Local Academy Board (Governors)

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Kylie Barnes

Co-opted

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Elaine Capper

Staff

I have been at Willow Wood since 2011. I am in my second term as staff governor and have enjoyed the opportunity to be closely involved with our school journey over the last few years. It has been an interesting and exciting time for us and will continue now we are part of Concordia MAT. Within my teaching career I have worked with all ages, both Primary and Secondary within specialist settings and in the Mainstream, currently teaching within our Resource Provision- a role I love as it involves getting to know our families as well as the children in our group. On a personal level I love to garden, enjoy my yoga and love to spend time with close family.

Samantha Guy

Parent

Having been a passionate advocate for support all SEN children, including my own, I am absolutely thrilled to be a Parent Representative on the Local Academy Board. It is not always easy or comfortable advocating for your child, and it often requires great determination and resolve. However, I am and always will be unapologetic and unwavering in the ultimate goal of ensuring the continuation of the great care and support provided at Willow Wood and ensure we are collectively doing everything to further its development and success for its student population.

This school and its values align greatly with my own. Ensuring happy, safe and secure environments for children has been my life’s work. I have worked with children with SEN, in Early Years childcare as well as working with many young people in care. I have worked with vulnerable children and young adults from a diverse range of backgrounds and appreciate the complexity and nuances that come with this type of work.

The commitment of Willow Wood’s staff to ensuring such a high standard of care is the reason I decided to become a Parent Representative. It is so important that we as parents take ownership and have direct involvement in our children’s education. I will think of your children as I do my own. In an ever-changing world, it is vital that our children’s education prepares them for the next stages of their life, with its challenges and opportunities, whilst also meeting their individual needs.

Over the years, both in advocating for my own children and in my professional work, I have amassed a great deal of knowledge in a range of areas such as safeguarding, Personal Education and healthcare Plans, Ofsted regulations, CQC inspections, Child Protection, Health and Safety amongst others. I am pleased to be able to apply that knowledge in my role as a Parent Representative. I look forward to continuing the great work of the school, its staff, parents, and board.

Anita Harries

Co-opted

Content pending

Christine Hankinson

Staff

Content pending

Jan Kay

Co-opted, Vice Chair

After leaving university with a degree in Biological Sciences I pursued a career as a microbiologist working within the NHS. When I moved to Cheshire I decided on a change of career and obtained a PGCE in Primary Education.

I began my teaching career at Willow Wood in September 1992 as a newly qualified teacher. I loved teaching the children at Willow Wood so much I stayed until I retired in August 2020! I undertook several leadership and safeguarding roles in school leaving as Deputy Head. I have taught across both key stages and have been committed to supporting pupils to be the best they can be both academically and personally. I first attended governor meeting as an observer and later as a co-opted member of the governing body.

Outside of school I enjoy spending much of my time with my family including my young grandchildren and travelling whenever possible. I am a keen theatre and concert goer and often travel round the country to see shows and bands. I am a member of a local book club where we share our love of reading.

I am looking forward to continuing with my role as Vice Chair and being a part of a new and exciting chapter at Willow Wood.

Katie Ullein

Headteacher

I am honoured to have the opportunity to lead such a wonderful school community and work alongside dedicated staff, supportive parents and talented children.

I have been Deputy Headteacher at Willow Wood for the past 10 years and I am currently undertaking the National Professional Qualification for Headship. I previously worked in an Outstanding school in Manchester as an Assistant Head. In my previous role I facilitated Improving and Outstanding Teaching Programmes for National College.

Rebecca Yates

Parent

I am committed to my role on the Local Academy Board, and I am keen to support the school and all the children to ensure that they are empowered to achieve their true potential. One of the things I love most about Willow Wood is the commitment, passion and drive to supporting all SEN children individually and actively striving to meet their individual needs to the highest standard. The pastoral support and SEN support on offer is excellent in my opinion and something I believe the school excels in.

I have been a Parent Governor at Willow Wood since April 2023. I have a child at the school. I attended Willow Wood for the duration of my infant and junior school years before moving onto Weaverham High Schools and subsequently Sir John Dean's College.

I then qualified as a Social Worker from Lancaster University in 2008, securing a 2:1 Degree. I began my career as a Social Worker in Manchester City Council where I remained for 4 years working on a Child In Need/Child Protection Team. In 2012 I began employment with Cheshire East Borough Council as a Social Worker on Child in Need/Child Protection Team and in April 2016 I completed my Post Graduate Diploma in Applied Social Work at Salford University and secured am Advanced Practitioner post in April 2017. In 2019 I secured a Team Manager post within the same team.

I have 16 year's experience within front line Social Work practice. I have experience in work with children from a diverse range of cultural backgrounds and with a wide range of lived experiences. I have experience in working with SEN children and children who are Cared for by the Local Authority and as such have knowledge specific to Personal Education Plans and Pupil Premium funding. I also have extensive knowledge in regard to safeguarding policy and procedures.