Swallowtial Federation Governors - Who's Who

Mrs Sheila Watts - Chair of Governors

I have lived in Sutton for over 30 years and enjoy living in our wonderful countryside and getting outside walking or running regularly.  I have been a Governor since 2009 when my youngest son was at Sutton Infant School and I became a Parent Governor. I became a governor to support the school and the local village community, ten years later, my sons are now at University of Westminster and Paston Sixth Form college and my motivation to be a governor is much the same.  I believe that parents should have options and that villages should have a local school which is an important part of rural life and the local community.  I am determined that Catfield, Hickling and Sutton provide the best possible start to all the children in our care and believe that as Church schools which embrace the environment around us to do that. Its true to say we are small schools which means we have certain logistical challenges but also lots of advantages and we are determined to work together as a Federation to provide outstanding learning for lots of children for many years to come

I am delighted to be a governor for the Swallowtail Federation of Church Schools. I see being a governor as being a privilege as well as a responsibility. I am a Foundation Governor, appointed in November 2015, which means I value the importance of maintaining and developing our relationship with the local church communities, collective worship and religious education (RE) alongside the drive for very good educational standards and personal wellbeing. I want the best possible experiences and opportunities for all, a curriculum which excites and develops knowledge, skills and attitudes in order for children to flourish, achieve their potential and have a love for learning.  I hope my experience as a former headteacher and an inspector can be useful to the governing body. I am currently Chair of the Achievement and Standards committee with a special interest in Mathematics, RE, Humanities (History and Geography) and Forest Schools.

I have lived in a rural location all my life, in Hickling since 2002, and I continue to value the sense of community that our unique area brings. The 3 small schools that make up the Swallowtail Federation have a strong family-feel, one that places a high value on the individuality of its children and this is what I love about them. When the opportunity arose for me to become a Governor, I was thrilled. My intention is to use my background in early years education and childcare to help maintain the healthy sense of community within our Federation. I am determined to support the Swallowtail staff to continue making a real difference, educating and caring for our local children, thereby giving them the very best start in life.

I am the Head of School at Catfield and currently teach Year 5 and 6. I have had experience of teaching and leading in small primary schools for much of my career, first in West Sussex and for the past 15 years in Norfolk. In recent years I ran a cluster nurture hub and I also have experience as a SENCo and delivering interventions across schools in the Stalham Cluster. As a governor I enjoy the opportunity to contribute to the bigger picture of how the schools in our Federation work together and move forward to ensure the best outcomes for all our children.

I am Mia Baker. I am a teacher at Sutton Infant School. I have been teaching 5 years and love it. I am Maths lead across the 3 schools in our Federation. I am fortunate to work with an incredible team and teach amazing children. I am passionate that all pupils achieve their very best. Our Federation’s vision of; friendship, trust and kindness is perfectly matched to my own set of core life and teaching values.