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Governing Body
Please see below our current school Governors. All Governors are contactable via the school office at either school.
Sally Aveling
Role/s: Staff Governor, Art, PSHE and RSE, Well-being and Mental Health
Committee/s: Teaching Learning and Achievement
I have worked at the school for the past 10 years as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant and a staff governor for the last 6 years. I am on the premise committee and one of my main focuses is the well-being of the children and staff. This I see as a fundamental part of the school, as developing an ethos where we are here to support the children and staff will potentially enable them to develop their confidence and sense of belonging, build positive relationships and reach their potential.
Emma Burgess
Role/s: Federation Executive Headteacher
Committee/s: Teaching Learning and Achievement, Premises, Finance & Personnel and Steering Committees
I have worked within our federation since 2013, prior to which I worked in various primary schools across Suffolk and Norfolk. I was delighted to become the Executive Headteacher for our federation in September 2017 having completed my National Primary Qualification in Headship.
As the Executive Headteacher, my role is to oversee both schools and promote shared vision and working together, whilst also retaining and celebrating the individual identity of our schools. My role also includes working with our federation governing body who, like myself, are committed to making both of our schools the best they can be and ensuring every child has the opportunity to achieve their full potential.
It is wonderful to be part of both the Bramford and Somersham school communities and I relish the excitement and learning opportunities that it brings.
Leah Chinnery
Role/s: Associate Member, Somersham Head of School
Committee/s: Teaching, Learning and Achievement Committee
I first came to Somersham School in 2003 as a class teacher and then SENDCo, working at the school for approximately nine years. I then worked in Alternative Provision and
as part of this role, supported various primary schools across Suffolk. I returned to the Federation in 2017, teaching at Bramford CEVC Primary before then taking up the reins again in Key Stage One at Somersham. In 2022, I was delighted to become Head of School here, working alongside Mrs Burgess our Federation Executive Head teacher and Mrs Squirrell, the Head of School at Bramford CEVC Primary School.
as part of this role, supported various primary schools across Suffolk. I returned to the Federation in 2017, teaching at Bramford CEVC Primary before then taking up the reins again in Key Stage One at Somersham. In 2022, I was delighted to become Head of School here, working alongside Mrs Burgess our Federation Executive Head teacher and Mrs Squirrell, the Head of School at Bramford CEVC Primary School.
Somersham Primary School holds a very dear place in my heart. Over the years, it has developed and grown in many ways, but still remains the unique, happy and friendly village school that it has always been. The children and staff at Somersham School are a community, where everyone is valued and achievements are celebrated by all.
As Head of School, I am excited to be part of the leadership team and to play a key role in ensuring Somersham Primary School continues to grow and be the best school it can be. Alongside our hardworking staff, I aim to ensure that our vision and values are embedded throughout the whole School and our children are supported every step of the way to achieving their potential.
My role as part of the Teaching and Learning Committee is to communicate how our school is achieving and to demonstrate the ways that we are pushing forwards regarding curriculum key priorities and areas for development. I embrace the opportunity to share and communicate this information with governors and value the opportunity to work in partnership with other members of the Teaching and Learning Committee.
Tim Clarke
Role/s: Chair of Governors, STEM and Computing Governor
Committee/s: Finance and Personnel Committee Chair, Steering Committee
I have been a governor for around two years now and enjoy having a role in securing great quality education for the children who attend our two schools.
I am keen that all pupils have a great start to life and are able to reflect back on their time in our schools with positive memories and experiences.
Our governors also have a role in supporting school staff in what is often a challenging but rewarding work environment.
Hayley Cullimore
Role/s: Vice Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor, SEND Governor
Committee/s: Teaching Learning and Achievement Committee Chair, Steering Committee
I have been a governor since 2018. I am vice chair, chair the Teaching, Learning and Achievement committee and have responsibility for Special Educational Needs. Previous to this I was an active member of the HSA and continue to be a leader in the local Scout group. I feel strongly about being part of the local community and how as a village we can strive for the best for our residents; especially the young people.
