Governors (ID 1062)

• Simon Griffiths
  Chair of Governors & Nominated Safeguarding Governor
  Simon Griffiths

  ,

• Jonathan Curtis
  Headteacher / Virtue of office
  Jonathan Curtis

• Chris Headdock
  Staff Governor
  Chris Headdock

• Leanne Doherty
  Co-opted Governor
  Leanne Doherty

• Alexandra Webster
  Parent Governor
  Alexandra Webster

  My name is Alexandra although I go by the name Alex for those that know me best.

  I am a parent governor and am a parent to a child who attends Hawthorns School. This is a new role for me and I look forward to working with both the school and families to help achieve the best outcomes for our children.

  Although I am taking an employment break from the NHS at present, my professional background is a Biomedical Scientist. I have experience of clinical governance, quality management and efficient teamwork. I feel my background brings many transferable skills to the role of parent governor.

  I’m a strong believer in co-production as I feel that by working together this will achieve the highest possible outcomes for our children. I feel the best outcome is always achieved by the right pathway, for the right child at the right time for them in their own personal development.

  The reason I wished to become a parent governor was because my child has gained so much being at Hawthorns that as a family I felt we needed to give something back to the school.

  During my free time I run a SEN Tomiki Aikido club and enjoy sewing along with long muddy family walks in the countryside.

• Samantha Wilde
  Co-opted Governor
  Samantha Wilde

  Hello! I'm Samantha, better known as Sam or Mum. I have three amazing children. Two have Special Education Needs, one of whom is a current pupil at Hawthorns primary school.
  I have a professional background in Health and Social care and learning disabilities. Although currently, I am a full time Parent carer.
  I am fiercely passionate about advocating for the SEN community and raising awareness. I fill my spare time furthering my knowledge on all aspects of neurodiversity by attending workshops, training courses and networking with others.
  Family time is very much child led. We enjoy outdoor activities such as; jumping in muddy puddles, days at the beach and walking our new puppy, Luna.
  The role of a governor is completely new to me but one I find incredibly exciting. Having worked in a multi-agency industry and being a SEN parent I have seen and still see, first hand, how absolutely vital co-production is in achieving the best possible outcomes for our children and their families.
  I look forward to being able to use my skills, lived experiences and passion working with Hawthorns and the Hawthorns families and contributing to the success of the school.

• Moira Thompson
  Co-opted Governor
  Moira Thompson

  Moira is an experienced SEND leader- formerly Executive Principal of Hawthorns School.
  She has had a successful and long career dedicated to the SEND sector.
  Moira is a National Leader of Education and has contributed and participated in a wide range of local, regional and national SEND networks.
  Moira has supported special and mainstream schools both locally and as far as the North East focussing on key issues to enable strong strategic planning.
  She works with all leadership teams across the MAT, as an independent consultant, coaching and mentoring leaders.
  Moira is a strong advocate of ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard and believes they make a great contribution to the development of schools.
  Currently, Moira works alongside colleagues to coordinate the Accountability and the ADDO Frameworks and processes within the MAT.
  Moira has worked with the Senior Leaders, Governors, Trustees and Governance Professionals in the New Bridge MAT as well as working with the Training and Development team.

• Zainab Nasko
  Parent Governor
  Zainab Nasko

  First I identify as a carer and a mother of 5 beautiful children, 2 of which are diagnosed with autism. I am also a postgraduate diploma holder in Biomedical science. However, I am now a dedicated, companionate and friendly trained mental health coach and peer support worker and a mental health first aider. I am presently writing my thesis on listening spaces towards completion of my masters in psychological wellbeing in clinical practice at Manchester Metropolitan University. I am a people’s person, enjoy volunteering my time towards humanitarian courses especially around mental health issues, disabilities, families and children. I love cooking, entertaining and nature.