Debbie Hudgell - Chair of Governors

Michele Pettinger - Vice Chair of Governors

I joined the board of Governors in 2021, initially as a Parent Governor until September 2023 when I was elected as Vice Chair and it was also agreed to change my board membership to that of a Co-opted Governor. As an ex-pupil of the school (in the days when it was known as Littlemoor Primary School) I was pleased to be able to send my daughter to the school from nursery through to the end of year 6. Outside my Governor role, I am an RGN in the NHS and been since qualifying in 2003. I have gained many skills throughout my career, working and nursing across numerous areas (including acute medicine, surgical and operating departments as well as supporting critical care and the emergency department) I am always keen to utilise these skills and the knowledge gained, in assisting with championing the school whilst trying to ensure an optimal environment for all to thrive. In my free time, wherever possible, I support Bincombe and other local schools with residential trips and extra curriculum activities. I am an avid and vocal supporter of the school and am strongly invested in supporting both the school and its pupils to achieve their maximum potential and to have high aspirations. I like to be a regular presence within the school, supporting the staff and pupils alike. As well as being an ex-pupil, my family and I are local residents and have a good understanding of the local and diverse demographics, having lived here for over 40 years. This year I became a member of the board for the Littlemoor & Broadwey Pride in Place Programme.

Mark Tewkesbury

I was a local councillor for twenty years, and have been a Governor of Bincombe Valley Primary School for the last 5 years - where I am the Chair of the People and Finance Committee. I have undertaken many volunteer roles within the community over the years, and have a keen interest in the area and residents within it.

Sharron Garbutt 

I have been a member of staff at Bincombe Valley Primary school for over 21 years. During my years working at the school I have held many roles; initially, starting in the school nursery, then moving to Buds when it opened in 2014, 1-1 support for SEN before becoming a class Teaching Assistant, I also helped to set up and lead the After School Club for working parents which is still running today. My role now within the school is the Computer Science Teacher, and ELSA and also Pastoral Lead/ Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. I have been a member of the local community since 1971 and attended this school as a pupil in 1976 as many of my siblings did before me, and my children and extended family have also done. I have supported many different causes and community projects over the years including being Chair of the schools PTFA at one time, and a volunteer Youth Worker at Top Club when it reopened. I joined the Board of Governors at Bincombe Valley Primary School as a co-opted Governor, and have been lucky to renew my role for a further 4-year term. I hope that with my knowledge and experience of the school and community I can continue to champion and foster links between our school and local community; which is why I am also a member of the local Pride in Place Board for Littlemoor and Broadwey.

Chandana Rajapaksha-Arachichige - Parent Governor

I believe school is the basic foundation of education. Accordingly, in order to make the society we live in the best place in the future I see it as my responsibility in my role to contribute to the school's success. I was delighted to become a Parent Governor at the school in 2023, and I remain confident that I will be able to contribute significantly to the school where my children are studying. At the age of 22 I started my professional life as a trained teacher in Maths, alongside working in a school, I had to join the Sri Lanken Army where I developed qualities of discipline, perseverance and leadership. I later worked at the Revenue Department of Sri Lanka as a Tax Assessor and worked there for 16 years. During my tenure at the Revenue Department, I was responsible for revenue administration and monetary policy formulation as well as accounting. Having the opportunity to work again in a new country, a new community, and within a new cultural context is a divine blessing to me. I have also volunteered at a local community farm. I always aim to contribute to the best of my ability to nurture the diversity within the community to protect valuable systems that work within it.

Rebecca Eales - Staff Governor

I was elected by staff members to join the board of Governors at Bincombe Valley in 2023 as the Staff Governor. After my children were born I became a Foster Carer and continued that role for 15 years. I believe the skills and knowledge gained during that period helped in my many roles within the school. Both of my children were pupils at the school when we moved from Middlesex in 2006, and I started working as a Teaching Assistant here in September 2014. Prior to joining the school staff, I worked as a Health Care Assistant at a Rehabilitation Unit. I am delighted to be part of the team here at Bincombe Valley and am proud to support the children and represent the staff as part of the Governance team.

Sarah Reader - Associate Member

I joined the Bincombe Valley Governing board as an associate member in 2023. I find it to be a rewarding role, where I am able to use and share my previous experience and knowledge from my 20-year teaching career, and previous Governing board experience. Prior to teaching at Bincombe I taught for 16 years in a school in Wool, for 10 of those years I was part of the SLT. Before that, I taught in a school in Bournemouth as well as teaching English at the YOI Portland. I believe all children should have the opportunity to thrive in their school environment. I live in Weymouth with my husband and son.

Rob Belbin - LA Governor

Rob has a wealth of experience within inclusive practice, spending 20 years as a senior leader in a special school and now serves as the Director of Inspired Inclusive Solutions, offering strategic and operational inclusive advice to organisations across the country. He is also an author of nationally recognised inclusive materials and has led projects for both the NHS and Public Health. Outside this Rob shares his expertise within his role as an Inclusion Development Coach for the Youth Sport Trust, as a tutor for Boccia England and Goalball UK, and supports Special Olympics Great Britain. Rob has recently retired from his role as a non-executive director for Activity Alliance, but remains connected to school life through his work for DfEs Inclusion 2028 project. He joined the Governing Board at Bincombe in November 2025 as the Local Authority Governor.

Joe Sewell - Parent Governor

I joined the Governing Board at Bincombe Valley Primary School as a Parent Governor in November 2024, bringing with me a lifelong connection to the local community. I have lived on the estate my entire life and attended the school myself, as have all of my siblings. Both of my children have also been pupils, with one currently in year 5, which gives me a strong personal investment in the school and its future. I have also always been actively involved in the local community and currently volunteer at the local youth club, supporting young people in a safe, positive environment. I am passionate about football and community sport, and I also run two local businesses. Through this, I have developed strong skills in leadership, organisation, communication, and teamwork, which I am keen to bring to my role as Governor. As a local resident with a deep understanding of the community the school serves, I am committed to supporting the school, its staff and pupils, and in helping ensure that every child has the opportunity to succeed and achieve their best.

James Knott 

I ran Top Club Youth and Community Services in Littlemoor for five years, and continue to run "The Nest" at that location – a not-for-profit community supermarket which helps with reducing waste, whilst addressing food poverty and eating healthily. I am also still heavily involved within the community, helping with some events at Littlemoor Community centre, and as a volunteer DJ at Bincombe Valley Primary Schools disco events run by the PTFA.