Governors

Welcome to the Governors Information Page

Chair of Governors: James Walker      

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 at least four times across the school year, and delegate some areas of work to committees. Our committees include Resources, Learning, Pay and the Head's Performance. Some governors are also responsible for particular aspects of school life and all governors visit the school regularly to learn and observe.

We are always pleased to hear from parents and stakeholders with views, questions and issues. In particular, we'd love to hear from anyone with an interest in becoming a governor. There are no specific qualifications or requirements 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.

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.

Meet Our Governors

James Walker - Chair of Governors

Co-opted governor

I became a governor when I left my teaching role at Birchwood to become a full-time SENCo in Sept 2020.  I have served terms as a parent governor at other schools (my son is now 17) and been a staff governor at previous schools where I have worked. Having been a teacher for 25 years now, I try and bring some of that experience to the governing body along with a passion for supporting the children and families with SEND.

Katie Lang - Vice-chair of Governors

Co-opted governor

I have been a Governor at Birchwood Avenue for a number of years and find it a privilege to be involved with the school and the Governing Board. My Profession is in music education, which I have been involved for over 25 years and was co-opted to the Governing Board and hope i can contribute my skills. I am link governor for ICT, Music and Geography. 

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, history 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