Governor Type: Local Authority

Date of Appointment: September 2023

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Governor Type: Co-opted

Date of Appointment: November 2021

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My wife and I are raising two daughters who attend Heathlands C of E. As a parent, I get the opportunity to experience the school through conversations with our daughters at the dinner table, being at the school gate, and in parent consultations with teachers. As a Parent Governor, I'm committed to taking my experience as a parent and the opportunities I get as governor to identify and celebrate the school's successes and ask the questions that prompt the school to think and improve the child, staff and parent learning experience. We reside in Mile End in a family home where we gather to enjoy restorative and inspirational conversations. Alongside being a husband and father, I am part of NHS England, improving patient's health & wellbeing as a coach and student child counsellor.

Governor Type: Foundation PCC

Date of Appointment: November 2021

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Governor Type: Associate

Date of Appointment: October 2023

Mrs Brennen has worked at Heathlands since January 2014, having worked at a primary school in Coggeshall before that. She decided that she wanted to be a teacher when she was in Year 1! Since joining Heathlands she has taught from EYFS to Year 6 and loves getting to know the children and their families.

She is now one of the Assistant Headteachers – they have responsibility for teaching and learning and curriculum. She also provides pastoral support and is a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. Alongside this role, she currently teaches in Rowan class (Year 1). She has a BA in English and gained a distinction in an MA in Education. She trained to become a teacher through the SCITT qualification. She has also completed the NPQML and NPQSL courses.

In her spare time, she enjoys spending time with her family – they especially enjoy days out involving animals and have visited many different safari and wildlife parks in England. She loves reading and tries to make time to read each day. She also enjoys watching live comedy (when she gets the chance) or listening to comedy podcasts.

Governor Type: Staff

Date of Appointment: December 2023

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Governor Type: Associate

Date of Appointment: December 2023

Mrs Chipperfield joined Heathlands last December as the School Business Manager. Her role is extremely varied, overseeing the operational, financial and strategic aspects of school management. Mrs Chipperfield started working in schools back in 2007 when her son (George) started school. She has worked in various Primary and Secondary school settings and came to Heathlands with a strong background of strategic planning experience. Mrs Chipperfield holds the National Examination Board in Occupational Safety (NEBOSH) which she uses in her role at Heathlands. In her spare time she loves to travel visiting new places and enjoys spending time with her family and friends.

Governor Type: Ex-officio (Deputy Headteacher)

Date of Appointment: January 2025

Mrs Cork joined Heathlands in 2015 having previously worked in other Colchester schools in teaching and leadership roles, as part of this Mrs Cork provided support and consultancy focussing on teaching and learning, SEN, Safeguarding and EYFS provision. Mrs Cork is an accredited Specialist leader in Education (SEN and leadership), Advanced Skills teacher (Maths and PSHE) and accredited Mental Health Lead.

Mrs Cork has a Masters degree in SEN and leadership, is a qualified SENCo, with a PGCE and PGDE in SEN, she continues to work with both Essex University and Hertfordshire University to mentor and supervise Masters degree students. Mrs Cork is a governor at her children’s Secondary school.

Spending time with her teenage children and husband, alongside taking long walks with their spaniel called Basil keeps her busy. She enjoys a long swim, listening to music and the theatre.

Governor Type: Headteacher

Date of Appointment: January 2025

Mr Crawley was appointed headteacher in January 2025 having previously worked as a school leader in Uttlesford. Before working in education, Mr Crawley was an Artistic Director of a large youth theatre company, and has a BA in Drama.

Mr Crawley holds an NPQH and has been awarded Fellowship status by the Charted College of Teaching in recognition of his commitment and achievements within the teaching profession. Mr Crawley is currently undertaking a two programme in order to become a Teacher Education Fellow. Mr Crawley is also an NPQ facilitator and an ELE (Evidence Lead in Education), working alongside the Essex Research School.

In his spare time he enjoys spending time with his family - playing with his two sons (Ezra and Joel) and also taking his dog Albus for long walks in the woods. Mr Crawley is often found in the kitchen at home as he loves cooking and making/drinking coffee. In his spare time he directs theatre productions.

