Governing Body
The purpose of the Governing body is to help Woodlawn provide the best possible education for their pupils by:-
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Setting the schools values, vision and strategic aims, agreeing plans and policies and making effective and creative use of resources.
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Monitoring and evaluating performance, acting as a critical friend to the head teacher and senior leadership team to challenge and support them in managing the school.
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Ensuring accountability to the children and parents, the staff employed, the local authority, and the local community. Our Governors share a firm commitment to improving the outcomes for the children at Woodlawn. They support and challenge the Headteacher and staff to provide the very best for our children.
As part of the above our Governors share a firm commitment to improving the outcomes for the children and young people at Woodlawn. We establish policies that ensure compliance and that the school works in line with the agreed ethos and values. We support and challenge the Headteacher and staff to provide the very best for the pupils at Woodlawn School.
The Governing Body of Woodlawn School has a strong focus. Its three core strategic functions are:
1. that the vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school are clearly defined.
2. that the Head teacher performs her responsibilities for the educational performance of the school.
3. ensuring the sound, proper and effective use of the school's financial resources.
As part of the above our Governors share a firm commitment to improving the outcomes for the children and young people at Woodlawn. We establish policies that ensure compliance and that the school works in line with the agreed ethos and values. We support and challenge the Headteacher and staff to provide the very best for the pupils at Woodlawn School.
Please read the annual statement of governors below and find out a little more about governors from each of our profiles. Any governor may be contacted through the school office.
Headteacher
I am proud to be the head teacher of Woodlawn School and have been in post since January 2015.
My teaching career started 35 years ago in Sunderland in a small Infant school prior to teaching in Germany in a Forces school for three years before returning to Sunderland to a large Primary School.
My previous roles include leading and managing a large additionally resourced speech and language unit in a large urban primary school before taking up a Deputy Head teacher post in a large specialist provision in the North East.
My work with initial teacher training colleges, 30 years ago, initiated my passion for coaching and supporting professionals in their roles. This has developed over time and is now a big part of our work at Woodlawn School.
I love the challenges every day brings, working with our pupils, families and staff at Woodlawn School.
In my spare time I love cycling trips and fell walking with my family in the Lake District and abroad.
Co-Chair of Governors
Parent Governor
Since February 2022, I've had the privilege of serving as a governor at Woodlawn School, a role that resonates deeply with my commitment to fostering an enriching educational experience for all students.
As a parent, my connection to Woodlawn is personal and profound. Witnessing the genuine happiness, sense of safety, and security that my son experiences within the school community reinforces my dedication to supporting its aims and values.
Professionally, I bring over 12 years of teaching expertise to my role as a governor, with a focus on geography in secondary education. My teaching journey has taken me across various regions, including Essex, London, and north Tyneside, exposing me to diverse educational contexts and challenges.
Since September 2021, I've moved into a pivotal role in teacher training, where I am a lecturer in education and lead the Secondary Geography PGCE program at Newcastle University. This responsibility allows me to share my passion for education and support the development of future educators.
My dual perspective as both a parent and an educator fuels my commitment to Woodlawn's success. I am dedicated to contributing my skills and experience to ensure that Woodlawn continues to provide a nurturing environment where every student can thrive academically, emotionally, and socially.
Co-Chair of Governors
Co-Opted Governor
I have been a Parent Governor at Woodlawn School since July 2021.
I am a Deputy Headteacher in a primary school. I have been a teacher for 17 years and taught from Year 1 to Year 6. Currently, I teach Year 3 and 4 alongside other responsibilities in my school.
My daughter joined Woodlawn in 2020 and I instantly felt like this school was a positive and friendly place for her. I am delighted to be a part of the wider Woodlawn team and look forward to the future successes of the school.
Foundation Governor
After two degrees in Education and a long career as a secondary school teacher, I needed to maintain some contact with education, schools and most of all, young people. When I retired from Marden High School in 2011, where I taught English and Drama and been a Year Head and Assistant Head, I was invited to become a consultant for the teaching of English in Hartlepool for two or three days a week, which I thoroughly enjoyed. Whilst serving a customer in a local Barnardo's shop, I was invited to help with Literacy at Woodlawn and leapt at the chance!
I volunteered with four primary classes and two secondary groups in Woodlawn last year and so far this term, I have helped out in classes ranging from Year 1 to sixth form one full day a week. Spending a day in Woodlawn really cheers me up - the children and young people are a delight and the school is a very positive place to be.
As well as volunteering in a Barnardo's shop, I supported two 'Barnardo's families’ whose single parents did not read, write or speak in English. I continued to be a close friend to the mother and four children in one family for six years, I am still in contact although they have moved away. I am very proud of the family and the progress they have made.
I remain passionate about young people and their education, and feel that 'once a teacher, always a teacher'! I hope as a co-opted school governor, to continue to have a positive influence on young people, encouraging and enabling them to participate fully in the learning experiences provided by Woodlawn. I also hope to share the knowledge and skills I have gained over the years, with all of the adults I meet in lessons, governor's meetings and around school.
Staff Governor
I have been a staff governor at Woodlawn since March 2023. After teaching and working in mainstream schools, I joined Woodlawn in November 2019 on supply. I fell in love with the children and was in awe of the way staff worked with and supported children with all their different needs.
I have been fortunate in that I have worked with some amazing staff and support staff at Woodlawn. Everyone is here to provide the best possible outcomes for our children and young people. Every day brings new challenges and rewards.
I became a staff governor to further develop my understanding of the way the school runs and to be involved in supporting the school to fulfil its potential.
