Parent Governor

I’m Alison Darrington – I am a parent governor at Bosmere Primary School.   I believe it’s important to take an active part in the community and I wanted to be involved in my children’s education as well, not only to help them progress but also to support Bosmere as much as I can.  My two children attend and love Bosmere School.

Work-wise I am a freelance trainer, working with organisations in East Anglia to increase effectiveness and productivity of their customer service, sales and management teams.

I also volunteer for the Needham Market Community Council where I look after the publicity of their Art Exhibition and Craft Fairs.

I enjoy gardening and am trying to persuade my children that planting veg and flowers is more exciting that simply digging large holes and making mud pies.

As a governor I sit on the Finance Committee and I’m responsible for mathematics – highly ironic since this was my weakest subject at school!  Yet I’m thoroughly enjoying my role, finding it rewarding and learning a huge amount.

Hello, I am Billy Allen, one of the Parent Governors at Bosmere. I have two children attending the school, plus two that have recently left for high school. Bosmere continues to do a great job of educating and nurturing our various children, and being a Parent Governor enables me to give at least a little bit back.

I joined the Board of Governors towards the end of 2016, and as a relatively new recruit I am still getting to grips with everything it entails. Whilst I was aware that the role would require a degree of preparation, effort and focus, I wasn’t full prepared for the level of intensity. The first few meetings were a whirlwind of agendas, minutes, acronyms, committee nominations, strategic reports and biscuits.

With a wife who is a teacher, I have some insight into education from the other side. I know that modern schools, even primary schools in small towns, can be complex and challenging organisations. The Governing body, with its mix of parents, teachers, community and local authority representatives, is there to help Bosmere successfully navigate these challenges.

Outside of school activities I run a small Design & Marketing agency in Bury St Edmunds. According to my wife and 4 children I spend most of my day “colouring-in”. Though the children are not so dismissive when one of them needs help making an egg box dragon at their share event.

Colouring-in may not be the most transferable talent. However, I would like to think that I do bring other, perhaps more valuable skills and experience to the role of Governor. With my commercial background I do have a particular interest in communication. I intend to utilise this within my roles on the Curriculum committee and IT team, whilst also looking to help develop effective communication across the school.

Needham Market is a growing town. Over the next few years I hope that, as a Parent Governor, I’m able to help Bosmere develop, expand and continue to be a successful and happy school at the centre of a thriving community. 

Hello my name is Karen Markham and have recently been appointed a parent governor at Bosmere. I have two children that attend Bosmere and having only moved to the area three years ago, have found Bosmere and Needham to be a welcoming friendly community.

My career started in Early Years childcare and has allowed me to take on many roles working with children around the world. This has enabled me to experience a wealth of different settings from inner city holiday clubs in Southampton to American Summer camps in North Carolina. I currently work with the under-fives teaching them water safety and swimming skills.

Children’s education is very important to me and making sure children get the best start to their academic careers is something that I feel Bosmere can and does provide. Recognising that each child is unique is I believe a true strength of Bosmere and they show this in the varied learning experiences that the children get.

Since taking on the Governors role late last year I have become part of the Curriculum and Personnel committee. This has given me an opportunity to find out more about the work that goes on behind the scenes to allow our children to have such a good experience. It has also given me a good insight into the development of the school. I am looking forward to being able to work with the staff to enable to Bosmere to move forward in this ever-changing world of education.

I’m in the playground most days so please feel free to come and talk to me.