Heywood Academy - Governors (ID 1433)

• Nicola Owen
  Chair of Governors
  Nicola Owen

  "I have been a School Governor since 2015 within the New Bridge MAT. I began as a Parent Governor at Hollinwood Academy when my son began his education at Hollinwood Academy age 8. My son is now almost 18 and is working towards the next steps of his aspiration to become a doctor. I have for the past two years held the position of Chair of Governors at Hollinwood Academy.

  I am very proud to be a part of the Local Governing Board within the New Bridge MAT. I have seen the New Bridge MAT grow and extend its education offer to more schools over the past 10 years. Having the ability to engage with other Local Governing Board members supports the wider knowledge of our Governors who play a vital role within the New Bridge MAT to deliver the vision of “creating meaningful futures” at a local board level.

  I have undertaken a wide range of training during the time I have been a school governor, ensuring I am able to contribute to effective governance.

  I am employed in Local Government as a Service Manager, currently my role is developing a new service which supports our digital strategy across Adult Social Care. I am a proud employee of Local Government, having spent almost 30 years working in Adult Social Care. I have a wealth of experience providing services to, and managing services for some of the city’s most vulnerable adults. I am proud and passionate about the work I do. I consider myself fortunate to be employed in a role which enables me to make a difference to peoples lives every day.

  I am a member of the Chartered Management Institute and have recently completed and gained a first class honours in Business Management Health and Social Care. Within my role of School Governor I bring skills around strategic thinking and how that translates into Operational delivery within the school, supporting the Head of Site and Executive Head Teacher and the Senior Leadership Team via the Local Governing Board to ensure we continue to provide not only an outstanding education, but the wider skills needed to fulfil the potential of each and every one of our children and young people.

  I am privileged to have the opportunity to be a part of the development of Heywood Academy. I know and understand the invaluable difference Heywood Academy will make to so many children and families. As Chair of Governors I am very much looking forward to supporting the Executive Head and Senior Leadership Team, and to welcome and support the new governors as Heywood Academy begins it’s journey."

• Laura Millard
  Ex Officio Governor - Executive Headteacher
  Laura Millard

• Katie Charlton
  Katie Charlton

  "I bring a wealth of experience in education, leadership, and governance, with a strong commitment to ensuring the best possible outcomes for children and young people, particularly those with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. With 15 years as a Headteacher in schools across Rochdale and five years as a SENCO, I have dedicated my career to improving the educational experiences of all students, particularly those with additional needs.

  Currently, as Head of Schools for Rochdale, I work closely with all 89 schools and colleges across the borough, understanding the diverse challenges and opportunities within our education system. My role involves collaboration across various services, including education, children’s social care, health and local authority governance. This has given me a deep insight into many areas within educational leadership including; curriculum design, inclusion, school finance, the Ofsted framework, school governance, alternative provision and strategic school improvement.

  I have extensive experience in school governance, having served as a Governor at both Sunny Brow Nursery School and St Edward’s CE Primary. I have also supported schools through key transitions, including academisation, defederation processes and Ofsted inspections. My work with Ofsted and the Department for Education has equipped me with the ability to provide both challenge and support to school leaders, ensuring high standards and continuous improvement.

  A significant part of my work has been engaging with parents, carers, and SEND colleagues across Rochdale and the North West. I am passionate about amplifying the voice of families and professionals to shape inclusive and effective educational provision.

  I have a deep understanding of safeguarding and am aware that learners with Special Educational Needs and Disabilities are often more vulnerable to various risks, including abuse, neglect, and bullying, and often will require specific support to ensure their well-being and educational success. I am committed to ensuring that safeguarding remains paramount in all decision-making processes. My experience on the Rochdale Borough Safeguarding Children Partnership (RBSCP) and the Executive Board, has further strengthened my ability to advocate for children at a strategic level.

