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 A Burton

Headteacher

Having been born and brought up in Halesowen on the edge of the Black Country, I came to Nottingham to complete my degree and never left! I have been part of the Sawley community for a very long time. I began my career in headship working alongside the previous headteacher in 2009, taking over full time in 2010. I have watched Sawley Junior School grow and develop since I first started teaching here. It is a fabulous place to work: I have never ceased to admire the resilience, curiosity and aspirations of Sawley children and I am very proud when they are complimented about the way they conduct themselves. I feel very privileged to lead such a dedicated team of adults whose ultimate aim is to ensure high quality education for all our children.

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

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 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