Meet the governors!
Peter Bennett
I joined the Governing body as a parent governor during the Autumn Term in 2003. After my 2 children left Poulton-le-Sands, I moved to being a Foundation Governor, a position I have held since, and I currently hold the position of Vice Chair of the Governing body. In addition to being the nominated governor for Health & Safety, Governor Training, and the allocation of 2 specific Government grants that our school receives, I am a member of a number of committees, and chair of one.
Pam Fawcett
I am the staff governor and have served on the Governing Body since 2004. I am the school bursar and have worked at Poulton-le-Sands since 1991. The nature of my job has changed beyond recognition over the years but my key focus remains the same: the safety and well-being of the children and helping to ensure the smooth running of the school so that the staff can focus on delivering the best care and education for our children.
Hannah Buckham
I am currently the Year 6 teacher at Poulton-Le-Sands and this is my fourth-year teaching at the school. Having attended the school myself from Reception to Year 6 I have always been eager to get back to teach here. I have fond memories of primary school and want to play a part in helping children feel the same way in their future. I am relatively new to being a governor but I am excited going forward to learn more about the role and to support my fellow governors and our school family.
Helen Thomas
I am a Foundation Governor and have lived in Morecambe for nearly six years. Prior to moving to Morecambe and retiring I was a Deputy Head Teacher at a church school in Darwen. (Poulton le Sands school reminds me very much of my ex school). I have over thirty years teaching experience, mainly in KS1. I have also had experience of being a teacher Governor and was a Governor at St Wilfrid’s C of E High School in Blackburn for seven years. I am very much an advocate for teachers and am passionate about developing the whole child- caring not just for academic progress but for fostering personal, social and health education.
Christine Stebbing
I am honoured to have been a Foundation Governor at Poulton le Sands school for over 30 years and have witnessed huge changes in safeguarding and the increased demands placed upon teaching staff professionals over that period. When the role of Numeracy Governor was created I volunteered and have spent many happy hours in school carrying out the requirements of that position. I am Chair of the Curriculum and Standards Committee and of the Head’s Performance Management as well as having other Committee responsibilities.
I am a Human Resources professional working, latterly, at County Hall, Preston and have been retired for many years now. I am a Trustee of both the Morecambe War Memorial Hall and Trimpell Sports and Social Club. I am Chair of Morecambe Heritage and Vice Chair of Morecambe Carnival Committee. I am also a Mum, Granny and Great Granny. Both children attended this school in the 1970s and my Great granddaughter, Maisie, attends now and is thriving. As a Christian, the evident Christian ethos within school is important to me.
Philip Ramsden
Originally from Sheffield myself and my wife moved to Morecambe in 2004 and I got a job with Lancashire County Council transporting Adults and children to Day care centres and schools as a passenger assistant. For several years now that has been exclusively Children with learning and Special Needs from the ages of 5 to 16 years at Morecambe Road school, I have developed a special interest in Autism and as such have been the Send governor at Poulton school for several years. I find my job challenging at times but enjoyable and rewarding. I’m currently also a Trustee at a local homeless charity that supports and gives advice and does great work in the Morecambe area.
Michelle Needham
I am a Local Authority Appointed Governor initially appointed in November 2015. I am a member of the Premises Committee.
Born and raised in Morecambe, and being able to claim the title of a true Sand grown ‘un’, I have the privilege of supporting the outstanding teaching and care that Poulton-le-sands extends to all it’s pupils and families. As an ex pupil of the school it is a true honour to now be able to assist and guide the school as it provides a secure and innovative place to prepare the children for the opportunities and challenges of living in the 21st Century. I bring to the role over 30 years’ experience of working in the education sector, being involved in both national, regional and local initiatives as Senior Executive Officer to the Vice-Chancellor of Lancaster University, as well having held the position of Chair of Governors for a local secondary school. I have two children, both locally educated, and three grandchildren. The positive experience of my own children’s education in Morecambe and has further embedded my personal need to be able to encourage and help provide for other children to have similar opportunity to learn. There is no greater reward for me than to see children being stimulated to become the best that they can be. I am passionate about the regeneration of Morecambe, to understand its history and its future possibilities, and being able to work with our local community to support and provide a diverse range of prospects that will ultimately open young children’s minds and imaginations, encouraging them to realise their goals and ambitions.
Suzi Shearsby
I am a mum of three children, one having just finished their time at Poulton, one at Poulton and one about to start at Poulton. Originally I am from the south, having moved up to go to Lancaster University back in 2002 I have never moved back! I am a committed Christian and I try to express my faith practically in the community where I live. My background is in teaching, working with adults with learning disabilities and young people in vocational studies. I am currently working for a debt charity in Morecambe called ‘Christians Against Poverty’ which I love. I am passionate about the community here in Poulton and I care greatly about playing my part to continue the warm welcoming and encouraging atmosphere at Poulton Le Sands. I believe our school is very special and it’s great to be a Governor now and be part of the next part of the Poulton story.
Paul Worthington
I was locally born, early days in Lancaster and have lived in Morecambe for over 30 years. I am a fully qualified Driving Instructor, my wife is a teacher at a local High School and have a son in Year 1. As an instructor I have a keen desire to help people achieve their goals and understand that to bring the best out in themselves, it is done through; Education, Encouragement, Interaction, and Development. In conjunction with a friend and fellow instructor, run a 14/16 driving experience day at Morecambe Football Club with the aim of preparing young people for the road ahead, quite literally, and I have seen that over the many years how beneficial this has proven to be, both through personal development and future safe life skills. I hope to bring these qualities and magical moments to our younger generation. I am absolutely delighted to join the School Governors. I am always infused by the sheer dedication, commitment and optimism of the staff and am looking forward to being part of it for many years to come. I have joined because I believe every child is special and I hope to bring my experience, enthusiasm and a community outlook to the school and will strive to make every child’s day a little better, as we venture out of these difficult times and into new beginnings.