Jenny Long

Parent Governor

I have been asked to write a little about myself.  I grew up in Dorset and later in Hampshire.  I went to the University of Portsmouth where I trained as a nurse and then to train as a solicitor at East London University, College of Law Guildford and Canterbury to complete my training. Having worked for 4 years as a criminal defence solicitor in Crown, Magistrates’, Youth Courts and Police Stations I went on to an advisory role as a counter-fraud officer, working with Local Government and DWP policy.

I have two boys, 16 and 11, both happy in new schools this year, and we have a Russian/German exchange student living with us and attending a local college.

I have had students staying with us long and short term for four years, from Europe and from as far away as China, and we paddleboard and walk our rescue sheepdog in the evenings.

I currently work as a respiratory nurse in the community covering a rural area, 30 hours a week, and I have been a nurse for 26 years in various roles from ED to ITU, surgery, acute medicine and ophthalmology.

My free time is taken up as Akela (cub-scout leader) of a local cub pack where we manage two packs between two ‘Akelas’, totalling 42 cubs with a varied range of activities from climbing to camping, sailing to nature walks.  Unfortunately, Covid put paid to our 150+ young people attending camp this year – but next year for sure!  I work with children with differing abilities, and disabilities, successfully integrating all.  I also work supporting families with children who have additional needs and the challenges faced where provision is limited and there is a fight for cash from an ever-dwindling pot.  I have supported appeals and court cases, assisting with legal, schooling and GDPR issues.

I like to think that my skills are transferable, and that working with autistic children has enabled me to think outside of the box for solutions.  I hope my experience will come in useful, and that my grounding in things legal will help with policy review.  I know this be a rewarding role and look forwards to joining such a forward-thinking school.