Chair of Governors

Mrs Heather Williams

I am Chair of Governors, originally of Whatfield school, having started in November 2016.

Prior to moving to Suffolk I spent many years working for Kent County Council managing services such as admissions and transport, attendance and extended schools. I was also a governor of a small rural primary school.

I believe that all children should have the opportunity to reach their potential, and that education is more that just schooling - it's the child's whole life experience. This is why I strive to include parents and families in everything we do in schools. I believe we should nurture our youngsters, giving them opportunities to explore and make sense of the complex world in which they are growing up.

I think that my experience as a parent and grandparent means that I can contribute to the future of both schools as they move into the next, exciting, phase of their development.

Email: CoG@bwfederation.uk

Vice Chair of Governors

Mrs Dawn Murton-Cadby

I am a co-opted governor and I have a daughter at the school. I’m currently on the PTFA and served as secretary for the past year. I decided to become a governor because I’m passionate about being part of our community and our children’s development and education. I want to be part of a team that strives for excellence, is passionate about what they do and ultimately work to nurture our children to be the best they can be. I want to be able to support the school in working towards its aims in any way I can and I get to meet some really lovely people along the way.

Co-opted Governors

Ms Elise Ramsden

I was elected as a co-opted governor in December 2020. I have four children, two attending Bildeston Primary and two who have moved onto high school. I believe every child has the ability to thrive and succeed in school when they have security, support and encouragement. I am proud to be able to support the work of both schools and be part of a team with such a strong ethos around developing and nurturing all children.

Mrs Jessica Searle

I am currently the Project Manager of the Children & Young People’s Services  within the county wide charity  Suffolk Family Carers.  We work alongside education and social care professionals to provide training, information and interventions to reduce the longer term impact of the caring role on the future aspirations snd health of the young person.  I am also one of the designated Safeguarding Leads for the organisation, facilitating training for staff and chairing our Safeguarding Steering Group.

My previous career history includes early years educator and Further Eduction tutor.

As a family we chose Whatfield as our permanent home 8 years ago when my husband was posted to Wattisham  camp. As a family we were ready for a permanent home in preparation for our children to begin higher education.

I am looking for an opportunity which will enable me to both contribute to my local community whilst  utilising my skills and experience.

Mrs Charlotte Clarke

Foundation Governors

Mrs Trish Whittle

I have been a Governor since 2014. I was first appointed as a Co opted Governor for Whatfield school, moving to be a Foundation Governor and more recently appointed Foundation Governor for The Partnership of Bildeston Primary and Whatfield CEVP schools.

I strongly believe in both schools playing an important part in village life and try to make sure that school and village work to their mutual advantage. My children both attended Whatfield school and as I am now a grandmother of 4 I am especially interested in the changes taking place in education.

I was on the joint Governor committee leading to the Federation of the two schools, Premises, Health and Safety Committee and now serve on the Personnel committee.

Before retiring I worked as an Occupational Health Nurse which gave me experience in the workplace, risk assessment and health and safety.

Rev. Elke Cattermole

I became a school governor soon after I commenced my position as Rector for the Benefice of Brett Valley, which includes both Whatfield CEVCP School and Bildeston Primary School. The Diocese of St Edmundsbury and Ipswich sanctioned this role. I have attended the online training sessions introducing the Governors role and other appropriate sessions to keep up to date with good practice as a governor.

In the church from the 1980’s I have been involved in lay services of all ages, children’s holiday clubs during school holidays and mid-week youth groups. In 1995 I was licensed in this diocese as a Lay minister (reader) which involved church ministry in its different forms. This ministry took place in the Benefice of Bures St Mary, Assington and Little Cornard and then in Great Cornard.

On leaving the NHS (where I worked for over forty years trained as a nurse and midwife) I trained as an ordained minister at Westcott House, Cambridge, and my curacy was served at St Peter’s and St Paul’s Lavenham and St Mary’s Preston As a curate I became involved with the local community, part of ‘Open the Book’ at the local non-church school, led meetings with local cubs and beavers at the church and went and commenced Christian ‘Storytime with the newly open pre-school in Lavenham. I was ordained in 2017 at St Edmundsbury Cathedral and undertake all the appropriate courses and updates. I am up to date with the church’s leadership programme for ‘Safeguarding, all other levels had been obtained.

Although I was not directly involved in school education apart from my own children, I have always been aware and promoted a good basic education for all children. Having worked strategically I understand the importance as a governor to think strategically in both a supportive and questioning role.

Parent Governors

Mrs Nicol Blakeney

Having spent the last 20 plus years in learning and development, I’m really pleased to bring this passion for helping and supporting individuals to develop and learn to my role as a parent governor.

I have a daughter attending Bildeston school and we live locally in Monks Eleigh.

Mr Ian Ireland

Staff Governor

Mrs Louise Coll

I have been the staff governor within our federation since Spring 2017. My role in school is School Business Manager.

I am proud to be part of such a lovely school and also with Whatfield Primary, our federated school. Since federating, we continue with a very strong governing body, one of which is committed fully to the success of our schools.

Associate Members

Mrs Marilyn Payne