Governor Category	Trust Appointed
Which body appointed you?	Consortium Academy Trust
Expiry of Office	October 2023
Responsibilities
Register of Interests	None

Governor Category	Trust Appointed
Which body appointed you?	Consortium Academy Trust
Expiry of Office	October 2023
Responsibilities
Register of Interests	None

Candidate Personal Statements (in alphabetical order)

 

Diane Bassford

I would like to volunteer for the role of Parent Governor. I live in Howden, very close to the school. Since moving here last year, I have wanted to be involved with the community and to give something back. It seems like a brilliant opportunity to do this as well as a chance to support the school to help our children to achieve all that they can. 

I have two children at Howden School (son in yr 7 and daughter in yr 9). Both have additional learning needs, so I have experience and an understanding of children with SEND (Special Education Needs and Disabilities). I work full-time in a regulated position in financial services. I would like to think I have good communication skills and I’m not afraid to speak out when necessary. 

Personally, I love reading and art and I’m fascinated with the natural world, I am very health and environmentally conscientious, I love gardening, being outside and growing my own veggies, I love animals & children of course :) I also understand the challenges families face with busy working parents and trying to carve out time to help with our children's learning and extracurricular and social activities and the cost of all these things.

I am passionate about education and life-long learning. I firmly believe that with good quality education young people can go out into the world with self-confidence and big aspirations, and with the right support everyone can achieve whatever they aim for. I also think it’s absolutely essential that young people are inspired and motivated about the next important steps in their life. 

 

Nicola Claybourn 

Personal Information 

I have lived in the Howdenshire area for over thirty years, I attended Howden School and my son is currently in Year 8. I am the current chairperson for Howden AFC, I became involved with the local football club because I feel strongly that Howden deserves sporting facilities that they can be proud of.  I feel the same way about Howden School, it should be a school that local parents feel confident in sending their children.

 

Education and Employment  

I attended Leeds University and studied Youth and Community Studies. I am currently a Principal Manager based with the East Riding local authority with significant safeguarding responsibilities. Previous employment has involved housing homeless young people and working alongside the National Probation service providing the drugs and alcohol treatment across York.  

 As a Parent Governor I believe I will be distinctively placed to guard the views and experiences of parents and carers effectively and will help to guide these views to continuously improve the school through supporting and being proactive to all. I am particularly applying to be a parent governor because I would like a voice in the governance, I advocate strong leadership and innovation and as a parent governor it will allow me the opportunity to challenge and support the leadership team. I am keen to use my experience, expertise, and networks to support the school in building sustainable partnerships which in turn will support the students to learn and grow.   

 

Sarah Warnes

 

My name is Sarah Warnes and I live in Howden with my husband and two children. I have a daughter in year 9 at Howden School and my son is currently in year 6 at Howden Junior School.

 

I am interested in becoming a governor at Howden School as I am passionate about children’s education and their capacity to achieve their potential both academically and personally in order to become successful, well-rounded adults.

 

I was a teacher for 15 years, primarily in years 5 and 6, and have a great deal of knowledge about how schools work and the transition between primary and secondary school. I have also been a Governor at Howden Infant school for 9 years and have been Chair of that Governing Body since 2015. This means I already have a good deal of experience of being part of a Governing Body and will be able to step into the role of Parent Governor at Howden School already having the training and understanding of what is involved.

 

I am able to work as part of a team, offering support when needed but also willing to question leaders about their decisions on behalf of parents and children. I am able to fully commit to the role now that I have stepped away from teaching and am keen to adapt my knowledge of governance in primary schools to the secondary school setting.