Ravenswood Community Primary School

Chair of Governors - Robert Smith - Appointed 12.1.22 (11.1.26)

I first became a Governor in 1990 at the International School of Hamburg in Germany and have subsequently been a Governor in schools in Switzerland, Nigeria and the UK. Currently I am Chair of Trustees of a MAT in Harlow, Essex and Chair of the LGB of one of those schools. I am particularly keen on developing inclusivity in schools and am proud of the work done in Harlow where we have a fully integrated approach in a school with over 25% SEND pupils.

In my career I have worked in Marketing and General management for large FMCG companies (Unilever, Henkel, L’Oreal) of which nearly 20 years was outside the UK. I then set up a business consultancy specialising in change management for multinational organisations, where my last role was interim President of an LA-based cosmetics company.

I “retired” 10 years ago to spend more time working with schools and my wife and I recently moved from Hertfordshire to Hintlesham where we are spending time getting to know our neighbours.

Co-Vice Chair of Governors - Roland Mortimer - Appointed 1.12.21

I joined Ravenswood Primary as a Co-opted Governor in December 2021, and I am delighted to have this opportunity to contribute to such a wonderful school. I am particularly excited at utilising my involvement in education charities and time teaching overseas to support the school deliver the very best experience for those with learning disabilities or English as an Additional Language.

Outside of education, I currently work in the sphere of communications for Lloyds Banking Group and have also occupied communication and project management roles in a number of charities, think tanks and nationwide campaigns. In my spare time I enjoy playing sports and learning Slavic languages (I currently speak Russian & Bulgarian). I also love getting involved in the local community which is why I am standing as a Councillor candidate in the Ipswich Borough Council elections in May. I am not part of any other Governing body.

Co-Vice Chair of Governors - Ayman Al-Aride - Appointed 13.1.22 (12.1.26)

I love helping the community and I have been in the school support system for over 18 years working for Suffolk County Council and a variety of schools, from primary to high schools. I have been a governor for 15 years and a Chair of Governors for 12 of these years, two of which were middle schools. I am currently Chair of Governors at another school.

Co-opted Governor - Vivian Mushati - Appointed 12.1.22

I am delighted to be on the governing board at Ravenswood Primary. I am passionate about making a positive impact and ensuring that the whole school community's wellbeing is prioritised. I have experience working in charities, education, youth work, legal and in multi-disciplinary settings working with young people and vulnerable adults. I currently work with young people and I'm a director of a social enterprise offering services that support young people. I am not part of any other Governing body.

Parent Governor - Lindsay Kent - Appointed 30.3.22 (29.3.26)

I am grateful of the opportunity to join the board of governors as a Parent Governor to help the school achieve academic success and happy children.

I currently have 2 children who both attend Ravenswood Community Primary.

I have worked with my employer for over 25 years and my current job is in a Customer Service Support role. I have managed and mentored apprenticeship cohorts, I also undertake procedure audits and feel that my skills compliment the governor position. I am not part of any other Governing body.

In my spare time I am also a keen (slow) runner and admin on the Ravenswood Residents social media page.

Parent Governor - Keeley Rimmer - Appointed 30.3.22 (29.3.26)

I loved my school days (especially primary age). I believe all children should have the opportunities in education to the academic, practical, creative tools and to be able to engage with what the world is all about. This has an impact on the next generation with great value.

I have two children who attend the school, one of which has SEN. Originally, I was a parent governor for several years and have volunteered at the school to support teaching and learning.

My background is in teaching Early Years Education, leadership in girl guiding and management in private and charitable childcare and educational provision.

After the birth of my second, I had a career break with two young children. I became chairperson of the East Ipswich Children’s centres and voluntarily ran three groups to support new parents with their young children.

When my eldest went into Reception at the school I started working for the NHS in the midwifery department where I am still based. My main responsibilities include supporting, teaching and empowering new parents in the start of their journey.

For me, it has always been important that a school is more than just a place of learning, it’s a community that we can all be part of. I am not part of any other Governing body.

Co-opted Governor - Hannah Durham - Appointed 8.4.22 (7.2.26)

I joined Ravenswood Community Primary School as a co-opted governor in April 2022 and it is a pleasure to be a member of the governing body. Although this is my first school governor role, I have worked closely with governing bodies throughout my career and understand the impact that good governance can make.

I started my career as a primary school teacher, before moving out of the classroom to become a SENCO. I have also worked as an assistant headteacher in a 2-form entry school, with responsibility for SEND and Pupil Premium. I am currently the Deputy Head of School for Education at Anglia Ruskin University, overseeing the courses in our undergraduate portfolio. I teach on the Primary Education Studies course in both Chelmsford and Cambridge and aim to inspire our next generation of teachers. I also support new lecturers by teaching on a course specifically focused on teaching in Higher Education. I am currently working towards my doctorate, which explores the individual experiences of teachers when using research to inform practice. I am passionate about teacher wellbeing and promoting professional autonomy.

I enjoy listening to and playing music in my spare time, having studied music at university. I regularly play flute, oboe and piano, but will give most woodwind instruments a go! I am really excited to be a part of the Ravenswood team and look forward to supporting the school in its next steps. I am not part of any other Governing body.

Co-opted Governor - Charlotte Hycz - Appointed 22.3.23 (21.3.27)

I joined Ravenswood Primary as a Teaching Assistant in October 2019, where it was my first foray into the world of Education. 

Prior to this I was a professional Dancer for Princess Cruises for over 10 years. I feel so fortunate to have been able to travel the world, meeting people from all different walks of life and cultures, and to have had some unforgettable experiences. 

This is my first School Governor role, which I relish deeply, and am proud to be part of such a dedicated, caring,  and hard-working group. 

I currently also have a daughter who attends Ravenswood Primary, making me extremely passionate about helping to make the School the best that it can be. 

In my spare time I am an avid football fan (come on Leeds) along with enjoying travelling, socialising with friends and family and visiting historical sights. 

I am not part of any other Governing body.

Staff Governor - Sarah Milburn - Appointed 1.11.22 (8.11.26)

I have been part of the team at Ravenswood C P School for 14 years.  I am currently a teacher in Year 6, upper key-stage 2 phase leader and subject lead for maths. 

I am excited to be part of the Governing Body and to have the opportunity to help shape and continue to strengthen our school and community.

I have a degree in primary education and have worked at schools in Blackpool, Cavendish and Colchester. 

I moved to Ipswich with my husband 24 years ago and I have 2 sons aged 18 and 20. Outside of school, I like to spend time with my family, doodle, walk my dog and swim.