Governor Type: Co-opted

Date of Appointment: October 2023

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I live in West Bergholt and have had a long involvement with education and schools. I am married with three grown up sons and two grandchildren.  My youngest son attended Heathlands when we first moved to West Bergholt in 1988. I became a governor of Heathlands in 2022. I have a strong belief in the importance of the school working with the community whilst providing a safe and fulfilling environment for the children in its care.

I have had a long career in education that began in Brighton, Sussex and before retiring I was headteacher of a Junior School and then a Primary School in Essex.  I have a BEd from Sussex University and a MEd from Cambridge University.  My MEd was a research degree into Primary School Improvement.

I have keen interest in special educational needs and safeguarding. Shortly after retiring as a headteacher I represented Essex Primary Headteachers on several Serious Case Reviews. I also worked for Essex County Council in a role that linked networks of headteachers in Mid Essex to health; social care and other agencies.  I have  been an Adoption Panel Independent Member for a neighbouring County Council for the past 15 years. These experiences have helped to ensure that the well-being of children and staff is always at the forefront of my mind when decisions are being made.

Heathlands has a strong record of involvement in art and cultural opportunities and I currently work part-time as a Project Manager for Braintree District Cultural Education Partnership – an organisation that promotes cultural opportunities for children and young people in Braintree District schools and provides teacher development opportunities for staff.

Governor Type: Parent

Date of Appointment: November 2022

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I have two girls at the school and have lived in the village since 2012. I joined the governing body in October 2022 as a parent governor.  

As a secondary school teacher, I have taught in a range of schools across Essex. I am currently Associate Assistant Headteacher at a school in Braintree, but was previously Head of Languages for 10 years. In my own school, I have responsibility for Year 6 transition and so understand the importance of ensuring that this process is as smooth as possible. 

My professional background means that I understand the framework within which schools have to operate, but also recognise that all children require a different approach in order to get the most out of their school experience. 

I think it’s essential that schools work with the local community and that children are given lots of culturally enriching opportunities both within and beyond the classroom. I enjoy my role as a parent governor because it allows me to support Heathlands and professionally it gives me a greater understanding of life in a primary school. 

Governor Type: Parent

Date of Appointment: October 2023

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I live in West Bergholt with my husband and children, one of whom attends Heathlands Primary. My child is supported by the SEN team within the school which has given me a different perspective of parenting and allows me to advocate for children with additional needs and their families.

I am currently working as a Teacher of the Deaf across Mid and North Essex, supporting children with a hearing loss from birth to twenty-five years across a range of home and educational settings. I am also currently completing a Masters in Deaf Education. Having previously taught in primary and special schools as a teacher and senior leader I have the necessary skills to support the school in their development.

As a Parent Governor I am dedicated to supporting the school to continually improve the outcomes and opportunities for all children, ensuring all children have the opportunity to succeed in all areas of their school life.

Governor Type: Co-opted

Date of Appointment: September 2021

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Governor Type: Foundation Ex-Officio

Date of Appointment: November 2021

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Having grown up in Essex, I spent my early adulthood living in Kings Lynn, Norfolk, where I trained as a nurse, working there for 19 years in various roles before specialising in anticoagulation and setting up a nurse led Deep Vein Thrombosis clinic. In Kings Lynn I met my husband and we had our two children both adults now, Megan who is married to Scott and lives in Long Stratton and Luke who still lives with us. 15 years ago, I was ordained and following my curacy on the coast in Pakefield just south of Lowestoft, I spent the next 10 years in a group of parishes centred around Long Stratton just south of Norwich in Norfolk.

I have been the Priest in charge of West Bergholt and 5 other neighbouring parishes since November 2021.I love being a Priest, telling others about Jesus and how much he loves them and serving the local communities, and I have been a school governor since my daughter started school 22 years ago, in that time I have been a parent, community and foundation governor and been the chair of governors on two occasions. In my spare time, I like getting creative and enjoy a variety of crafts, I also like getting outdoors for walks, gardening and swimming.