Governors

Welcome to the Governors Information Page

Chair of Governors: Mr J Walker      

What do the Governors do?

The three main functions of the governing body are:

• To provide a strategic overview by setting aims and objectives for the school and by adopting policies and setting targets for achieving those aims and objectives.
• To monitor and evaluate the schools progress towards achieving its aims and to act as a “critical friend” to the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) by supporting and challenging them in managing the school.
• To ensure accountability to the pupils, the parents, the local community, the local authority and the staff with the aim of raising standards and improving the outcomes for the pupils at our school.

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 governing body meet once a term (six times per year) and delegate some areas of work to committees. The governing body has established the following committees: Resources, Learning, Pay and the Head's Performance.
Examples of the work undertaken by governors are:

• Setting and reviewing targets for pupil performance.
• Approving and reviewing the school budget, along with the Headteacher.
• Interviewing candidates for Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher positions.
• Setting objectives and targets for the Headteacher  and monitoring their performance

Please remember you can always contact us through the school office and one of us will get back to you as soon as possible, alternately you can email us at: governor@birchwoodavenue.herts.sch.uk

We are committed to providing a fully inclusive environment for all at Birchwood Avenue Primary School.

Meet Our Governors

James Walker - Chair of Governors

Co-opted

Katie Lang - Vice-chair of Governors

Co-opted governor

Nick Read

Head teacher

I joined Birchwood Avenue Primary School as Headteacher in 2019. Prior to this, I had the wonderful experience of working in a range of primary Hertfordshire schools for 10 years, including another Headship and other Senior Leadership positions for 7 years. Hertfordshire is a diverse county and each school has allowed me to enhance my knowledge and skillset, working with unique opportunities and challenges that school life brings.

My professional passions are teaching pedagogy and planning; the primary English curriculum; and the therapeutic approach to behaviour management. I am at my happiest when I am in the classroom teaching or supporting and working alongside other teachers to further develop their own practice.

Libby Hughes

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 strategic workforce planning. As a governor, I chair the Learning Committee, and am the link governor for writing, geography and oversee the school’s support for Early Career Teachers.

Cassandra Gillett

Parent governor

I have been a parent governor for the last 3 years. I am a mum of 4, my eldest is 17 and all have attended Birchwood Avenue Primary School, so I have been a part of the school community for the last 14 years and watched it change and grow. 

I am currently the safeguarding lead, and enjoy getting a chance to talk to our parents, staff and children to help our school motivate and nurture lifelong learning.

Jason Gillett

Parent governor

Jason is a director at a local asbestos removal company, Jason's main role and responsibility is to take an overview of the execution of the contracts delivered by Asbestech, working closely with his team to ensure that they successfully deliver the high standards demanded by themselves and their clients. As part of the senior leadership team within his remit is also helping to ensure compliance with relevant SHEQ regulations and helping to ensure the company’s financial performance allows them to meet their goals. 

Jason has had children attending Birchwood Avenue since 2008 and currently has 1 child at the school. Outside of work Jason enjoys spending time carrying out as many different types of activities with his family with hiking being a particular favourite pastime.

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.

Alison Mowatt

Staff governor

I have been a member of staff at Birchwood Avenue since 2014 and have served as staff governor for the last two years. I enjoy bringing my experience of education, and our school specifically, to the governing board. 

Caroline Greening

Clerk