I would like to become a parent governor because I am passionate about children accessing and receiving the best education possible. I have worked in education for many years, in both the UK and overseas, as an arts psychotherapist and clinical supervisor. Having worked with children from a variety of socio-economic backgrounds and different faiths, I am currently part of the counselling service at Whitgift school. I also work in private practice with parents, and am responsible for all aspects of running a business.
Alongside therapy, a large part of my practice is providing professional supervision for Head Teachers and Senior Leaderships Teams. For the past year I have been working as part of a project between Education Support and the Department for Education. This work is hugely rewarding. Many school staff are struggling with well-being, stress and burnout, particularly since the pandemic. My role is to support them with this but also to provide a space to explore strategic planning, and decision making with regards to staff and school finances. I strongly believe that if teachers are well supported they will be most effective in the classroom, and therefore provide children with the high level of education they all deserve.
As a parent of two children at Thomas Becket, now in years 6 and 4, I know the school and it's community well. My main preoccupation has been that my children are happy in school because well-being is fundamental to academic achievement, building confidence and forming friendships. In this respect I have not been disappointed. The schools Catholic ethos and thriving community ensures the children have a strong identity, and values which will equip them for life in school and the wider community.
It would be my privilege to support the governors, staff and children as a parent governor, and to ensure these standards continue for current and future children, and their families.
