The Members Of The Governing Body

2022 - 2023

Simon Buckberry, Chair of Governors

I studied Primary Education with QTS at Bishop Grosseteste University and since 2015, I have been a special needs teacher at a local academy trust in Grantham. I have had the pleasure of teaching primary and secondary pupils during this time, which supports my role of monitoring pupil progress for vulnerable pupils. This has allowed me to develop my skills and expertise within SEN and as a member of the leadership team, this will allow me to have an impact upon our teaching, learning and assessment.  I find this role fulfilling and rewarding in many ways.

I became a Governor at Belmont in 2017 and I thoroughly enjoy this role. Through my expertise in SEN, I currently provide appropriate support and challenge as a representative from the education and community sectors. I have an interest in how Belmont embed their curriculum, in relation to the latest Ofsted guidance, and ensure all pupils make progress on their learning journey. I also look forward to implement positive change and monitor how effective the school is being run by school leaders.

John Horan, Vice Chair of Governors

I was born and grew up in Nottingham and was educated at The Becket Grammar School in West Bridgford. On leaving school I worked in an office before starting a career in Financial Services. I worked for the Prudential Assurance Company for 22 years in Nottingham and Sheffield before moving to Grantham in 1987. Upon leaving Prudential I joined HSBC Bank working for them for 10 years before taking early retirement in 2005. My wife and I have 2 sons, who are both married, and 4 grandchildren. My hobbies are less energetic nowadays, like playing snooker and reading but in the past I enjoyed fencing and regularly represented Nottinghamshire County in competitions in all parts of the country. I also passed my exams to gain my coaching qualification. 

I have been a member of the Governing body since 2009 and was Chair of Governors from 2011 - 2022. For two afternoons each week I come into school and help some of the children improve their reading skills. 

Peter Armstrong 

I have been involved with Belmont School since 1978 when my eldest daughter started her school life here. I was on the PTA for many years before becoming a Governor in 1989. I was Chair of the Governors from 1991 until 2009 and again for one year in 2010. I have therefore worked with all the Head Teachers that the school has had since the school was opened. My main interest now as Governor, is in the writing part of the English curriculum. I do though have strong interest in all things to do with outdoor learning and have worked along with my colleagues from the Woodland Trust Volunteer Group in the reopening of the Wildlife Area.  I am also the Health and Safety Governor.

During my working life, my employment was mainly in finance, at present although retired I am the part-time Clerk to Londonthorpe & Harrowby Without Parish Council.

Geoff Parnham 

I am Grantham born and bred and have always lived and worked in the local area, having been a Civil Servant for 43 years.
 
My interests include genealogical research, English Law (I am a Graduate of the Chartered Institute of Legal Executives) and reading and researching British and local history. I also enjoy spending time with my two Grandchildren who both attend Belmont. I have also been a local Parish Councillor since 1995.
 
I first became associated with Belmont in 1987 when my eldest daughter started school here. My other daughter started at Belmont in 1995 and I then became a Parent Governor in 1996.
 
I have served on all the various committees at some point and have in the past been Vice Chair of the Governors.
 
I am currently serving as a Co-opted Governor and continue to find the experience interesting and rewarding.

Claire Johnson

I am a parent of a child at the school as well as being an Employment Lawyer and currently hold the position of Director of Law in my own company.

I feel that I have valuable skills that I can bring to the school and its governance. I have a vested interest in how the school is run and bringing a parent's thoughts and feelings to the Governing Body. 

I have been advising companies, charities and schools in relation to Human Resources and Employment Law for the last 16 years and feel that this will be a useful skill to bring to the Governing Body.

Alison Clark

I am a parent of children at the school with my youngest daughter starting in September 2020. I was one of the founding members and the first Chair Person of the recently reformed Friends of Belmont School Group. I am also a Trustee of the registered charity. I attended Belmont myself as a child, before changing schools when our family moved house. I have grown up in Grantham and have been involved in sport, especially netball, since I was a teenager with a local club.  As part of my involvement with the local netball club, I assisted to coach a younger team within the club and also co-manage a senior team. I am a keen runner and often participate in road races so you will often see me running the streets and countryside of Grantham.

I have previously worked for a corporate bank within the Private Banking sector and also as an advisor. I also achieved great success in Commercial Business Development before focusing on my family and working part time. I have been a weekly volunteer at Belmont and currently I am employed as a temporary Teaching Assistant. I also coach the school netball team. Volunteering in school sparked my interest in the education sector and I find it very rewarding to support children to achieve their potential in all year groups. Over the last five years I have witnessed the positive changes that the school has made and I am excited to assist in how this is implemented whilst also supporting the community.

Jennifer Smeaton

Jamie Allsopp
I have been teaching since 2007 after completing a PGCE at St Martin’s College in Lancaster. Before that I worked in banking for a number of years. I have been a teacher at Belmont for the last five years and, this year, I have taken on the roles of SENCO and Assistant Headteacher.

I feel confident that the knowledge and skills I have developed over the years will enable me to play a positive role as a school governor at Belmont.  My aim is to use my experience to support in developing new initiatives within our school to maintain and improve standards including progress, achievement and behaviour, to ensure that children leave Belmont as confident, enthusiastic learners.

I enjoy walking, playing squash and coaching a youth football team.  The rest of my free time is taken up enjoying spending time with my wife and two young children.

Emily Blackburn
I have worked at Belmont as a member of the SLT since 2017 and in 2021 I took on the role of Assistant Headteacher. I have been teaching since 2008 after training at Nottingham Trent University and then taking a year out to backpack around the world. 

As a staff governor I hope to be the voice of the staff by bringing any ideas and suggestions forward from them. I am excited to be working with the governing body to further develop our school’s high standards and positive outcomes for the children. 

As a parent of two young children, I know how important school is; to the children, to parents and to the staff. I will endeavour to hear their voices and work with them to make our learning environment even more exciting.

Matthew Davidson, Headteacher

Jane Stivens, Clerk To The Governors

Meetings Attendance Record 2021 - 2022 = 12/12

There are no associate members of the Governing Body