Finance, Audit & Operations Committee

Responsible for Curriculum / Standards, Admissions, Policies, Governance & Environmental Sustainability

Responsible for SEND, Admissions, Policies & Governance

I am a retired specialist teacher with 40 years teaching experience. I began my teaching career in 1976 having qualified with a Bachelor of Education Honours Degree from Leeds University. Initially I taught in secondary school in Huddersfield and after moving to Lincoln was a class teacher and then a supply teacher in several primary schools. In 1995 my family took part in a year-long exchange programme in New Zealand where I taught in both primary and intermediate schools on a supply basis. On returning, I took up the concurrent part time pasts as a SENDCo at a Lincoln school and teacher with the Learning Support Service. The latter has now become the Specialist Teaching Team where my career progressed to being part of the Senior Leadership Team holding the responsibilities of Team Leader and Induction Manager. Within the Specialist Teaching Team, I also worked in all sectors of education from Early Years to Sixth Form.

I consider myself to have a number of professional and personal skills which I can bring to the role of Trustee of Tall Oaks Academy Trust. Working in Education, I am familiar with current thinking and national guidance. My specialist skills and training lie mainly in the field of Special Educational Needs, with particular respect to the areas of dyslexia, dyspraxia and autism. I have also undergone training in safeguarding and domestic abuse. I am committed, loyal and professional with a high regard for confidentiality and a respect for the opinions and perspectives of others. I am level headed, with an even temperament and feel I would be able to advise and challenge sensitively, calmly and respectfully.

Responsible for Finance / Contracts, Admissions, Policies & Governance

Born in Sheffield, David was educated through the local comprehensive school system going on to further education and graduating from Wadham College, Oxford in Politics Philosophy and Economics in 1983. After graduation he started work for Lloyds Bank in and around Yorkshire and Lincolnshire, initially in leadership roles, but subsequently as a Relationship Director supporting SME businesses. He left the Bank in 2016, after 33 years of service, to start a second career as a Non Exec Director / Business Consultant, working on his own account, for a portfolio of local owner managed businesses.

David has a passion to encourage and support both businesses and people to be as good as they can be, and in addition to his paid work commitments, he has held roles both as a Parent Governor in a School and also currently acts as a Director of a not for dividend charity.

Responsible for Safeguarding & Behaviour

My name is Rachel and I am new to governance having started with CWA in early 2023. I have a child who is currently in Y1 at the school. I am a government solicitor with transferable skills appropriate to school governance, to be able to analyze and critique potential attainment gaps and pinpoint opportunities for both school and pupil improvement for example. I have a strong interest in all aspects of safeguarding and that our children should always come first.

I have been given the responsibilities of behaviour, some attendance and safeguarding. I am keen to ensure that all children are safeguarded and all staff are properly supported. My professional skills, combined with my passion for making a difference to the lives of children means I am committed to supporting our school. With this in mind, I am always happy to hear your comments- good or bad, so please do come and talk to me if there is anything you would like to discuss.

Outside of this, I have a husband, two children and horses.