Meet the Governors (ID 1027)

• Brian Ford
  Vulnerable Groups
  Brian Ford

  I have lived in the Borough of Bromley since 2008 and am relishing the opportunity to serve as a Governor, as I have two children attending Pratts Bottom Primary School. Being involved in supporting the school from a strategic perspective is something I am looking forward to. I am grateful to be able to help the school that provides our children and community with key core values.

• Louise Baxendale
  Personal Development & Wellbeing
  Louise Baxendale

  I am Louise Baxendale, a mother of a child starting year 1 at Pratts Bottom Primary School. My family moved to Pratts Bottom in January 2021 and we were keen for our daughter to begin her education at the small local school. I have loved joining the community of both the village and of the school and have enjoyed getting to know the education framework and feeling like we're part of the schools' 'family'.

  I am a civil engineer and have worked in the engineering industry for 13 years. I am currently working as an Associate for an engineering consultancy, mainly working on trying to improve the strategic road network (motorways). At my previous role working for National Highways (government owned company), I led a national team developing technical standards, strategies and programmes to improve the day to day operations of motorways.

  I am a STEM ambassador (volunteering programme to promote and support STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics) in schools and colleges) and I am keen to influence this within Pratts Bottom. I love that Pratts Bottom Primary School's mission is that 'every child can succeed because they are recognised and valued.' This is so important along with nourishing the children with support in their education, a crucial stepping stone into their future education and working lives. I am passionate about the shaping and supporting of the children's education and wider environment to enable them to reach their full potential and I hope to be part of a team that can make a difference.

• Dann Cleveland
  Health & Safety
  Dann Cleveland

  I have worked for 20 years as a Finance professional in the City and live locally. For the past four years I've been working for the National Citizens Service whose mission is to inspire generations of citizens through shared experiences that develop character and bridge social divides. I am passionate about enrichment activities and social action and also keen to bring my experience of finance, governance, risk and commercial to support the school where I can.

• Chitranga Diyasena
  Equality, Diversity & Inclusion
  Chitranga Diyasena

  I have been working in various parts of the world for more than thirty years. During my stay in Malawi, Central Africa, I served as a parent governor in the governing board of Hillview Primary School, an international primary school, where my daughter started her education. I enjoyed that role and worked with management to improve schooling experiences for young children.

  It is my belief that I can share my knowledge and experience with Pratts Bottom Primary School to enhance its strategic goals.

• Sophie Perez
  EYFS
  Sophie Perez

  I have worked at Pratts Bottom for seven years now and have thoroughly enjoyed my time so far. There is such a wonderful community here and the children are so supportive of one other. When the opportunity arose to be become a staff governor, I jumped at the chance. I look forward to helping the school grow even further and continuing to provide all the opportunities we can for the children.

• Peter Thompson
  Safeguarding
  Peter Thompson

  I believe in the school's core values, having the community at its heart. I am a Detective Inspector with 20 years service specialising in Safeguarding, protecting vulnerable adults and children. As a senior leader I have responsibility for strategic decisions delivering successful outcomes. I want the school to be a safe and nurturing place where our children can fulfil their full potential. I am keen to support the school to improve but equally hold the leadership to account when necessary.

• Dr Luke Beattie
  Academic Standards
  Dr Luke Beattie

  I began my career as an actor and theatre director in Canada and earned certification in Teaching English as a Second Language (2002), before attending the University of Exeter for an MFA in Staging Shakespeare, graduating with Distinction (2008), along with certifications in radio presenting and stage combat. I moved straight into a full scholarship Drama PhD with Exeter, with my thesis based on Early Modern English dramaturgy (2012). My ongoing areas of research include English dramaturgy before Shakespeare, and the history of rhetoric. Since my PhD, I have continued working as an actor, with professional credits in all media. I have also worked extensively as an educator, with students from the earliest years through to postgraduate students, as a private tutor, guest secondary school instructor, visiting director and tutor at various universities and drama schools, and for several years as the department head responsible for all academic work and contextual studies at the Italia Conti drama school for their BA in professional actor training. My children currently attend Chelsfield Primary School, and I believe my experience will be valuable to the Local Governing Board.

• Karen Cook
  Staff Governor
  Karen Cook

  I have worked at Chelsfield Primary School for three years, and relish the opportunity to be involved as a staff governor.

  I am passionate about contributing to our shared vision of moving the Small Schools Network forward and ensuring our children receive the very best start in life, underpinned by the school values of kindness, unity, and ambition.

• Trevor Goodman
  Co-Opted Governor
  Trevor Goodman

  My wish to serve as a school governor comes from my experiences of volunteering at a local primary for the last three years. The quality of the teaching and the warmth and care with which all pupils are treated has been inspiring - and I am keen to help further.

  My own background is in journalism and business publishing. I live in Chelsfield and both my - now very grown up - children were educated locally.