Foundation Governor
It has been a privilege to be appointed as a Trust Governor at Woodlawn School, which is so inspirational and unique.
Whilst teaching in a mainstream school, I have always been in awe of Special Schools and members of staff who work there and how they do their job with so many challenges. Two years ago, I was seconded as a Science Lead Practitioner by North Tyneside Learning Trust, where I was informed that a vacancy became available at Woodlawn. To me this was a great opportunity to get to know the school more and to support everyone with the opportunities they provide for pupils there.
As well as being a Science Lead Practitioner and running Northumberland, Tyne and Wear Science Learning Partnership, I teach at Monkhouse Primary School. I enjoy teaching (especially science) as I get to try out new strategies and methods to help pupils learn. At Monkhouse, I am also a Science Subject Leader and I support teaching staff closely with their teaching of science. Another role of mine is to lead Outdoor Adventurous Play, where I ensure children get the chance to be creative, innovative and learn to take risks during play times.
I have been a governor since September 2023 and I am really enjoying my role. It is really helping me understand how schools operate, make important decisions, stay accountable and work towards achieving the best for their pupils.
I am married and have two young children, who keep me busy and amaze me regularly with the way they see the world. My favourite things to do are spending time with my family and friends, cycling, making things and doing jigsaw puzzles.
Local Authority Governor
I consider myself privileged to have just been appointed as the Local Authority Governor at Woodlawn School. It is it is an honour to be so involved in an inspirational school, both in terms of staff and students, which has a special place in the community with a superb sense of belonging.
For many years I was a parent governor, subsequently deputy chair, at Monkseaton High School. I consider the role of the governing body to be not only the Head Teachers “Critical Friend”, but to have the welfare of all students at the fore front of our thoughts and actions, considering the best outcomes for all.
I am on the board of two charities:
Youth Focus Northeast (Young people at the forefront) for 10 years
Meadowell Connect (Community based) for 1 year.
I also read online with younger children for Bookmark charity. I mentor the CEO at a Military charity which is involved with abuse in the military and is very interesting, thought provoking and challenging. I volunteer for the NHS at Cramlington Hospital 2 half days a week on reception. It is demanding but very enjoyable meeting and helping members of the public, many of whom are distressed in the situation they find themselves presented with.
Prior to retiring I worked for a top 100 law firm in Newcastle for 32 years, heading up the Facilities Team for all three sites in Newcastle, Leeds & Manchester. Personally, I have been married to Colin for 50+ years, we have two sons who have both been very successful in their chosen careers. We have four granddaughters who are a delight. I like entertaining, cooking, reading, driving, dog walking and I am a reluctant gardener!
Parent Governor
I have been a Parent Governor at Woodlawn School since May 2023 after my daughter Isabella joined the school in October 2022. I knew instantly that Woodlawn was a special place, which is run by special people. Every day I drop Isabella off I am happy knowing that she loves school and loves Woodlawn!
In terms of my educational background I have been a secondary school teacher for 17 years in various roles including Head of PE and Psychology. Currently I teach Maths at Churchill Community College in Wallsend. I also tutor students from my previous school online in preparation for their GCSE and A level examinations.
My family consists of Kerry- my wife, Isabella and Charlie my 21 year old step son. Family means everything to me and we spend our time travelling, watching Charlies football and activities that meet Isabella’s needs. Personally I enjoy fishing, watching sport and running. I also enjoy volunteering at upper site on a Friday where I spend time with some incredible students and teachers in year 12.
Reverend John Vilaseca Profile
Co-Opted Governor
I have been the Vicar of St Paul’s Whitley Bay since October 2019. Before that I was curate at Berwick upon Tweed. I love the North East and the friendly people who live here, I believe it is the best place to be. I was ordained priest in the Church of England in 2017 at Newcastle Cathedral. However, I’m not originally from this part of the world, I was born and brought up in Barcelona (Spain). I moved to the UK eleven years ago to work for the Church of England. In 2014 I was selected for training in the church and I did two years training at Westcott House Theological College. I live with my dog Alfie; we enjoy long walks on the beach and muddy walks in HolyWell Dene.
In the past I have had some experience in being a governor at different Church of England schools. It is an essential part of my role as vicar to be present in the community, not only for church goers but rather for everyone regardless of background and/or faith. The aim is to support others, be accessible and build bridges between organisations and people. I am passionate about education, community and the well-being of others. Part of my job is to facilitate relations between our community and organisations, essentially bringing people together. And at the same time caring for the needs of others.
I’m very excited to be part of Woodlawn School's Governing Body. I’m very encouraged by the excellent work going on at the school and by the many achievements of students and staff. Truly a joint effort by all at Woodlawn to grow and thrive together.
Foundation Governor
I joined Woodlawn's Governing Body in December 2024 and am excited to be able to make a contribution to my local community, and to a school that is so focused on meeting each child's unique needs.
I am a child and family social worker, having qualified in 2019, so I am particularly interested in safeguarding and understanding children's experiences.
I've been lucky enough to have had experience working in a social work team for children with disabilities, and as part of that role, I spent a lot of time working closely with SEN schools. I learnt (and admired) so much about the amazing approach that these SEN schools took to understand every child as a unique individual, and to design a whole learning experience around each one of them.
I'm looking forward to being able to contribute to that invaluable approach through being a Governor at Woodlawn.
Governors can be contacted via office@woodlawnschool.org.uk or the Clerk to the Governing body, Jacqui Sugden jacqui@schoolclerk.co.uk
Governor Vacancies
We currently have vacancies on our Governing Body - please email office@woodlawnschool.org.uk for further information