Who are our Governors?

Ross Minton

Headteacher

 

I got into teaching because I wanted to make a difference and improve the outcomes for children and this is what working at Churchfield does. Dedication and building effective relationships with children is a must here and the rewards are huge. Our children deserve a superb teaching team! 

 

 

Alison Murkin

Foundation Governor

Chair of Governors

Safeguarding Governor - contact on alison.murkin@churchfield.bwmat.org

04.09.2019

 

What drew me to Churchfield Church School was hearing the previous headteacher talk about his vision for the school and, most importantly, for the children. There was real commitment to enabling children to achieve their potential, beyond expectations and to experience a rich range of new opportunities, broadening their horizons and future lives. The Christian ethos of the school also appealed to me personally.

Once I had visited, and met the children I was hooked! I joined the governing body in September this year; with experience of having been chair of governors at another school previously.

My back ground is in teaching in different types of special schools, with pupils ranging from 2 to 19 years old and I have held three headships. I retired from headship last year, and am doing some part time leadership support in a special school currently. In my spare time I am involved in our village church; I enjoy walking my two rescue dogs; and I love to read!

I am enjoying my role as governor at Churchfield and am particularly struck by how engaging and welcoming the children are and so pleased to show what they are learning. Together with committed staff who are working hard to bring the best out of every child, I look forward to seeing what our children can achieve.

 

 

Helen Meager

Vice Chair of LGB

Elected Parent Governor

18.03.2020

 

I have recently returned to work as a secondary school Maths teacher, having previously taught Maths and PE in schools as far apart as Leeds and Cornwall.  I was elected a Parent Governor in 2016 and both my boys are at Churchfield. I really enjoy being a Governor as it has given me the chance to see a school from the other side - it is  real privilege to be able to work alongside the staff whilst supporting and challenging them to move the school forward so that all of our children have the best opportunities to learn and develop their experiences. I'm a member of the Ethos committee and am really keen to see the school develop stronger relationships with the local community to benefit everyone.

Outside of school I enjoy a variety of sports, mainly outdoor sports including walking, climbing and surfing and I'm trying hard to ensure that my boys enjoy them just as much.

 

Alison Ridley

Elected Parent Governor

SEN Governor

15.05.2022

 

During my working life I have gained a wide range of experience ranging from being a secretary to being a trainer in the health and social care sector.

I am in my second term as a governor at Churchfield.  I initially became a parent governor when my son attended the school.  Although my son has now left I am happy to continue to support Churchfield and help to move the school forward to a strong position offering children a wide range of opportunities and experiences.

My main hobby is crochet, which I also teach and have recently started to learn quilting.

 

 

Peter Selby

Elected Staff Governor

Ethos Committee Member

19.05.2017

 

Music and Drama are my two main passions. Over the 8 Years I have worked at Churchfield I have been able to develop and nurture the children’s own love for these, providing opportunities for them to achieve success in performances and experience the huge enjoyment they can bring.

I bring to the role of staff governor at Churchfield not only what I have learned as a teacher here, but also the experience I have gained in 27 years as an educator, including a number of years as Headteacher of four different Somerset Schools.

 

 

Elizabeth Malaiperuman

MAT Appointed Governor

10.01.2021

 

I started my career over 10 years ago pursuing a specialism in human resources, I currently work for a national charity covering the West of England.  Working for a charity has enabled me to develop a strong understanding of managing services on a tight budget, something that is reflected in the role of Governor.

I have lived in Somerset for over 25 years and love the community in Highbridge and surrounding area, we have a lot of great places that I enjoy including Apex Park, the beach, quantocks and mendip hills.  I am keen to make a difference to the local community as a Member of Burnham On Sea Community Church and Girlguiding I engage with many in the local area.

As a Mum of 2 children in nursery and school I love to see the children developing and gaining skills, experience and confidence through quality teaching, spending time in the school has helped me develop a better understanding of education.  I am delighted to have the opportunity to be Governor and look forward to working with the Board and school to ensure it continues to improve.

 

 

Reverend Dan Crouch

Foundation Governor

06.11.2023

 

I moved to Highbridge with my family in June 2018 to take up the role of Curate at St John's Church, Highbridge under the guidance of Reverend Sharon Crossman. Previously I had lived most of my life in a town called Keynsham, between Bristol and Bath. When Reverend Sharon departed I felt it was important to continue to nurture relationships between the church and the school and that one of the best ways to do so was as part of the governing body. I have a young family and my eldest daughter currently attends Churchfield nursery which she loves. While I am very new to the role of governor I am thoroughly enjoying the opportunity to help shape a school community that serves our children and young people as best it can, recognising the challenges and joys that we all face. I am the governor responsible for Health and Safety and I am also part of the Ethos Committee. I am also one of the local ministers who lead collective worship weekly in the school. Before I was ordained in the Church of England I spent eleven years as a youth worker and my experience with young people shapes my outlook and approach today. It is a privilege to serve the children and families of Churchfield as a member of the board of governors.

 

 

 

Natalie Peeke

Parent Governor

 

I became a parent governor in late 2020, I have two young children who attend Churchfield and I am passionate about their education and am eager to support Churchfield and help them to flourish into the school that every child deserves.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, cooking, cross stitching and writing articles for a magazine. I am looking forward to working with and learning from both the staff and governors.

 

 "Never stop learning because life never stops teaching"

 

 

 

Laura Eryilmaz

Parent Governor

 

I’ve previously worked in various roles as catering manager responsible for budget, policies, procedures, risk assessmet etc. I’m currently undertaking a very different role as a fulltime mum and carer. I have always lived in Highbridge and attended this school myself as a child and now both my children attend Churchfield. I hope to help by being the voice for the parents and looking at school from a honest parents perspective.

Like all Mums I have the children’s best interest at heart and want to see them flourish. The role of being a governor is something new to me and I love nothing more than a challenge and to experience new things. Talking is one of my strong points and I believe that communication is a vital element needed to make anything succeed.

 

I am pleased and look forward to being part of the governing board and hope together we can all support Churchfield in strengthening and evolve into something greater for our children and community.

 

 

 

Bath and Wells Multi Academy Trust Trustee Support

 

Gill Minns

BWMAT Link Trustee

 

Gill has lived in Somerset for the past 25 years, and her children all attended local schools. They were taught by some inspirational teachers who lay the foundations for a lifetime love of learning. A Human Resource specialist with over 10 years board level experience gained by working for two Animal Charities based in the South West. Gill now uses this experience as a freelance Consultant to support leadership teams in a wide variety of organisations on the development and implementation of people strategy and business plans and works with managers to find solutions to complex people management issues.

 

Ruth Newton

BWMAT Link Trustee

 

Ruth retired after 16 happy years of headship in two North Somerset Church Schools. During her time in education she was a SIAMS Inspector for many years and has also been a member of The Diocesan Heads Advisory Group and represented the diocese on both North Somerset SSF and SACRE. Most recently she has served as a governor of a local church school including a period as Chair.