Governors

Welcome!

The School Governors are ordinary people from all walks of life who volunteer our time to help and support the Head, the Senior Leadership Team and the school in general.  

We work together to promote the school’s vision of Growing Together: Belong, Believe, Explore and Achieve which underpin everything that we do and, as Governors, we consider our most important role to be the safety, welfare and education of the pupils. 

The key functions of the Governing Body are to: 

• Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction. 
• Hold the Headteacher and other senior leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff. 
• Oversee the financial performance of the school and ensure that public money is well spent. 

We want all children to reach their potential and have an enjoyable experience at school.  

As parents, carers or guardians of our pupils, we value your opinions and comments. If you don’t see me at the school in person, I can be contacted by email at DAspden@eastwittsch.co.uk 

David Aspden 

Chair of Governors 

Meet the Governors

David Aspden (Chair) - Parent Governor

I have worked in construction as a consulting electrical building services design engineer for over 25 years, designing electrical systems for buildings both new and old. I have designed projects around the UK and Ireland as well as globally. from high rise luxury apartments, 5, 6 and 7 star hotels, shopping centres, water parks, airports, crematoria, offices, churches, hospitals, schools and factories in places such as Malaysia, Dubai, Pakistan, Saudi Arabia, America, Malta and the island of St Helena. I have worked on the new Wembley Stadium, the world's largest cruise ship and even been involved in a World Cup bid.

 I have two sons at the school and when my eldest started at the school, I enquired about becoming a governor as I wanted to see if I could use my knowledge and experience to assist the school. Since I started in 2018 as an Associate Governor, I am now Chair of Governors and have learnt a lot about the role of a governor. I hope to be able to continue to assist where I can in the strategic overview of the school and bring the school from a good to an outstanding rating over the next few years.

Brian Reeves  - Co-opted Governor

I am married with four grown up children and 4 grandchildren. I have been working in education for over 50 years, in many roles mainly in the London Borough of Ealing. I was made a Freeman of the London borough of Ealing for my services to education.

Jo Ford- Local Authority Governor

 After completing my Physical Education (PE) teacher training at Chichester University in 1998, I embarked on a fulfilling journey in education. My career has encompassed teaching Science and PE in Secondary Schools across Hampshire and later in West Sussex. Over the years, I've acquired extensive experience in various educational roles, including leading departments and Year Groups. For the past 15 years, I've been engaged in Senior Leadership positions within schools, where I've shouldered diverse responsibilities and served as a Designated Safeguarding Lead (DSL), fostering a robust understanding of safeguarding practices.

Having served as both a Deputy Headteacher and a Headteacher, these roles have equipped me with a versatile skill set and an insightful comprehension of the educational landscape. Now, I am enthusiastic about contributing to the role of a school governor, leveraging my experiences to drive positive change and usher in improvements within our local schools.

Presently, I am honored to hold the position of Headteacher at The Academy Selsey, residing and working within the local community. My commitment lies in ensuring that the educational standards within our institutions receive unwavering support, ensuring every child's access to the highest quality education.

Kenneth Littlejohns - Co-opted Governor

I'm now in my 10th year as a school governor and have enjoyed it very much. As I was born in East Wittering, a stones throw away from the school, I have always had a special feeling for the school. I went there from 1954-1960, as have my children and grandchildren past and present.

When I retired from work in 2009, I very much wanted to give something back to the community. Also at school, I am a volunteer reader which I've done since I retired.  I feel I have a great detal of knowledge regarding the school and the locality and though there is an awful lot ot learn in education and things are always changing, I try and keep aware of things and feel the more time you spend in school, the more you adjust to the changes as you see it 'first hand'.

Mrs Claire Grenfell (Vice Chair) - Co-opted Governor

I am a recently retired, mother of two daughters, both of whom have now graduated, married and are forging their own way in the world. During lockdown, I have also become a proud Grandma.

I have spent most of my working life in and around buildings, having worked in different parts of the world for Architects, a Construction Company, Chartered Surveyors, Health & Safety and more recently, in Social Housing, directly involved with property maintenance. When my children were small, however, I worked for several years in the office of a South London Primary/Junior School, which gave me valuable insight into the ‘mechanics’ of the day to day running of a school and the challenges and rewards that brings. 

Drawing on my knowledge and experience, I very much hope to be able to make a contribution to the effective Governorship of the School, supporting the Head Teacher and staff in their efforts to ensure EWCPS provides a safe, happy, effective and thriving environment for its pupils.

Mrs Emma Johnson-Gilbert - Co-opted Governor

I have been interested in education all my life.  I qualified as a teacher over 35 years ago and have spent my entire professional life in schools, finishing up as Head of English at a girls' secondary school.  Although my teaching experience has been in secondary education, I have become particularly interested in what leads up to Year 7.  I have a daughter who teachers at a local primary school and five small grandchildren which has made me want to play a practical part in this most crucial stage of children's lives.  I have been connected to the Witterings for many years and now live here permanently, ready to do whatever I can to support the school and the community.

I joined the governing board in December 2021 and I am enjoying my role supporting the head teacher and staff and helping to shape the future of East Wittering School.

 Claire Armstrong - Co-opted Governor 

My interest in education and training has lasted the whole of my career. I taught in a comprehensive school in West Sussex and I worked closely with the Education Department at Chichester University as a Business Development Manager. I also trained volunteers at Citizens Advice in Horsham and taught the piano to children and adults.

I have 3 grown-up children and 2 small granddaughters. I am passionate about equal opportunities and the need to aim for high standards for all children.

I have lived in the local area for 12 years and l am very involved in the local community. As well as being on the East Wittering School Governing Board, I am a trustee for The Friends of Chichester Harbour and a member of the Rookwood Tennis Club Committee

Mrs Justine Brooks - Headteacher

I have been a teacher since 1998, starting my career in East Sussex.  I began as a class teacher and have been an ICT subject leader, had responsibility for SEND, been a KS2 Phase Leader and a Deputy Headteacher.  I am proud to have been Headteacher at our school since September 2018 and am thoroughly enjoying my time here.   My aim is to ensure every child is safe and cared for, and is ready for the next stage of their education.  I'm lucky to work with committed staff and governors, and have such wonderful children to spend my days with.  I have two children; one is 18 and the other is 12, a cat and a dog (whom I am sure thinks she is a human!).  I enjoy reading, kayaking and a Netflix binge!

Ms Sarah Carter - Staff Governor

 I have worked as a class teacher for 12 years at East Wittering Primary School and have always thoroughly enjoyed my role. Most of my teaching experience has been in Key Stage 1 and Early Years and I am passionate about early education for children. I have had 3 children during this time, 2 of which are now pupils at East Wittering and both are very happy at school. For a few years when I returned from maternity leave, I worked as a PPA cover teacher so have taught in all year groups across the school. I have also lead French, History and PE. I am excited to become a staff governor at EWCPS and support the wider school community in a new way. 

Ms Kate Waite - Parent Governor

What do we do?

See our latest Governor's Newsletter for more details about our work with the school.

For further information or if you are interested in joining us, please contact the Clerk to the Governors -  Caroline Harmer

Governing Body Attendance 

EWCPS Governor meeting attendance 2022-23

EWCPS Governor meeting attendance 2021-22