Trustees
The Pioneer Academy Trust Board is constituted to create robust and challenging governance across our schools, realising the ambitions and aspirations for high achievement. Building on the excellence of the quality of governance, the Multi Academy Trust Board will bring synergy to the leadership, management and policy framework for all schools.
The Trust board will hold the Governing Bodies accountable.
The Board will meet termly and comprise: the Chair of Governos from each of the 6 schools, the CEO and up to 4 member appointees.
The Board has overall responsibility for the management and administration of The Pioneer Academy: the operations of all schools, with some responsibilities delegated to the Local Governing Bodies of the schools. The Local Governing Bodies are legally functioning committees of the Trustees Board. They will meet termly and have their own committees, looking after the standards, resources and buildings and premises.
The Board also has sub committees for Staff Disciplinary issues, Complaints and Appeals and Pupil Exclusions.
Governors
Chair of Governors: Mrs Nicola Long
Email: governors@woodcoteprimary.croydon.sch.uk
Woodcote Primary School's Governing Body offers strategic direction to the school, reviews the school's Vision Statement and Development Plan annually and ensures that continuous improvement is achieved at the school. All governors visit the school at least once a term (often more), and complete a report on the standards that they observe during their visit. Governors also attend an INSET day annually.
It is up to each and every governor to fulfil his or her statutory responsibilities efficiently and to implement any changes within set deadlines. Every governor undertakes regular CPD, in order to keep their understanding, skills and knowledge up-to-date. This ensures that they contribute to the school running efficiently with continually rising standards.
The Governing Body sets an appropriate budget each year, which allows Woodcote Primary to achieve its desired outcomes. Budget data is scrutinised termly by the Governing Body, and challenged when appropriate to ensure best value. Governors attend regular training and update their knowledge on financial procedures each year.
Governors ensure the health and safety of all users of the school premises, including procedures for safeguarding children. Accidents are monitored, audits are scrutinised and recommendations are implemented accordingly. Policies are reviewed annually and Health and Safety is an agenda item at every meeting.
Governors encourage good citizenship in the school and community. Community cohesion is promoted through school policy, community events and governor interactions. Governors are aware of the links between the community and the school, and they offer appropriate challenge to maintain standards.
Woodcote Primary's Governing Body was reconstituted in September 2014 to allow for a more dynamic and targeted structure. It is now made up of:-
- 2 x Parent Governors
- 1 x Staff Governor
- 1 x LA Governor
- 7 x Co-opted Governors
- 3 x Associate Governors
- 1 x Head Teacher
The full Governing Body meets monthly with specific roles covered by teams of at least two governors who report back at each meeting.
Formal Complaints
Across The Pioneer Academy we promise to listen to any concerns and complaints raised by our families. We want to make sure any problems a family experiences are sorted as quickly as possible, so all our pupils can be happy and feel safe at school. The Pioneer Academy’s Complaints Policy has been created to support families, so that they know who to talk to and what will happen once a concern or complaint has been reported to the school. The policy is found on each school’s website.
Definition
A “complaint” is something you make when you are unhappy about something or someone.
A “concern” is when you have a worry or doubt about something or someone.
