Our Governors
Governors' Welcome
Welcome to Chyngton School Local Governing Committee. We are a hard-working and friendly team, committed to helping the school be the best it can be.
Governors are often referred to as “critical friends”, and our role is to support and question on all aspects of school life. We meet formally about seven times a year, and regularly visit the school on many other occasions to help us fulfil our duties. We get involved in interviews, monitor school developments and standards, and keep an eye on the school budget. We help oversee the school building and grounds, check on attendance, manage the headteacher’s performance and support pupil and staff welfare. Perhaps our most important job is to shape the direction and vision of the school alongside the trustees of Seaford Learning Trust. This means looking at the curriculum, staffing and our ethos. Miss Clarke is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school and governors concentrate on the ‘big picture’, asking themselves “What sort of school would we like to see in five years’ time?” “What do we have to do to get there?”, and “How will we know when we have got there?”
If you would like to contact the governors, please ask at the school office or email our Clerk on gaynornewnham@seafordhead.org. Our minutes are available on request.
Register of Governor Interests 2022-2023Register of Governor Interests 2023-2024
Register of Governor Interests 2024-2025
Chyngton Committee Attendance 2023-2024
Chyngton Committee Attendance 2024-2025
Governors
Mrs Jane Branson
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Co-Chair of Local Governing Board Appointed Local Governor I am an experienced teacher and education advisor and have worked as a governor at Chyngton since 2009. My children had a wonderful primary education at the school and are now at college and university. I am especially interested in reading and writing and oracy. In my spare time I love books, cats and theatre. |
Mr Chris Mercer
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Co-Chair of Local Governing Board Appointed Local Governor I am an experienced physiotherapist and team lead and have worked in the NHS for over 20 years. I have a special interest in staff development, making sure we listen to and look after everyone who works at Chyngton. I also serve as a trustee for Seaford Learning Trust. I am a keen, if hapless, surfer. |
Mrs Jacky Cross
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Vice Chair of Local Governing Board Appointed Local Governor I have a background in education, having been a secondary teacher and school advisor. I now help to train teachers and I have a particular interest in how science is taught and learnt. I also serve as a trustee for Seaford Learning Trust and enjoy looking after my granddaughter.
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Ms Gaynor Newnham
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Clerk to Governors
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Miss Amy Clarke
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Headteacher I first came to Chyngton as Deputy Head and have been the Headteacher since 2024. I enjoy working with all of the children and staff and my favourite part of my job is when I get to spend time with the children. I am passionate about the curriculum and making sure children get to experience exciting and interesting learning. This includes making sure we make the most of our local community and area, as well as inviting interesting people and organisations into our school. In my spare time I enjoy exploring the world and teaching my dog new tricks. |
Mrs Jemima Hutchinson
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Local Associate Member I have worked in safeguarding, youth and children's services for local government for over 16 years now. I have a specialist interest in safeguarding and CSE. I have always lived in Seaford and went to Chyngton as a child myself. |
Mrs Chris Jennings
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Appointed Local Governor I am a mother of four children. I jointly started and ran Chyngton playgroup for 15 years. I also have experience of teaching and working with children and adults with learning difficulties. I have been a governor at Chyngton since 2008. |
Ms Angela Raven
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Staff Local Governor
I have been part of the Chyngton team since 2017 as the Child Welfare and Parent Support Advisor. As Chyngton's Emotional Literacy Support Assistant, Young Carers Champion and Anti-Bullying Ambassador, I am passionate about supporting children to improve their emotional wellbeing and self-confidence. In my spare time I volunteer for a local arts charity, and to relax I enjoy camping. |
Mr Russell Wood
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Parent Local Governor I have two children at Chyngton. I have always enjoyed my education and hope to assist the school with bringing that to the next generation.
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Mrs Sarah Bell
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Parent Local Governor |
Mrs Jo Dawkins
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Local Associate Member I have three children at Chyngton and I have a special interest in equality and diversity. I like running, music and reading. |