Hi, I’m Helen and I’m Co-Chair of Governors. I first joined the Great Oak Federation Board as a parent governor about 5 years ago when my two children were at Betley. I believe that all parents want their children to be happy and do well in school and I credit Betley with unlocking the potential in my own children to go on to transition well to high school and experience academic and sporting success.

As a governor, I am regularly in and out of both schools and am proud of the warm and welcoming atmosphere that the team have created. I strongly believe in the saying, ‘it takes a whole village to raise a child’ and we all have a part to play in securing a positive future for our children, with both of our schools valuing their role at the centre of the community.

Professionally, I am privileged to have spent nearly 25 years working with vulnerable children in operational and strategic roles. This has included everything from teaching in young offenders’ institutions to managing local authority early intervention and prevention services for children and families. I currently specialise in how trauma and attachment impacts on learning, and have supported many schools and colleges in understanding how to help children to access education and achieve their potential.

I am also the link governor for safeguarding, which is an absolute priority for both schools. Being safeguarding governor means that I support the senior leadership team to ensure responsive systems are in place, staff are appropriately trained and our schools are safe places for children to learn. If you see me around at either school, please do come and say hello, I’ve always got time for a chat!