Ginny Bellard

Head Teacher

Welcome to our Governor information page. You will see that our Governing Body is varied in its experience which we believe brings strength and rigour to our work.

I have been in the field of Special Education for over 20 years. This is my third headship of a special school and I am thrilled to be working with such a capable and inspiring team here at Montacute. 

My ambition for each and every child that attends our school is one of opportunity, equity and enrichment and we continue to build upon the curriculum and social experiences that we have developed over recent years to ensure this. 

I am proud to serve the families and our Governors, all of whom are keen to know everything there is to know about our young people and the things they need to reach their full potential.

Together, the Montacute team grows in strength and effectiveness and the Governors and I look forward to working closely with you in exciting times ahead.

Anthony Flower

Parent Governor

Chair of Governors

Resources & Standards Committee 

My name is Anthony, and I am the chair of governors for Montacute School. My son, George, has been attending the school since 2016, and I became a governor at the end of 2021.

With a background in IT, initially in the finance sector and now working with local small businesses on their online systems, I bring technical and practical expertise to the board. I hold a degree in Business Management, a diploma in Business and IT, as well as various industry certifications.

I am honoured to have been chosen as chair and am dedicated to playing my part in ensuring Montacute continues to thrive as the exceptional school it is. As the parent of a 16-year-old child with severe learning difficulties, I hope to bring both a parental perspective and an understanding of the unique challenges faced by families of children with complex needs.

I look forward to working closely with the dedicated teachers, staff, and parents to support our school community.

Steve Butterworth

Community Governor

Resources & Standards Committee

Chair of Resources Committee

I am married with three grown up children. I retired in June 2019 after spending the majority of my career as a manager in IT and business management, initially at JP Morgan in Bournemouth and latterly at Lloyds Banking Group in London. I enjoy watching football, I played 5-a-side for many years (until middle-age and injuries caught up with me), and I always have a book on the go.  

I became a governor at Montacute in 1997, after my son, Nicholas, had been a pupil at the school for about a year. During my time as a governor I have performed a variety of roles including Chair of the Finance Committee, Chair of the Resources Committee and Chair of Governors. I’m proud to be associated with Montacute and over the years I have seen how the dedication and kindness of all the staff has provided an environment where pupils are happy, safe, and thrive. Nicholas really enjoyed his 15 years at Montacute and received an excellent education. I’m keen that the school continues to offer special children the very best start in life and prepares them for adulthood.

Bev Gowman

Community Governor 

Resources Committee

Hello, my name is Bev Gowman, I am a Nanny of two, have a niece who attended Montacute School and have lived in Bournemouth all my life. I work in the FE sector for a Specialist Post 16 Independent College in Dorset. I am passionate about ensuring that every young person reaches their full potential and has opportunities fulfil their dreams. I am a lead Safeguarding Officer and am qualified in Person Centred Training.  

Emma Dunn

Parent Governor

Resources Committee

Hello, I am Emma Dunn and I am a Parent Governor for Montacute School. I have two special needs children, one now 19, and Henry who attends Montacute school. 

I hold a Level 3 Teacher Assistant qualification, a Level 2 qualification in Understanding Specific Learning Difficulties, a Level 2 qualification in Caring for Children and Young People, a Level 2 qualification in Understanding Children and Young People's Mental Health and a Level 2 qualification in Understanding Autism.

I have also taken part in a lot of parent groups in Poole over the years to understand my children better and be the best I can ( I never think you learn enough).

I am hopeful that in my role as governor, I will be able to support the school, parents, teachers and staff, from a parent’s perspective and calling upon my training and things I have learned from both my children.

Lisa Griffiths

Support Staff Governor

Standards Committee

Hello my name is Lisa Griffiths. I am married to Mark and we have two teenage children, Megan and Dylan.  

I am originally from the Potteries in Stoke-on-Trent. I worked for the local council in the Rehabilitation Team and I volunteered at a local special school on my days off. I found working within the school so rewarding, I was offered a full time position in the PMLD class. Shortly after this, my husband was offered a job on the south coast, and in 2015 he moved down to Poole before us and we followed when the school year ended. 

I started work at Montacute in the September of that year and never looked back.

I enjoy every minute working with our special young people. I became a staff governor in September 2022, so I am very new to the role.

Tracey Smith

Support Staff Governor

Resources Committee

Hello, my name is Tracey Smith and I have been working at Montacute School since September 2010. I originally started as a TA, working in the classroom, and am now the Partnership Co-ordinator and Safeguarding & Wellbeing Lead. 

I work closely with our staff and pupils to ensure that we provide a safe environment for all to experience learning, adventure, fun and friendship.

I also work closely with our families to support them with their relationship with the school and with their links to other professional services.

Contacts:

Registered Office Address: Montacute School, 3 Canford Heath Road, Poole, Dorset, BH17 9NG  

Registered Office Telephone Number: 01202 693239

Registered Office Email: office@montacute.poole.sch.uk

Chair of Governors: Anthony Flower   anthony.flower@montacute.poole.sch.uk

Clerk to the Governors - Service provided by Your Clerk info@yourclerk.org.uk   

Please click on the linked document below to view further Governor Information.