School Governors

Derek Woodrow

Vice Chair of Governors

I was born in Bradford and came to Manchester to the University, where I stayed. I am married to Pat, who taught partially hearing pupils in Trafford, with a son and daughter and three grandchildren, and we all live in Sale or Altrincham.

After studying mathematics and then doing research in fluid dynamics I taught for a short while at Altrincham Boys Grammar School. I then began my teacher training career at Manchester College of Education, which eventually became part of Manchester Metropolitan University. Appointed Professor of Education my main research interests were the impact of culture and religion on pupils learning styles. I was for a while Head of the Crewe School of Education before I retired in 2001 since when, apart from extensive travelling and music/opera going, I have been evaluating consultant for a number of quasi government projects, looking at the impact of putting lots of IT into classrooms.

I became a Governor of Woodheys and another Trafford school in 2001, a thoroughly enjoyable experience.

derek.woodrow@ntlworld.com

Graham Bent

LEA Governor

Let’s start at the beginning! I have had two daughters attend Woodheys who have now moved on to further education.

Why choose Woodheys for Lucy and Charlotte, when they were actually zoned for another school? Basically because I feel the first years at school are the most important for both child and parent. Woodheys does and still does have one of the best foundation stages in Trafford, offering a bright and happy environment for children to learn in.

Originally, I became involved with the Parents Association in 1993. Chairing the PA once on my own, and again jointly with Mrs Kerry Varley. Because I wanted a greater understanding of the running of a school, I became a Parent Governor and held the post for two terms of office (8 years). Once my daughters moved on to senior school, I became no longer eligible to remain as a parent governor and was therefore given the opportunity to become an LEA governor.

At present I am on the sub-committee for finance, premises and performance management. My curriculum links are with literacy and music. My other roles with the school are to show prospective new parents and children around the school and as many of you may realise, I am the School DJ (I use the word DJ very loosely). Every year I try to come up with new games - who can forget ‘shaving your dad’ or ‘beach volley ball in the hall’ etc, etc..

I can be contacted anytime and be found in school most Tuesdays and Wednesdays should you have any questions.

Grahambent55@fsmail.net

Chris O’Brien

Chair of Governors

Hello, my name is Chris O´Brien and I am one of the Parent Governors at Woodheys.

I have been a governor for three years and really enjoy helping where I can. The work is challenging but it gives a great insight into how hard staff and pupils work to obtain and maintain the school’s fantastic reputation. I am currently on the Finance committee and Chairperson of the Premise committee.

I have two Children at school, Adam in Year six and Lucy in Year one and so it is likely that I will be around school for some time to come!!

Away from school, I am a director of a local furniture store here in Sale and, time allowing, I enjoy going to the gym (Ha Ha!!)

chris.obrien50@ntlworld.com

Mike Gresty

Co-opted Governor

Hi, my name is Mike Gresty, one of the governors working behind the scenes at Woodheys Primary School to try and ensure that our school maintains the high standards, keep up with all regulations and support the teaching staff.

I am married and have 2 girls, Amber and Shona both of whom attend Woodheys.

I am currently employed as a Works Manager to oversee and run a Plastics Injection Moulding Company based in Manchester.

I am also a member of the Parents Association at Woodheys to try and raise desperately needed funds for extra books and teaching aids, we recently provided half of the amount for the KS 1 Activity trail much to the enjoyment of all the children who have used it.

If you can support the school in any way shape or form please do so, it can only benefit your children and their future, even if it means spending an extra 15 minutes helping with homework or assisting at a school event, if you already do so give yourself a pat on the back!.

mikegresty@hotmail.com

Maira Sellers

Co-opted Governor

My name is Mrs Maira Sellers and I am a co-opted Governor at Woodheys School. I live on Meadway and have served in the role of a Co-opted Governor for 21 years, initially being invited to take up the position to represent the local community on the Governing body.

I have two children who both attended Woodheys for their primary and junior education which gave me a good insight into the inner workings of the school at that time and to monitor its development since then. My children are now both grown up and married and I have three grand children aged 5,4 and 3. They keep me in touch with the needs of the nursery and reception age group for which I have special responsibility as the Early Years Governor.

I am a retired physiotherapist and a local magistrate having served on the Trafford Bench for 25 years. I am a member of the local Avenue Methodist Church where I have been involved in work with young people both in their pastoral care and in uniformed groups.

I see my role as a co-opted Governor being one of promoting links with the local community and bringing the views of the broader surrounding residents to the school. It has been a great privilege to witness and be part of the development of Woodheys School. Its evolution into one of the premier schools in Trafford, with a strong emphasis on care for others, ecology and world issues together with a clear vision for the personal development of each child is an achievement I am proud to be part of.

davidseller57@aol.com

Freda Eyden

Staff Governor

My name is Freda Eyden and I serve as a Staff Governor at Woodheys, where it has been a great privilege to represent all the non-teaching staff at the school since 1989. I am a member of the Staffing Sub-Committee, which means dealing with many important issues such as equal opportunities, safeguarding, and recruitment of staff at all levels.

I was born and brought up in Ayr, Scotland. After University, I trained as a Careers Officer and have always had a great interest in working with young people to help them understand and deal with the world they live in.

In 1978, after living for two years in Belgium, I moved to Sale with my husband Brian, who took up a post as a scientist at the Christie Hospital. Our two daughters both attended Woodheys and it was in 1987 that I agreed to help out for six weeks, acting as part-time Lunchtime Organiser. Now, over 20 years later, I’m still here! I was able to use my Careers work training in a much more personally satisfying way; first by supervising the Lunchtime team, then by training in turn as a Classroom Assistant, Higher Level Teaching Assistant and finally by achieving Unqualified Teacher status.

In addition, for the last 15 years, I have devoted a lot of time to developing much of the environmental work done at Woodheys. It all started with one small project to brighten up the back of the school and now, thanks to a fantastic team ethos, has developed to the point where the school is recognised locally, nationally and even internationally as a centre of excellence for its work on sustainability.

Many exciting developments and challenges lie ahead for Woodheys and I feel very honoured to be part of a fantastic team of staff, parents and Governors, who are all committed to taking the school forward in a progressive and sustainable way.

woodheys.feyden@traffordlearning.org

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