The Role of the Governors

Governors are strategic leaders working in close partnership with school leaders.  Their purpose is to:

'conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement at the school'

Strong focus on 3 core strategic functions:

a. Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

b. Holding the executive leader to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff and

c. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

Key features of Effective Governance:

1. Strategic leadership - sets and champions vision, ethos and strategy

2. Accountability - drives up educational standards and financial performance

3. People - right skills, experience, qualities and capacity

4. Structures - defined roles and responsibilities

5. Compliance - statutory and contractual requirements

6. Evaluation - to monitor and improve the quality and impact of governance

Contact details for governing body:

Marie Tomkins - Clerk to Governors

Holyoakes Field first School

Cookridge Close

Redditch

B98 6HF

01527 62928

clerk@holyoakes.bmat.co.uk

Governors of Holyoakes Field First School

Mrs Tasnim Koser - Headteacher (Ex-Officio)

After graduating from Warwick University, I started my career as a Reception teacher in a large 3 form entry school in Birmingham. I have been teaching for over 20 years now and have spent the last 14 years in various leadership roles in Redditch. I have a real passion for learning and feel incredibly privileged to have been given the opportunity to take on the role of head teacher at Holyoakes Field at what is the beginning of a very exciting chapter in the school's history. I very much look forward to leading the school forwards during this transition period as we plan our move to our brand new school.

Mr Bryan Allbut - Vice Chair of Governors, Local Trust Governor 19.2.19 - 18.2.23

I am an ex-teacher and have worked at a number of schools within Redditch. I am a Local Trust Governor with a term of office until 2023. I am currently Vice-Chair of the Governing Body and serve on the Operations and Compliancy Committee. I am also involved in education affairs  through serving on another Governing Body, being a member of the Diocesan Board of Education and Worcester Diocese Academies Trust and through the Association of School and College Leaders, the Historical Association and The National Trust.

Mrs Sue Irwin - Chair Local Trust Governor 30.4.22 - 29.4.26

I was born in Surrey, moving to Devon as a 6 year old where I stayed until I left home at 19 to join the WRNS. I met my husband, who was also in the Royal Navy, and we lived all over the country plus a short period abroad, which was a lovely experience. Once he retired, we moved to Worcesteshire, and have been here for over 20 years, and most definitely call it home. I initially worked for AT&T, which, through various intermediary companies, eventually ended up with BT - one of those situations where the office and the desk didn't change, just the employer did. For the past six years I have undertaken voluntary work mentoring vulnerable children, through a charity called Mentor Link, and when I was asked whether I would like to become a governor, I thought it was a lovely opportunity to move on and become more involved. I am really thrilled to be a member of the Governing Body, and look forward to having an active involvement with everything the future holds. 

Mrs Michele Clack - Local Trust Governor 25.11.21 - 24.11.25

I first became acquainted with Holyoakes Field First School at the age of five. Schools were bursting at the seams and I was heartbroken when my fifth birthday, in June came and went without an invitation to enrol. Dad suggested Mum take me along to see the headmistress to ask when I would be offered a place. Off we went the next morning with my two year old sister and baby brother in tow. Mrs King was lovely and encouraged by my enthusiasm, she said I could start that day and took me along to Mrs Tootal's class. 

Holyoakes Field First School was followed by Redditch County High School and then Birmingham University where I gained a degree in Biological Sciences. From University I tried accountancy but decided it wasn't for me and moved on to work in the Civil Service for some years. I've also had experience proofreading  and I'm generally to be found either reading a book or trying to write one.

I've been a reading volunteer since my nephew was six and he's now seventeen. I was asked a couple of years ago if I would consider being a school governor. It seemed a natural progression and I agreed to take on the role. I am proud to be connected with such a good school where pupils are treated as the unique individuals they are and encouraged to achieve in all areas of school life as well as in their academic work. 

Mrs Diane Hetherington - Local Trust Governor 16.3.19 - 15.3.23

I am a co-opted governor and a qualified management accountant working in a manufacturing company in Redditch. I previously worked for many years as a retail store floor manager with teams of over 60 people. I left retail and then went into social work with difficult teenagers.

I am married with 2 grown up boys and helped run the local playgroup when they were small. Returning to work, I retrained in accountancy.

I have always lived in Redditch and was a pupil myself at Holyoakes Field and spent many happy years here back when schools were two tier.

My hobbies are gardening, keeping chickens, reading, National Trust, museums and art galleries, swimmimg, walking and currently I am also a trainee beekeeper.

Mr Faisal Khawaja - Local Trust Governor 18.05.21 - 17.05.25

I hope to support Holyoakes Field by offering the knowledge and experience I have from my role within a secondary education background and as a director of educational businesses. Since beginning my teaching career in 2008,  I have had the opportunity to work with students of varying abilities from Key Stages Three, Four and Five. I believe in order for students to achieve, they must be provided with opportunity and a positive learning environment. In the classroom as teachers, we look to motivate, engage and inspire, as well as manage and lead students, to promote academic achievement but also to demonstrate the qualities of positive role models. I wholeheartedly believe these skills are essential when supporting students’ holistic development.

Mrs Justine Fitzer - Local Trust Governor 4.10.21 - 3.10.25

My name is Justine Fitzer, I am the grand age of 50.  I have two amazing sons Adam who is 32 years, and Joshua who is 30, and I have a 1 year old Grandson who is my absolute delight. I live in Bromsgrove with my Partner Tony and our fur baby Ice, a Siberian Husky.

In my working role, I am employed by Batchley First School as their Family Support worker, I also support three other Schools in Redditch, Birchensale Middle, HolyoakesField First and St Luke’s First.

I have been a family support worker in Redditch for over 16 years and employed direct by Schools for the last 9 years.  During this time as a support worker, I have supported many families, from helping parents manage their child’s behaviour to relationship breakdowns and families in crisis.

I feel I have a lot to offer, the experiences I have, working within the community and the networks I have built over the years, will aid the pastoral, nurture, wellbeing of the pupils, families and staff.

Mrs Helen Smith - Local Trust Goveernor 1.9.22-31.8.26

I have 3 children, my eldest now in middle school, started his education at Holyoakes Field and my twins are currently enjoying their education at Holyoakes Field. I welcomed the opportunity of being a parent governor - working in partnership with the school, to ensure the best possible outcome for all our pupils.

In the changing times ahead and the exciting but challenging building move, I would like to support the school, the staff and the pupils in every way I can. I have been a parent helper for the last 2 academic years and have witnessed first-hand the wonderful work the staff do to support our children and provide a rich and varied curriculum. I welcome the opportunity to help move the school forward with their vision and aims for every child leaving Holyoakes Field to have achieved their very best. 

Full Meetings of the Holyoakes Field Governing Body -      Term of Office 4 Years