Lucy Cruickshanks 

I joined the governors seven years ago, when my children attended Cherbourg. I always loved the school's positive, inclusive ethos and so stayed involved after they left, and have since become Chair. As well as working closely with Mrs Smith on a wide range of topics, I have particular responsibility for monitoring safeguarding. It's important to me that all children are given confidence, opportunities and instilled with aspirations, and I'm really proud of the work our whole school community does to keep our children safe and happy, and to help them grow. 

Wayne Irish 

I have been a school governor since 1980, and I am currently a governor at both Cherbourg Primary School and Crestwood Secondary School. At Cherbourg, I previously spent many years as Chair of the Resources Committee which monitors the school's budget, and now, as I am also a Hampshire County Councilor, I act as Cherbourg's Community Link governor, assisting with related issues within the school. Cherbourg is a very friendly school, and I would encourage anyone to become a governor; it's so worthwhile and rewarding, helping make sure our children get the best possible education. 

Stuart Cox 

I first became a governor around 8 years ago, when my child was at Cherbourg. We were new to the area, and looked at various schools, what stood out at Cherbourg was the positive and inclusive outlook of the school. I stayed on as a Governor after my child left, and I feel that Cherbourg definitely contributed to the positive, bright, happy person they have become.

One of my roles in the governing body is to be the training & development lead. The Governing body is made up of a wide range of people, with diverse experiences. Most people in the governing body don't have a background in education, and as the training & development lead, I can help support new governors understand how it all works and point people in the right direction of the wide range of support that exists. 

Sue Mussell 

My name is Sue Mussell, and I am a Local Authority Governor, meaning I work or have previously worked for our Local Authority, and can bring my experiences from there to our team. I joined the governing body in May 2014 and am now also part of the resource committee who help to monitor the school finances. I have worked in education since June 2000 and have seen and experienced many of the challenges and changes faced by schools. I have been a governor at Cherbourg for a number of years because I admire and respect the dedication that all the staff have for the children and families at Cherbourg. As a governing body we kept informed by asking questions, monitoring, and receiving reports on the overall strategic position of the school. 

Caroline Tiller 

I became a parent governor when my daughter started at Cherbourg back in 2014, as at the time I was a stay at home mum who wanted something to exercise my brain, and thought this would be a good way to understand more about the world of education my daughter was entering. Since then, I have had many roles within the governing body, including being Chair of governors for 4 years, and taking part in 2 Ofsted inspections. When I started working at Cherbourg in 2021, I stepped down as chair but have continued to be a member of the governing body. I would recommend becoming a parent governor to anyone who has the capacity to offer a few hours a month. It's a great way to learn more about how the school works, and to be able to be a part of helping to shape the school to provide the best outcomes for all of our community. 

Anne Harris 

My name is Anne Harris, and I have been a governor at Cherbourg for many years. In particular I monitor safeguarding, which includes checking we have strong procedures in place to support children's welfare and that we respond to challenges quickly and properly whenever required. I am also part of the panel which reviews Headteacher performance, and I monitor Year 6 SATs exams. I became a governor because I wanted to pay back the positive things that were done for my family by schools, and I'm grateful for the opportunity to support Cherbourg's children to get the best possible education and fulfil their potential. I often attend school events such as parents’ evenings and like meeting children and parents, and I would recommend being a governor to anyone with an interest in supporting our school community. 

Julie Coltart 

My name is Julie Coltart. I am the grandmother of a year 2 child, and I help monitor English provision across the school. I became a governor to show that you can get involved and make a difference at any age and I enjoy learning about what actually happens behind the scenes in education. I'd encourage anyone with a similar interest to get involved and contribute to helping all the children in our school.

James Moth 

I have been a governor at Cherbourg since 2022. I was keen to join the governing body at Cherbourg due its record on inclusion and the emphasis that it places on supporting children and families. My current role within the governing body is around the monitoring of phonics and English within the school. I enjoy working closely with other governors and school staff to support the school and am proud of the work that the school does to support and engage the local community.

Saffron Stevens

I am proud to be the longest serving teacher at Cherbourg with 25 years’ service, all in Early Years, Year 1 and Year 2, which is where I am teaching currently. I have seen many changes at the school over this time and feel that I have built up a good understanding of the needs of our school community and our school ethos. My particular passion is for Art, for which I am the school lead. I believe that it is essential that children have the opportunity to express themselves through Art and that this creativity leads to positive overall outcomes, often linking to other areas of the curriculum.

I have enjoyed being more involved in setting the strategic direction of the school through my role as a school governor over the last three years. Part of this role includes assisting the Head on health and safety matters.

Fiona Stevens

My name is Fiona Stevens. I’m a staff Governor and am currently teaching in year 1. I have been a Governor for 5 years and one of my responsibilities is to look after the school website. I decided to become  a governor because it has given me the opportunity to work with others to ensure that all children have the best possible education. The role is very rewarding and a way in which I can give back to my local community. Cherbourg holds a special place in my heart as my two children came here when they were younger and this is when I knew that it was such a special place.

Shayek Ahmed

Having been appointed last year as a Parent Governor at Cherbourg School, I am eager to contribute fresh perspectives while deepening my understanding of the Governor role. 

I am married with two children, both of whom attend Cherbourg School. In my professional life, I work in Insurance and in my current role as a Senior Underwriter, I work with corporate clients, focusing on key decision making, risk analysis and client relationships. These are skills I hope to leverage in supporting the school. 

Joining the Governing Body aligns with my commitment to giving back to the school that is shaping my children’s growth. I aim to collaborate with the team to advance Cherbourg’s goals through thoughtful leadership in an effective manner.

Tamsin Leyman

I’m a parent governor living in Eastleigh, where I live with my husband and our two children—both who attend or attended Cherbourg. I work as a secondary school teacher and am passionate about supporting children to make excellent progress and, just as importantly, to be happy and thrive during their time at school. I have a particular interest in supporting students with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), ensuring they have the right opportunities and support to succeed. I’m proud to be part of the Cherbourg community and look forward to contributing to the continued success and wellbeing of all our students.

Alice Leyman

I am the newest Parent Governor and joined the board in July 2025, because I was eager to support the school due to their positive impact on my son, who is autistic. Although I am an new governor with Cherbourg, I have been a co-opted governor at Toynbee Secondary School for just over two years.

My background includes 12 years as an accredited childminder and early years teacher. I hold a degree in English Literature, a MA in Childhood and Youth, and a PhD in neurological diversity in children and young people. I currently work as a research associate with Portsmouth and Manchester Metropolitan University on various projects. My focus is on raising awareness and best practices for children with additional needs and inclusive practice.

Your governing body needs you!

We also currently have space for a parent governor to join us. It’s a really rewarding role, and anyone from the school community is welcome to apply. Having diverse views on our team is very important and we’re not looking for specialist skills or experience, just a passion for learning and an interest in helping make our school the best it can be. If you’d like to get involved, please ask for more information at the school office, or email our Chair of Governors: lucy.cruickshanks@cherbourg.org.uk.