Co-opted Governors 4/5

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.  As well as being a member of the main Governing Body I am a member of the CAF committee.  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 Benjamin Kaye, member of Resources Committee

Mr Michael Curtin, CAF Committee Chair, Safeguarding Governor

10 Nov 2019 to 9 Nov 2023

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.

                                                               Ms Hazel Wilkinson, Resources Committee

I have been a Governor at Woodlands since 2019. Having previously sat on the Children, Assessment and Families (CAF) Committee, I currently sit on the Resources Committee, Pay Committee and am the link Governor for EYFS and Outreach. I benefit greatly in that my Governor role links with my current role as a Senior Leader in Kingsley High School, a secondary SEN school in Harrow, which many of the Woodlands pupils join when moving to secondary school. I have extensive experience in HR and education, having worked across several local authorities.   I am a member of the National Network of Special Schools working together with schools across the UK alongside the DfE on various projects for special school pupils. It is a privilege to work alongside other member of the governing board and school team to strategically enable the long term sustainability of Woodlands.  Ensuring all pupils reach their full potential and preparing them for their future.  

  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

Appointed on Oct 2018 – Oct 2022

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

2/4

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.

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

  Ms Clare Power,

  Deputy Headteacher,

  Member of the Resource Committee

  Associate member of FGB

  Associate member CAF Committee

10/11/15 - Present

I have been a staff member at Woodlands School since 2007 and working with the governing body as an Associate Member has really strengthened my work as a senior leader in providing me with challenge and knowledge from other employment sectors.

It is a privilege for me to work at such an excellent school where the children and their families are at the forefront of everything we do and staff are passionate about providing the best education for the pupils. I am the designated safeguarding lead for Woodlands and keeping the children safe and healthy is paramount to our work in school.