Welcome to our Governors’ section.

Chair of Governors

Mrs Rhian Wootten

rhian.best@uptoninf.dorset.sch.uk

Vice Chair of Governors

Mrs Jo Shepherd

Co-opted Governors

Mrs Diana Crisp

Mrs Jill Turner

Mr Stephen Allen

Mrs Deb Alexander

Mrs Jo Shepherd 

Alison Carter

Dawn Goodwin

Parent Governor

Rhian Homer

David Newman

Staff Governor

Vacancy (Junior School) 

Charlene Nicklen (Infant school)

Executive Headteacher

Mr Duncan Churchill

Clerk to Governors       

Georgia Mutton

georgia.mutton@hamwic.org

Meet the Governors

Diana Crisp – Curriculum & Data

I am a retired teacher who worked in a local junior school for 23 years. I now work part time for Winchester University as a link tutor. This enables me to go to many schools and help aspiring young students on their journey to be a teacher.

I am also a Governor of a federated school locally which has an infant school and junior school. I was part of the governing body when it became federated and more recently became an academy.

Both my children went to Upton Juniors and now my grandchildren. Upton has been my home for 38 years and I enjoy living here very much.

I hope to help to further develop the junior school and look forward to working with the team of staff and Governors.

Deb Alexander

I have a daughter in Year 5 and have been part of the Local Governing Committee since she joined the Junior school in 2021. In that time, I have been the Safeguarding Lead, and Vice Chair, and I am looking forward to taking on the role of Chair this year. I am passionate about all children being able to access the education and support that they need to thrive, and this year am also swapping my Safeguarding hat for a Pupil Premium one to ensure that those children from disadvantaged backgrounds are given the opportunities to help them succeed. Outside of my governor role, I am also a wife, mother, and HR Business Partner, so fully understand the challenges many parents face in juggling all these different roles and responsibilities. When I do get any spare time, I’ll either be reading a book, or catching up with friends.

Jo Shepherd - Vice Chair

My name is Jo Shepherd and I have been a parent governor since autumn term 2021. I live in Upton and I currently have 2 daughters at the school and a younger child who will be attending in the future. I took on the role as I wanted to help support the school to be the best it can be for our children and community. I am the Vice Chair and my current role is safeguarding. I am a GP and work in a practice in Blandford. In my spare time I enjoy sea swimming, running, biking, dog walking and generally being outside with the family.

Jill Turner - Co-opted governor

My name is Jill Turner and I am currently attempting a phased retirement by being a SENCO in a local school a couple of days a week. I started my journey in education as a TA in a special school, qualifying as a teacher in 2000 teaching all year groups between Nursery and Y7 in a variety of schools across BCP eventually becoming Assistant Head, DSL and SENCO in a primary school in Bournemouth.  In my last 2 schools I was the staff governor  and enjoy the challenges that this offers to help a school team make things even better for the children.

In my spare time I play a variety of instruments including the flute and trombone. I am also learning Italian and Arabic on Duolingo and like to go out geocaching. 

Stephen Allen - Co-opted governor

I retired a year prior to the Covid pandemic after a career transgressing logistics, as a Hazardous Goods freight manager, then data analyst for the operations team in a Boiler manufacturer company. With a will to put something back into the community I enrolled as a volunteer with both NHS and RVS. I then responded to an advertisement in the local Community magazine advising of vacancies for co-opted Governors at the school, as I am of the belief that all children should be given the best opportunities for a good education and early start in life and am pleased to be in a position to give some service in this field.

Away from volunteering I am a very keen Poole Pirates Speedway follower and also a regular at Poole Town Football club matches.

Summary of relevant business and pecuniary interest of Governors at Upton Junior School 

Summary of relevant business and pecuniary interest of Governors at Upton Infant & Junior School