Governors
The role of the governing body is a strategic one with three key functions:
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
- Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
School governors also set the aims and objectives for the school and the policies and targets for achieving those aims and objectives. They monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making and act as a source of challenge and support to the headteacher (a critical friend).
The Governing Body consists of up to 12 governors, made up of:
- 3-8 co-opted governors
- 2 parent governors
- 1 staff governor
- Headteacher
Courthill Infant School is part of the Coastal Learning Partnership (CLP) multi academy trust. For more details about how our Governing Body fits with CLP governance, please see the CLP Financial Regulations Manual and Scheme of Delegation document. It sets out the structure and remit of the members, board of trustees, its committees and local governing bodies. There is more information about CLP governance on the CLP website, including detail of CLP members and CLP trustees.
Our Governors are:
- Sean Frampton (Chair, co-opted, term expires 8.7.2027)
- Suzanne Jeffries (co-opted, term expires 31.10.2025)
- Ian Campbell Read (co-opted, term expires 4.5.2025)
- Astra Monahan (co-opted, term expires 25.9.2025)
- Stephen Richer (term expires 12.10.2025)
- Alison Carter (Headteacher, ongoing)
- Heather Lane (Teacher, term expires 23.09.2026)
Below are biographies for some of our Governors.
Sean Frampton
Chairman and Co-Opted Governor Courthill Infant School. I have been a Governor at Courthill (First) Infant School since 2010 when my son attended the school. I have recently retired from the Fire Service, after almost 31 years, where I was Head of Operational Training for Dorset & Wiltshire Fire and Rescue Service. I have used the skills and knowledge gained through my career and have been able to apply them to my role as Governor. This has included the management of Health and Safety across the school, an overview of the requirements for premises improvements and examining the financial aspects of the school. I have a passion for learning and developing others and see being a school Governor as the opportunity to give something back to the community, assisting in the lifelong learning and developing a growth mindset of our children in a safe, inspirational environment.
Suzanne Jeffries
I moved to Dorset in 2007 with my partner. We were both drawn back by happy memories from childhood holidays and were looking for a wonderful place to bring up his son and daughter, who have both attended local schools. I feel privileged to live in such an amazing part of the UK and wanted to give something back to the community, so started volunteering with BCP on practical heathland management tasks shortly after arriving. I am thrilled to be offered the chance to broaden into school governance as well. My day job is a manager for the Civil Service and I hope I can bring some useful insights on leadership and well-being from my 20 years' experience working in public service.
Ian Campbell Read
I grew up in Cornwall and moved to Dorset in 2000 to join the Police Service. In 2002 I changed careers to the Fire Service, where I currently serve at the training centre for Dorset and Wiltshire Fire Service. I am married to a fantastic wife who works at Lilliput Infant School, and I have a son and a daughter who both currently attend Heatherlands Primary. I have seen how hard schools work to help raise the community’s children and felt that, as a Co-Opted Governor, with my own life and work experiences, I can help and support Courthill Infant School in their efforts to educate and develop the children in their care.
Astra Monahan
I became a parent governor in 2017 when my eldest child joined the school and now hold the position of a (co-opted) Safeguarding and Pupil Premium Link governor. As a secondary school English teacher, my professional interests include creative and collaborative curriculum planning, one-to-one and small group tutoring, academic mentoring and mental health and wellbeing support. I have a First Class degree in English Language from Cardiff University, a PGCE in English with Drama and a Masters in Education, both from Exeter University. My family life currently keeps me very busy but, when I do have a moment to myself, I have recently discovered the wonders of e-bike adventures and a dip in the sea!
Alison Carter
I have lived in Poole for 25 years and during that time, I have been privileged to work in four schools across Poole and Bournemouth. I am proud to be the headteacher of our wonderful school and this is my sixth year at Courthill. I am passionate about using education to enable children to develop and thrive in all areas – not just academically, but physically, emotionally and socially. Since the start of the global pandemic we have all experienced uncertainty and challenge like never before, and being part of this supportive community – staff, governors, children and families – has meant that our school has continued to go from strength to strength. In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and going for long walks or runs – preferably with sea views!
Heather Lane
I have been a teacher at Courthill Infant School since 2012 and I am currently Inclusion Lead. As a child, I attended Courthill and this provided a lifelong passion for learning and education. The opportunity to return as a teacher and contribute to children’s foundation for learning and equipping them with skills they need, both now and in the future is a real privilege. I have a particular interest and passion for supporting children with additional needs, and during my time at Courthill I have obtained the SENCO qualification which has enabled me to support colleagues in providing the best provision for all children. During my spare time, I enjoy days out with family and friends and I keep fit by running regularly.