Governor Profiles

Stephanie Taylor, Chair of Governors

After a varied and fulfilling career in international education businesses, I am now working as a non-executive director and community volunteer. I have been a school governor in local schools since 2013 and hope that my leadership and management experience can help provide the strategic support and governance that is expected from us as governors.

Motivating and supporting individuals to achieve their highest potential has been a driver for me in my professional life both as a trainer and a leader and being a governor provides a rewarding and fulfilling opportunity to work with like-minded people to deliver excellence at The Edith Borthwick School. Regular contact with staff and young people is a particular joy; seeing it all in action!

Ruth Sturdy, Vice Chair

I am an experienced school leader who has also worked for the Local Authority as the lead for SEND school effectiveness.

I have a life-long interest in the education of young people with special educational needs and believe that every child and young person should have the best education to help them live the best adult lives they can. I currently lead a group of special schools and am very proud to be able to be part of the governing body of a great school like The Edith Borthwick School. 

Tracy Carr, Staff Governor

I have been a class teacher at The Edith Borthwick School since qualifying 8 years ago. My teaching experience covers a range of ages, from nursery through to Key Stage 4. I have a particular interest in phonics and reading, and through my phonics lead role have worked with teachers and TA’s to introduce the Read Write Inc scheme. 

Before I became a Teacher, I was a Social Worker, initially working within an Adult Learning Disabilities team and more recently working for a charity, recruiting respite foster carers to support SEN children and their families. 

Over the years, I have had the privilege of teaching so many amazing learners and have worked with such dedicated colleagues. As a staff governor I hope my knowledge and experience can support the school to continue to develop and improve, and most importantly, give our learners the best possible opportunities.

Moira Rickford, Co-opted Governor

I have a background in education in both public and private sectors and was the first woman to be employed in a male, independe

nt school. In addition to teaching and heading up Modern Language departments in a variety of settings. When I moved to this area I became House Mistress at Felsted School and became a qualified teacher of English as an a

dditional language (EAL). In addition to teaching, I increased the school’s commitment to PSHE, organising regular out-of-school visits and visiting speakers/facilitators on topics relating to health, welfare and relationships. I was active in driving community initiatives and visits (eg at Tabor centre, Easton Lodge, Edith Borthwick etc) and ran PHAB – a social integration programme between young people with / without physical disabilities.

I am now retired but continue to be very active; I am secretary of the Bardfield Saling PCC, regularly volunteer at Audley End and am excited to become part of the wider team at Edith Borthwick.

Annie Bush, Co-opted Governor

I am pleased to become one of the governors of Edith Borthwick school. I have seen the experiences of friends and family trying to get support for their SENS children and have been so impressed by the support and facilities Edith Borthwick offer.

I have worked in the City of London and in HMRC for over 40 years . My jobs have included being a tax inspector, working  and leading on national projects and leading a tax policy team that delivered new initiatives announced in the budget. 

I have managed large teams and mentored many people , particularly woman and those from BAME backgrounds, I have a particular interest in building individuals confidence and capability so they can achieve their potential. 

Since I retired 2 years ago I have refurbished our new house and been helping my daughters with childcare. I do musical theatre shows in my spare time and paint badly!

Kate Stannard, Co-opted Governor (Intro to follow)

Natasha Powell, Parent Governor

I am so pleased to become a Parent Governor for Edith Borthwick, and I am just bubbling over with ideas, thoughts, and feelings or how to bridge the gap between parents and our amazing school.

I am very approachable and will happily talk to anyone about anything! I have great knowledge and understanding of the insane amount of crazy and intrusive forms we have to fill out constantly for our loved ones, so if you need any pointers don't hesitate to bend my ear! A few of our parents have already come to me with great ideas for fundraising.

My background has always been in the care sector, starting with 1-1 work with a special needs child, before switching to dementia and palliative care. I then went on to spend eight years at a day centre for adults with profound and multiple special needs, specialising in an autism focussed unit. I finished my care career as a PA in the community for an amazing family with an autistic daughter for 3 years. 

Life then threw me the craziest curve ball and gave me my own special little Tasmanian devil rollercoaster of a child you all know as Perry!