Kate East Chair of Local School Board Kate is an educational psychologist by training with over 20 years’ experience of working with children with special educational needs in mainstream primary and secondary schools, special schools and FE colleges. Kate has worked as an Assistant Director of children’s services in the South West where she was responsible for the leadership of school improvement, early years, SEN, youth services, behaviour and attendance. Kate has also worked on government projects (Academy and Free Schools) for the Department for Education and the Department of Health (National Healthy Schools Programme).
Kate welcomes the opportunity to be Chair of Local School Board for SGS Pegasus School which will provide a special school nurturing environment for pupils with autism alongside opportunities to be included in their local community.
Claire Phillips Vice Chair of Local School Board Claire has over 30 years’ experience in education as a teacher, SENCo, advisory teacher and consultant and has worked with children, families and schools in South Gloucestershire over the last 13 years. Claire currently works as a Special Needs Adviser for Integra Schools, the traded arm of South Gloucestershire Local Authority, where she is the Communication & Interaction Lead and specialist in Autism. Claire has responsibility for advising and developing appropriate Autism guidance for both the LA and schools. She also gives Autism advice and coaching to mainstream and special schools.
Claire is also a trainer and professional partner with the Autism Education Trust and provides support and training for schools and families through Autism South West which has an annual conference and an Autism specific network for parents and carers.
Claire is delighted to be part of the governing body at Pegasus School and values the opportunity to support the school to make a difference in the lives of autistic pupils and their families.
Karen Damsell Local School Board Member Karen has a son who was diagnosed with Autism 8 years ago and has since then undertaken substantial training in this area. As a parent, Karen has experienced Resource Base primary and mainstream secondary schools and uses her experience of the strengths and weaknesses of these provisions to support Pegasus School.
As a Support worker with post 16 learners, Karen has experienced first-hand, that if support is tailored to the needs of the learner, their outcomes and achievements are significantly improved. Karen is very passionate about children on the Autistic Spectrum being given opportunities to fulfil their potential and believes that children at Pegasus School will get the tailored support that they deserve.
Liz Jarvis Local School Board Member Liz is a Registered Nurse with over 20 years experience working in both operational and senior management positions in various organisations across the NHS. Liz has a strong interest in quality, governance and safeguarding and a passion for life-long learning; having recently completed a MSc in Leadership and Management at the University of the West of England (UWE).
Liz feels privileged to have been appointed as Governor for the new Pegasus School and is excited at the prospect of working as part of the team to overcome the different challenges that will be faced to ensure that all children have the opportunity to achieve their full potential in a safe and supportive learning environment. Liz has lived in South Gloucestershire for over 16 years and in her spare time enjoys spending time with her family on long country walks with their two rescue dogs.
Chris Berry Local School Board Member Chris feels privileged to have been appointed by SGS Academy Trust as a governor of Pegasus School.
Chris is a solicitor by profession. Until his retirement from private practice in late 2017, he was a partner at a global City law firm specialising in real estate finance. As such, he has first-hand experience of staffing, resourcing and strategic planning for the longer term.
Having relocated with his family to South Gloucestershire, Chris divides his time between working as an independent legal consultant, supporting young carers in the local community and tutoring maths in-school (though on a voluntary basis) to GCSE level. For relaxation, Chris enjoys walking, gardening, reading and cooking.
Marc Cahill Local School Board Member
Mark Dee Local School Board Member
Deborah McClean Local School Board Member Deborah is a secondary English teacher with over 10 years’ experience. Her secondary education was completed in Belfast Royal Academy in Northern Ireland, and her BA and PGCE in Queens University, Belfast. She has led whole school literacy and currently occupies a leadership role within the sixth form in her current post. She has worked with young people and their families in various sectors of the community for many years, and passionately believes that all young people should be challenged and supported in their education.
Deborah has a keen interest in staff and student well-being and development, the value of targeted and informed assessment, as well as an interest in how women can play a leading role in education. She feels privileged to be appointed to the SGS Academy Trust as a member of Pegasus Local School Board, and hopes that her extensive experience in education will enable her to make a valued contribution to the development of Pegasus School.
Deborah is married with two children, is a published writer and poet, and currently lives in Bristol
Rachel Peart Parent Local School Board Member Rachel and her husband have one son who has attended SGS Pegasus since it’s opening. Rachel moved to the area 23 years ago to gain her Nursing qualification. For 20 years Rachel was a Registered Nurse working in Intensive Care, a very demanding job both mentally and emotionally. As an Intensive Care Nurse, she has experienced a wide proportion of society and gained essential communication skills.
For the last 3 years Rachel’s career has taken her in a different direction; she is now utilising her life experiences to work as the Support & Activities Manager for JIGSAW Thornbury, a local charity that supports children and their families with additional needs. This job has given her insight into the pathways families have experienced both with the Local Authority and NHS.
Rachel feels honoured to have been chosen as a parent representative on the LSB and is looking forward to helping overcome challenges met in the role.
In her spare time she likes to sew, bake and generally try any craft, with varying success!
Tracey Hains Parent Local School Board Member Tracey lives in South Gloucestershire and is married with two children (twins) one attending Pegasus School. She feels privileged to serve as a Parent Governor to help build on the successes of this new school.
After graduating from Bristol University, Tracey has had a successful career in high tech industry. She was a senior manager in the Research and Development department of a large US company before taking a career break to care for her family.
Tracey believes that everyone has the right to receive the best possible opportunities to reach their full potential. She strongly feels that in the right supportive environment all children can become confident learners, independent and feel proud of their achievements. She looks forward to helping the Governing body on its exciting journey to develop Pegasus into an outstanding school.
Lisa Day Clerk to Local School Board
SGS Berkeley Green UTC 
SGS Pegasus School 
The Forest High School 