Parent Governor

I have lived in the Watlington area since 2005 and have a son in the school. 

I come from a family of teachers so have some understanding of the issues facing schools and as a parent, I am committed to doing what I can to support the school in delivering the best possible opportunity to all children.

Professionally, I work with colleges, local authorities and training providers delivering adult skills training and work-based learning. I am involved in governance and compliance activities, ensuring the organisations adhere to the requirements of a heavily regulated environment and deliver high quality learning.

Claire Cointre

I have lived in Britwell Salome for almost 15years and my son has been at Watlington Primary School for 4 years now and loves it!  Like all parents, I want the best education for my child but I also want the best all round education for all the children attending Watlington Primary School no matter their circumstances or needs so that each child can grow their confidence and achieve their full potential.

I am also a full time working mum who has to balance work and home life and knows how difficult that can be for parents who want to support their child’s learning.  I manage a marketing team and work in a large IT company which embraces diversity and encourages inclusion.  

I feel that I can offer some of my commercial experience to the school to help it continue to be outstanding and ensure that the school delivers on its vision and the overall strategic direction.  On a personal note, I am an active member of the Watlington Tennis Club and captain the Ladies B team and I was pivotal in helping the Watlington Club gain CIO status which was essential to keep the club going for the local community.  My values are honesty, family and openness and I am looking forward to helping to make a difference at Watlington Primary School.

Mathew Van de Pette

Parent Governor

Since becoming a father (Henry, Bats. Clara, Robins), I have taken great interest in the enormous scope by which we as parents, their education/educators and society can influence the development of our children. This is perhaps most important in the early years where children seemingly have a sponge in their brains, able to soak up any, and all the information that comes their way.

In my day job, I work at the University of Cambridge as a Programme Leader in the MRC Toxicology Unit. Outside of researching pregnancy and exploring environmental factors that influence the developing embryo, I act as the academic lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion for the School of Biological Sciences (in addition to the Toxicology Unit) and sit on the University Gender Equality Steering Group.

Having seen the historical unequal weighting that higher education has placed on class, gender, traits etc, I will bring my experiences from the University, to my role within the governors. I hope that as a governor, I can help to shape the early-stage education of children, that will enable them all to develop their own trajectory as they progress.

Gemma Sterjo

Co-opted Governor / Acting Deputy Head

I started teaching at Watlington Primary School in , where I taught in Year 2.  I am very fortunate to work at our school, with such dedicated staff, supportive parents and enthusiastic children. 

During my time at Watlington, I have learnt so much and I am so proud of our school and what we provide for our children and community.  I am currently Acting Deputy Headteacher, as well as Foundation Stage and Key Stage 1 Lead.  I am also a Designated Safeguarding Lead and work closely with the safeguarding team in school, to ensure our children are safe and happy.

A true advocate for providing the best early years experiences for our children, I am also an Early Years SLE (specialist leader of education). As a governor I will ensure any decisions made have the children at heart, as well as being aspirational for our school, led by our improvement plan. 

Amanda Flynn

Staff Governor

I have been a teacher at Watlington Primary School for the past 10 years, working across both Key Stages. I am so proud of what the staff, children and community have achieved over this time. I currently teach in Badgers Class (Year 4). It really has been a pleasure and a privilege to work with such a hard-working and dedicated staff team. I am passionate about education and I am looking forward to the opportunity to become involved as a staff governor, ensuring communication is two way between the team and the Governing body.