Stella Byrne (Chair of Governors)
I moved to Clare in 2021. Being newly retired, I have enjoyed the opportunity to become involved in local societies and community events. I volunteer in the Country Park Visitor Centre, lead historical tours of Clare and volunteer weekly with CLASP supporting local elderly residents; preparing a hot meal and leading craft / socialisation activities. I enjoy long distance walking, swimming, sewing and craft activities.
My 40 year career was spent in education, working in primary schools in Hertfordshire and Kent. My final role was as Headteacher of a village primary school graded good with some outstanding elements. I have particular interests in enriching the curriculum, provision for SEND and innovative uses for Pupil Premium funding. I spent several years as a Local Authority Numeracy Consultant; offering training and curriculum development to schools and teachers across Kent. I also lectured on maths to PGCE and Primary Education students at Canterbury Christ Church University.
Declaration of Business Interests: None
Jenni Carter
I moved to Clare 3 years ago with my husband and our now 4 year old son who currently attends Clare bears pre-school. As a family we enjoy visiting the park often and getting involved in the community events. For the past 10 years I have worked in various analyst, research and performance monitoring roles within Essex County Council. Over this time I worked in many areas including adult social care, children's social care, public health and most recently the climate action commission. I am looking forward to my role as Governor and contributing to the Clare school community.
Declaration of Business Interests: None
Jon Craig
I am currently Head of Humanities at Stour Valley and have been since the school opened in 2011, building up the Humanities faculty to be high achieving and extremely popular for GCSE options. Prior to this I have worked in schools in West London, and High Wycombe. My wife works as a teaching assistant at a school just outside Bury where my two children also attend. I am a passionate geographer and love the subject I teach, always looking to improve. I also conduct the role of Educational Visits Coordinator, overseeing the visits that the school runs as well as leading the Year 7 residential to Thriftwood. Outside of school, I am an active member of Bradfield and Rougham Baptist Church, leading a youth group for 8-13 year olds on a Friday night, the Sunday morning teenage group and giving children’s talks with my monster puppet. I am a keen runner, enjoy exploring the wildlife of Suffolk and also coach an under-8 boys football team for Sporting 87.
Declaration of Business Interests: Teacher at SVCS
Rev Paul Graham
I moved to Clare in 2015 to take up the role of Minister at the Baptist Church here in the town. Since then, I have been heavily involved in the life of the community at large, including the schools. I joined the governing body in 2017 and have relished being part of the oversight of what is a very good school with dedicated staff. Away from church and community life, I am a keen (very) amateur gardener, a fan of most things science fiction related, an avid reader and an occasional jigsaw puzzle nut.
Declaration of Business Interests: None
Joey Kettle
I am a Clare resident and live with my wife Amy and Son Rory, who is 1 year old. I work for Dellar Sports Coaching as a Primary PE/Sports Coach, including at Clare Community Primary School where I teach PE and run clubs on Mondays, Tuesdays and Thursday mornings.
With my career being in education and having worked in many schools around Suffolk and Cambridgeshire, I feel, as a governor, I can offer experiences of other schools’ successes and offer different ideas based on what I’ve seen. I am passionate about making the school the best place it can be for all involved.
Declaration of Business Interests: None
Shelley Thurgood
I am a parent of two children who attend Clare Community Primary School, and will complete my BA Hons Integrative Counselling degree at the University of Suffolk by the end of April 2023 - my goal being a masters in Study Childhood Development and Attachment Theory. Childhood development is a very keen interest of mine, as my ultimate goal is to become a child therapist and work with creative arts. I am currently working for an organisation which supports and offers counselling and group work for families who are experiencing difficulties, and am a practicing counsellor, with safeguard training via Suffolk Council, for adults and children. I also have previous experience as a training manager, where my role was to assist and support young adults in completing their NVQ, in Maths, English and Hospitality. I am energetic and like to be busy; my interests have mainly been focused on my studying and reading, but I enjoy being creative and also organising charity events.