Governors
The School Standards Committee (SSC) act as a ‘critical friend’ to the school, asking challenging questions about performance and using their skills and experience to support the school in addressing it's aims. They are involved in creating and developing a strategic plan for the school, setting and agreeing objectives, and monitoring and evaluating success by focusing on progress and outcomes. Each Governor has their own area of responsibility but they work collectively to support the school.
All Parent and Community Governors are unpaid volunteers, with the Headteacher and Staff Governor giving up their time to attend the SSC meetings. We appreciate their contributions and thank them for giving their time and expertise to the improvement of school standards and assisting us to give all the children the best possible primary school experience.
Governors attend regular meetings, make visits and contacts with the school and communicate frequently with us to ensure that successes are celebrated and areas of concern acted upon.
If you wish to contact the Local Governing Body please do so via the school office.
Mr Head - Vice Chair
Type: Parent Governor
Term of Office: December 2019 to December 2023
I was appointed as a parent governor in December 2019. I have a passion for education and the development of our next generation, I have 2 children currently at Birchwood and another hopefully starting soon. I enjoy being active in the community and have lived in the village since 2011.
Given that the school plays such a central role within our community, I applied for a governor position when a vacancy arose, My hope is, that in my own way, I can make a positive contribution to the school so that it can continue to remain highly successful and go from strength to strength.
I work in International Logistics and as part of my role within Transport I support schools and local councils with road safety training involving commercial vehicles.
I enjoy most sports, F1, local community activities and spending time with my children.
I will endeavour to meet the requirements of Governors to work closely with the staff at Birchwood by monitoring, questioning and challenging to collectively ensure the best possible standards of education and support for all children attending the school.
I have been teaching at Birchwood for a number of years, mainly in KS2 classes. I enjoy taking the lead in Science and Wellbeing in school and of course am also a Governor.
Nature watching is one of my biggest passions. I really enjoy going for walks in the countryside and spotting birds, insects and other local wildlife. My favourite spots have included a bee fly in Tatenhill near Burton, a peregrine falcon in the Malvern Hills, a grass snake in the river Severn and a hummingbird hawk moth in our back garden. My husband and I encourage wildlife in our garden by allowing areas to grow wild and putting out bird food daily.
Outside of school, I enjoy taking part in quizzes and attending the Lichfield comedy night. I have been involved in bungee jumps, sky dives and ‘The Three Peaks Challenge’ to raise money for charity.
Mrs Hogben
Type: Community Governor
Term of Office: February 2020 - February 2024
'My name is Suzanne Hogben. I live in Polesworth and have done nearly all of my life, attending Polesworth High School myself many years ago! I am married to David and have two children, both of whom were educated in local schools.
I have spent nearly all of my working life as a Social Worker for a Local Authority , mostly in the area of Child Protection. More recently I have also worked with children who are looked after by the Local Authority. Through this work I have had lots of opportunity to work together with schools trying to ensure all pupils achieve the best that they can.
In January 2020 I retired and although I am still involved with social work on a casual basis I felt I would like to use some of my spare time doing something useful in the community. When I saw the Community Governors post I felt this would be a good way to put some of my experience to good use. Obviously my children are no longer of Primary School age but it is always good to see and be part of a school which provides such a wonderful resource to all our children.
I love hockey and still play a little and have been involved in Junior Cricket for many years. I am also a mad football fan and love watching games . '
I have been a History and English teacher for over 20 years; working all over the West Midlands in a variety of settings, from large inner-city comprehensives to small rural primary schools. I love teaching and inspiring children to learn so I am looking forward to visiting the school and endeavour to both learn from and contribute towards Birchwood’s high standards and great results – from a pastoral and academic point of view.
I enjoy family days out and trips to visit places of historical interest around the country. I am a keen runner and a voracious reader so if I haven’t got my head in a book, I can be seen around the village walking our dog, Hero and listening to a crime fiction audiobook.
Elaine Michel
Community Governor
February 2023 to February 2027
I am pleased to have been selected as a community governor for Birchwood Primary school since I am passionate about the importance of education and children’s wellbeing. My two grandsons attend the school, so I have a personal connection, alongside my wish to support the school to maintain its high standards on behalf of all the children.
Until my retirement, I was the Director of Public Health at Derbyshire County Council and had a lengthy career in public health in the NHS. I originally trained as an Environmental Health Officer and worked for the Tidy Britain Group for a number of years. I feel that the experience and skills I acquired in public service are very relevant to being a community governor.
I am a Trustee with Derbyshire Districts Citizens Advice which has helped me to gain a good understanding of the charitable sector and the importance of supporting people experiencing difficult times.
My husband and I enjoy lots of motorhome holidays and sailing our boat on Carsington Water. We spend a lot of time having fun with our three grandchildren. I am an avid reader and enjoy gardening.
I have 3 children that have, or are attending the school, and I too attended Birchwood when it was known as Polesworth First and Middle school in the early 1980’s.
I’m excited to be part of the Governing team to support the school in being the very best it can be and maintain the superb reputation it has built over the years.
I have extensive experience within the education sector from working at an Awarding Organisation for over 15 years as well as heavy involvement in Learner Management Systems (LMS) and resource solutions for education settings.
I aim to champion the school as well as remain objective alongside bringing a wealth of business development and solutions-based knowledge within the education sector. I’m open and honest and act with integrity, and I try to lead by example by being kind, selfless and fair.
I enjoy working at Birchwood as an Administrative Assistant as well being The Clerk to Governors. I have had two children at Birchwood and one has now moved on to high school, so I have been involved with the school for quite a few years.
Having the insight from both a parents’ perspective and as an employee at the school has many advantages. More than anything I now realise how much hard work goes into caring for and teaching all of the amazing children here at Birchwood, and making sure that the school is the best it can be.
At home, having two children means we are kept very busy with activities they enjoy but I also like to squeeze in some of my own pass times when I can. I like to keep fit with various forms of exercise and sometimes enjoy a little horse riding. I love nothing more though, to snuggle up with my family and watch a good movie and relax.
Mr Coleman - Headteacher
Type: Ex-officio
Term of office: Appointed March 2016