Welcome to the Governors Information Page

Chair of Governors: Libby Hughes

Vice-Chair of Governors: Jen Seaton Ulliot  

What do the Governors do?

The three main functions of the governing body are to:

• develop the ethos, vision and strategic direction of the school
• hold the school leader to account to ensure that every pupil has the best possible education
• oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent

The governors are not responsible for the day to day management of the school - this is the Headteacher's role. The Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team are also responsible for the implementation of the strategic framework established by the governing body, the implementation of the school's policies and the internal organisation of the school.

The full governing body formally meet together each half term to discuss details around school performance, development and the quality of education. We also have a dedicated Resources committee who focus on staffing, premises and the budget. Some governors are also responsible for particular aspects of school life and all governors visit the school regularly to learn and observe the school in action.

We are always pleased to hear from parents and stakeholders with views and questions. In particular, we'd love to hear from anyone with an interest in becoming a governor. There are no specific qualifications required for the role; you don't need to be a parent or have a background in education, we're just looking for a balance and diversity of backgrounds, knowledge, skills and experience and commitment to helping the school excel. The National Governors Association have put together this short film about the role which gives an insight in being a school governor:

The role of school governors and trustees - YouTube

You can contact us through the school office and one of us will get back to you as soon as possible. You can find out a little more about each of our governors below, and statutory information about the board can be viewed at the bottom of the page.

Equality Statement

We aspire to be a fully diverse and inclusive governing board. As part of this, all members of the board governors are strongly encourage to submit diversity information to a secure platform. Where enough responses are received, the Local Authority will then provide an anonymised summary to help the board understand how well is represents the school community that it serves. This information will be published here when possible.

Meet Our Governors

Libby Hughes (Chair)

Parent governor

I joined Birchwood Avenue’s governing board in 2018 as a parent governor, when my oldest child was in Year 1. I wanted to do something to support the school community that was serving my family and help the leadership team deliver its vision to enable every children grow and achieve their potential. I now have three children at the school and I love watching them enjoy learning each day. 

My professional background is as a Principal Statistician within the government; currently specialising in workforce analysis. 

As well as chairing the governing board, and am the link governor for Safeguarding and oversee the school’s support for Early Career Teachers.

Jennifer Seaton Ulliott (Vice Chair)

Parent governor

I joined the Governors Board as an associate member in 2022 and became a full governor in 2023. I have a son in year 3 who is neurodiverse and has a disability, so I have navigated the world of EHCPs and additional support. My daughter will hopefully be joining Birchwood Avenue when she is school aged.

I have a previously worked in local government supporting cabinet members, including the Cabinet Member for Education. I currently work for an education charity.

Eileen Anderson

Co-opted governor

I have spent my entire career working in primary education, as a teacher, headteacher, executive headteacher and now an adviser. Moving into an advisory role has allowed me the time to become a governor at Birchwood Avenue, where I hope I can use my knowledge and experience to support the headteacher and her team to do the best they can to enable the children at Birchwood to be happy and achieve their potential.

Anne Davis

Co-opted governor

Having lived in Hatfield for over 40 years, I have a great affection for Birchwood Avenue. My three grown up children attended, and I was a member of support staff for many years. 

In the past I have served as a staff Governor, and returned in 2018 as a co-opted member of the Governing body. I hope, in this role, to continue making a worthwhile and active contribution to the school.

Takudzwa Mumbure

Co-opted governor

I joined the governing board of Birchwood Avenue Primary School as an associate member in September 2022 and became a full governor in March 2023. I recently moved to Hertfordshire from Jersey in 2022 and wanted to find a way to give back to the community. I believe academic education plays a huge role in children’s development which leads to a better society.

I was in the education system as a relief teacher for 9 months after completing my A level exams. I am a chartered accountant by profession, I primarily work in private equity funds/ real estate operations. In my spare time I enjoy playing chess and football.

Nothando Tawoderza

Co-opted governor

When my son attended Birchwood Avenue as a child, I remember the school being very welcoming and nurturing. I joined the board of governors with the aim of being part of a group that actively supports the continuation of these values within the school environment.

Having worked in youth work and apprenticeships, along with fellow governors, teachers and school leadership, I hope to contribute in processes that will enhance the school.

Brandon Bourne

Co-opted governor

I joined the governing board in 2024 as a co-opted governor. I have been a secondary school teacher for three years and lived in Hatfield for the last five years, after attending the university for my Masters degree. I love teaching and want to give back anyway I can, which was a primary reason I joined the governing board. I mainly teach Economics and Business, and want to share my expertise on the board to enhance Birchwood for our current students and students yet to come. Outside of teaching, I love writing, cooking and dancing.

Eseosa Igberasese

Parent governor

Sue Jowett

Local Authority Governor

I have lived in Hertfordshire for many years and have previously been a governor at the primary school my children all attended. I have four grown up children and seven grandchildren. The grandchildren all attend schools in Hertfordshire.

My background is in healthcare, originally as a nurse, then a health visitor and service manager. During my career I have had considerable involvement in child health and this continues to be a particular interest. I hope that this experience will be of use in this role.

Lynne Tilley

Staff governor

I have been part of the Birchwood Avenue Primary School community as a parent since 2015, then as a member of staff since 2018.

I have lived in the Birchwood area for 22 years, which has given me invaluable knowledge and understanding of the school and its community. I welcome the opportunity to use my skills and enthusiasm to help achieve the best possible outcomes for the staff, children and to support the future direction of the school.

Emma Hall

Headteacher

I was appointed as headteacher of Birchwood Avenue Primary School in September 2023 and am very excited about working with all stakeholder groups in our school community. I have been working in primary education for 15 years and am passionate about literacy and the creative arts. I have created curriculums which are inclusive and reflect the diversity in a school community.

My vision is to provide a rich school experience for all pupils that awakens their natural curiosity and provide them with a set of transferrable life skills which will support them throughout their futures.