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A School for children with autism
Headstart Board of Governors
Meet the Governors
Nicki Dann: Proprietor
"As proprietor it is crucial I have an experienced and passionate Board of Governors to oversee the school. I am very fortunate in having some great people with a wealth of knowledge to support me and the school".
Moira Swinbank: Chair of Governors
"I joined the governing body of Headstart School in July 2019 with responsibility for student and staff wellbeing.
I have been the Chief Executive of three national charities: TimeBank, Legacy Trust UK and vInspired, and each organisation had a particular focus on young people and volunteering.
At Legacy Trust UK, I was responsible for the distribution of an endowment of £76m to support a sporting and cultural legacy from the London 2012 Olympic & Paralympic Games. A key criteria for receiving grants from the organisation was that young people were strongly represented in both the decision making and delivery of our programmes and I worked closely with them to ensure this was achieved.
I have trained as an Executive Coach and Mentor and look forward to supporting the staff team and students.
I was awarded an OBE for services to volunteering in 2007".
Martin Coles: Finance Governor
"I am an experienced chartered accountant and business adviser and have run a company named ‘Aequitas’ since 2006. I have a wealth of previous experience with local accountancy firms.
I look after the financial affairs of Headstart School ensuring the efficient running of the school coupled with funds for larger capital projects. I also ensure that the company meets all of its’ statutory obligations to Companies House and H M Revenue & Customs.
I am proud to be a Finance Governor for Headstart school and am committed to assisting in its’ development and pursuit of excellence".
Jane Syred :Health and Safety Governor
"I have a lifetime of experience as a teacher in education in inner London, Kent and East Sussex. My past experience includes being on senior leadership teams in secondary state schools and having a wide range of responsibilities and line management including being SENCO, inclusion management, faculties, leading a school pastoral community and a centre for inclusion and acceleration amongst others.
I am now an Educational Consultant and have worked with Headstart School on the senior leadership team for the past six years, as well as four years as a Governor. I thoroughly enjoy being connected with such a unique and innovative school".
Barbara Taylor:
Until my retirement I was a teacher for 31 years, teaching mainly in the Primary Sector but also helping secondary students and Adults with Literacy. At present I am a Senior Invigilator at Bexhill Academy where I support GCSE students who are unable to access the main examination venue.
I was Team Leader and Assistant Head at my last school and can honestly say I loved working with the young people in my care.
In the final two years of my teaching career, I undertook a Diploma in Counselling and am a Bereavement Supporter/Counsellor at St Michael’s Hospice alongside my private practice where I work mainly with young people who find the prospect of adult life a challenge. I have recently begun supporting a Syrian family who are experiencing PTSD.
On a personal note, I went to University as a mature student having gained the necessary qualifications whilst working full time in Banking and the early days of the computer! I therefore fully realise that sometimes we do not always reach our full potential until a little later.
I have been a teacher governor at two Primary schools and look forward to joining the Governing Board at Headstart with commitment and enthusiasm.