  I believe in fostering high aspirations for all learners, ensuring that every child has the opportunity to thrive and succeed. Pupil voice is at the heart of my approach, ensuring that students are actively involved in shaping their educational experiences and future opportunities.

  I am excited about the opportunity to support Heywood Academy’s Local Governing Board. My expertise in special education, school leadership, finance, and governance, combined with a strong local authority perspective, I hope, will allow me to contribute meaningfully to the academy’s development. I am committed to working collaboratively with leaders within the school and New Bridge Trust to ensure the school provides the very best for its students and their families. I want to help create an environment where learners have the best opportunities to succeed, enjoy their education and are well-prepared for the next stage of their journey, whether that be further education, the world of work, or greater independence, ultimately making a lasting impact on the educational landscape in Rochdale."

• Tricia Ayrton
  Tricia Ayrton

  "Having worked in Special Education throughout my professional life I am keen to work as a Governor for Heywood Academy. I began my teaching career at Innes School on Ings Lane before moving on to work on the Special Needs Pilot Project. This was a project in which leaders from Rochdale special schools worked in mainstream schools across the borough to help to embed good SEN practice in those schools. My own expertise was in language and communication – working as a sign language trainer and in assessment for assistive technology.

  In 2001, following the reorganisation of special education in Oldham I was appointed Assistant Headteacher of Kingfisher School which is a school for pupils with severe and complex needs. When ‘Every Child Matters’ was published I became one of nine nationwide Every Child Matters advocates (appointed by the National College for School Leadership) and I worked across the North West as an advocate developing my own projects aimed at combatting prejudice and helping young people to celebrate and appreciate difference and diversity. This was in the wake of Sophie Lancaster’s death – an occurrence the like of which I was determined should never happen again. I approached the work by teaching young people from across the education spectrum to listen to and understand each other, and to advocate for each other where possible. Just before the demise of Every Child Matters in 2010 I presented my work at the Westminster Hall.

  During all my work in Special Needs leadership I maintained a teaching timetable (never less than 50%) because I believe that the only effective way to lead practitioners is to retain the ability to practice oneself, and to continue to work closely with the young people who are at the heart of this work.

  I took early retirement from teaching in 2013 to study for a PhD, which I gained in 2017. My doctorate is in English Literature (specifically Emily Brontë’s poetry and manuscripts), and as well as my teaching degree I have a BSc in Geology. I find that these different disciplines complement each other and enable me to look at problems from different and complementary perspectives."

• Donna Hayes
  Donna Hayes

  "As someone who has dedicated the past eight years to Hollinwood Academy, I believe the knowledge, experience, and strategies I have learned can significantly contribute to Heywood Academy's success.

  I am particularly enthusiastic about the opportunity to collaborate with fellow governors and staff to create a nurturing and inspiring environment for our students.

  Having witnessed the remarkable progress of our students I feel passionately about every child deserving access to the same nurturing environment that Hollinwood Academy offers. I believe the principles we follow at Hollinwood Academy will have the same positive impact on Heywood Academy."

• Stacey McNamara
  Stacey McNamara

  "My name is Stacey McNamara, I am a former resident of living in Heywood for 20 years. I have worked in education for 13 years now, previously at Oldham College with LLDD students to New Bridge Learning Centre where I have been an interactive base teacher and a Living Skills curriculum lead. I am passionate about providing our students with the best possible education so that each individual reaches their true potential. Ultimately my objective is to enhance the school journey for each and every student, to make as many happy memories as possible throughout the pupil experience which will last a life time. I hope to achieve this through the Governors role within strategic approach.

  I wanted to become a governor to support Heywood Academy’s aim in providing an excellent education for all its students. I am really pleased to be able to support this. My time as a teacher has led me to be particularly passionate about supporting students and their families in receiving the very best of education.

  Ultimately my objective is to enhance the school journey for each and every child, to make as many happy memories as possible throughout the pupil experience which will last a life time. I hope to achieve this through the Governors role within strategic approach."