Mrs Deb Alexander responsible for Pupil Premium

d.alexander@uptonjun.dorset.sch.uk

Georgia Verran - Staff Governor

My name is Georgia Verran, I am Year 6 lead at Upton Juniors. I have been at Upton for 3 years now, spending most of my time working across upper KS2. I have lived in Dorset for 4 years now, but I previously taught across lower KS2 in Berkshire when I was a newly qualified teacher.

I have a keen interest in baking and usually do this in my free time during school holidays. Since moving into my new home early last year, I have become an avid gardener. Although much of my gardening is trial and error, I have successfully landscaped my garden from a blank canvas to a wildlife haven. This year, I am attempting to grow my own vegetables.

I put myself forward for staff governor because I believe that I am a good listener and supportive of staff, especially those at the beginning of their career. I believe my role as staff governor is to ensure staff’s views are heard and that their well being is taken into consideration at all times.

Deb Alexander - Chair of Governors - Pupil Premium

I have a daughter in Year 5 and have been part of the Local Governing Committee since she joined the Junior school in 2021. In that time, I have been the Safeguarding Lead, and Vice Chair, and I am looking forward to taking on the role of Chair this year. I am passionate about all children being able to access the education and support that they need to thrive, and this year am also swapping my Safeguarding hat for a Pupil Premium one to ensure that those children from disadvantaged backgrounds are given the opportunities to help them succeed. Outside of my governor role, I am also a wife, mother, and HR Business Partner, so fully understand the challenges many parents face in juggling all these different roles and responsibilities. When I do get any spare time, I’ll either be reading a book, or catching up with friends.

Jo Shepherd - Vice Chair - Safeguarding

My name is Jo Shepherd and I have been a parent governor since autumn term 2021. I live in Upton and I currently have 2 daughters at the school and a younger child who will be attending in the future. I took on the role as I wanted to help support the school to be the best it can be for our children and community. I am the Vice Chair and my current role is safeguarding. I am a GP and work in a practice in Blandford. In my spare time I enjoy sea swimming, running, biking, dog walking and generally being outside with the family.

Jill Turner - Co-opted governor

My name is Jill Turner and I am currently attempting a phased retirement by being a SENCO in a local school a couple of days a week. I started my journey in education as a TA in a special school, qualifying as a teacher in 2000 teaching all year groups between Nursery and Y7 in a variety of schools across BCP eventually becoming Assistant Head, DSL and SENCO in a primary school in Bournemouth.  In my last 2 schools I was the staff governor  and enjoy the challenges that this offers to help a school team make things even better for the children.

In my spare time I play a variety of instruments including the flute and trombone. I am also learning Italian and Arabic on Duolingo and like to go out geocaching. 

Stephen Allen - Co-opted governor

I retired a year prior to the Covid pandemic after a career transgressing logistics, as a Hazardous Goods freight manager, then data analyst for the operations team in a Boiler manufacturer company. With a will to put something back into the community I enrolled as a volunteer with both NHS and RVS. I then responded to an advertisement in the local Community magazine advising of vacancies for co-opted Governors at the school, as I am of the belief that all children should be given the best opportunities for a good education and early start in life and am pleased to be in a position to give some service in this field.

Away from volunteering I am a very keen Poole Pirates Speedway follower and also a regular at Poole Town Football club matches.