Governance

Safeguarding and Curriculum Member

Hello, I’m Vicky Sanderson and I am the chair of the Local Monitoring Committee for Pensans Primary School. After growing up in Manor Way; attending Heamoor Primary, Mounts Bay Secondary and Penwith College, I moved to Worcester to study at university to become a primary school teacher. I worked in a number of schools in the Midlands, before returning home to Cornwall, where I became Assistant Head at Carclaze Primary School, before becoming a head teacher. Within the role of head teacher, I have worked at 4 Cornish Primary Schools (Halwin, Mylor Bridge, and a short secondment to Malbrough) before taking my most recent position (as of September 2024) as head teacher at Parc Eglos Primary School in Helston.

I have also worked as a governor on a number of school boards, being chair of the Standards Committee at Chacewater School for 8 years, alongside working as the Chair of Chacewater Pre-School, and as a member of the board at Trewirgie Infants School.

Being a teacher is a career that I very much enjoy; it is a privileged position to work so closely with children and their families, and to know that your work and input has a life-time’s impact upon young lives.

I am delighted to be the Chair of Pensans School and to join Mrs Ambrose and her dedicated team, who are truly committed to achieving the very best outcomes for our children.

PP/SP, School Council and Early Years Member

I have fourteen years of experience in education as principal, teacher, curriculum delivery lead, governor, researcher and trainer. After 8 years in Singapore working in British Curriculum Schools, I returned to Cornwall in 2022. I am currently the Curriculum Delivery Lead for Oak National Academy, an independent public body working in partnership to improve pupil outcomes by supporting teacher to teach and enabling pupils to access high quality curriculum. In addition to this I deliver and assess the NPQML and NPQSL qualifications, create training content for Oxford AQA and work with schools and local authorities to increase awareness of, and deliver, suicide intervention first aid training.

Personal Development Member

After completing my education with only a limited number of GCSEs, I embarked on various employment opportunities that eventually led me to the NHS.

Over the last 28 years, I have dedicated my career to the public sector, focusing on programme transformation. Now self-employed as a contractor, my expertise lies in guiding public and private organisations through periods of change brought on by advancements in technology or shifts in personnel procedures. More recently I have worked globally supporting organisations such as Niva (skin creams), Wood Plc (Global Oil and Gas) and IVC Evidensia (International Veterinary Care).

My expertise in active listening, problem-solving, and fostering collaboration equips me to do well as a school governor, enabling me to contribute effectively towards finding innovative solutions and supporting the development of all individuals involved.

SEND and ARB Member

I am an experienced primary school leader with over a decade of experience. I am currently the SEND Lead for Crofty Multi Academy Trust, comprising of sixteen primary schools in West Cornwall.

Throughout my career, I have held positions as a class teacher, SENCo, Assistant Headteacher for Inclusion, Designated Safeguarding Lead, and Headteacher across a spectrum of primary (EYFS-KS2) educational settings, ranging from mixed-year group rural schools to one-form entry schools and three-form-entry urban schools. I have also taught in a specialist Communication and Interaction (ASD) school, where I gained invaluable experience. I have been a governor at three previous schools, professionally as Assistant Head, Headteacher, and personally as a parent governor.

This diverse professional journey has granted me invaluable insights into each school's distinct needs and priorities. I have an unwavering commitment to working collaboratively with stakeholders to provide exceptional education and opportunities for all children.

I hold a Master’s degree in Education Leadership, and I am currently completing my Doctorate - my research focuses on the DfE’s Early Career Framework and how it supports new teachers to teach disadvantaged children, including those with SEND. I have lead on national education research projects for Microsoft, Achievement for All, and the EEF, and regional projects for Gloucester Schools’ Partnership (37 primary schools – 9,500 pupils).

Leadership and Management Member

I have had many years working in a industry with over 40 members of staff. I work in admin, helping my manager complete rotas, invoices, and helping organise transport for children, vulnerable children and adults who require transport to several schools, colleges and day centres.

Behaviour and Attitudes Member

I am a new member of staff at Pensans primary school who feels strongly about our school’s development. As a parent myself, I understand the importance of a strong governance body and feel that it is essential to help staff, parents and children collaboratively achieve their full potential both as individuals and as a whole school community. I am a teacher in our Area Resource Base and an aspiring SENCO with a passion for supporting children with SEND and ensuring every child has access to a safe, inclusive education.