Governance

Lucie Barton-Ridges

Chair - Safeguarding

I am nominated governor for Safeguarding and I have been a governor at Avonwood since 2018 within both United Learning and Avonbourne Trusts. My daughter was in the first class at Avonwood back in 2014, when there was only 32 children in the whole school!; it has been wonderful watching the school grow.

I have lived in Bournemouth all my life and I have worked for the NHS for the past 18 years within a ‘Medicines Team’. I am looking forward to continuing to support the LGB as I am passionate about Safeguarding and keeping children safe in education

Jagdip Jandu

Governor - Vice-chair (Diversity & Community) SEND

I am a seasoned fundraiser and have worked in the not-for-profit / charity sector for over 20 years. Ultimately, my job involves asking supporters and potential supporters for donations via campaigns and appeals via multiple channels, managing membership schemes and using marketing to solicit income.

I was an active member of the PTA during my daughter's primary school years, and I am thoroughly enjoying working with the incredible parent governor team at Avonwood Primary now! I have recently started volunteering as a parent governor at Avonbourne Boys and Girls Academies which I know will compliment my role here.

A born and bred Londoner, we moved to Bournemouth during the summer of 2019 - and have not regretted it for a second. It's been everything we wanted - it's a fantastic community and part of the country

Bobbie Dove

Governor

I am honoured to have been asked to become a School Governor at Avonwood Primary School. I have a special interest in Special Educational Needs as a result of my eldest son. This led to the opportunities to sit on the programme board of the 2014 SEND reforms at a pan Dorset level, and then on Council committees, both as a board member and as chair.

I have been the ward councillor for the Littledown and Iford area since 2015 and have met with Mr Jackson on a number of occasions during that time. I have always been impressed with his collaborative approach to overcome various challenges and working hard to ensure that the school and its pupils are always well represented. 

As the mum of 2, I know how important education is, as well as reaching a balance to ensure that our children grow up to be happy and healthy. I believe that the staff at Avonwood strive to achieve the very best for the school community, and I look forward to doing all that I can to support them and families to ensure that Avonwood pupils can be their best self whilst at Avonwood and also in the future. 

David Clough

Governor

Gemma Morling

Staff (support) Governor

Having lived in Bournemouth for over 20 years and with two primary-aged children of my own, I have a strong connection to the local community and a real interest in helping children thrive.

I spent more than 12 years teaching in local first and primary schools, with a particular passion for inclusive education, children's wellbeing and pastoral care. For eight of those years, I was part of school leadership teams, working as a SENCo and Assistant Headteacher, supporting children with additional needs and helping them overcome barriers to learning.

Alongside my work in schools, I delivered training, supported colleagues and contributed to wider work around SEND provision. As Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead, I also undertook significant safeguarding responsibilities, working with other professionals to help ensure vulnerable children and families received appropriate support.

Having taken a career break to raise my own family, I am delighted to have joined the Avonwood team as a member of the support staff, working in the area I love: supporting children with SEND to thrive. I look forward to bringing my experience and understanding of inclusive education to my role as a governor, while continuing to learn from and contribute to the wider school community.

John Mather

Now retired, I bring over 25 years of experience as a dedicated primary school teacher, most recently serving at Avonwood Primary School from 2020. My teaching career began in London, where I worked with a richly diverse range of children, before relocating to Bournemouth to continue my passion for education.

Throughout my career, I have championed creativity and inclusion, with a particular focus on the Arts. At Avonwood, I led the development of the art curriculum and ran performing arts clubs, fostering confidence and self-expression among pupils. I am committed to supporting high standards of teaching and learning, and I look forward to contributing to the strategic direction of the school as a governor.

Adam Holmes

Health & Safety Governor

I’ve spent over 17 years working in safety and systems engineering, starting in military aviation and more recently on large national infrastructure projects. A big part of my role is working through complex problems and making sure risks are properly understood and managed without overcomplicating things.

I became a governor because I think Avonwood is a fantastic school in so many ways and I wanted to contribute in a positive way. With three children at Avonwood, I care about making sure it continues to be a place where children feel safe, supported and able to explore what they enjoy.

I’m particularly interested in promoting a balanced approach to health and safety. Children need space to try things, make mistakes and build confidence - while staying safe - and I think the same applies to staff, who should be supported without unnecessary restrictions.

As the Health and Safety Governor, I hope to bring a practical, calm and independent perspective and to help the school manage risk sensibly while maintaining a positive environment for everyone.