Welcome to the Governors section of our website. The aims and values of the school are at the centre of everything we do as governors.
The Governing Body contributes to the strategic leadership of the school by working in close partnership with the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and school staff to provide both challenge and support. We are not involved with the day-to-day management or operational decisions of the school.
Our Governing Body is made up of a range of people with different skills and experience to support the strategic running of the school.
The core functions of governance are:
- Clarity in the vision for the school, its’ ethos and strategic direction
- Holding our executive leader to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils and the performance management of staff
- Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure that money is well spent.
- Ensuring that stakeholders voices are heard
We have a range of statutory responsibilities which include:
- Safeguarding
- Special Educational Needs
- Pupil Premium
- PE and Sports Funding
- Equality
- Curriculum
- Health and Safety
We monitor these in a variety of ways. This includes reading and reviewing documents, visiting the school, talking to pupils, parents and staff. The School Improvement and Development Plan helps us ensure that the school is focussing on the right things to continue to improve and offer the best for pupils at Hethersett Woodside Primary and Nursery.
The Governing Body operates as a full board and does not have any committees currently. We have designated governors when committees are required for specific purposes such as Appeals. We form working parties when we need to undertake specific pieces of work that require additional input.
As Governors we have a Code of Conduct that is based on the Seven Principles of Public Life (Nolan). Some governors are elected and others such as ‘Co-opted Governors’ are recruited for their skills. If you would like to know more about school governance please contact the Chair of Governors via chairofgovs@hethersettwoodside.org.uk.
The clerk for the Governing Body is independent of the school and offers professional advice on governance to the board. Her contact details are: stephanie.grand@norfolk.gov.uk
Member of the Governing Board at Hethersett Woodside Primary & Nursery School
Governor Profiles
Diane Perry-Yates
(Chair of Governors)
As Chair of Governors, I bring extensive experience in governance, leadership, and training. My experience as Chair of Governors includes Federations, academy trusts, as well as in foundation and maintained schools, supporting them in their development and improvement.
As a former National Leader of Governance, I have also worked across the East of England and North London, helping governing boards enhance their effectiveness through reviews of governance, coaching, and training.
My background is in training and development. For the last 25 years I was Managing Director of a nationwide training organisation working exclusively with central government to deliver bespoke learning programmes specifically to the civil service across the UK and Northern Ireland.
I am delighted to be able to use my experience in training and education to support and help Hethersett Woodside children to grow as lifelong learners who care, share and shine.
Mrs Louise Mainwaring
Head teacher
I am delighted to be the Head teacher of Hethersett Woodside Primary and Nursery School.
I was appointed to this role in September 2023, and I am fortunate to work alongside a forward thinking group of Governors and staff.
My role on the Governing Board is to ensure Governors have a clear understanding of all aspects of our school; in order that they may challenge and hold leaders to account.
I have a considerable amount of school leadership experience, and am very driven to ensure our school is the very best it can be for every learner in our community.
Mrs Sonia Innes
I joined the board of governors at the end of 2023. I currently work as Education Director for a not-for-profit community interest company, supporting schools in East Anglia. I have worked in education for over 20 years, fourteen of which as a headteacher of three different primary schools. I am passionate about ensuring all children receive a high quality education. I am delighted to be able to use my experience in education to support Hethersett Woodside Primary and Nursery School.
Mrs Linda De Bloeme
Baiba Zivtins
I was elected as staff governor for the governing board in 2024. At my previous school, I enjoyed fulfilling the role for a term of 4 years and I am delighted to once more be part of the strategic running of a school. Having been a teacher and phase leader at Hethersett Woodside for the past 2 years, I am committed to working alongside all other governors in driving the school forward with its vision.
Helena Baker
I am mum to three children, the youngest started in reception class in September 2024. I became parent governor a few months later in December and I am eager to do as much as I can to contribute to the school community.
With many years experience in social care, working with vulnerable children, young people and their families I am passionate about advocating for the needs of children.