Haughton School

Meet our Governors

We asked our Governors to introduce themselves and describe why they decided to join our Governing Body.

Jayne Stevens (Chair)

I have been a Governor with Haughton School since 2013 and currently hold the position as Chair of Governors.  As a Local Authority appointed governor, the opportunity has given me a very good insight into the work of the school, the governance, and more importantly the families and children.  I have seen some great changes with Haughton School over the years and am very proud to be involved.

I have an adult son who is on the Autistic Spectrum, has ADHD and associated learning difficulties and a daughter who is at university. 

My experiences of co-founding PODS Charity, and now leading the Parent Carer Forum has given me a great insight into co-production and the importance of working together and listening to families of children with SEND. 

I'm approachable, a good listener, have supported various charities over my years and I'm a great believer in parent carer involvement and participation.

Helen Parry (Staff Governor)

I have worked at Haughton school for 16 years.  I have previously served for 12 years as a staff governor and am delighted to have recently been elected again. During my time at Haughton, I have worked across many key stages as a teaching assistant. My time as a teaching assistant enabled me to enrich my knowledge of teaching strategies, thus inspiring me to gain an honours degree in Special Needs and Inclusion.

In my current role as Learning Mentor, I feel privileged to be able to provide a complementary and supportive service to all staff and external agencies.  My aim is to continue to build trusting relationships with the children and their families, so that they feel empowered to try new opportunities and be confident to respond to any longstanding barriers.

 I am excited by my role as staff governor as I feel it provides me with further opportunity to work alongside staff and families whilst ensuring the children receive an enriching, inspiring and varied curriculum in a warm and inviting environment.

Gill Knox (Headteacher)

Beckie Teale (Parent Governor)

I became a Parent Governor back in November 2020, shortly after my son joined Haughton School.   Whilst I had no previous experience as a Governor, as a special needs parent I understood the importance of advocating for our children, and felt keen to get involved and provide a representative voice.  Having taken a break from my career to support the needs of my family, this gave me the perfect opportunity to do so.  I had previously been a Financial Controller in the hospitality industry for over 15 years. As such I have considerable experience in accounting and strategic management in a commercial environment, which have helped me to actively participate and add value to the Governing Body.

I am the link Governor for Finance, Leadership & Management, Behaviour, The Voice of the Child and Upper Key Stage 2. In July 22 I also became the Vice Chair of Governor after the succession of my fellow Governor Jayne Stevens to the role of Chair. 

It has been fantastic to become part of the wider Haughton School team and learn more about how the school operates day to day, and in planning for the future.  It is also great to see first hand the passion and dedication of the Senior Leadership Team and to hear about the tremendous work being done by the teaching & support staff. I am committed to continuing to support the Governing Board to ensure we achieve the best for the pupils and staff. 

Lucy West (Parent Governor)

My daughter recently started Haughton school in September 2021. Moving from one SEN school to another in the height of a pandemic was not ideal but we have been so impressed by the school’s commitments and genuine interest in our daughter’s progress that I was encouraged to join the Governors and be a voice on behalf of all the families of children attending Haughton.

I am new to the Governors role but am excited to learn my way whilst also ensuring the children continue to receive the amazing care and educational support that the school are providing.

I have been a civil servant for 13 years in various roles but am currently a Communications professional with an input into recruitment and workforce planning. I am an excellent listener and plan to act as a pillar of support and advice on the decisions made by the Committee for the good of the children and staff.

Uma Bhatia (Parent Governor)

Deana Briggs (Associate Governor)

I have the role of Associate Governor for Haughton School; since I started in January 2020.  I attend all of the Governing Body Meetings.

My role of School Business Manager supports the leadership and Governors with the day to day responsibility of Finance, HR, Office and Administrative Management of the School. I am also the line manager for the admin team.

The reason I requested to serve on the Governing Body was to assist the Leadership and Management of the school and to ensure that I (alongside my team) provide the best possible support to our children, parents, carers and the community.