The Stages of the Complaints Procedure
Stage 1 - Informal meeting at the school to explain and ideally resolve the problem
Stage 2 - Formal (the concern has become a complaint, which is put in writing and investigated by the Head Teacher or a nominated senior leader)
Stage 3 – Formal (the complaint is unresolved at Stage 2 and the Chair of the School Board investigates)
Stage 4 - A formal hearing (the complaint is unresolved at Stage 3, therefore a hearing is arranged with a panel of governors from other schools within The Pioneer Academy)
2020 - 2021
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Date when HT was formally notified of the complaint (stage 2)
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Outcome:
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Date when the Chair of School Board investigated the complaint (stage 3) |
Outcome:
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Date when complaint appeal hearing held (stage 4) |
Outcome: •Complaint resolved •Recommendations implemented |
Any further information |
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April 2021 |
Complaint resolved |
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09.06.2021 |
Complaint resolved |
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27/05/2021 |
Complaint resolved |
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12.05.2021 |
Complaint resolved |
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23.06.2021 |
Complaint resolved |
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05.07.2021 |
Complaint resolved |
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2021 - 2022
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Date when HT was formally notified of the complaint (stage 2)
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Outcome:
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Date when the Chair of School Board investigated the complaint (stage 3) |
Outcome:
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Date when complaint appeal hearing held (stage 4) |
Outcome: •Complaint resolved •Recommendations implemented |
Any further information |
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15/03/2021 |
Resolved |
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28/09/2021 |
Resolved |
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30/09/2021 |
Resolved |
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14/10/2021 |
Resolved |
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15/10/2021 |
Resolved |
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15/10/2021 |
Resolved |
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15/10/2021 |
Resolved |
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10/11/2021 |
Resolved and actions put in place |
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11/11/2021 |
Resolved |
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16/11/2021 |
Recommendations implemented |
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25/11/2021 |
Resolved |
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26/11/2021 |
Suggested move to Stage 3 (not made as far as I know) |
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14/11/2021 |
Resolved |
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04/10, 03/11, 15/11, 17/11, 22/11, 02/12, 06/12 |
Moved to Stage 3 |
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03/12 |
Recommendations implemented
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30/11 |
Complaint resolved |
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Governor Profiles
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Name of School Board Governor
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Governance Role |
Current responsibilities - employment/ self-employment/other non-executive roles |
Previous roles/posts within other organisations and how these demonstrate expertise/skills required for role as Governor |
Declaration of Business Interests |
Current Term of Office
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Attendance 2020/21 |
Personal statement |
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Nicola Long |
Co-opted Governor Chair Special Interest Areas:
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Director for a leading global communications agency. |
I am Chair of Governors at Woodcote Primary, having previously been elected as a parent governor in July 2017. As Chair, I am responsible for ensuring the Governing Body challenge and question school leadership to drive the best outcomes for pupils. Both of my children have been educated at the School. |
None |
22/07/19 - - 22/07/23 |
91% |
I am passionate about ensuring children and staff have every opportunity to shine and reach their true potential at Woodcote Primary School. Equally, I am proud to be part of a wider school community that is welcoming to all. |
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Allison Mackenzie |
Co-opted Governor Vice Chair Special interest areas:
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Senior Product Development Manager for a Home Furnishings brand
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I bring to the Governing Board many of my professional skills, including organisation, people management, creativity, negotiation, tenacity, attention to detail, excellent interpersonal skills, and the ability to problem solve. I have had several years’ experience as PTFA chair.
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None |
20/04/21 - - 20/04/25 |
100% |
I have been a Governor at Woodcote Primary School since July 2019.
Initially a parent governor, and now co-opted, I joined the Governing Board before the transition to TPA. With a change of head, move to academy status and the pandemic part way through I have found the role both challenging and fulfilling, and have learnt much about both education and this rich, warm, large school which never shies from progression and has children at the heart of everything. I hope to continue to learn, question, support and add value as my term progresses.
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Sally Mott
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Co-opted Governor
Special interest areas:
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Extended Hours Manager, Team Leader for the Midday Supervisor Team at Woodcote Primary School |
Previous Roles: Sales Person at Forbes Rentals, PA at Imperial College for a Doctor/Reader, Secretary for a team of Quantity Surveyor at Davis Langdon and Everest. Mother of Two Boys.
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None |
03/09/18 - 03/09/22 |
100% |
I have been a governor since 2010. I started out at a staff governor, then progressed to a co-opted governor. I feel that my strengths lie in my organisational skills. Give me a challenge and I will try to rise to it. My special interest has been and still is, the premises and health and safety. I have just recently taken on the Attendance and Behaviour Governor. I hope to improve the school moving forward out of COVID and working with our Academy, step by step, and make this place a happy environment in which to work.
