Governance

Julia Hurren • Trust Governor

Julia has been a governor since June 2017, and throughout her time has transitioned from being a Parent governor to a Trust appointed governor, and now sits as Chair of the Cliffe Woods Local Governing Body.

Julia currently works as a SENCo at a local school, and therefore brings to the board specialisms in this field, as well as English, Drama, and Art through her work in education; linking to her governor roles and meeting with staff to review policy, planning, and observing practice.

Julia enjoys being part of the school community and working with the excellent leadership team and staff to continue to develop how the school provide engaging educational and enrichment opportunities to enable pupils to develop their creativity and tenacity.

Nick Grainger • Parent Governor

Nick joined the Governing Body in February 2020, and continues to serve as a parent governor. Nick brings a wide variety of experiences to aid the diversity of the Governing Bodies talents.

Nick has a strong belief that the school is a centre piece in the local community, and therefore the local governing body’s role not only builds strong futures for the pupils but also assists in the wider community’s ability to flourish.

Natalie Petty • Trust Governor

Natalie has been a Trust Governor since 2022 and is proud to represent, support, and influence the future of Cliffe Woods Primary School.

Natalie enjoys taking part in the day-to-day, including school trips, enthusiastic lessons, and amazing PTA events, having two children who attend Cliffe Woods, she is rewarded with getting a glimpse into the world behind the school gates.

With a strong focus in the Early Years Foundation Stage, Natalie looks to embed a new framework and ensure continuous provision to support learning.

Natalie has interests and experiences in the areas of digital transformation, diversity & inclusion, encouraging women into STEM subjects, and provision of solid mental health and well-being support.

Fuad Anibaba •  Co-opted Governor

Fuad has been a member of the Local Governing Body since spring 2019 as a Co-opted Governor. Having children who attend the school and are enjoying their time at Cliffe Woods, Fuad has a passion for working with the Board of Governors to support the school by any means necessary, for the benefit of the children and the school as a whole.

Before moving to Medway, Fuad was a key member of the Parents Forum at his children’s previous school in London, where the body aimed to improve on and maintain a high standard of ‘All Round Education’ received by the children and supporting the teachers in any way necessary; he now brings the same ethos to Cliffe Woods’ Local Governing Body, with the belief that a sound education is the best legacy a child could have, and with the right support, nothing is impossible.

Mark Mullins • Trust Governor

Mark joined the Local Governing Body in 2021 having previously been one of the trustees of the former Cliffe Woods Academy Trust.

Mark has three children who attended Cliffe Woods and after having such a positive experience with their education, enjoys being more involved with the school through the governing body.

Mark has over 30 years’ experience in teaching maths and physics, and brings his understanding and experience of education to Cliffe Woods, to ensure the children continue to love attending and always remember their time at the primary fondly.

Gavin Deering • Parent Governor

Gavin joined the Local Governing Body in 2022, after having his first daughter start Cliffe Woods in 2021, and developing an immense affection towards the school; he is enthusiastic about contributing to what is already an outstanding school, recognised across Medway and beyond. Gavin has a stong belief that every child deserves an education that they can look back on with fond memories.

Gavin has a long career within the IT sector, playing a leading role in a top provider of IT Solutions across industry-specific sectors, across many countries worldwide. Adjacent to his career, Gavin has a strong interest in implementing through the school, encouraging more pupils via the STEM programme to aspiring to be part of a digital age in IT in their future endeavours.

Leslie Colbert •  Trust Governor

Leslie has worked as a school business manager for over 20 years and with this knowledge, strives to guide and support the school. Having previously worked at Cliffe Woods, as well as had children who attended Cliffe Woods, Leslie looks forward to continuing her connection with the school.

Mitchell Cholwill •  Staff Governor

Mitch completed two teaching placements at Cliffe Woods Primary School, which then lead to him becoming a permanent teacher at the school in 2019. This began the evolution of his teaching career, taking on subject lead roles, including Computing and supporting Maths and Science.

Keen to progress his career further and wanting to gain more knowledge on the workings of a school, Mitch, when the option arose in 2022, joined the Local Governing Body. Now having the role to ensure that both staff in the school and those on the Governing Board have opportunities to learn new skills and further their adult education.

Louise Lawrence •  Governance Professional

Louise has an extensive background in Insurance, Banking and IT training and development. Since 2021, Louise has been a Clerk for Aletheia Academies Trust; working with five Local Governing Boards for schools in the Trust.

As a Clerk/Governance Professional, Louise provides advice and guidance to the Local Governing Board on governance, constitutional and procedural matters. The role contributes towards the efficient and effective functioning of a governing board and its committees. Louise is also a proud mother of two daughters within Shorne school.