school and we are very lucky to have talented educators here, inspiring our children every day. I am a very proud to be a member of the team.

Mr Scott McGuire

Trust Appointed Governor

Responsibility: TBC
Appointed by the Trust Board
Term: 30.11.22 - 29.11.26
Attendance 2022-23: 1/1
Declaration of Interests: TBC

Mrs Britta Nicholls

Headteacher

Responsibility: Whole School
Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher
Term: 15.06.21 -
Attendance 2022-23: 2/2
Declaration of Interest: None

I would like to take the opportunity to introduce myself as Headteacher.
I feel privileged to have the opportunity to support the children, families and staff within the Stuart Road
community. I bring with me over 20 years of teaching experience and more recently experience as the
Deputy Head teacher of Goosewell Primary Academy. I will be working as acting Headteacher to ensure
the school continues to deliver high quality education during these unusual times.

Mr Daniel Swabey

Trust Appointed Governor

Responsibility: TBC
Appointed by the Trust Board
Term: 30.11.22 – 29.11.26
Attendance 2022-23: 1/1
Declaration of Interest: TBC

I have two children who attend Stuart Road, one in Foundation and another in Year 2 and both girls are flourishing. I was taken aback my the community nature of the school and in particular the staff – I see how much care they have for the children and this has made me want to take a more proactive role and support however possible.

I currently work in the Civil Service, with the majority of my time being spent working for DWP, covering ESA and then Universal Credit benefit payments. My current role is within the Land Registry, working with Local Authorities across England and Wales.

I also have experience of working with a community centre in Devonport, volunteering and then leading youth clubs ranging across Primary and Secondary school ages – giving the children in this community a safe space.

To find out more about Reach South Academy Trust, click on the following link : https://www.reachsouth.org/governance.
Stuart Road Local Governing Body meeting dates 2022-23
 

Wednesday                 5th October 2022

Wednesday                22nd February 2023

Wednesday                21st June 2023

 

 

Governors who have left the Local Governing Board over the past 12 months:

 
Sarah Haddy - Staff Governor  09.07.21 - 31.07.22
Chun-Sun Chan - Staff Governor  11.11.20 - 03.11.22