Co-opted Governors 5/5

Appointed by The Governing Body

Date of Appointment – End of term

A brief description

Ms Naomi Green, Chair of Governors, member of CAF Committee

I was co-opted to the Woodlands Governing Body in January 2022.  I am Chair of Governors and a member of both the CAF and Resources Committees.  I am committed to assisting the school within my governance role given my background in the City of London as an Employee Benefit Consultant and a mediator for work related issues.  I am a Partner at a boutique consultancy and advise clients on their employee value proposition ensuring that employers and employees receive the employee benefits they require that are sustainable supporting the HR and business objectives of the business.  I am also the President of a charity based in London and work to ensure that the Charity is resilient to the economic and social changes that would affect its viability.  I have four children and wish to contribute to Woodlands to ensure that all children reach their full potential whilst supporting the Headteacher and staff ensuring that all who work or attend the school are healthy from a physical, financial and mental health viewpoint.

Mr Michael Curtin, CAF Committee Chair, Safeguarding Governor

10 Nov 2019 to 11 Nov 2027

My name is Michael Curtin and I am Chair of the Children, Assessment, and Families Committee (CAF). We look at policies, the curriculum and indeed a whole range of topics to ensure our children receive an outstanding education.

Woodlands is a great school and it is such a privilege to work with an inspirational leadership team, hardworking staff and a dedicated group of governors.

I have been involved in education in various capacities for nearly forty years and to be part of a team that enriches the lives of the children in our care is an amazing honour.

Mr Christopher Darby

Member of CAF Committee

Ms Kinali Gorsia

Member of Resource Committee

Mr Ben Kaye

Member of Resources Committee

I am a forward-thinking and commercially focused audit, risk, and compliance leader with extensive experience across multiple industries, geographies, and governance structures. My professional career has involved leading and enhancing internal audit functions, establishing robust risk management frameworks, and driving governance and compliance initiatives for large multinational organisations.

I previously served on the governing body of Woodlands School from 2017 to 2023, holding roles such as Vice Chair and Chair. In 2024, I rejoined the governing body as a co-opted governor, continuing my commitment to supporting the school's strategic objectives. My experience in governance, strategic oversight, and committee leadership, combined with my expertise in assurance and advisory functions, enables me to contribute effectively to the school’s financial and operational decision-making processes, ensuring robust internal controls and alignment with its long-term goals.

I am passionate about the success and well-being of Woodlands School and look forward to making a meaningful impact in my role on the governing board.

  Rahee Shah, member of the CAF

  committee

My name is Rahee Shah and I was appointed as a Co-Opted Governor in November 2020.
 

I have been working in Finance at a publishing company for over 10 years, where we publish books, journals and electronic products aimed at higher education, so teaching and learning has been a big part of my life.
 

I joined the Governing Board during the height of Covid and was impressed from the start at how Woodlands School was handling everything. The staff are a true inspiration and their passion on all the work they do shone through.

LA Governor 1/1

Date of Appointment – End of term

A brief description

  Reshmi Thakerani-Chung

Vice Chair of Governors, Chair of Resources Committee

Reappointed on Oct 2022 – Oct 2026

My name is Reshmi Thakerani-Chung and I am a Local Authority Governor and the Chair of the Resources Committee and the Vice Chair of Governors. I have been a Governor since October 2018.
 

In the Resources Committee, we look at policies, the School’s financial position and Health & Safety to ensure our finances are used suitably for the children to have a fantastic education.
 

I have been working as a Chartered Accountant in the retail sector since 2017 and prior to that I worked as an auditor for 5 years with much experience in auditing academy schools.
 

I thoroughly enjoy being a Governor and have learned a great deal about working in a special school environment. It has been a privilege to work with the incredible School staff, and my fellow Governors.

Parent Governors

3/4

Appointed through Parent Election

Date of Appointment – End of term

A brief description

Ms Mary O’Connor, CAF Committee

My name is Mary O’Connor and I was elected as a Parent Governor in April 2017 and re-elected in May 2021.

My son, Patrick left Woodlands in July 2021 to transfer to Kingsley High School. 
Patrick was so happy at Woodlands and made amazing progress in all areas of his development.  

I see the role of Parent Governor as extremely important and I will do my best to continue to fulfil the duties of the role and contribute to the on-going improvement of the School for all pupils and staff.

I have over 20 years’ experience of working in Higher Education at a London University within a management position, and have experience of staff management, budget management, analysing data (such as student numbers and student performance), membership of University committees and working with Estates and Information Technology colleagues to ensure that spaces are up to standard and suitably maintained.

I consider Woodlands to be an amazing and inspirational school and feel honoured to be a member of the Governing Body.

Ms Tereza Mack, member of the CAF committee

My name is Tereza Mack and I was appointed as a Parent Governor in June 2024.

I am passionate about communication and literacy. As a non-native english speaker, I understand the challenges of "fitting in" and wonder what that must be like for children with SEN. I am proud to be part of Woodlands, such a fantastic a dedicated team. When I am not looking after my daughter, I am teaching yoga and try to stay fit, so I can look after others. I have previously worked for several travel companies in London. I love exploring different cultures and ways of thinking and I love the multicultural make up of Woodlands staff and pupils.

Head Teacher

Ex Officio ( Right of Office)

Date of Appointment – End of term

A brief description

Caroline Day-Lewis, Headteacher, Member of the Resources Committee  

“The world needs all kinds of minds”
Temple Grandin
 

It is an absolute honour to be the Headteacher of Woodlands School.  I am really proud to be the leader of an outstanding school with outstanding staff, pupils, parents and governors.

I have had 15 years of experience in teaching and 15 years in school leadership roles.
 
I am passionate about improving the lives of children with learning disabilities and special needs through education. 

Staff Governor 0/1

Appointed through staff election

Date of Appointment – End of term

A brief description

Joanna Prymaka, member of the CAF Committee

Appointed on  23 Nov 2021 to 22 Nov 2026

I joined Woodlands School in 2011 as a Teaching Assistant.

I have been elected as a Staff Governor in November 2021. I’m a member of the Children Assessment and Family Committee (CAF) and a Link Governor for Equality and Diversity, as well as Wellbeing in our school.

It is a privilege to be a part of this outstanding school and to have an opportunity to work with inspiring people and pupils.

I am looking forward to use my experience and knowledge, which I gained through all the years of working in Woodlands, to contribute and continue promoting a safe, happy and healthy environment for our children and staff.

Associate Members 1/3

Appointed by The Governing Body

Date of Appointment – End of term

A brief description

  Associate member of FGB

  Associate member CAF     Committee