Governor Descriptions

Nicola Best
Nicola BestVice-Chair of Governors; Safeguarding; Attendance; Communication with Parents and the Wider Community

I feel privileged to be part of the Governing body at Bearwood Primary and Nursery school, being part of a group of likeminded people who work together to ensure the best education and opportunities for the children who attend Bearwood.

I worked as a Nursery Practitioner for many years and am currently working as a Teaching Assistant within a school for children with special educational needs.

I have been married to Pete for 20 years and we have 2 children who both attended Bearwood School.

I have very little free time but I enjoy reading and walking and cycling.

Hayley Goodfellow
Hayley GoodfellowStaff Governor
Simon Hart
Simon HartSEND; Teaching and Learning; Curriculum

I have worked as a teacher for several years in the local area, teaching in both Key Stage 1 and Key Stage 2.  Before this, I was lucky enough to work overseas in New Zealand and Kenya before making a career switch into teaching.  My wife and I have two young children, one of whom has recently started at Bearwood, and I am pleased to say he is really enjoying himself.

I am delighted to be a part of the Governing body at Bearwood Primary School and I hope I can contribute to the excellent work they have done for the children and local community.  In my spare time, I enjoy reading, hiking and where possible, further travel.

Harriet Blake
Harriet BlakePupil Premium

It is an honour to be part of the governing body for Bearwood Primary and Nursey School as a Parent Governor. I have two children at the school who thoroughly enjoy their time at this child-centred school. It is a true joy to see them developing as well-rounded humans and taking pleasure in their education.

I have taught in primary and middle schools for over a decade. I’ve led school improvements in teaching, learning and curriculum design and implementation in my more recent leadership roles.

In my spare time, I enjoy being part of the Scouting movement. The community and adventurous opportunities this brings to me and my family are wonderful. I also enjoy camping in our campervan with my family and friends. As a family, we love our local area and are often found at the beach, no matter the weather!

Cheryl Smith
Cheryl SmithHeadteacher
I am absolutely delighted to have been appointed to the role of Headteacher of Bearwood Primary and Nursery School and I enjoy working with the Governing Body as part of our Bearwood Community to ensure that we are delivering the best education and outcomes for our pupils.

I have been fortunate to have worked in a range of different primary schools throughout my 17 years of teaching and leadership career, gaining a wide range of experience in education and within governance. My recent experience in another local HAMWIC Education Trust school has developed my knowledge and skills in ensuring governance is future focused and meets the needs of our school community.

I feel privileged and excited to be part of Bearwood and lead the school to the next stage of its development and beyond. I believe our school has an amazing charm and values, which hold the children at its heart. I will work with everyone at our school to build on its strengths to ensure that all our children are able to learn, enjoy and succeed together.

Outside of school, I love spending time with my husband and daughter, family and friends. I enjoy swimming, walking and a good coffee!

Clerk to Governors – Caroline Burn

I am the new Clerk to Governors for Bearwood Primary and Nursery School. This means that I attend all the Governing Body meetings to take the minutes and prepare the paperwork prior to and after the meeting. I also liaise with the Headteacher and Chair of Governors regarding the business to be discussed in the meetings. If you are interested in becoming a Governor, please contact me at c.burn@bearwood.poole.sch.uk.

My background is in education as initially, a primary school teacher and then a Headteacher for 19 years, but retired in 2021. From this experience, I hope to work for and advise the school appropriately.

At home, I am married, with two grown up children that have left the nest.

My hobbies are looking after my various animals and gardening.