Introducing our Governors

Jane Fleming – Foundation Governor, Chair of Governors & Safeguarding Governor

After moving from St Albans to beautiful Rye in 2014, I decided to become a school governor. I felt I could make a positive contribution to the education at Sedlescombe Church of England Primary School by using my extensive experience from working in primary education for over 25 years as a class teacher and deputy headteacher.

I feel privileged and fortunate to have been able to join such a warm, welcoming school with polite and well motivated children.

My aim is to take an active role in helping Sedlescombe to continue to go from strength to strength and provide a safe, caring, enriched learning environment where all children feel valued and reach their potential and excel academically and creatively.

Mike Dixon – Foundation Governor & Inclusion Lead

I joined the Governing Body because I loved the ethos of the school and after many years working in education with older students I thought it would be fascinating to support the teaching and learning of younger children. I was Head of Park Sixth Form College in Eastbourne until 2009, during which time both my children attended the college. After Park I worked for the University of Brighton before becoming a freelance education consultant. In this role I help run the national poetry project called Poetry By Heart. I love most sports and still play tennis and hockey.

Mandy Hardes – Staff Governor

As well as being the Staff Governor I am the School Secretary and Health and Safety Coordinator. I joined the school in January 2010 and thoroughly enjoy the life of the school. I feel my role within the school and the contact I have with the families enables me to be an effective governor. I feel very fortunate to work in such a warm and welcoming school.

Fiona Bray – Parent Governor, SEND, Health and Well-Being, RSHE Lead

Having moved to Sedlescombe so that my twins can go to a warm, caring, village community school, I am now a huge supporter of the school. I believe that my passion for giving the best opportunities and outcomes for all children and my experience in a range of educational settings enables me to be a positive, productive asset to the governing body. I have been a teacher for over 20 years – in mainstream secondary schools and in Special Educational Needs. I am currently Assistant Principal and Deputy Safeguarding Lead at a local SEN school for children with SEMH (Social/Emotional/Mental Health). In my spare time I am a keen theatre goer (and extremely occasionally – performer), reader and love travelling, especially with the family.

Beverley Coupar – Parent Governor

I have been a parent at Sedlescombe school since 2017. Both my children love the nurturing environment offered by a village school and we as family feel part of the community. My background is n the education sector, having worked across many different settings and a broad age range. I gave up work to become a full-time mum but the school and the community keep me very busy and on my toes!

I am a local parish councillor, chair of the village playground, an active PTA committee member and I hope that my experience will enable me to make a positive contribution to the Governing Body.

Emily Christy – Foundation Governor

I have two children at Sedlescombe and joined the Governing Body as I feel it is a great opportunity to actively support the school to help it achieve its aims.

My hope is to be able  to help ensure that all the children here have their best possible primary school experience: to be safe and supported in their academic, creative and personal development in a caring and positive environment.

I work locally for a family-run manufacturing firm and hope my experience, coupled with my passion that our children get an excellent learning journey, will enable me to be enthusiastic and productive member of the Governing Body.

Peter Winchester – Foundation Governor

I am a past pupil of Sedlescombe School as well as a parent. I loved my time here which gave me a great foundation for life. I believe that every child is important and deserves the best education to enable them to live happy, productive lives.

I have a background in general management, business accounting, health and safety compliance and property maintenance, which I hope will prove useful to the Governing Body. I am keen to give my time to support this wonderful school and to give something back to the community in which I grew up.