Skip to content ↓

Governors' Information

 Governor Profiles

Fred Jenkins: Chair of Governors. Co-Opted Governor

I have recently retired after working for many years in the field of career advice and guidance across Plymouth and West Devon within a wide range of mainstream and special schools, including most recently Longcause. I remain passionate about helping young people gain the utmost out of their education and are prepared for adult life including future employment. Over a number of decades I have gained a good knowledge of the further education/training sector within Plymouth and the wider South West, alongside an understanding of the local employment sector through regular conversations with employers. I hope to bring some of this knowledge to my role as Chair of Governors.

Alan Charlick: Vice Chair of Governors

I have been a governor At Longcause for over 5 years and also served as a Parent Governor when my son attended the school. I have carried out numerous and varied roles during my time as a governor here at Longcause and I am currently the key monitoring governor for area of the Schools Improvement Plan which focusses on the physical development of the all the pupils here at Longcause. I am delighted to be delegated this particular role as I am a firm believer that the physical wellbeing of individuals is very important.

Anne Hutchinson: Head Teacher

I have been Headteacher at Longcause school since January 2010. I have worked for many years as a teacher for children with Autism. I am passionate about increasing understanding of Autism and in working with families for the best outcomes for their child and family. I have two adult children of my own.  I’m a friendly person and like meeting people so please feel free to come and chat to me.

Trudi Skinner: Deputy Head Teacher and Co-opted Governor

I have been a Deputy Head at Longcause since September 2021. I have a passion for teaching and learning and want to drive ambition for all. 

Faye James: Deputy Head Teacher and Co-opted Governor

I have worked at Longcause since 2014. In that time I have worked in all phases of the school and been part of developing our curriculum and pathways to ensure they meet the needs of our pupils. I am passionate about ensuring pupils learn to read and communicate functionally while here at Longcause, as well as have access to a broad curriculum and develop positive relationships.

Colette Forsyth: Co-opted Governor

Since gaining my SpLD Diploma in 2003, I have been involved in teaching and assessing students with SEND and working in a variety of settings. My last full-time employment was as SENCo at a school in Kent, but I moved to Plymouth in 2020 to be closer to my family.

I am delighted to become a governor at Longcause because I believe we must enable each unique learner to reach their full potential. My understanding and respect for difference will help me to fulfil my duties to the best of my ability. I am an actively involved grandmother to three neurodiverse grandchildren, so I personally understand the value of a supportive school community that seeks to understand every child, and enables them to flourish.

Blank Avatar Stock Photos, Pictures & Royalty-Free Images - iStock

VACANCY

 

Nicholas Rich: Parent Governor

Formerly an IT systems professional in London, I now run a sailing company with my wife, Katie, here in Plymouth. My son joined Longcause in 2024. Becoming a Governor at Longcause benefits both me and the school, as it broadens my understanding of the education and SEND sector—particularly as my son has autism—allowing me to better grasp the challenges of government-funded education. I can then apply my experience in business, IT, and construction to help the school maximise resources and ensure diligence in new and ongoing projects.

Barney West: Parent Governor

My son joined the school late 2020 in one of the earlier classes. I have a huge interest in how the school develops and maintains the high standards it is known for. I know how integral a school is to young people's development with relationships and life skills and look forward to working with the governors board to ensure we provide the best available resources for our children. I have been a Royal Marine for over 15 years and have worked in both an operational and training environment. I am used to understanding compliance and policy, but I also understand the significance of school support for parents and students alike.

Ian Fleming: Staff Governor

I joined Longcause in mid 2019 and have previously worked in education settings for many years (Lecturer, Curriculum Manager and now Site manager) and feel I can bring this experience and a day-by-day overall operational view of the school to the Governing Body to help make Longcause the best it can be.

Our Chair of Governors can be contacted via the Clerk to Governors, Molly Holt on 01752 336881 or via email at mholt@longcause.plymouth.sch.uk.  Alternatively you can address a letter to Molly Holt at the school address.

Board of Governors Structure

Governors' Responsibilities 

Governors Terms of Reference

Useful Documents