Governors
Our Governors see the school through the eyes of our learners. Each Governor has a ‘linked learner’ who they think about and consider during every meeting they attend and every visit they make. In this way, all conversations and decisions have our learners' best interests at the centre. During our planning days, they have the learner's photograph and profile in front of them as a reminder of how all school business should make a positive difference to this young person.
Key Roles
To hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
To oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent
They also carry out a number of other important duties, including:
Setting and monitoring the school's aims and policies
Determining how the school's budget is spent
Forming policy on the school's curriculum and collective worship
Setting standards for learners
Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe
Get to know our Governors below:
Dave Walton
Chair of Governors
David joined the Governing Body in May 2022. He is the Headteacher at Woodham Ley Primary School. David is committed to, and passionate about, ensuring that all children have the opportunity to access an inclusive and creative curriculum that engages them in their learning and inspires them to reach their greatest potential.
David is the Chair of the Benfleet and Thundersley Interschool Cluster Trust (BATIC).
Emma Dawson
Co-opted Governor
Emma is the Headteacher at Thundersley Primary School and the Chief Executive Officer of ROBUS Multi-Academy Trust. Emma was appointed to the Full Governing Body in October 2020.
Oliver Gale
Local Authority
Oliver is Head of Business Development for London & South-East at KPMG, where he manages a number of their priority accounts. He has always worked in client-facing roles and prides himself on his EQ and people skills. Oliver sought the opportunity to become a school governor as he wanted to give something back to local education. He jumped at the chance to join the board at Glenwood School as it’s such a wonderful place with excellent staff and such fantastic young people.
Liz Cornish
Headteacher
Liz is the Headteacher at Glenwood, appointed in September 2019.
Karen Cavalla
Associate Member (Finance Officer)
Sally Waddingham
Associate Member
Deputy Headteacher)
Sally is the Deputy Headteacher at Glenwood and is an Associate Member.
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Mick Gillman
Co-opted Governor
Mick has been a governor for over 4 years and wanted to help shape the future for not just his child but all the current and future learners at our amazing school. Mick is an engineer at Ford Motor Company, RFU Level 2 Rugby Coach and parent to a learner at Glenwood.
Paul Westenhofer
Co-opted Governor
Paul is currently the Vice-Chair to the Full Governing Body.
I was born, and have lived in, the Southend area all of my life. I served for 10 years in the 10th and 4th Battalions The Parachute Regiment. I am the director of a small electrical contracting business and chairman of a charity providing clubs and activities for disabled children.
My son, the youngest of 4 children, has a diagnosis of autism and severe learning delay. He joined Glenwood School in 2007 and left in the summer of 2022. The school has always been a warm and welcoming place. Soon after my son started school, I found that I wanted to get involved and applied for the role of parent governor. Being a governor has lived up to its expectations and has given me a better understanding of what is involved in running the school.
Lindsey Payne
Co-opted Governor
Lindsey was appointed to the Full Governing Body in October 2020.
I am an adult and children’s nurse with 28 years of experience, with a passion for SEN. It was a privilege to become a governor for Glenwood School and to support the amazing work that the school does in delivering exceptional education and healthcare to the young people who attend.
Madeleine Redfern
Parent Governor
I am a mum of two young children. My son aged six attends Glenwood School. Having a child with special needs has made me realise how little help there is for sen children, and how vital Glenwood school is in supporting children with additional needs to thrive. I believe every sen child should be given the same opportunities.
I am a full time police officer and have previously worked seven years in the safeguarding remit. I am looking forward to watching Glenwood School grow and being a part of this.
I am a mum of two young children. My son aged six attends Glenwood School. Having a child with special needs has made me realise how little help there is for sen children, and how vital Glenwood school is in supporting children with additional needs to thrive. I believe every sen child should be given the same opportunities.
I am a full time police officer and have previously worked seven years in the safeguarding remit. I am looking forward to watching Glenwood School grow and being a part of this.
Theresa Cope
Clerk to Full Governing Body
Theresa is the Clerk to the Full Governing Body, appointed in November 2020.
Gemma Perry
Parent Governor
I'm a mum of three. I worked in banking supervision until I became a mum. I volunteer for various charities, and I became a parent governor because I see all that the school achieve with my son, and I want to be a part of making that the experience for all students at Glenwood and the wider community of families involved in Glenwood.
Nicola Woodruff
Staff Governor
"I first joined Glenwood as a teacher in January 2003. Over almost twenty years I have taught across the full age and needs range of Glenwood learners. I joined the governing body as Staff Governor as I wanted to be part of making a bigger contribution to school improvements including more fully understanding the holistic running of the school and challenging ourselves to create the best Glenwood we can together."
