Steering Group

Phillip has worked in primary schools in Sutton for over twenty years, with experience as a teacher, PE subject leader and headteacher. He now leads the LEO Academy Trust, a group of six schools based in Sutton, Cheam and Worcester Park. He is also the secretary at Sutton Schools' FA and is a trustee at the Sutton United Youth & Community Foundation. Phillip provides a link between the steering group and the quality assurance of the partnership's strategic objectives.

The Sutton Schools Sport Partnership provides expert leadership and guidance for the development of PE, physical activity and school sport across the London Borough of Sutton and beyond. Invaluable support is also available in areas such as mental health, wellbeing and nutrition. As the CEO of an academy trust, I also make full use of the strategic leadership advice which is available from the partnership manager. This has brought about improvements to the quality of teaching and learning in PE and also a new approach to physical literacy and emotional support.

'I am a Councillor in Worcester Park and one of the Vice-Chairs of the People Committee, taking the lead on education in the borough. I'm a parent of three school age children who attend secondary and primary schools in the borough and a school governor at a Sutton school with a keen interest in sport and PE. It is vital that all children and young people in Sutton have the opportunity to participate in activities that lead to healthy and active lives and I'm pleased to be part of the partnership's steering committee.''

Havard is Headteacher of Foresters Primary School (part of the Sutton Education Trust), a strong believer in school sport and  partnership working across schools. With nearly 20 years in headship, he is able to offer ideas, support and act as a sounding board.

‘Working with the SSP has not only allowed our children to take part in a wide variety of competitive sport but has supported all our staff with high quality training and resources which has helped to develop confidence and competence to deliver high quality PE and physical activity throughout the school.’

I am proud to sit as chairperson of the SSSP Steering group. My role allows me the privilege of influencing the direction of the Partnership and hearing first hand the innovations Katie and her team devise to promote and embed good practice in all our schools.

Membership is continuing to grow and the service it provides to schools ensures that pupils in Sutton Schools who are part of the group receive the best opportunities to engage in movement, sport, competition and healthy lifestyles. The sports partnership is not just about sport. Healthy Heroes, Mind Up and the Mental Health First Aid courses ensure that pupils’ all round health and wellbeing are catered for in our member schools.

As part of the steering group, it is our responsibility to ensure best practice and support Katie and her team in developing opportunities to meet the needs of all pupils, support and provide training opportunities for staff and raise the profile of PE, sport and wellbeing in our schools.

Mick has spent his career working in outdoor education and teaching geography, and now works at Cognus as outdoor education adviser to schools in Sutton any beyond. He is passionate about children and young people having opportunities to challenge themselves by trying new activities, and developing interests and skills that lead to lifelong interests, and is pleased to support  the Partnership on the steering group as they provide a wide range of opportunities to Sutton schools. 

Tim has been a governor at St Marys Catholic federation in Carshalton for 11 years, having responsibility for SEN/Inclusion and Safeguarding. He also has been a Head of PE at a special school as well as a School Sports Coordinator, but now acts as a mainstream school advisor for vision impairment. His passion for inclusive PE and school games is reflected in his contributions to the steering group and delights in hearing of the SSSP commitment to providing a range of inclusive sporting opportunities through the year.

Amanda is headteacher of Stanley Park Junior School in Carshalton. Her experience from her own school days - where she played hockey at county level for Jersey - along with her experience as a teacher, means she has a very clear awareness of the value that sport can play in young lives.

“Sport is the perfect opportunity for our students to learn vital life lessons in teamwork, camaraderie and also to enjoy feeling the satisfaction that comes not just in sporting success but with any physical exercise. We have seen children surprise even themselves with their abilities and achievements, and the fact this can be done while doing something that they enjoy – and which could lay the foundation for a healthy life in the future – is all the better.” ​

Phil Jones is the Sport and Community Lead at The Federation of St Elphege’s Primary Schools. He is an avid lover of sport and believes all children should be given as many opportunities to participate in physical activity as possible. 

“PE and Sport is a vital part of a child’s education and it is imperative that organisations such as SSSP continue to be a driving force in bringing it to the forefront of children’s lives. The high quality support and training that that SSSP provide to teachers across the borough and the range and inclusiveness of the sporting events they run has been invaluable in ensuring outstanding PE lessons and sporting opportunities reach as many children as possible.”