Thatcham Park Primary School

"Therefore encourage one another and build each other up, just as in fact you are doing." 1 Thessalonians 5:11

The Headteacher is an Ex-officio governor which means she is a member of the governing board by virtue of the position held in school and does not need to be elected.

Rachael Lorman Chair of Governors, Chair of Pupil Progress and Learning Committee

Co-Opted Governor

Committees  -  PP & L

Governornance roles : Equality Governor (joint), Inclusion Governor including SEND/Pupil Premium

I joined Thatcham Park School as a governor in September 2021, having first become aware of the school in early 2020 when my children attended some key worker support that was hosted at the school for the West Berkshire area.

As mum to boy and girl twins who are also primary school age I know the importance of these early years on all aspects of a child's development and it is for this reason I decided to take this opportunity as a governor.  I believe it important that a school should offer a safe and secure environment that allows every pupil to fulfil their potential whilst having fun and making friends.

My hope is that I can bring some of my experience and knowledge from working in the private retail and food manufacturing sector to the board especially in areas relating to the running of behind the scenes elements of the school.

Foundation Governor

Committees: Finance and Resources.

Governance roles: Assessment data governor (joint)

I have been Team Rector of St Mary's Church since 2011, and was previously a curate in Chapel Allerton (Leeds) and Team Rector in Great Parndon (Harlow).  Before training to be a vicar I worked as a chartered accountant (a qualification I still maintain) and I have been a passionate mathematician all my life.  I am also a Director of The Kennet School Academy Trust and a governor of Kennet School as well as being a Berkshire representative on the Oxford Dicesan Board of Education. 

I learned to work with schools in Leeds, where the deputy head treated me like a young teacher and gave me feedback on everything I did, and I learned about governance in rather hard circumstances in Harlow.  I engage with various online governors forums and education blogs to keep informed and up to date. The church should not be in education if it cannot do a good job - and that means the church in Thatcham supporting Thatcham Park School in practical ways, from the youngest child to the most senior adult. My own schools giae me a great chance in ife.  Our pupils deserve the same.

Co-Opted Governor

Committees:  Finance and Resources 

Governance roles - Health and Safety Governor

As a HR leader with a proactive international career across Manufacturing Sales and Marketing, Financial Services, Global/Regional HQ functions and most recently Non-Maintained Special School Education, my approach to my career has focused on valuing differences and cultivating inclusion, ensuring empowerment, engagement, development and a sense of belonging with complex organisations: qualities that I believe are transferable and supportive towards my role as Co-opted Governor here at Thatcham Park.  I'm also a Chartered Fellow of the CIPD; qualifying my committment to continuous personal and professional development.

Married with two children (currently attending  University and Kennet School (one of whom also attended Thatcham Park) and living in Thatcham, my Governor role provides me with a direct opportunity to support the learning environment  of children in our local community and also support the development of the partnership between their parents, carers and the school.

Staff Governor

Committees: Pupil Progress and Learning & Finance and Resources

I joined Thatcham Park staff team in 2014, having previously worked in music education for 17 years. I have thoroughly enjoyed my time here, working across the age ranges and with the fantastic and welcoming team. When the opportunity arose for a new Staff Governor I was keen to become involved, both to expand my understanding of the 'behind the scenes' work that goes into the running of the school and also to support the Leadership Team and staff members at what is such a critical and fast-paced time of change in education.

I have been very excited to have been involved in the expansion and development of Early Years provision at Thatcham Park including the opening of Stepping Stones and the increase in Foundation 1 places.  I am a passionate believer in the value and importance of Early Years education and share this on a regular basis with the other members of the Board.

Parent Governor

Committees:  Vice Chair Finance and Resources​

I Joined Thatcham Park as a parent Governor in 2023, with my eldest being a pupil here since 2018. I now have 3 children benefitting from the excellent School environment here and wanted to give something back.I have always lived locally and both my parents were primary School teachers so I have always been intrigued into how a school really operates and know how essential they are for providing our children with a great start to their education journey.

I work as a project manager in the FMCG industry and hopefully my business experience can help where required.

I very much believe in the school's values and vision and take pride seeing it lived and breathed every day through my children.

Co- Opted Governor

Committee - Pupil Progress and Learning

Governance roles - Assessment data (Joint) and Safeguarding.

After 39 teaching in West Berkshire and Buckinghamshire including working both a Head and an advisory teacher I decided to retire from the day to day chalk face but wanted to still be involved in education.

I have visited Thatchem Park many times and worked with Alison Webster on several projects and believe it to be a caring school, with strong leadership, that aims to do its very best for all pupils. This and the Christian ethos all echo with my own values and beliefs and I am keen to help support the school in any way I can.

I am married with two grown up daughters and have recently been adopted by a black Labrador who believes the world is for walking in and chasing! If I survive puppyhood I intend to visit the school as much as possible.