A warm hello to Parents and Carers from the Local Committee. The Local Committee (in some schools called the governors) is a small group of people who support the schools. Working across Park and St Peter’s we help to feedback to leaders on what is going well and what could be even better, acting as a link between the schools and parents and the local community . We are committed to supporting the schools to continually improve and for children to have an exciting, safe and happy school experience. Mr Currell and Miss Underwood are staff members of the local committee whom you probably know well but as non staff members we would like to introduce ourselves. Regards Julie, Mark and Helen

About our local committee

Helen Staniforth

My name is Helen Staniforth, I’m excited to introduce myself as a new local committee member. As both an experienced teacher and a parent of three children, two currently attending our schools, I’m deeply invested in supporting the two schools’ growth and success. With years of experience as a teacher, I’ve witnessed the incredible impact that a supportive and enriching school environment can have on children. I understand the challenges schools face and the importance of fostering a space where every student can thrive—not just academically, but emotionally and socially. As a parent, I’ve seen firsthand the dedication of the staff and the vibrant learning environment that makes Park and St Peter’s so special. My children’s positive experiences here inspire me to give back to the community in a meaningful way. I aim to represent parents’ voices, fostering collaboration and trust between families and the school leadership. I’m honoured to take on this role and look forward to working with the leadership team, staff, parents, and fellow local committee members to help both schools to thrive. Thank you for welcoming me—I’m excited to contribute to making our schools an even better place for all children to learn and grow.

Julie Barke

Hello. I am Julie Barke. As St Peter’s is a church school, one member of the committee is nominated as a “foundation governor” with particular responsibility for ethos and liaison with St Peter’s Church…and that is me! I go into St Peter’s to deliver Collective Worship every few weeks and am really enjoying this. I also lead assemblies at Park occasionally. The schools are exciting places to be and the staff and children are always welcoming and open. I am proud to be associated with them and want to do anything I can to support and help everybody to thrive and be the best they can be. My background is as a teacher although I am retired now. I enjoy walking my dogs, reading, baking, local history and the natural world. I volunteer at Stanwick Lakes and Raunds Pocket Park and help to run the local history society as well as being an active member of St Peter’s church. I have a granddaughter who attends Park Infant School and regularly collect her from school so am in the playground. Having grandchildren also helps me to appreciate the demands of being a parent in today’s world.

Mark Pick

My name is Mark Pick and I have been on the Local Committee since 2023. As a parent member, I help connect the school with local families and the community. In this role I work with school and trust leaders to make sure the schools’ plans meet the needs of children and parents. I have one child who currently attends Raunds Park Infant School and I am passionate about ensuring the schools provide a welcoming and high quality education for all children. I work as an HGV driver for a large retail company which allows me to bring logistics knowledge to the local committee. Outside of my school responsibilities, I enjoy working on remote control vehicles, flying stunt kites and doing general DIY projects around the house. I am committed to supporting the schools’ continued development and contributing to decisions that will help the trust and schools continue to succeed in the future. Please don’t hesitate to reach out if there is anything we can assist with

Please don’t hesitate to contact us if you have a query…or would be interested in joining the Local Committee.