Governors

The Governors

We are very grateful for the support of our Governors. Please read below to find out who they are..

Roger Osborne – Chair of Governor

My association with Padnell Infant School began in the 1980’s when my two children attended the School and I have maintained that association in a variety of forms for many years. Consequently I was pleased to become a Governor and then Chair of Governors a little more than two years ago. I am also a Governor of Padnell Junior as we all believe that the two schools working together is beneficial to the children.

I began teaching, from which I am now retired, in 1970 as a teacher of Physical Education. In January 1975 I became Head of PE at Cowplain Community School where I worked for the next 38 years. Surprised they put up with me for so long! Throughout this time I had connections with the Padnell Schools which has continued since I moved to Oaklands Catholic School three years ago. I am a sports fanatic with football being my main passion. Despite my avid interest, I’m now only able to spectate and advise the players what they are doing wrong - they never seem to listen! Being Portsmouth born and bred I still continue to be a Portsmouth Football Club season ticket holder. I have not yet had any therapy for this ailment so I manage to balance watching Portsmouth play with frequent visits to the Emirates football stadium.

On behalf of the Governors I should like to thank all pupils, parents and friends for their immeasurable support given to Padnell Infant School as it continues its development.

Mandy Grayson - Headteacher

I joined the school in January 2015 and as part of my role as Headteacher I became a member of the Governing Body. Previously I have served on three other Governing bodies in my capacity as a senior leader in other schools across the county.

I have been in the teaching profession for over 20 years having completed both my degree and post graduate qualification later in life. My degree is in Creative Studies and English Literature both of which are still passions of mine.

Before teaching I ran my own business offering music and movement sessions to young children and their parents or carers. Setting this up reignited my passion to become a teacher and so I returned to night school to gain my qualifications.

I have two grown up children who have both now flown the nest. My daughter is in education working with vulnerable young children and my son in a performer on the stage in the West End. In addition I have been a foster carer, caring for several boys in my time.

On deciding to become a Headteacher I looked for a school which had a diverse community working together for the good of the children and their families. I think that I have found this at Padnell. For me education is not only about academic success but also about 'GROWing' individuals and their families, building on an ethos which embraces citizenship, social skills, personal confidence and resilience. I hope that through my leadership and in partnership with the Governors we can achieve the very best of outcomes all round for the community of our school.

                                                



                                                Melanie Tracey– Vice Chair of Governors

                                                               (Co-Opted Govenor)

I moved to Waterlooville in 2011 with my husband and two gorgeous children Abigail and Olivia-Grace. Our family has since grown with the birth of our beautiful son Liam. All of my children have had the pleasure of attending Padnell Infant School, with Liam just starting the journey in September 2017. I have loved seeing the School grow and improve and I am keen to support that growth in my role as Governor.

I am a Financial Adviser focusing on Mortgages and Protection in my day to day role. I am self-employed and highly driven which I feel is one of the best attributes to bring to the Board of Governors.

I am looking forward to seeing how i can support the great team Padnell are fortunate to have and also see how we can push forward to even greater heights. 

Rachel Alderson

I moved to Hampshire with my husband in 2013, since then I have had 2 children who both now attend Padnell Infant School.

I am passionate about our community and volunteer with Homestart Havant, working with lots of families. Joining the board of governors is a wonderful opportunity for me to help support the education of our children.

 

                                                  

                                                                     Matthew Barnes

 

I live in Waterlooville, and have 3 young children which will fill Padnell's pipeline for the foreseeable future! I am very passionate about Portsmouth FC and horse racing and can be often found at either Fratton Park or Goodwood.

 

I have a strong desire to be part of Padnell's governors board, helping to make decisions to help with the current and future children that pass through the school and am very excited to help in any way I can.

 

Kate Mew – Associate Member

I was born in Portsmouth and have lived in the area for most of my life, spending 3 years in Weymouth, when I was training to become a teacher. I spent my early teaching career at an infant school in Portsmouth before becoming a Mum to two lovely daughters and continuing with supply teaching across the area.

My association with Padnell Infants began when my daughters attended the school and I then became a teacher at the school in 2001, although it was only for one day a week initially. The numbers of days increased over the years and I now job share, working three days.

I find teaching a very fulfilling profession and I thoroughly enjoy working with young children at the beginning of their school journey. Their thirst for knowledge never ceases to amaze me!

I became a Staff Governor to widen my knowledge of all aspects of school life but also to support the Head and staff on school issues. We are fortunate to have a very committed and caring Governing Body which is a pleasure to be part of.                                                                                               

                                                     Claudia Roberts – Co-Opted Governor

I am a member of the Curriculum Committee & Head Teacher Performance Panel as well as OFSTED Lead for the Governors.

I have lived in Cowplain now for several years and find the area to be friendly and welcoming. My son loved his time here at Padnell Infant School! I work with in a multi-national company providing ship support and maintenance. My role focuses on Project Management across the business to ensure governance and processes are tailored to suit best practice as well as support current programmes in delivery.

As a parent I wanted to be involved in my Son’s education and also support the school in its journey in providing the best learning experience for my son and now for other children, as well as the parents and staff of the school. I hope to bring my experience of governance and management skills to support everyone in achieving this.

                                                                     Paula Young

                                               Associate Member (Assistant Headteacher)

I joined the school in September 2019 after taking on the role of Assistant Head teacher. The GROW ethos and the strong sense of community at Padnell Infant school are two of the many features that attracted me to the school. Since then I have been an associate member of the schools Governing Body.

I have been in the teaching profession for 15 years, during which time I have worked in Infant, Junior and Primary schools in several different local authorities included South London, Portsmouth and Hampshire. I have been a member of two senior leadership teams previous to this post and have lead several different subjects across the curriculum. I strongly believe in the importance of ensuring all children have access to a great education and the right to a childhood.

Before teaching, I was fortunate to take part in charity work abroad and completed several travelling trips. I enjoyed getting off the tourist track as much as possible, experiencing the different cultures and traditions associated with each place I visited.

I now have two young children, who take up most of my spare time when I am not teaching.

Emma Neal – Clerk

I have been a local authority clerk since 2014 and am currently attached to two schools: a local Federation and Padnell Infant School. My role is to provide administrative support and advice to the governing body on governance, constitutional and procedural matters. I have completed the Clerks' Development Programme and gained my Clerks' Accreditation with Merit. I also attend the biannual Clerks' Support Meetings run by Hampshire Governor Services and participate in whole governing body trainining.

Membership 2020/2021

Attendance 2019/2020 - Full Governing Body