Governors
The Governors are responsible for strategic decisions about how the school is run, in partnership with the Headteacher, staff and the Local Education Authority (Herts County Council). Governors are representatives of the community ranging from parents to local council representatives. The Governing Body meetings take place half termly.
Chairs Welcome
On behalf of all Governors, a warm welcome to Woolenwick Junior School.
As school Governors we have an important role in monitoring the safety, welfare and education of all of our children. We work collectively and strategically as a corporate body to drive forward the school’s vision.
Governors do not manage the school, this is the role of the Headteacher and the Senior Leadership team. Instead we oversee the development of the school by working closely with them to monitor and provide supportive challenge, ensuring our children receive the best.
These are some examples of some of our areas of responsibility:
- Monitoring pupil achievement and progress and pupil safety
- Ensuring statutory requirements are met and achieved
- Financial oversight
- Setting strategic priorities for the school’s continued development and improvement
- Safeguarding of children and staff
The members of the Governing Body are proud and privileged to be able to contribute to the leadership of Woolenwick Juniors for the benefit of all children, parents and staff. We hope you will take time to get to know your Governing Body and please feel free to get in touch at any time.
Find out more about becoming a school governor here
Governing Body Members
Wayne Hanson-Prince
Chair of Governors Co-opted governor Maths Term of office from 23 Mar 2021 to 22 Mar 2025 First appointed on 11 Nov 2020 |
I’m a civil servant currently working at the environment department (Defra) and I’ve lived in the area since 2016.
Until recently, I was a tutor at the Open University business school and have some experience as a private tutor and supply teacher. I also have experience dealing with mental health and safeguarding issues as a former panel member for a local youth offending team. I enjoy travelling and spent a year in Japan as an English language tutor after university. I’m also interested in politics and current affairs, music (I play the piano, though I’m a bit rusty these days) and walking my Boston Terrier Bruno! As the first person in my immediate family to go to university I’m passionate about ensuring that every child has the opportunities and support they need to grow and thrive, so I’m really looking forward to working with my fellow governors to help the school in any way I can.
My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibilities are: Maths I also support the school by being an integral part of the Finance Committee Full Governing Board Headteacher's Pay Committee Working Party for Strategy |
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Joanne O’Reilly
Co-Vice Chair of Governors Co-Opted Governor English and Science Term of office from 29 Jun 2021 to 28 Jun 2025 First appointed on 30 Jun 2020 |
Hello, my name is Jo O’Reilly and I am one of the Governors at Woolenwick Junior School.
My Governing Board Link Subject Responsibilities are: English I also support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body Headteacher's Pay Committee Working Party for Strategy |
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Sarah Millard
Co-opted Governor Pupil Premium Term of office from 17 Apr 2023 to 17 Apr 2027 |
I am a Co-opted member of the governing board after starting at the school in September 2021 as a class teacher and being a staff governor until I left the school in April 2023 to take up a new role as an education officer for the MS charity. I was born and raised in Letchworth and attended primary and secondary schools in the town. I have worked in this school for nearly two years and was teaching year 3 as well as being the phase leader for lower key stage two. In the past, I have taught a range of year groups from year 1 to 6 and have now been teaching in schools for 10 years. Prior to this, I have taught and coached children to swim for 20 years as well as worked in several support roles in schools.
My Governing Board Link Subject Responsibilities are: Pupil Premium I also support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body
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Keith Westcott
Co-opted Governor Health & Safety
Term of office from 12 Feb 2020 to 11 Feb 2024 First appointed on 12 Feb 2020 |
My name is Keith Westcott. I am a retired Electrician. I have worked in Building Maintenance for the last 30 years. I have worked for Marks & Spencers department store in Marble Arch London and many other store’s in my working life. For past 18 years I have worked at the Spirella Building in Letchworth Garden City. I have lived in Stevenage since 1966 and close to Woolenwick Junior School for the last 45 years. Both my children went to Woolenwick and are both now married. I have 2 grandchildren aged 16 and 13 from my Sons marriage. My interests include Sport (mainly football); History/Genealogy. I hope to be able to support the school with my knowledge of buildings maintenance and Health & Safety.
My Governing Board Link Subject Responsibilities are: Health & Safety I also support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body |
Clair Friedrich Co-opted Governor SEND/Inclusion/CLA Term of office from 12 Feb 2020 to 11 Feb 2024 First appointed on 12 Feb 2020 |
I have lived in Stevenage most of my life, I lived in London for eleven years when I turned 19 and promptly returned to be close to my parents when I fell pregnant with twin girls (now 9). I started my career in hotels in London and spent nine years of my working life in the Metropolitan Police Service as an Event Manager. I then worked as the National Sales Director for a hotel chain across the UK. This took me to many Cities and many Countries and I loved my job however I loved my husband and children more and missed them terribly so when my children reached the age of seven, and one of my daughters was diagnosed with Dyslexia, I decided to change my life and career entirely and took a leap into the world of education. My first role was at a local SEMH school and then I was lucky enough to move on to a local senior school as the Support & Inclusions Manager, which I absolutely LOVE. I now spend so much quality time with my family and have no regrets. In order to support my daughter to the best of my ability I aimed to work within the SEN departments in order to gain as much knowledge as possible. I have a real passion to help children with learning difficulties, hence my link role as Governor. I am also in my third year of Counselling at college and hope to explore this more when I qualify. In my spare time I am a horse rider, dog lover and holiday lover!
