Meet the Committee Members
Teaching and Learning Committee
Sapphire Lynch
I first joined the Governing Board at Redstart in 2019 and have served as Chair of Academy Councillors since 2021. I have worked as a translator for twenty years supporting expats living in the UK so I have a keen interest in supporting EAL children and as Link Councillor for Disadvantage I work with the school to ensure the best outcomes for all children regardless of their background. I am particularly interested in improving literacy and instilling a love of reading.
Rebecca Collins
I became Head of School at The Redstart Primary School on March 23rd 2020, a date to remember as it was the start of the first lockdown, though I had been Interim Head from January 2020. It was an odd feeling as I started my first day with just 25 children in school and almost 400 learning remotely. Prior to that I was Assistant Head at Redstart from 2017 when I made the move from London to Somerset with my family.
My husband Roy and I have two children together: Luke who is 10 and Freddie who is 7. Our weekends and spare time together mostly consist of driving them to sports fixtures and training though we also love to travel and explore new places. I have a passion for learning and have passed that onto my children so a perfect weekend for us (once rugby or cricket are done) is to travel around Somerset and neighbouring counties checking out castles, iron-age hill forts and beaches looking for adventure.
Jen Hill
I've been teaching at Redstart Primary School since 2014, and since 2020, I've had the joy of working with Reception class students. My focus is on nurturing their emotional development to boost their learning potential. I love sharing my passion for books with the children, hoping to instil a lifelong love of learning in them. Previously, I served as a school governor at my children's primary school, which deepened my commitment to education and community. I'm excited about the opportunity to serve on the Academy Council, where I can continue to support and nurture the next generation of learners.
Carlie Stroulger
Both my children attended The Redstart Primary School since Reception class.
I still currently have a child in Year 5 at Redstart while the other is now in secondary school.
I then joined The Redstart Primary School in October 2022 as a Receptionist/administrator.
The opportunity to become the staff support councillor came up and I thought it would be a great insight to see what goes on behind the scenes and to further my knowledge and skills.
I love working alongside the children and their families and giving them support and help.
It's just me and my boys and if I am not doing the football run, we go out exploring with our dog and go on many other little adventures.
Joanne Thompson
I have been connected to Redstart School since 2012 when we relocated to Somerset and my daughter joined in Year 4. As a family we were drawn to the values that are evident throughout the school and particularly the focus on Forest School opportunities. In September 2022 I became Secretary of the Friends of Redstart School as a way of giving my time and energy to enhance the experience of the children here through the additional experiences and resources that are provided by the charity.
When the opportunity to join the Academy Council came up, I recognised that I could use my experience as a primary school teacher to support the school in this role. I am passionate about all children having a positive experience of school, knowing that they are valued in a community that will help them discover their talents and fulfil their potential. My belief that all children should be supported to access the curriculum and be proud of their achievements has led me to take on the responsibility of SEND Lead on the council.
Joe Draper
Martin Richards
Nikki Tilley
I am a mother to 4 children, my youngest joined Redstart Primary in year R in September 2024. Redstart was our first choice school as it epitomises everything we were looking for in a school, strong community, caring culture and a wealth of experience amongst the teaching staff.
As a family we are very busy, with all my older children playing sport for various local clubs, however in our spare time we love to walk and you are most likely to find us at the beach in all weathers or wandering around a national trust property.
When the opportunity arose to become part of the Academy Council I knew I wanted to be involved, I have 17 years experience as a police officer predominantly working as a Detective within public protection roles and also have experience working as a teaching assistant whilst on a 5 year career break from policing during which I carried out one of the DDSL roles within the school I worked. I bring all my safeguarding experience to the council and have taken on the responsibility of the safeguarding link Councillor.
