Mrs Rachel Murphy - Chair and Co-Opted Community Governor
I have been a Parent Governor since 2014 and became Chair of Governors in 2016. My son joined the school in 2012 and I also have two grown-up step-children. My passion as a Governor is to ensure our children develop into confident, well-rounded individuals that have fulfilled their potential, and to ensure Felton C of E Primary School provides a safe, supportive and inspiring environment for our children and staff. I am also focussed on communication with parents and carers and wider community engagement and am keen to represent the views and wishes of our families. Having retired from the Royal Air Force in 2012 we settled in Felton and I currently work for the Ministry of Defence as a Test & Evaluation Engineer. I enjoy the outdoors, house renovation and being busy.
Mr Steven Johnson - Local Authority Governor
I am a Local Authority Governor and have been on the Governing Body at Felton C of E Primary School since October 2013.
I graduated from the University of Northumbria in 1997 with a B.Ed (Hons) Primary Education degree and have had the pleasure of working in four middle schools in Northumberland, including as Head of School at Chantry Middle School, until August 2019. Since then, I am working as an Associate Lecturer at the University of Northumbria. One of my main responsibilities is to support and monitor students on placement for the postgraduate PGCE & PGCE flexi courses and the undergraduate BA course. I am passionate about Initial Teacher Training and the role of our schools in educating our future teachers.
It is a very interesting time to be part of the Felton C of E Primary School Governing Body as we continue on our journey to become outstanding, in light of the new OFSTED schedule and the licence to plan and deliver a challenging broad and balanced curriculum and exciting learning experiences, to prepare our pupils for success in the next stage of their education.
Elodie Gair - Parent Governor
I am a mother of two boys whom attend Felton primary, as well as a Senior Clinical Psychologist in the NHS. I started as a Parent Governor in 2019 as my eldest transitioned between years. My son has needed time to consolidate his learning and has received individually designed support, with his emotional health being at the forefront. This triggered my wish to be involved and work with the school faculty and governing body. I am passionate about the aims of Felton primary, in addition to the mental wellbeing and development of personal identity with a positive core. From here children can achieve any academic or vocational goals they wish.
Mrs Libby Taylor - Foundation Governor
I am a Foundation Governor at Felton school, I am also a past parent; our son has moved on now; and I am a very active member of St Michael’s Church in Felton. My key role is music there, so my creative side really relishes the mini adventure approach to learning at Felton Primary School. I wholeheartedly support ‘the every person matters’ philosophy and practice, which is so well reflected in Loving, Learning, Living’ together in school. I am very happy to be a Champion within the Outcomes Committee, endeavouring to support the Church of England vision that all may flourish. My background is in education, too. I am a class teacher and Subject Leader in a large Northumberland Primary Academy and have been for 11 years, although I have been teaching for 30 years in the primary phase. It is a privilege to use my experience and to honour all that Felton Primary School strives to achieve for our young people, families and community. Apart from being immersed in teaching and learning, I love guitar playing, singing, dog walking, theatre and drama and learning lots about life from our son.
Mrs Elle Walter - Parent Governor
I am new to the parent governor role, having started in 2017. I have two children at the school. They both enjoy attending and I am hoping my role can help support the school in continuing to provide the best opportunities to learn and grow. I feel that school life is such an important part of our children’s world that making this time fun, safe, interesting and meaningful should be our priority, both as a school and as a parent. I’m hoping this role can help me be part of this even more.
I work in healthcare and have awareness of the how talking with others, sharing ideas and feedback can influence the way we work. Talking with children, parents and teachers – all those involved in the school, will be part of this role I will particularly enjoy and look forward to the years ahead.
Mrs Susan Marsh - Foundation Governor
I have recently become a Foundation Governor having moved to Swarland, from Derbyshire, at the end of 2019. I am an active member of St Michael and All Angels Church and whole heartedly support the school’s vision of ‘Loving, Learning, Living’. I care deeply about the holistic education of children and delight in seeing individuals realise their potential, whatever that may be for themselves. I feel privileged to be the Governor Champion for SEND and very much look forward to being part of the Felton School Community.
In Derbyshire, I enjoyed volunteering to support a programme of social activities for autistic young people and others with additional needs, and had great fun as a Girl Guiding leader.
My career has been in secondary education, teaching biology and also having a number of leadership roles in school. I have also had experience working for one of the Examinations Boards, and continue to do some work relating to A-level practical science. I have coached students and have previously been a school governor at a rural primary school. I am married, have two daughters and enjoy a wide range of interests, primarily rambling, gardening and embroidery!
Mr Nigel Chopping - Parent Governor
As a parent, I have been associated with the school for a few years. I feel strongly about providing positive educational experiences for the children. Working as a member of the Governing body provides the opportunity for me to contribute to the great work carried out by the school and staff. My professional background as a Safety Adviser for Outdoor Education gives me the opportunity to make a positive contribution in supporting the Governing Body in ensuring the school has clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
Dr Kathy McConnachie - Parent Governor
I am a mum of two boys, both joining the school when we moved from Durham in 2019. I grew up in the village, and love being back in this wonderful warm community with my family. I am a GP, and feel strongly that communication and mental health are key in supporting both children and staff within the school and beyond.
I am new to the governor role, but feel the school is a great place to be. I feel privileged to be able to support the school in meeting the needs of our children, and encouraging their individual growth.
Mr Chris Green - Parent Governor
I have lived in the village since 2013 and currently have two children at the school. I was honoured to be invited to join the governing body as a Community Governor. I am committed to helping our school deliver an environment that allows every child to reach their full potential, and to have the school journey they deserve.
Professionally, I am a Veterinary Surgeon and Clinical Director of a local referral hospital. I am a keen musician and Chairman of the Ponteland Community Band, a group that brings together musicians of all ages. In any remaining spare time, I enjoy running and also exploring our wonderful local countryside and coast at a slightly slower pace with my elderly dog and family.
