Jaqui Ball – Co-opted

Date of Election/Appointment: 29/4/21

Term of Office (Years) 4

Register of Pecuniary Interests: None

Appointed by: Governing Board 

I have been a governor at Palatine School since 2013. I moved to Palatine Road in 1986 and as a result has always felt an affinity to “my” local school. Over a long and varied career, I have worked as a journalist; in public relations; and in local government firstly for Kent County Council and then for Arun District Council. I retired from Arun, where I was the Interim Director of Strategy, in June 2012.

My husband, Brian, and I have four children, all of whom work for the public, three of them in education while my eldest grandson has just started his teaching career. I am passionate about the importance of all children having every opportunity to learn, to shine, and to be the very best they can be.

Julie Price – LA Governor

Date of Election/Appointment: 29/4/21

Terms of Office (Years): 4

Register of Pecuniary Interests: None

Appointed by: Local Authority 

I have been governor for many years and still feel the importance of this privileged position in working closely with Catriona and her team, in providing the safest, most caring, innovative and supportive environment where the children can really be the best they can.

I am one of the named safeguarding governors within the school and I am also linked to all aspects of health and safety.

My career has been mainly focused on people, cultures and wellbeing in organisations. I live in Woodingdean, Brighton with my wife, we have a shared passion for travelling and love to experience different places, cultures and food.

Victoria (Vicky) Townsend – Co-opted

Date of Election/Appointment 1/11/21

Term of Office 4

Register of Pecuniary Interests: None

Appointed by: Governing Board 

I feel privileged  to have been given the opportunity to work closely with Catriona and her team to support the school.

I attended the University of Chichester and did a BA (Hons) degree in Early Childhood Studies. I worked as a Teaching Assistant for 16.5 years at 2 local schools. I have always loved being involved in working with children of all ages. I really like to help them develop, grow, encourage and support them in their learning. I currently work as the Children’s and Families Worker at the local church.

I live in Eastbourne with my husband. I love to cook different things, read books, look after my nieces, travel to different countries and go to the theatre.

Nathan Bird – Staff Governor

Date of Election/Appointment: 01/10/20

Terms of Office (Years): 4

Register of Pecuniary Interests: None

Appointed by: Staff Election 

I have been a staff governor since October 2020 and my term will run until 2025. I have been in teaching for over 20 years and have been at Palatine since moving to West Sussex in 2017. My previous schools have been in different parts of the country and include mainstream primaries and a special needs secondary. I currently teach in Crocodile class, working with some of the older children in school in the Engineers hub. I am also the lead teacher for community cohesion which involves creating links between different parts of the school community and one of the leaders for the Engineers hub. I live in Littlehampton with my family with whom I am also a foster carer.

Catriona Goldsmith – Headteacher

Date of Election/Appointment: 2012

Terms of Office (Years): N/A 

Register of Pecuniary Interests: None

I started my teaching career in 1995 as a history teacher in a mainstream secondary school in Berkshire. I then spent 6  years teaching in a special school for pupils aged 2 -19 in Wokingham before relocating to the South Coast.  Since moving to West Sussex in 2002, I have always worked in one of the special schools situated in Durrington. Initially working as deputy head at Highdown school, I was part of the leadership team that oversaw the reorganisation of the Worthing Special Schools and opening of Oak Grove College in 2005 where I remained as deputy head until I became head at Palatine in April 2012. This longstanding commitment to the pupils and their families in this area provides me with unique insight into and respect for the community that I serve.

I live with my husband and two children near Chichester and when I have the opportunity I like to sit and read books in my garden or to eat breakfast on the beach!

Adam Burridge – Parent Governor

Date of Election/Appointment: 01/09/2022

Terms of Office (Years): 4

Register of Pecuniary Interests: None

Appointed by: Parent Election

I am a husband and father of 3 boys, my older sons have sensory processing difficulties and autism and go to mainstream school, my youngest attends Palatine and has complex medical needs.

I previously worked as an electronic engineer and team leader for a large American firm. Due to my son’s medical needs I decided to give up my role and take part time employment in Tesco Dotcom. This frees up my time for making precious memories and attending important appointments.

I have a good understanding of leadership and management, computing and arranging my finances. I enjoy gaming with my 2 older boys, building my own PCs and switch adaptations to my youngest son’s toys.

Seeing the passion and dedication that the staff provide at Palatine, made me want to apply for parent governor and I look forward to helping the school continue to thrive.

Jo Spear- Parent Governor

Date of Election/Appointment: 01/09/2022

Terms of Office (Years): 4

Register of Pecuniary Interests: None

Appointed by: Parent Election

I studied Community Arts at university and it was through my degree I found my passion for holistically working with adults and children with additional needs with a view to achieve social change, ultimately focusing on Education for SEN Children.

I have experience working with a broad range of communities ranging from Local Authorities, Care, English as Second Language, local community practice, NHS, and Education.

In recent years I have had 3 beautiful children, 2 having additional needs (one being at Palatine). My life shifted dramatically after the birth of my second son with my new role being mum and full time carer. I was given a whole fresh perspective on disabilty and how to advocate for my family. I pride myself on becoming an encyclopedia of knowledge when it comes to my children’s needs and I have endlessly researched all I can to aid them, including taking part in working with medical students to support their understanding of children and families with complex needs. This has led to becoming a huge ally and in my spare time I work with many charities including Family Fund, SIBS and GBSS support to help create content and review paperwork/policies.

One of my biggest achievements to date has been raising funds and working with my previous town council to get inclusive equipment in our local park and a full changing places.

In my spare time aside from my work with charities, I love meeting new people and chatting (lots!), going for walks along the beach and doing DIY with my husband.

I am excited to build new relationships with pupils and staff and to help maintain a safe, social and nurturing space for all of our children to learn and grow in!

Justin Sainsbury- Co-opted 

Date of Election/Appointment: 28/09/2022

Terms of Office (Years): 4

Register of Pecuniary Interests: None

Appointed by: Governing Board

I have been a Governor at Palatine since September 2022. Having previously had a child attend the school and having worked there, I feel privileged to be able to continue the connection. Over the years, I’ve been fortunate to have seen the progress of our wonderful pupils, and have respect and admiration for the hard working staff.

As a Trustee of Reaching Families, a local SEND charity for the past 2 years, I will continue to share my knowledge and learning to help provide a safe and nurturing environment. Going forward, I look forward to assisting the team navigating financial matters through my current job role in a multinational organisation.

In my spare time I enjoy photography and reading. I have a small home music studio and enjoy popping a pair of headphones on(my Wife and Daughter insist on this!) during my attempts to make electronic music