My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibilities are: SEND/Inclusion I also support the school by being an integral part of the Finance Committee Full Governing Body Headteacher's Pay Committee Working Party for Strategy |
Karen Jones
Staff Governor Curriculum Term of office from 17 Apr 2023 to 17 Apr 2027 First appointed on 5 Sep 2018 |
I am a staff member of the governing board after serving for 4 years as a staff governor and an associate member. I was born and raised in London. I attended primary and secondary schools in Barnet, North London. I have been working in the school for 4 years. I have taught years 3,5 and 6 in our school. In the past, however, I have taught all year groups from Nursery upwards having been a teacher for 26 years.
My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibilities are: Governor Recruitment I also support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body |
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Sandra Alloo
Associate Member Finance Term of office from 30 Jun 2020 to 29 Jun 2024 First appointed on 30 Jun 2020 |
I am an associate governor on the finance committee. I was born in Manchester and subsequently support Manchester United Football club. I have lived in Stevenage since 2001. Through the years I have been lucky enough to have travelled and lived in various parts of the world. I have in this time learnt a few different languages and experienced many different cultures. I support the school by being an integral part of the Finance Committee. |
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Kelly Harris
Associate Member Finance Committee Chair Term of office from 28 Jun 2021 to 27 Jun 2025 First appointed on 28 Jun 2021 |
I am a charted accountant and have worked in many different sectors throughout my career from House builders, Chemical manufacturing to Essential Infrastructure. I have lived in Stevenage for over 16 years.
My niece currently attends Woolenwick Juniors and I intend to support the development of the school by providing my financial knowledge.
My Governing Board Link Subject Responsibilities are: Finance I also support the school by being an integral part of the Finance Committee Full Governing Body |
Melanie Wearn
Co-opted Governor Safeguarding Term of office from 28 Jun 2021 to 27 Jun 2025 First appointed on 28 Jun 2021 |
I joined the governing body as an associate governor in July 2021. My background is in Social work having worked with children, young people, and families for the last 21 years. I currently work with children who have experienced early childhood trauma and support/ train carers, professionals and families to understand how best to support them, helping the children to begin the healing process with positive support around them, to nurture their understanding and help them to feel safe.
I have lived in Stevenage for the past 32 years and lived close to the school for the last 15 years. All four of my children aged 21- 8 years have attended both the infant and Junior school, and I now want to give something back. I have a passion for education and want to support the school in helping each and every child to thrive and achieve all that they can for their future, in a safe and nurturing environment. For me every day is a school day, even for adults and I believe that we all learn from everything we do. In my down time I enjoy walking and spending time with the family as well as reading.
My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibilities are: Attendance Safeguarding Single Central Record (SCR) I also support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body |
Joe O'Dea Associate Member PE and Sports Premium
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I have a huge passion for sport and am currently studying for a BA (Hons) Degree in Sports Studies at the University of Hertfordshire. Once I have completed my Degree, I intend to take a PGCE course with the ultimate aim of teaching sport within the sector of further education. Whilst studying, I am also working as a multi-sports coach for Super Star Sport. I am an associate member of the Governor's Board.
My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibilities are: P.E. and Sports Premium PSHE Education |
Laura Burt Co-Vice Chair of Governors Co-opted Governor Term of Office February 2023 to February 2027
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I have lived in Stevenage all my life, and have two sons in the Woolenwick community. I have a particular interest in SEN provision to ensure that all children are afforded the opportunity to succeed and I truly see this in action in Woolenwick Junior School. I also love to see sports integrated into school life; teaching children teamwork, discipline, hard work and also the impact it can have to their mental wellbeing. In my spare time, with two active boys, we love all things rugby, getting outdoors, being on the beach in all weathers and camping!
My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibilities are: Computing Equalities GDPR I also support the school by being an integral part of the Finance Committee Full Governing Body |
Maxine Gorvett Parent Governor Term of Office 23 March 2023 to 22 March 2027
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I am a working mum of two daughters in school. I have a strong belief in equal opportunities and have volunteered time to several initiatives over the years to this end. I believe that everyone should have the opportunity to succeed in life and that good schools are key to making this happen. I am excited to be on the governing board to help in any way I can and to enable the teaching staff to focus on nurturing and growing the next generation.
My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibilities are: Geography History School Website I also support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body |
Nicola Griffiths Parent Governor Term of Office 23 March 2023 to 22 March 2027
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Having lived in Stevenage my whole life, and as mum to two girls, I am pleased to now be on the Board of Governors to play an active role in supporting the school. I have spent the past 20 years working in HR in various financial services organisations, where I have seen the direct impact of education experience on future career opportunities. I am passionate about working to ensure that all children have a good early years experience to maximise their own potential.
My Governing Board Subject Link Responsibilities are: Art & D&T Modern Languages Music I also support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body |
Kayleigh Kingsland Clerk to Governors |
I work for HFL Education and is an independent professional clerk providing administrative and organisational support to the Governing Board. I also provides guidance to ensure that the Board works in compliance with the appropriate legal and regulatory framework and advises on procedural matters relating to the operation of the Board.
I support the school by being an integral part of the Full Governing Body
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To find out more about the members of our Governing Body please see documents listed below. If you need any further clarification regarding our Governing Body and the work that they do please contact either the Chair of Governors or Clerk via the school office.
Governing Board Meetings Attendance Record 2023/2024
Statutory Declarations/Confirmations 2023
Governing Board Meetings Attendance Record 2022/2023Terms of Reference for Committees 2023