Governor Gallery (ID 1279)

• Gary Bullock
  Chair, Parent Governor
  Gary Bullock

  My name is Gary Bullock - I am currently the Chair of Governor’s at Heatherwood School.

  One of my three sons so attends Heatherwood School which has been over the last 12 years. I previously worked within the steel industry for over 20 years, in which time I had many roles starting at the bottom and progressing to manufacturing Manager for a site of over 300 employees. In my later years of working in the industry I was in a group role responsible for continuous improvement across the business, this took me to places around the world, and I gained lots of experience working with a diverse cross section of people.

  I believe my experience in the steel industry and raising a child with complex needs allows me to bring a vast array of knowledge and expertise to the role of Chair of Governors, being supportive and challenging and also bring a parental perspective to the school where appropriate.

• Lisa Suter
  Executive Headteacher
  Lisa Suter

  I have worked in education for just over 25 years; my specialism is SEND. I am committed to facilitating thebest educational opportunities for all children and young people - that focusses on preparation for adulthood.I fervently believe everyone, with an additional need, should be able to live a good life.

• Bridget Coy
  Head Of School
  Bridget Coy

  I was appointed as Head of School at Heatherwood in September 2020 and am very proud to hold thisposition. I have worked in Special Education for the last 24 years and am committed to improving the outcomes for young people with special educational needs. I am passionate about children accessing a highquality education which caters for all of their needs. I am also passionate about quality professionaldevelopment for all staff so that they understand the ‘why’ behind their daily practice.

• Marc Bratcher
  Governor
  Marc Bratcher

• Fiona Kirkham
  T & L Link Governor
  Fiona Kirkham

  For the last 35 years Fiona has taught children aged 8 – 16 with special needs.As a retired teacher Fiona is aware of the challenges facing pupils and staff and understands the requirements of qualifications which students may take. She is familiar with the documentation and procedures necessary within school.Pre Covid, Fiona accompanied out of school visits and helped with fund raising events, activities and looks forward to resuming such occasions.Heatherwood School is a vibrant supportive learning environment of which she is proud to be a part.

• Mel Pigeon
  Vice Chair
  Mel Pigeon

  My name is Melanie Pidgeon I have worked in the health setting since qualifying as a nurse over 30 years ago. Most recently I worked for Public Health England as a Programme Manager which required me to work alongside local authorities, the NHS and voluntary sector. I have a niece for whom I am the legal guardian at Heatherwood School and am excited to have recently joined as a Parent Governor.

  I feel I am able to represent the views and needs of parents and carers as well as understanding the functions that the school must fulfil.

• Kayleigh Smith
  Teaching Governor
  Kayleigh Smith

• Pat Burbanks
  Non Teaching Governor
  Pat Burbanks

  My name is Pat Burbanks and I am in my 5th year working at Heatherwood School, although I have worked in education for over 25 years, mostly in special schools. In my role of Cover Supervisor at Heatherwood I am based in Post 16 which I love! I divide my working week between Heatherwood and The Bridge, also taking our young people on visits out of school for work experience and life skills, as well as enrichment days. I am proud to have been elected as support staff governor by my colleagues. For some years at my previous school I served on the Governing Body so I have experience of this role and what is expected of me. I believe I provide a professional, caring, encouraging and supportive role model for all the young people I work with.