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

Patricia Butuc-Mayer

Governor - Finance

I moved to the United Kingdom from Romania 5 years ago to study Accounting & Finance at University of Southampton. After my graduation I started working at JP Morgan, in the Bournemouth office.

I used to volunteer at a local orphanage in Romania during my high-school years, and have remained very passionate about children's welfare and education. Therefore, I am pleased to be working with Avonwood as governor.

In my free time I enjoy spending time in nature with my family and friends - be it hiking, climbing, swimming, snowboarding or just a walk.

Clare Grimley

Staff Governor

I'm honoured to serve as a staff governor here at Avonwood Primary School. With a decade of teaching experience under my belt, I bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to our school community. My journey at Avonwood began in 2018 when I joined as the Year 4 lead. In this role, I had the privilege of designing and implementing a vibrant curriculum tailored to our students' needs. Currently, I teach and lead Year 3 while also dedicating time to mentoring a trainee teacher.

Prior to my teaching career, I pursued studies and a career in Marine Biology, earning a master’s from the University of St Andrews and working as a postgraduate researcher at Bournemouth University. My background fuels my enthusiasm for science and drives my passion for climate change, which I bring to our school community. Science education has always been a passion of mine, and I take pride in leading science across our school. We were fortunate to be awarded the PSQM award in 2022.

As a parent to a young daughter, my investment in Avonwood goes beyond my role as a staff member. I look forward to seeing her become part of our school family in the future.

Oliver Hill

Governor

I am delighted to be working with the team as a Governor at Avonwood Primary School.

I have worked as an HR professional for over 10 years in the Financial, Higher Education and Charity Sectors. I am a Chartered member of the CIPD and have attained post graduate qualifications, specifically in Employment Law. My roles have involved partnering with various senior leadership teams across respective businesses to advise, guide and coach on a number of people related matters.

I live locally and have been so impressed with the interactions I have had with pupils, and seen first hand the positive role they play within our community. I very much look forward to working with school at an exciting time of opportunity.

Ryan Rowley

Governor - Key Stage 1

I joined the Avonwood Governing body in the Summer of 2022 after hearing of the opportunity from the Chair of Governors, Sam.

The role immediately grabbed my attention, having been a part of various educational and volunteering initiatives throughout my school and University years, ranging from coaching tennis and football here in Bournemouth to classroom teaching for various Primary School ages in Malawi and Fiji.

Having just recently started my professional career on the J.P. Morgan Graduate scheme, I’m keen to continue investing my efforts where I can, to give back to the community. Becoming a Governor is a great opportunity to help strengthen the community at a local level. I look forward to contributing to the continued success of this amazing school

Jack Skilling

Governor - Health & Safety

I work locally to the school and joined Avonwood as Governor for Health and Safety in 2022.

Having worked in Outdoor Education for 8 years and recently moving over to working in finance I am keen to stay engaged within education and the local community.

I grew up in the Lake District and moved to Poole last year and love the area and spending as much time out enjoying the beautiful coastline.

Claire Wright

Staff Governor

I have been part of the Avonwood family since 2019 and am currently a Higher-Level Teaching Assistant, studying a degree in early childhood, with the aim to becoming a primary school teacher. In my role, I am able to enjoy getting to know a vast number of children across the school and work alongside many of the staff team. I love the variety my role allows me and the experience I am gaining.

Having my own two children attend the school, provides me with a parent and staff outlook of how the school runs, with the addition of a great interest in supporting our school.

Before joining Avonwood, I ran a childminding business, where I had the joy of supporting babies and young children with their first milestones in life. This has led me to having a deep understanding of 
child development and encouraging their continued growth through school.

I am extremely excited and privileged to be a part of the governing team, and having a influence in the development and continued success of our wonderful school.

Jane Wright

I am a retired Music Teacher and have taught in schools within the Bournemouth area as a classroom teacher, peripatetic Music Teacher and directing numerous choirs.

When teaching at Avonbourne Girls School I was asked by the Headteacher to teach music at Avonwood as part of my timetable. Having never taught my subject in a Primary School setting I was somewhat apprehensive. How wrong was I! To see the school grow from 42 children into the incredible school it is today makes me feel proud to be a small part of its success.

I am very much looking forward to joining the Governing Body at Avonwood and am eager to contribute the knowledge and passion I have to further the development of this amazing school.