Governance

Local Governance Committee

Since July 2017, the Local Governance Committee has been working across both schools – it is the first time Monkwick Infant School & Nursery and Monkwick Junior School have had one team guiding and overseeing operations. Both schools can now work more closely together and support our families through the transition and provide continuity.

The governors of the school work to ensure that the school is functioning well, that the staff members are motivated and working for the well-being of the pupils and that the children are happy, settled and achieving their educational goals.

The local governance committee meets termly and consists of:

Mrs L Cumming – Headteacher Monkwick Infant School

Rebecca McCutcheon – Headteacher Monkwick Junior School

Carol Carlsson Browne – Chair of Governors (Trustee)

I qualified as a solicitor in 1982 and practised for almost 12 years, before retraining as a teacher. I taught in a number of schools in North East Essex, worked as a literacy consultant for Essex County Council and was headteacher of a school in Clacton before I retired. I retain a keen interest in education. Since I retired, I have completed an MA in Children’s Literature and I have a particular interest in Early Years. I have been a school governor from 1990–1998 and again from 2008 onwards in a number of schools, all in North East Essex. I have been a Trustee of The Sigma Trust since its inception in 2016. I have been involved with the Monkwick schools in different roles since 2006 and it is a privilege to chair the Monkwick Local Governance Committee. I believe wholeheartedly in the state funded school system from which my children benefitted and now my grandchildren. I want all children to have the best possible education, whilst acknowledging the very important role schools play in children’s health and wellbeing.

Angela Akinyande – Local Governor Parent (MIS)

My name is Angela, a mother of two. Originally from London, my family and I are new to Colchester; and my first daughter, currently attends Monkwick Infant & Nursery School. Aside from being a mother, I have a career working as a Practice Development Lead for Youth Justice & Targeted Youth Support; for a local authority in London. I am passionate about children and young people and therefore, I am glad to serve as a parent governor at the school.

Simon Collinson – Local Governor Parent (MJS)

My name is Simon, I am married to Jessica and both my children attend the Monkwick Schools. It is an honour and a privilege to be a governor at these two local, community-based schools. Before settling in Colchester, I spent my career in the Army serving with the Household Cavalry both in operational theatres and at home on ceremonial duties. Since leaving the Army, due to an injury sustained during overseas training that resulted in me having my lower right leg amputated, I have played Amputee Football, playing for West Bromwich Albion and Chelsea, along with England. I believe my background, whilst not in an educational setting, brings a lot of experience in dealing with different situations and the understanding of what is needed to overcome adversity and achieve the best possible outcomes for all. I thrive on challenges and as a governor will use this to serve the schools and the wider Monkwick family.

Cllr Dave Harris – Local Governor

My name is Dave Harris, lots of you in our catchment area know me as the local Councillor representing our area. I am also your community governor for both Monkwick Infant and Monkwick Junior schools and have been a governor for some years.  As a retired Rail Engineering Worker, my wife, children and grandchildren all attend or have attended the two Monkwick schools and each has enjoyed their time at the schools. I am keen to promote the community and that includes the school community. I believe that what you put into the community you get back ten fold and that also includes the school community. The school’s Local Governance Committee works hard to ensure that we not only get the best from our school age children but also make their time an enjoyable experience.

Lorraine Laudrum – Local Governor

Having had a career in Essex schools for 35 years as a teacher, Deputy Head and Head, I now work in training and support for teachers and school leaders. My experience serves me well as a school governor in offering support and challenge on the quality of education offered at Monwick Infant and Monkwick Junior schools. I am passionate about helping children achieve their potential and delighted and proud to be a part of their journey. My particular interests and responsibilities as a governor include curriculum, teaching and learning and SEND.

Gavin Bradley – Local Governor (Co-opted)

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Alison Pierson – Local Governor (Co-opted)

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Nicky Sirett – Local Governor

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Vicky Wrycraft – Local Governor

I have worked in primary schools for many years in a variety of class based and leadership roles, currently working as a Deputy Head. During this time, I have led a number of subjects, including maths, science and PE and have experience working on school improvement projects. As a governor, I enjoy supporting and challenging the leaders and staff in school to provide the best education and outcomes possible for all children.

Katarzyna Zareba – Local Governor

I have been teaching for over 13 years, mainly in special needs’ schools but I have good experience of working with mainstream school children, especially in a primary setting. I have recently been involved in setting up a new curriculum in our school which has given me a great experience. I am very passionate and I love playing an active role in the life of school and strive to give all children in my care the opportunity to achieve and aspire to fulfil their potential. I am looking forward to my new role as a governor as I feel it provides me with further opportunities to work alongside staff, families and our community to ensure our pupils receive an enriching and inspiring curriculum.

Sadie Brown – Clerk to Governors

There are still vacancies for parent governors in school.   It is important that views of parents are represented in school so please consider if you could take on this role.  Anyone needing further information can enquire at the school office.

LGC Information

LGC Meeting Dates – 2024/2025

Autumn Term

Thursday, 26th September 2024
Thursday, 28th November 2024

Spring Term

Thursday, 20th March 2025

Summer Term

26th June 2025

The Sigma Trust

Policies/Legal Documents

To access the policies/legal documents that apply to all schools within the Sigma Trust please click here and you will be directed to The Sigma Trust website. Here you will also be able to access:

  • The Annual Report and Accounts for The Sigma Trust
  • The Funding Agreement
  • The Terms of Reference for all Committees
  • Details of the Members and Trustees
  • Articles of Association
  • The Scheme of Delegation
  • The Governance Structure

Structure and Remit

The structure and remit of the trust’s members, board of trustees, its committees and Local Governing Bodies can be found by clicking on this link: Structure and Remit