Our Governors

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Our school is a very special place, where every child is encouraged and supported to achieve their full potential. We aim to do this through excellence in the classroom, provision of a broad and varied curriculum supported by well-resourced delivery, and by offering experiences and opportunities that develop every child in both breadth and depth.

School Governors play a crucial role to ensure that this is achieved.

The Headteacher along with the wider school team and the Governors set the strategic direction, allocate and determine resources, agree policy approach and monitor progress. We support and challenge in equal measure, ensuring that sufficient resources and approaches are in place whilst monitoring progress of strategic and operational objectives. The work we do at the school ensures that our children are equipped both academically and emotionally to move on to secondary education confident and well prepared, ready to take on new challenges.

Many of our Governors have strong ties with the school, as parents, ex-parents and community members and even old pupils. Being a Governor is a very rewarding role – we see the decisions that we take reflected in the successes of our school and of our children.

Claire Claydon

Chair of the Governing Body

Governing Body

Claire Claydon - Chair of Governors

I am Chair of Governors at Tendring Primary School, where my son was a pupil, so I know the school as a parent as well as a professional. I have spent 26 years working in schools, 18 of them as a Headteacher, and have extensive experience of leading primary and junior schools. Earlier in my career I worked as a SENDCo, and was the teacher in charge of an enhanced provision in a mainstream primary.

I now work for PiXL as a Primary Specialist, supporting school leadership teams across the country to improve outcomes and life chances for pupils. I am passionate about inclusion, safeguarding and the wellbeing of pupils and staff, and I am committed to making sure every child at Tendring has the chance to thrive.

Paula Derwin - Vice Chair of Governors

I joined the governing body at Tendring Primary School just over a year ago and am the Vice Chair and responsible for Safeguarding. Having spent 32 years in primary education as a class teacher and Deputy Headteacher, I retired last year after 9 years of Headship. I have a degree in music and this continues to be my passion. I am a member of two choirs in Suffolk, where I now live, having spent most of my working life in the Colchester area. My other hobbies include art, reading and travel. I fully understand the challenges that face schools today and enjoy being part of the governing body, helping to improve outcomes for all pupils. As a governor, I am very proud to be a part of this wonderful school.

Stacie Brook - Co-opted

I have been a Co-opted Governor at Tendring Primary School for five years, joining the governing board when my son first started at the school in squirrels.

I am a qualified secondary school teacher and have spent 13 years teaching PE and Dance at a local secondary school. During my teaching career, I have also held the role of Learning Coach, supporting and mentoring colleagues, as well as leading and delivering CPD to develop teaching practice.

I have a real passion for education, particularly teaching and learning, alongside sport and the opportunities it provides for children’s development. I enjoy being part of the governing board at Tendring and how I'm able to use my professional experience and knowledge to support the school, its staff and students , and contribute positively to the continued development of the school .

Beth Caudle - Co-opted

I became a Governor at Tendring Primary School in 2022, initially as a Parent Governor before moving into my current role as a Co-opted Governor.

Both my sons have attended Tendring Primary School, with my youngest still currently a pupil. This gives me a valuable parent perspective and a genuine interest in supporting the school, its pupils and the wider community.

I have worked within a school trust for over six years, initially in Finance before recently expanding my responsibilities to include HR. This experience has given me a good understanding of the operational and financial aspects of running a school and provides valuable insight into the challenges and priorities schools face.

As a Governor, I am committed to supporting the school’s continued development and success. Working collaboratively to ensure that every child has the opportunity to thrive, reach their full potential and enjoy a positive experience throughout their time at Tendring Primary School.

Jill Brattan - Local Authority

Julian Dykes - Co-opted

Holly Youngs - Co-opted

Michael Hattrell - Parent

I have been a Parent Governor at Tendring Primary School since November 2025. My two daughters have attended the school, with the youngest still a pupil here.

I have worked in the NHS for 17 years and currently work as Head of Innovation for Essex ICB, helping to develop and introduce new ideas and ways of working, to improve services and outcomes for local people. I have worked extensively with children and young people's services throughout my career, including planning and improving services to meet the needs of children, young people and their families.

I have a passion for supporting children and young people, listening to their voices and helping to ensure that they have access to opportunities and support to reach their potential.

Through my role as parent governor I am pleased to bring my views and experiences to the governing board and to contribute positively to the development of the school.

Jane Easteal - Staff

I have worked full time at Tendring Primary since January 2013, teaching In Squirrels class (EYFS) predominately and moving into Year 1 Stoats class two years ago.

I have been teaching since 1993, starting my career in secondary education before moving overseas to live and work in New Zealand and America. After returning to the UK I have taught locally whilst raising my two sons, both who have attended Tendring Primary School.

I have represented the staff on the governing body for the last four years and have been delighted on how the school has grown and that it provides high quality enriching learning for all.

Governors’ Statement of Behaviour Principles Governor Membership Governor Attendance