Woodley School and College

I was honoured to be asked to be a governor at the then Longley School when I retired some eight years ago. I had considered it a privilege to work there for many years as a class teacher, middle leader and later at senior leadership level. I studied for a Masters degree in Special Education and Inclusion at Manchester University. It was during this time that the first small provision for six children with autism was set up.

It has been lovely to see the school as it has gradually grown and developed to the present Woodley School and College. Personally, I operate from the position that everyone is worth the same so this is why I am passionate about our pupils, our families, our staff and the school itself. I continue to be able to give of myself to Woodley and now very much enjoy making a strategic difference through the responsibility of governance.

Specific Responsibilities

• CLA, Child Protection and Safeguarding Governor

Linked Area

• Teaching and Learning
• Safeguarding
• Leadership and Management

Specific Responsibilities

• CLA, Child Protection and Safeguarding Governor

Linked Area

• Teaching and Learning
• Safeguarding
• Leadership and Management

With an honours degree in biochemistry and a master’s degree in education, Warwick worked in Kirklees 11-16 High Schools for 31 years, firstly as a science teacher followed by 15 years as a senior leader, including 10 years as a head teacher. He then worked for over 10 years until retirement as a senior education officer for Kirklees Council, with a particular focus on strategic planning, resourcing, governance, and admissions. Warwick is committed to providing the most disadvantaged and vulnerable young people with the equality of opportunities to achieve their potential. He worked in schools in challenging circumstances and as an officer to ensure that all expertise and resources were focused on closing the achievement gap. Warwick has been a school governor for over 20 years.

Specific Responsibilities

• Equality Governor
• Pupil Premium Governor (all government grants)

Linked Area

• Achievement
• EHCPs
• Resources

My son joined Woodley in 2021 and I quickly realised how passionate the staff were and how they positively helped his development.

When the role of Parent Governor came up, I didn’t hesitate to put myself forward.

I enjoy speaking to other Woodley parents on school drop off and pickup. I also attend the monthly coffee mornings where I get to listen to other parents views which I can then communicate to the school.

I have a senior position at work and have been employed at the same place for 18 years.

I have been qualified and practiced in British Sign Language for 18 years.

I am a volunteer for a local church where I am a team leader for Kids Work. I look after 4-7 year olds during Sunday service.

Specific Responsibilities

• CLA, Child Protection and Safeguarding Governor

Linked Area

• Communication
• Behaviour and Attitudes
• Personal Development and Wellbeing
• Safeguarding

I have been working at Woodley School & College since 2017. Alongside my role as Achievement Leader/Class Teacher, I am the staff Governor at Woodley School & College. This role means that I can bring a staff viewpoint and perspective to discussion and debate. As a person, I am very passionate about doing all that I can to ensure all of our staff and students achieve their full potential and have the best possible quality of life.

Specific Responsibilities

• Governor training contact

Linked Area

• Behaviour and attitudes

I have been the Children & Family Manager at Woodley since September 2006. I came to Woodley, which was then known as Longley, to have the privilege over the years of seeing the school grow and develop to what we now know as our Specialist Special School & College for pupils with Autism. Since that time the school has gone through a lot of exciting changes and developments.

My working experience has been in education working in various schools across Kirklees with the then Exclusion & Reintegration Team offering continuing support to children with complex needs before starting Longley / Woodley. Throughout this time, I have built up links with social care, health, police and many other agencies that support me in my role today. I believe very much in working alongside families, building relationships where they feel supported and encouraged to make change where necessary.

I currently work as the lead DSL (Designated Safeguarding Leader) and Children & Family Senior Manager where my role is to support staff, students and parents with any issues that cause barriers to learning, i.e. child protection issues, behaviour, attendance, social and emotional issues etc. plus I am a mum to two adult daughters and now have a beautiful Granddaughter.

Every child has the right to access what they need to have a good life and I hope to put my experience to good use to ensure Woodley remains a safe space for the children and young people to learn and develop.

Specific Responsibilities

• Governor training contact

Linked Area

• Teaching and Learning

Originally from North East London I moved to Yorkshire to train to be a Middle School teacher. I spent some eighteen years in teaching both Primary and Secondary, with a five year spell out of teaching to work for a homelessness charity in Leeds. I trained for the Methodist ministry in Durham and have been in Huddersfield since 2013. I am minister at four churches. I enjoy model making, reading, especially about history, and I am a lifelong West Ham United supporter.

Specific Responsibilities

• Early Years Governor
• Wellbeing Governor

Linked Area

• Communication
• Behaviour and Attitudes
• Personal Development and Wellbeing