Elaine has two children attending Westoning Lower School. Currently a teaching assistant in a primary school, she works with children with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND) as well as taking on a more general support role within the classroom. She is passionate about education and providing an environment where children feel safe, secure and happy, providing them the best possible foundation with which to learn. Elaine had a career in corporate public relations and communication prior to deciding to follow her passion for working with children and go into education. Additional experience Elaine brings to the role of co opted governor includes a previous position as Vice Chair of the governing board at a local primary school, and volunteering with local charity, Home Start.

I grew up in Westoning and attended WLS from 1983 – 1987. After passing my A’levels, I spent 2 years working as a classroom assistant in 3 different early years settings. In 1999, I began my 4-year teaching degree in Primary Education. My 2nd year teaching experience was also at WLS. I qualified in 2003 with a 2:1 honours degree and began teaching at Westoning Lower, teaching Year 2 full time. A year later I moved to Year 4 and taught for six years before the birth of my first son in 2009. I returned to work on a part time basis as I wanted to devote most of my time raising a family. During this time, I covered PPA sessions for two days a week, mainly teaching P.E across the school. After the birth of my second son in 2013, I achieved the Level 6 AFPE qualification in P.E subject leadership after a year’s course. This had a massive impact on the teaching and learning of PE and is still seen as a strength of the school today. I returned on a full-time basis in 2021, again teaching Year 4. I became a member of SLT in 2022 and am currently studying for my NPQSL. As well as P.E, I also lead Maths, Writing, MFL and Mental Health and Well-Being. I absolutely love my job and wouldn’t want to teach anywhere else! In addition to looking after my two sons (and my new puppy!) my hobbies include walking, mountain climbing, swimming, reading and musicals.