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Nicola Tallis |
Co-opted Governor
Special Interest Roles:
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Senior Educational Psychologist for Croydon LA |
My career to date has focused on improving standards in education. I began my career as a therapist working with children with severe autism, then subsequently worked as a primary school teacher, where I also had the role of SENCO, managing SEND within the school. At present I work as a Senior Educational Psychologist for Croydon LA, where I provide support and advice at a consultative level with regards to pupils with SEND from 0 - 25. My specialism is in tribunal work and advocacy and I am often called upon by the LA to be an expert witness in SEND appeals. As a result I am well versed in educational policy and the law. I feel I am therefore very well placed to support the school with safeguarding and SEND needs.
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Co-Chair of Woodcote PTFA |
25/02/20 - - 25/02/24 |
91% |
Working and living in the local community means I am very aware of local issues and have strong links within both the local educational community and residents alike. I am also the Co-Chair of Woodcote PTFA and have built strong relationships with parents and staff within the school because of this. Finally, as the parent of 3 children, 2 of which are still at Woodcote, I know and see first-hand that Woodcote is a fabulous school. It has a fantastic staff team, a very caring ethos and wonderful pupils, parents and carers. I am excited to be part of this amazing community and look forward to contributing to the schools growth and development in the years ahead.
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Natalie Conway |
Co-opted Governor |
Safeguarding and SEND lead at The Pioneer Trust’s Central Team |
I have been a teacher in Croydon schools for 20 years and have been on numerous governing boards. I was the SENDCo and Assistant Headteacher at Woodcote Primary for 8 years, and throughout this time, I was also on the governing board. I now work within the Central Team for TPA and continue to support Woodcote as well as the other schools in the trust. This gives the privileged position of seeing the SEND provision in a range of schools.
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Works for TPA Central Team. |
16/11/21 - 16/11/25 |
100% |
Woodcote has been on an impressive journey in the last decade and I am proud to have been a part of that as a senior leader and governor. We have undergone multiple Ofsted visits and have been able to achieve positive feedback. As a new Mum, I am hopeful that my little boy will be able to attend Woodcote in the future. That indicates how highly I regard the school, staff and community at Woodcote. A community that I am fortunate enough to be a part of. |
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Henry Buchanan |
Co-opted Governor Special interest area:
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Senior Insurance Underwriter at Optio Group.
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I have worked in the Insurance Industry for just under 20 years. I have been a broker and underwriter thoughout these years. In 2015 I was a founder partner in a business that was set up from scratch and ultimately sold in 2020 to Optio where I now work. This has allowed me to develop my financial experiences and has also presented experience with taking difficult business decisions over the course of my career.
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None |
25/04/19 - 25/04/23 |
91% |
I have been a Governor at Woodcote Primary School since March 2019.
I am hugely proud of the school’s role within the community, the team work shown by staff, parents and pupils. Also the commitment of its Governors. |
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Sacha Bunatyan |
Parent Governor
Special interest areas:
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Executive Coach, self employed |
Professionally, I am a certified Executive Coach and a business leader with over 20 years' experience in global senior leadership roles at the Financial Times, Coty, Dentsu, AOL among others. |
None |
20/04/21 - 20/04/25 |
100% |
I am a mother to two twin boys in year 6. I bring my passion for talent development and team building, coupled with good organisational and business operations skills to the Woodcote Board of Governors. I focus on supporting the in its continued transition to the Pioneer Academy and to challenge the intent, implementation and impact of the new policies and practices to improve outcomes for all our children.
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Alicia Palomo López
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Parent Governor Special interest areas:
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Teacher at Whitgift School Roles: Modern Languages Teacher Responsibilities for T&L Development in the Lower School |
I am a qualified teacher and experienced leader with over 20 years of teaching experience and over 10 years as an examiner for different boards (IB, AQA, Pearsons and CIE). I was second in Languages in my first school, Thamesmead School in Shepperton (mixed comprehensive) and ICT coordinator. In my second school I was Head of Spanish and the Virtual Learning Environment Coordinator at Wallington School for Girls. Finally, other roles I have had at Whitgift are Head of Ruta Hispana and Ignite Coordinator. I am currenly in my second year of an MBA in Senior Leadership in Education, skills from which I am already transferring into my governor’s role.
