Our Governors

THE ROLE OF THE GOVERNING BODY

The Governing Body of Hazelmere Junior Primary School has responsibility for:

The conduct of the school
Setting targets in standards and achievements
Ensuring the school has a Curriculum Policy, in particular the teaching of National Curriculum subjects and RE and deciding on provision of sex education
Ensuring policies relating to the school's operation are prepared and are reviewed regularly
Providing information for parents
Promoting Community Cohesion
Financial management of the school
Personnel matters including staff appointments as appropriate
Management and maintenance of the buildings
Pupil discipline and behaviour
Monitoring and evaluating the performance of the school
Responding to an inspection by OFSTED and monitoring how the key issues arising from the inspection are addressed
Appointing a Headteacher when a vacancy occurs

Our Governors

Mr Robin Taverner - Chair of Governors

I have a wealth of experience to bring to the role of School Governor at Hazelmere Junior School. I have extensive experience as a teacher, headteacher, local authority school effectiveness partner and education consultant. I enjoy working with all education professionals, providing training, support and challenge to help schools become even better. I have 16 years’ experience as a headteacher, in three primary schools. Additionally, my experience includes working as lead Ofsted inspector and local authority school effectiveness partner. I have a Master of Arts in Education degree. My educational specialisms include school leadership, school performance information and curriculum development. My greatest pleasure, working in education, is helping school leaders and teachers to reflect upon their practice, in order that children make the best possible progress with their learning. Outside of work I enjoy cycling and walking. I have an interest in classic cars, and I help to care for my 3-year-old grandson. I am responsible for the Quality of Education at Hazelmere Junior School.

Dr Lauren McDermott - Vice Chair of Governors

I work as a digital insights and analytics consultant, with 12+ years of experience in helping global brands unlock the power of data to drive strategic growth. I completed a PhD in English Language at the University of Edinburgh, focusing on historical dialectology. In my free time I enjoy singing, travelling and trying out different recipes from around the world. I have a passion for learning and development. At Hazelmere, I am responsible for Behaviour and Attitudes, Safeguarding, Finance/SFVS, Personal Development, Health & Safety, Attendance, Behaviour and Discipline, and Website Compliance.

Mrs Vivian Okorodudu

I am married and a parent of two children. I have a BA in Philosophy and currently running a MSc. in psychology with the university of Essex. I have a background in Christian counselling, project management and governance, having served on the board of a local church for several years. I understand educational policies and the challenges facing schools in recent times. I am an excellent communicator and able to articulate my ideas and concerns effectively. I am friendly and approachable, which makes me well-suited to representing the views of our parents at Hazelmere. I have a genuine passion for education and if given the opportunity, I will be committed to ensuring that together we can work towards supporting every child in the best possible way. I believe that every child deserves the best possible start in life and would be dedicated to working with the school and other parents to achieve this goal.

Mr Chris Wood

I am a CISSP certified Information Security professional and have worked at the Colchester office of global law firm, Linklaters, for nearly 30 years. As part of the Firm's corporate responsibility and community investment initiatives, we have created and developed a strong relationship with Hazelmere Junior School, beginning in 2004. As part of this, I organise and participate in a weekly reading scheme with years 3 & 4, where we listen to children read on a 1 to 1 basis, and provide encouragement and supportive feedback. I am pleased to join the School's Governing Body, where I shall be responsible for GDPR and Data Protection, Reading, and Special Educational Needs. Outside of work I have a keen interest in music, cinema and art, and enjoy creative writing.

Ms Yvonne Williams

I have lived in Essex for over six years now, and have always had a passion for volunteering in various organisations. I love community and culture, and celebrate difference. My BA Honours degree in Race and Culture with History taught me more about my identity than I could ever have imagined, with the complexities of culture, values and traditions. I am proud of who I am, proud to celebrate who I am. Completing the Degree was one of my life changing moments to date, along with having my son, who is now an adult and who I am so proud of. My career experience includes Facilitation, Administration and Sales, and I have also worked as a civil servant and in Local and Central Government. Outside of work I like to go to the gym and the beach. I travel to different parts of the UK and abroad as often as I can, and regularly socialise with friends and family, trying new experiences to widen my world view.

Mr Richard Harnwell

Like fellow Governor Chris Wood, I spent many years at the Colchester Office of the global law firm Linklaters, providing technical support for their practice management software. Prior to Chris taking over (following a COVID-enforced pause), I organised and took part in the weekly school reading scheme, which I found immensely rewarding. That experience inspired me to look for other ways to support the School, and I was delighted to be considered for a Governor role when a vacancy arose.

Recently retired, I’ll happily admit to being a bit of a geek, often tinkering away at personal technical projects. To balance screen time with fresh air, I volunteer with the Ranger’s working party at my local wildlife reserve — getting stuck into the outdoors and keeping active.

Governing Body Code of Conduct

Standing Orders

Governing Body - Written Statement of Behaviour Principles

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