Minutes from Governor Meetings 2022-2023

Minutes from Governor Meetings 2021 - 2022

Governor Profiles

Helen Yates –  Chair of Governors

I have two children at Haydn. As a part-time working mum, I am grateful to have been given the opportunity to support the school as parent-governor. I previously worked for 10 years as a secondary English teacher and currently work for Derbyshire Young Carers service as School Liaison worker. I have plenty of experience within education to draw from, both academic and pastoral with a keen focus on well-being and mental health.

Andrea Snelling - Vice Chair of Governors

I have one child at Haydn and am a volunteer reader. As a parent governor and a local resident, I value the opportunity to support the development of the school and its role within our community. I have previously worked in higher education researching past climate change and currently co-run a community shop promoting sustainability. I have a keen interest in developing links with the local community and in supporting sustainability in education.

Elton D'Agostino

I'm originally from Brazil and have lived in Sherwood since 2013. I'm passionate about helping my local community and specially supporting the UK school system. I have previously being a Governor at Bilborough College from 2013 to 2017 being my last post chair of the Employment and Finance Committee (EP&F). I hope to put my financial experience to good use as a governor at Haydn Primary School.

Julie Dorrington

I have lived in Nottingham for over 25 years, half in Sherwood and I have a daughter in Year 5. I wanted to contribute something to the local community, so I became a member of the PTA committee and am now Treasurer.  I have worked in local government as an accountant for many years, including currently at Nottingham City Council so I have a good understanding of how the public sector works across different areas. Previously I was responsible for monitoring schools financial performance and helping support and challenge schools in financial difficulty to become sustainable. It feels like a natural development to use my skills in supporting the school in ensuring the best use of its budget, especially in this challenging time for school funding. I am also interested in how education can support children’s wider development, by helping them learn ways of maintaining a physically and emotionally healthy life.

Lisa Paulson

I have been a teacher at Haydn for over 18 years as well as being a parent to four children who have all been privileged to have attended the school through their primary years. Most of my teaching career has been spent in the Early Years and I am currently the Early Years Lead, teaching in the nursery. I have found the experience of working with children at this time in their school lives to be tremendously rewarding - it is a joyful thing to be part of a child’s first steps in their journey through school. I am looking forward to my role as staff governor and hope that I can make a positive contribution to the continued success of the school.

Sarah White

I work as a Programme Manager for the City Council, responsible for leading on all Education capital projects. I’ve undertaken a variety of roles along the way, working my way up from a temporary administration post to leading the Building Schools for the Future Leadership programme at NCSL and from delivering boiler replacement projects to supporting education colleagues to determine funding priorities and develop strategies for investment at NCC. I am a professionally qualified APM project manager and consider myself a lifelong learner, currently studying for a degree in Management and Leadership with Nottingham Trent University. I see my role as supporting schools to make the best use of space they have as a resource as well as taking steps to manage their school buildings effectively. I know the difference that education can make in changing lives and want to work as closely as I can with schools to ensure that my role is meaningful and makes a difference to children.

Manisha Amera Yasin

I have lived in Sherwood for 22 years during which time I have raised a family in this wonderful community. I also work as an Occupational Therapist within the local area and enjoy the challenges that this brings. 

For me, the concept of 'giving back' was very appealing. So when the vacancy of a governor for the school was advertised, I felt compelled to apply and was successfully nominated. I have now been a part of the governing body for 4 years. Two of my children attend the school and one will be starting next year.  Coming from an ethnic minority background is also greatly valued by the school as I feel that I can bring forward concepts and ideas from an alternative perspective. For me being a governor means being a critical and supportive friend to the school and I look forward to seeing Haydn go from strength to strength.

Mohammed Yusuf

I am a lawyer for the Ministry of Justice, where part of my role is to act as a legal advisor to lay justices in areas of criminal, civil and family law. I have also worked in the private sector in project management roles where risk assessment was paramount.  I am a recent resident to Sherwood and am keen to serve as a governor at Haydn Primary by having my experience and education serve the community I live in.

Francesca Chauhan

I feel honoured to volunteer as a governor and support the school and local community.  As a HR professional, with over 13 years’ experience, I am passionate about learning and development.  I believe education and continued learning is essential and hope that my HR experience will offer a different perspective to help support the school.  I have worked in both public and private sector businesses and supported a wide spectrum of HR fields including employee relations, recruitment, learning and development, organisational strategy, employee engagement and wellbeing.  As a first time mother who has made the decision to take a career break to focus on my daughter, I am excited to support the Sherwood community and volunteer my knowledge and skills. 

Teresa Mason – Head Teacher

I have worked at Haydn for 20 years and during that time have been the Key stage 1 lead, literacy lead and the EYFS lead. My present role is Head Teacher.  I am passionate that all children at Haydn fulfil their potential and become happy confident life -long learners.  Currently, I am an Early Years Moderator for the local authority and have supported other schools in the city developing practice in the Foundation Stage.  I am trained as an Ofsted Inspector and was accredited by Liverpool Hope University.

I am enjoying the challenge of the Head Teacher  role. I feel privileged to work at Haydn with such talented colleagues and wonderful children.