Governors

Since July 2017, the Local Governance Committee across both schools has been working together – it is the first time Monkwick Infant School & Nursery and Monkwick Junior School have had one team guiding and overseeing operations. Both schools can now work more closely together and support our families through the transition and provide continuity.

The governors of the school work to ensure that the school is functioning well, that the staff members are motivated and working for the well-being of the pupils and that the children are happy, settled and achieving their educational goals.

The full Local Governance Committee meets termly and consists of:

Rebecca McCutcheon – Headteacher Monkwick Junior School

Mrs L Cumming – Headteacher Monkwick Infant School

Carol Carlsson Browne – Chair of Governors (Trustee)

I qualified as a solicitor in 1982 and practised for almost 12 years, before retraining as a teacher. I taught in a number of schools in North East Essex, worked as a literacy consultant for Essex County Council and was headteacher of a school in Clacton before I retired. I retain a keen interest in education. Since I retired, I have completed an MA in Children’s Literature and I have a particular interest in Early Years. I have been a school governor from 1990–1998 and again from 2008 onwards in a number of schools, all in North East Essex. I have been a Trustee of The Sigma Trust since its inception in 2016. I have been involved with the Monkwick schools in different roles since 2006 and it is a privilege to chair the Monkwick Local Governance Committee. I believe wholeheartedly in the state funded school system from which my children benefitted and now my grandchildren. I want all children to have the best possible education, whilst acknowledging the very important role schools play in children’s health and wellbeing.

Angela Ajiboye – Local Governor Parent (MIS)

My name is Angela, a mother of two. Originally from London, my family and I are new to Colchester; and my first daughter, currently attends Monkwick Infant & Nursery School. Aside from being a mother, I have a career working as a Practice Development Lead for Youth Justice & Targeted Youth Support; for a local authority in London. I am passionate about children and young people and therefore, I am glad to serve as a parent governor at the school.

Simon Collinson – Local Governor Parent (MJS)

My name is Simon, I am married to Jessica and both my children attend the Monkwick Schools. It is an honour and a privilege to be a governor at these two local, community-based schools. Before settling in Colchester, I spent my career in the Army serving with the Household Cavalry both in operational theatres and at home on ceremonial duties. Since leaving the Army, due to an injury sustained during overseas training that resulted in me having my lower right leg amputated, I have played Amputee Football, playing for West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea, along with England. I believe my background, whilst not in an educational setting, brings a lot of experience in dealing with different situations and the understanding of what is needed to overcome adversity and achieve the best possible outcomes for all. I thrive on challenges and as a governor will use this to serve the schools and the wider Monkwick family.

Cllr Dave Harris – Local Governor

My name is Dave Harris, lots of you in our catchment area know me as the local Councillor representing our area. I am also your community governor for both Monkwick Infant and Monkwick Junior schools and have been a governor for some years.  As a retired Rail Engineering Worker, my wife, children and grandchildren all attend or have attended the two Monkwick schools and each has enjoyed their time at the schools. I am keen to promote the community and that includes the school community.  I believe that what you put in to the community you get back ten fold and that also includes the school community. The school’s Local Governance Committee works hard to ensure that we not only get the best from our school age children but also make their time an enjoyable experience.

Lorraine Laudrum – Local Governor

Having had a career in Essex schools for 35 years as a teacher, Deputy Head and Head, I now work in training and support for teachers and school leaders.

My experience serves me well as a school governor in offering support and challenge on the quality of education offered at Monwick Infant and Monkwick Junior schools. I am passionate about helping children achieve their potential and delighted and proud to be a part of their journey. My particular interests and responsibilities as a governor include curriculum, teaching and learning and SEND.

Gavin Bradley – Local Governor (Co-opted)

After leaving school I initially trained as a quantity surveyor for 5 years before realising this was not the profession for me. After some soul searching I decided to pursue a career that combined my passion for sport and a desire to work with children. I completed a BEd in Primary Education, specialising in Physical Education, graduating in 1997. My 28 years of teaching has seen me work in schools in the South, Mid and North of Essex, in a range of different contexts. I also worked in the United Arab Emirates for a brief period, which was a great educational and cultural experience. In 2011,  I became the headteacher of a large primary school in Clacton-on-Sea and spent 12 years leading the school. In 2023 I took on the role of Primary Director of Education within the SIGMA Trust. I thoroughly enjoy working with our talented headteachers, teachers and support staff to ensure our children receive the best possible education and experiences.

Alison Pierson – Local Governor (Co-opted)

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Nicky Sirett – Local Governor

I have lived in Colchester for over 30 years. My career was in primary teaching and I have recently retired after 20 years of headship in 3 different schools. I am particularly interested in ensuring that pupils from disadvantaged backgrounds are well supported in school. I place great importance on schools offering a balanced curriculum, where humanities, PE and the creative subjects are given the time and high-quality teaching they deserve, alongside English and Maths.

Vicky Wrycraft – Local Governor

I have worked in primary schools for many years in a variety of class based and leadership roles, currently working as a Deputy Head. During this time, I have led a number of subjects, including maths, science and PE and have experience working on school improvement projects. As a governor, I enjoy supporting and challenging the leaders and staff in school to provide the best education and outcomes possible for all children.

Katarzyna Zareba – Local Governor

I have been teaching for over 13 years, mainly in special needs’ schools but I have good experience of working with mainstream school children, especially in a primary setting. I have recently been involved in setting up a new curriculum in our school which has given me a great experience. I am very passionate and I love playing an active role in the life of school and strive to give all children in my care the opportunity to achieve and aspire to fulfil their potential. I am looking forward to my new role as a governor as I feel it provides me with further opportunities to work alongside staff, families and our community to ensure our pupils receive an enriching and inspiring curriculum.

Sadie Brown – Clerk to Governors

There are still vacancies for parent governors in school.   It is important that views of parents are represented in school so please consider if you could take on this role.  Anyone needing further information can enquire at the school office.

Click here to view the Sigma Trust Board of Trustees 

Please see the link below for the LGC Summary of Business Interests’.

Monkwick LGC Summary of Business Interests

Autumn Term

Thursday, 26th September 2024
Thursday, 28th November 2024

Spring Term

Thursday, 20th March 2025

Summer Term

26th June 2025

Please see the link below for details of attendance at LGC meetings.

Monkwick LGC Membership, Attendance and Terms of Office

The Sigma Trust Scheme of Delegation can be found here.

http://www.sigmatrust.org.uk/compliance/finance.asp