New chair of governors at Plympton Academy

The new chair of governors at Plympton Academy says it’s a great time for parents to join the governing body.

Sue Dann, who took on the role recently, said: “We need a strong governing body to be able to support the school and we can't do it without parents, we need parents who can bring skills, every day skills, to the group.”

Sue, who moved to Plymouth 20 years ago, has been involved in education and local politics for many years. “I’m passionate about setting up opportunities for young people,” said the former further education tutor and current Labour Councillor for Sutton and Mould Gould in Plymouth.

“I have so many hopes and aspirations for this school,” said Sue, who has two grandchildren. “Plympton Academy has really changed and under Lisa Boorman’s headship it’s a community based school helping children achieve and aspire to be whatever they want to be.

“When I am in school I can see that Plympton Academy looks at each child holistically and helps them grow as much as they can.”

Sue is under no illusion that her new role is going to be challenging. “The whole educational landscape has changed,” she said. “For me to have an opportunity to build on what has gone before is really exciting.” She’s also understands that anyone joining the governing body is investing their time in the school.

“Often people are worried that being a parent governor will take up a lot of their time. I want to let people know that they can invest as much or as little time as they can give,” she said.

The minimum investment is two meetings every half term and a visit to the school. “And there will be lots of support and training sessions,” said Sue.

Sue truly believes it’s an exciting time to be part of the governing body at Plympton Academy. “The school is growing and changing,” she said. “What the staff and students have achieved in the last two years is amazing and to be chair of governors alongside such a good principal is great.”

Anyone interested in finding out more about being a parent governor please email Tracey Overton at overtont@plympton.academy