Meet the Governors

The governors at Sawley Junior School play an integral part in the running of the school.

The governing body is made up of a variety of individuals from different backgrounds including community governors and parents.  All the governors are volunteers who are committed to offering their time, expertise and support to the school.

Governor meetings are held regularly after school, approximately 4 times a year, although governors regularly make informal visits the school to view and monitor progress with the curriculum, environment and ethos of the school. The school governors also undergo regular training to keep them up to date with the latest issues concerning the school.

The governors act as a critical friend to the school and are responsible for monitoring the school's performance. They work with the school to raise standards and maintain high standards of behaviour and attendance.   

Being a governor can be a challenging but also a very rewarding experience. The governors all believe that the children at Sawley Junior School deserve the very best. We all bring our own skills and experiences to the role and are committed to giving our time and energy to support and move the school forward.

We are proud of our school and we have the greatest confidence in recommending it to you for your child or children.

Mrs Natalie Sisson

Headteacher

I was born and bred in Nottingham and spent my childhood living in different parts of Nottinghamshire. After studying at Nottingham Trent University, I qualified as a teacher in 2006. I joined Sawley Junior School as Head of School in September 2024, spending my first year really getting to know the school and getting under its skin. In September 2025, I was proud to take on the role of Headteacher, following on from Mrs Burton, who had led the school with dedication for 16 years.

I am passionate about Sawley Juniors being a nurturing and inclusive place where every child is supported to succeed—not just academically, but in developing the character, resilience and confidence they need for the next stage of their education and for life beyond. I feel privileged to lead such a dedicated team and to be part of a community that always puts children at the heart of everything we do.

Mr Chris White

Parent Governor - Chair of Governors

My day job is in Sales Management and Strategy, and I feel that the skills utilised, for example budgeting, finance, HR, hiring and managing staff, data analysis and dealing with confidential information, will transfer well to the work of parent governor. My leadership role relies on me asking difficult questions and challenging the norm with equity and diplomacy.
I am lucky enough to have the time to commit to the role as my company provide time off for volunteering. This means that I can attend meetings, training and visit the school during the day when required. This is a great opportunity to give some time to the school that support the children to aspire, achieve, and thrive.
I am keen to support the school, the children and all the staff who work so hard to keep this place running smoothly.

Term of Office: 30.01.2023 to 30.01.2027

Responsibilities: Chair of Governors & Safeguarding

Mr E Webb

Staff Governor

Born in Staffordshire and raised in Leicestershire, I decided to enter the profession of teaching after being, variously, a Lab Technician for a concrete company, a Lifeguard, an Estate Agent and a Sales Representative, I was accepted to study teaching at Liverpool where I graduated with a first class degree in Primary Teaching. 

I have worked throughout the East Midlands within teaching, with experience in Special Educational Needs Coordination, senior teaching roles and coordinating many areas of the curriculum from Science to Design and Technology. 

It is since being at Sawley junior School that I have returned to my first passion – Art and Design.  I feel very honoured to have received the confidence of my colleagues in being asked to be a representative for their views and the views of the student on the Sawley Junior School Academy Governing Body.

Term of Office: 5.05.2022 to 4.05.2026

Responsibilities : Equality & Diversity and Curriculum

Ms Laura Hammond

Parent Governor

I am the parent of one child at Sawley Junior School and a younger child.  We live in Sawley and I was once at Sawley School myself.  I find the thoughts and ideas of children fascinating- they could teach us grown ups a thing or two, that’s for sure! But I have a special interest in their development and growth. I feel its important to listen to them and make sure they have the happiest, safest and most for filling childhood they can. School is a massive part of their lives, so I believe its important to make sure it’s a positive experience for all of them.  My aim as a school governor is to listen to all those involved within the school; teachers, children, parents and the wider community. I feel strong partnership working is important and by working as a team, the school will continue to provide an excellent foundation for our children to flourish from.  

Term of Office: 13.11.2024 - 13.11.2028

Responsibilities: TBA

Michael Rees

Parent Governor

I work in education and have been previously sat on academic boards which form part of university governance. I believe this background gives me a unique insight into educational governance and the skills to help address the challenges and opportunities facing the school, and the sector more broadly. I have two children currently attending the school, so am committed to ensuring that they, along with all other students, receive the best possible education in a nurturing and supportive environment. As a parent, I have a firsthand understanding of the concerns and hopes that other families share. I aim to represent these viewpoints and work with fellow governors, teachers, and other key staff to ensure the best student outcomes and well-being of children who attend the school. 

Term of Office: 13.11.2024 - 13.11.2028

Responsibilities: TBA

Rev Anne Wilkins

I am Priest – in Charge of All Saints and St Mary’s Sawley and moved here in 2023 from North Somerset. I have been ordained for 30 years and have always been involved with schools. In my last parish I was a governor for 12years and was very involved there. I have two grown up children and know that it is important that children are happy and feel safe in school in order to reach their full potential. I believe it is important to nurture the whole child. As a governor I see my role as one of listening to children, staff and parents. I have already been involved in school and I hope to become even more involved. It has been good to develop the church’s relationship with the school. I am also involved with Sawley Infants, which I also believe will be of benefit. I believe that Sawley Juniors is a wonderful school and look forward to seeing it flourish even more.

Term of Office: 27.03.2025- 27.03.2028

Responsibilities: TBC

Cassie Adams

Staff Governor

I became a staff governor in Autumn 2024.  I am currently working as a Higher Level Teaching Assistant (HLTA) at Sawley Junior School.  I am keen to support the school to achieve the best outcomes for all our our children.  

Term of Office: 26.11.2024 - 26.11.2028

Responsibilities: SEND 

Mrs Diane Dakin

Clerk to Governors 

The purpose of the role is to:

• Provide advice to the governing body on governance, constitutional and procedural matters.
• Provide effective administrative support to the governing body and its committees.
• Ensure the governing body is properly constituted.
• Manage information effectively in accordance with legal requirements.

Governors who have served on the governing body over the last 12 months.

Mrs Alison Burton- Headteacher- Term of Office 1.9.2010- 31.8.2025

Mrs Luise Taylor - Staff Governor - Term of Office: 1.11.2014 to 31.08.2024

Mr Jon Hemsley - Parent Governor - Term of Office: 22.03.2021 to 31.08.2024

Mr Paul O'Connor - Community Governor - Term of Office: to 31.08.2024