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None |
20/04/21 - 20/04/25 |
100% |
I am a proud mother of two wonderful girls and I have been a member of the Woodcote Primary School family since my eldest joined nursery in 2015. Soon after I joined the school’s PTFA and I have since then been an active member of the team, contributing to raising a lot of money for the school and engaging and interacting with our school parents and children. It has been an extremely rewarding experience and one I will always cherish in years to come. I have seen the school transformed in my time at Woodcote and I can’t wait to see what our next phase brings for our children and staff. I bring my passion for education to the Woodcote Governing Board. I aspire to monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making and act as a source of challenge and support to the headteacher at a vital development stage of the school as we transition to Pioneer Academy. I relish the opportunity to be a driving force in standards improvement at Woodcote. |
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Clare Wingrave
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Co-opted
Special interest areas:
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Retired Head Teacher
Schools Advisory Board, de Stafford Secondary School
Academy Counci,l Oasis Academy Skinner Street
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I am a qualified teacher and have experience of senior leadership in primary schools for over 30 years. I retired in August 2021 from my role as Principal of Oasis Academy Byron and Executive Principal of Oasis Academy Skinner Street in Gillingham. Through working with these academies and supporting other academies in the Oasis Trust I am able to bring a strong understanding of school leadership and the impact that this has on pupil outcomes.
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None |
21/9/21 - 21/9/25 |
N/A |
Having been involved in primary education for many years I am keen to continue using the expertise that I have gained to support another school. As Byron is part of the local Coulsdon Cluster of schools along with Woodcote, I am familiar with the school and its background. I am looking forward to working with the staff and governors to ensure that Woodcote continues to provide outstanding quality education for the children in the community. |
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Peter Russell |
Staff Governor |
Site Manager – Woodcote Primary School Long serving with over ten years’ experience. Nominated ‘responsible person’ for all matters of premises Health & Safety compliance. Leadership of the premises team ensuring the school environment is safe, clean and maintained to the highest standards with prudent budgetary control measures.
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Regional Horticultural Manager – Homebase Ltd. Performance management, Ability to communicate at director level, developing strategies, risk assessing. Lead Project Manager – Carlisle Group. Effective planning, managing expectations, budget management, presenting at board level, fully conversant with CDM regs and H&S in the work place.
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None |
19/11/21 - 19/11/25
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N/A |
I have previously been an elected member of the board and fully intend to be an active governor with high levels of engagement and contribution. I possess a wealth of career- based experience and offer value in many areas not necessarily associated with my current role in the school. I am keen to develop the role of staff governor ensuring it serves all staff well by improving communication channels and making all staff feel valued and included in strategic matters. Ultimately, my goal is to seek improvement for the children in our care whilst increasing staff engagement and morale. |
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Rakesh Tripathi |
Co-opted Governor
Special interest areas:
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Cyber Security and Risk Consultant with 20+ years of experience providing consultancy services to blue chip companies to define/implement their IT processes, frameworks and governance strategies. |
It is my first role as a school governor and I am thoroughly enjoying it as I feel it provides me with further opportunities to contribute and work alongside staff, families and our community to ensure our pupils receive an enriching and inspiring curriculum. |
None |
16/05/19 - 15/05/23 |
100% |
As a dad of two boys who attend Woodcote Primary School, I am passionate about creating opportunities for children in the area to receive excellent education and care. I hope to make sure school life gives them great memories, long lasting friendships and the best chance of success as an adult, including a healthy mind-set. |
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Name of School Board Governor
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Governance Role |
Declaration of Business Interests |
Term of Office
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Attendance for period they were a governor during 2020/21 |
Date left the Governing Board |
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Andrew Pringle |
Associate |
None |
14/09/20 - 14/09/21 |
100% |
02/11/20 |
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Robert King |
Parent Governor |
None |
18/07/19 - 18/7/21 |
100% |
19/01/21 |
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James Collins |
Co-Opted |
Member of School Board at The Crescent |
03/09/18 - 03/09/22 |
82% |
21/09/21 |
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Emma Healy |
Staff Governor |
Related to School Business Manager |
19/11/19 - 19/11/23 |
91% |
20/10/21 |
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