Fred Jenkins: Chair of Governors. Co-Opted Governor

I have recently retired after working for many years in the field of career advice and guidance across Plymouth and West Devon within a wide range of mainstream and special schools, including most recently Longcause. I remain passionate about helping young people gain the utmost out of their education and are prepared for adult life including future employment. Over a number of decades I have gained a good knowledge of the further education/training sector within Plymouth and the wider South West, alongside an understanding of the local employment sector through regular conversations with employers. I hope to bring some of this knowledge to my role as Chair of Governors.

Trudi Skinner: Deputy Head Teacher and Co-opted Governor

I have been a Deputy Head at Longcause since September 2021. I have a passion for teaching and learning and want to drive ambition for all. 

Erin Jarvis: Co-opted Governor

Erin qualified as a speech and language therapist with a 1st class honours degree from the university of St Mark and St John in 2015. Prior to undertaking her first role as a community paediatric therapist in the NHS, Erin worked as a speech and language therapy assistant from 2009 and maintained this role throughout her training. Since qualifying, in addition to grass roots work in the NHS, Erin has worked within several more specialised roles including as a speech and language therapist at an independent school for children with social, emotional and behavioural difficulties (SEMH), traumatic adverse childhood experiences and/or neurodevelopmental disabilities including Autistic Spectrum Condition, Down Syndrome, Moderate Learning Disabilities, Selective Mutism and Brain Injury. Erin has worked within multi-disciplinary teams to assess and diagnose communication difficulties in children with complex histories since qualifying as a speech and language therapist and prefers to work in this way as it enables holistic assessment and support to be provided for the children under her care. Erin regularly undertakes professional development activities spanning the 3 domains of speech, language and social communication as well as children’s wellbeing. For instance, she has completed training in compassion focused therapy, adolescent neuro-development, child attachment/trauma and the role of speech and language therapists in supporting children with SEMH. Working as part of the multi-disciplinary team for Blossoming Minds is a welcome opportunity for Erin to continue to support children in a holistic and compassionate way so that they can be supported to make sense of their history, their unique strengths and difficulties and work therapeutically with families to ensure the child can thrive.

Nicholas Rich: Parent Governor

Formerly an IT systems professional in London, I now run a sailing company with my wife, Katie, here in Plymouth. My son joined Longcause in 2024. Becoming a Governor at Longcause benefits both me and the school, as it broadens my understanding of the education and SEND sector—particularly as my son has autism—allowing me to better grasp the challenges of government-funded education. I can then apply my experience in business, IT, and construction to help the school maximise resources and ensure diligence in new and ongoing projects.

Barney West: Parent Governor

My son joined the school late 2020 in one of the earlier classes. I have a huge interest in how the school develops and maintains the high standards it is known for. I know how integral a school is to young people's development with relationships and life skills and look forward to working with the governors board to ensure we provide the best available resources for our children. I have been a Royal Marine for over 15 years and have worked in both an operational and training environment. I am used to understanding compliance and policy, but I also understand the significance of school support for parents and students alike.

Ian Fleming: Staff Governor

I joined Longcause in mid 2019 and have previously worked in education settings for many years (Lecturer, Curriculum Manager and now Site manager) and feel I can bring this experience and a day-by-day overall operational view of the school to the Governing Body to help make Longcause the best it can be.