Mark Otten (Chair of Governors).

I grew up in Surrey, before studying for a degree in Engineering at Leicester University.  I lived and worked in London, before moving to Hayling Island in 2014 to start my family.

I have spent my career in the IT industry working in multi-national companies and more recently in smaller technology businesses.  Currently I work as head of Marketing and Business Development for a small, Hayling based IT consultancy business.

Currently I have a son in Year 1 at Mengham Infant School.  I have been really impressed with the welcoming and caring atmosphere of the school.  The whole staff worked so hard to keep the children’s education going during lockdown and I think that speaks volumes about the school’s ethos.  As a governor, I would like to help the school to continue to provide a positive and nurturing environment that encourages all children to flourish and achieve their full potential.

Julie Collins (Co-opted Governor)

I grew up in Cornwall and after qualifying as an infant teacher in Devon, I moved to Swindon where I taught for three years in an open plan mixed year school.
After a break to have my two children, Adam and Helen, I moved to Hayling in 1989 and resumed my career as a supply teacher.

I was fortunate to join the staff of Mengham soon after. My roles included class teaching, language development and learning support. It was my role as Special Needs Coordinator that I consider my finest achievement.

After retiring in 2005, due to ill health, I am delighted to be reconnected with the school. I now serve on the Standards committee. I look forward to working with fellow Governors and teaching staff at a school that is very close to my heart.

Emma Topazio-Collis (Staff Governor)

I started teaching in 2011 and Mengham Infants is the second school that I have worked in. I attended the University of Chichester and gained a degree in Primary Education and Teaching. I taught in Reading first and then moved back to the South Coast with my husband. We now have 2 young children and love travelling to see our families, going on long walks on the beach and building dens in the woods. I have been Early Years Leader for most of my teaching carer so far and I am now part of the Senior Leadership Team as Assessment, Intervention and Vulnerable children lead.

I have been a staff governor for about 6 years now and really enjoy being part of the team, working together to ensure that we are aiming for the high standards our children at Mengham Infants deserve.

Lea-Anne Hyam (Parent Governor)

Following a career in care homes for adults with disabilities and dementia and after my children were born, I have acquired a lot of knowledge, experience and several qualifications in children’s mental health and well being.

I am often called upon to give advice to family and friends with children that have additional need. I pride myself in giving sound advice so that the children get what they need and that parents understand the process.

I have been part of the school community for many years, 9 of my nieces and nephews have attended the school and both of my children, with my youngest at the school now. For me, now is the right time for me to give something back to the school as a thank you for all of the support that they have given me over the years, so as a parent governor I am looking forward to putting my expertise into practice and supporting, as well as working with those in school and the governing body to maintain the high standards that they promote across the school.

Ann Rice ( Co-Opted Governor)

I have lived on Hayling Island for the past 40 years and retired from a career in the NHS in 2019. I have one daughter and my Grandson joined the school’s reception class in 2023. I am delighted to join the school’s governor team and have been warmly welcomed into this role. I care passionately about the education and well- being of young people to ensure they all have the opportunity to fulfil their potential and are happy and safe at school. Being a school governor is a new role for me and I am keen to learn and develop the expertise to fulfil this responsibility, working collaboratively with governor colleagues and the school staff for the benefit of all the children.

Rhian Gardner (Co-opted Governor)

I was brought up on Hayling Island, attending local schools, until I moved away to study Musical Theatre at Guildford School and Acting, and then Speech and Language Therapy at City University, London. I have been a practicing Speech and Language Therapist, specialising in early years and complex needs, since 2009. I returned to Hayling to raise my family in 2017, and both of my boys have attended, or are attending Mengham Infant School. As both a mother of neuro-diverse children and a practitioner working in special educational needs, I have been particularly impressed with Mengham Infants flexibility and child-centred approach to supporting students with additional needs.

Lyndsay Cook  (Co-opted Governor)

I grew up in Cowplain and after qualifying as an Infant teacher at WSIHE, I moved to Hayling Island 1999.

Four years ago I took early retirement after 32 years of teaching in infant schools, the last 20 of those as Headteacher in a Portsmouth school.

Volunteering is very much in my blood. I have been an adult member of Girlguiding undertaking roles of County Commissioner, Trainer and Safeguarding Lead Volunteer as well as work for the Royal Voluntary Service.

My connections to Mengham Infant School began 4 years ago when my nephew started in Yr R. Firstly, helping out at FOMS events and school trips then a becoming a volunteer reader, taking on the role of Governor felt like a natural progression!

I passionately believe infant education is a key part of a child’s development and feel that Mengham Infant School provides excellent quality educational and pastoral provision. As a governor I hope to be able to use my education background to support the school moving forward.