Welcome to Our Governors' Page
At Harlow Fields School and College, our governors play a vital role in shaping the educational experience of our pupils. As a visible presence within our school community, they are dedicated to ensuring that we uphold our vision of "Working together to Succeed."
The role of our governors encompasses both support and challenge. They bring a wealth of experience and expertise, which they generously share to help guide our strategic direction. By actively engaging with staff, pupils, and parents, our governors foster an environment of collaboration and transparency. Their commitment to our school is evident in the time and effort they invest, attending meetings, participating in school events, and visiting classrooms to understand our daily operations better.
Through their unwavering dedication, our governors not only hold us accountable for our performance but also inspire us to strive for excellence in all aspects of our provision. We are grateful for their invaluable contributions, which help us create a nurturing and effective learning environment for all our pupils.
The Board is comprised of a diverse group of individuals, including Co-opted Governors, Staff Governors, Parent Governors, and a Local Authority Governor. This varied representation allows us to incorporate a wide range of perspectives and expertise in our decision-making processes.
The Governors meet as a full Board three times each academic year, alongside the Finance Committee and Curriculum Committee, which also convene three times annually. To ensure they are well-equipped to support our school’s vision and values, all Governors participate in a variety of training sessions, including whole Board training three times a year.
For more information on the expectations and ethical standards for our Governors, please refer to the Governor Code of Conduct.
Paula Violet
LA Governor Chair
I have taught in Secondary Education all my working life. Prior to retiring I was an Assistant Head Teacher in a large Secondary School in East London. I supported University students training to be teachers and mentored Newly Qualified teachers in their Induction Year at my school. I planned the Training programme for all Staff. I have been a Governor since 2016 and as Chair I am privileged to lead a team of committed and dedicated Governors. Being a Governor at Harlow Fields has given me a greater understanding and insight into the education of children with Special Needs. I value the hard work of all the Staff at the school and my aim is to always support them in any way I can and especially in developing the Teaching and Learning of the amazing children and young people. Harlow Fields is a Special school in every way and I am proud to be a part of it.
Kathleen Faherty
Head Teacher
Penny Sutton
Governor
Catherine Beckett
Governor
I have been a General Manager in the hospitality industry. I have also served and volunteered at numerous schools and Committees. Prior, to these roles and currently, I am a full time mother and wife, dedicated to supporting and enhancing the specialised needs of the school.
Nick Young
Governor
Simon Dewhurst
Co-opted Governor / Vice Chair
Simon joined the Governing Body in March 2021. He works at a local accountancy firm in Bishop's Stortford and also has a knowledge of the special needs sector through his volunteering work with local charity Grove Cottage. Simon is Chair of the Finance, Premises and Personnel Committee and is also a link to Upper School with a particular focus on Behaviour and Attitudes. He has a passion for ensuring that Harlow Fields continues to thrive and provide a good education to all pupils."
Michelle Sparks
Staff Governor
I qualified as a teacher in 2008 and since then have worked in a range of schools across Kent, Thurrock and Essex. I am honoured to be spending this academic year in the role of Deputy Headteacher at Harlow Fields and I am passionate about our community working together to succeed. Throughout my career, I have developed skills and knowledge of holistic approaches; understanding that every behaviour is a form of communication and that positive relationships are the foundation needed to support our pupils to reach their full potential. I am pleased to have the opportunity to bring this knowledge and experience to my role as a staff governor at Harlow Fields.
Sarah Dodd
Co-opted Governor
As a deputy head in a local primary school, I have accumulated 18 years of experience working in primary schools across East London and Essex. During my career, I have been a member of the safeguarding team in several schools, which has equipped me with a deep understanding of this crucial aspect of school governance. I am excited to bring this knowledge and experience to my role as a governor at Harlow Fields. In addition to my professional background, I have also served as a staff governor in the past, giving me valuable insight into the governance process. I am eager to leverage this prior experience to support the school and its pupils in any way that I can. I look forward to working closely with the school's leadership team, staff, and other stakeholders to ensure that Harlow Fields continues to provide an exceptional educational experience for all its pupils.
Claire Mabbutt
Parent Governor
As a devoted mum of two boys who attend Harlow Fields, the school has been an inclusive, supportive and caring environment. I worked in local government alongside the police for 17 years, which was a career that I loved. Within the licensing regime I was instrumental in policy work, understanding legislation and advising committees. I would like to play an active role in helping to improve things for both students and parents alike. As a Parent Governor, I will help foster transparency between the school and parents to promote the “community” aspect of our school.
Tracey Crowe
Associate Governor
I am an Associate Governor and parent of a child who attends Harlow Fields School. I also currently work in a local mainstream setting with children who have SEND. I previously worked in the legal sector for 18 years, serving on various committees prior to becoming a mother, which is how I was introduced to the complexities of SEND. I am passionate about improving the provision and outcomes of children and young people who have additional needs. To add to my previous legal experience, I have undertaken training in SEND law as well as various other courses relating to autism, ADHD, speech and language therapy, Makaton, psychology and wellbeing. I have also spent time volunteering for a national charity on their telephone helplines providing legally based advice regarding SEND law. My experiences have given me much insight and a broad understanding of SEND from many perspectives. I am dedicated to working with Harlow Fields to support the school community and the education of all pupils to enable them to have the best possible opportunities for development and to achieve their desired outcomes.
The governors regularly attend training sessions. Recently, this has included:
- Safeguarding
- Essex Steps
- Assessment and Pupil Progress Meetings
- Curriculum Update (including Science Week and RE Week)