I have worked locally in education over the past two decades and have vast knowledge and experience of the primary curriculum. I am passionate about education and truly believe in the importance of a broad, balanced and inspiring curriculum for all. I feel privileged to be part of an ‘ACE’ team where every pupil has the opportunity to meet their full potential emotionally, academically and creatively; armed with the skills and knowledge to be well-rounded, successful members of the community.
Reverend Eric Falla
Role/s: Foundation Governor, Safeguarding, Religious Education and SIAMS
Committee/s: Personnel and Finance Committee
I am the Reverend Eric Falla. I moved to Bramford with my wife Vicky in April 2021 during Covid. As the Parish Priest I was appointed as a Foundation Governor to the school. I have been ordained for 5 years. During my training I served in two parishes, one in Ipswich and the other in East Bergholt and Brantham. Before ordination I worked for the Church of England for 16 years, and prior to that I had a 17 year career in the Prison Service. I also worked for 5 years as a site manager in a large comprehensive school. My main hobby is church bell ringing and watching all forms of cricket and Rugby Union. I attend the school every week and lead a whole school assembly.
Rebecca Firman-Smith
Role/s: Co-opted Governor
Committee/s: Personnel and Finance Committee
Rebecca works in HR, leading functions including being on Board, in businesses in hospitality, logistics, travel and leisure industries for 18 years. Her passion for all things people related also led to her qualifying as a Mental Health First Aider, something she believes is key in supporting team and staff welfare, and also gaining certificates in NLP- looking further into psychologies and motivations.
With a love of travel, and some experiences of living and working abroad, some gained within her degree placement on cruise ships, Rebecca has a thirst to see more of the world. Rebecca, her husband, son (who attends one of the schools), guinea pigs and labradors (who don't attend the schools) moved to the catchment area in 2021, and love living here.
Rebecca Newman
Role/s: Parent Governor (Somersham)
Committee/s: Health, Safety and Welfare Committee
I have been a governor since 2022. I chair the Premises and Heath and Safety Committee. I qualified as a solicitor in 2008 and worked as legal counsel within the financial services industry for several years. In 2015 I joined a community orientated financial services organisation and in 2022 was appointed to the Board as Chief Operating Officer. As COO, my role is now multifaceted and involves holding responsibility for HR, Facilities, IT and Information Security, Governance and Change Management. I have two children, both attend one of the Federation Schools. I am therefore well positioned to understand the aspirations and concerns that families face.
Jayne Squirrell
Role/s: Associate Member. Bramford CEVC Head of School
Committee/s: Teaching, Learning and Achievement Committee
I have worked at Bramford school for over 20 years dedicating the majority of my career in education to achieving the best for our Bramford pupils through hard work and the ability to encourage children to learn, and most importantly enjoy being part of our friendly caring school community. During this time I have taught in both KS1 and KS2 classes including an enjoyable six years teaching in Year 6.
After spending three and a half years as one of two Bramford Deputy Heads, I was thrilled to become the Head of School in September 2022. As the Head of Bramford School, it is my passion to continue to lead by professional example, alongside our team of hardworking teachers and support staff to ensure that our federation’s vision and ethos is adhered to whilst celebrating the identity and distinctiveness of what makes Bramford school the warm and nurturing place it is.
I enjoy embracing the challenges of always striving to be the best school possible. This includes working within our federation governing body. My role as part of the teaching, learning and achievement committee is to drive forward the priorities and targets of our school enabling all children to achieve and to access a stimulating broad and balanced curriculum that allows them to grow into unique individuals who question, explore and take on the world around them with both respect and kindness as they move on into their future as young people.
'Governors are ambitious for the school and have a clear understanding of its strengths and areas for further improvement.
They use their skills to challenge leaders to ensure the best outcomes for pupils'.
Bramford Ofsted, 2017
Below are two documents that we hope you will find useful. The first is an overview of all the governors who have served within the last 12 months. The second document lists the attendance for the governors in the last 12 months. If you would like to know more about becoming a governor, then please arrange to speak or meet with Mrs Burgess or a member of the governing body.