Information about our Governors

I have been a Governor at Lionel Walden School for 30 years starting in 1994 as a parent Governor. I wanted to be actively involved in school life at a time when our two daughters were being educated here to have a better understanding of the many changes that were being made within the education system at the time. Our daughters enjoyed an excellent education at Lionel Walden and our eldest went on to become a primary school teacher which is positive testimony to her time here. After they left, I was keen to continue supporting the school and was then appointed the Local Authority Governor which is the position I currently hold. 

My wife Kay and I have lived in Doddington since 1988. Kay will be known to many as she has worked at the school for 28 years across a range of year groups. Having previously worked in the financial sector I was encouraged to become involved with the school finances and I have been Chair of the Finance Committee for most of my time as a School Governor. I am also Vice Chair of the Governing Board and have responsibility for Pupil Premium activity. 

I fully appreciate that our school is at the heart of the local community with hundreds of local children having started their educational journey at Lionel Walden during my time as a Governor. Change within the education system and government has been a constant but ensuring that we keep our children at the heart of everything we do has enabled us to continue providing them with the best possible start in a safe and supportive environment where they can achieve their full potential.  

My name is Natalie Bayes and I have been a Governor at Lionel Walden since 2015, originally as an Associate Governor and now as a Co-opted Governor. With a deep commitment to the school’s ethos and values, I have actively contributed to the governance of the school, using my extensive experience in education to support its strategic direction and development.

In my role as Deputy Headteacher, I play a crucial role in the school’s leadership team, particularly during Ofsted inspections, where I supported the school through the last three inspections, contributing to the maintenance and improvement of educational standards.

Having a personal connection to the school through my daughter, who previously attended Lionel Walden, brings a unique perspective that combines professional expertise with personal investment in the school’s success. This connection fuels my passion for creating an environment where students can thrive both academically and personally.

As a governor, I am dedicated to fostering a collaborative and inclusive school community, working closely with fellow governors, staff, students, and parents to ensure that Lionel Walden remains a place of excellence. I am committed to supporting the ongoing development of the school, championing initiatives that promote student achievement, staff development, and overall school improvement.

I have served on the governing body since December 2011.  When I joined, my own two children were pupils at Lionel Walden Primary School.  They have since grown up and my oldest son is just starting his second year at university and my youngest is in Yr13 studying   A levels at a local secondary school.  Having experienced first-hand being a parent, I was proud to see what a lovely local primary school we had which is why I was keen to be part of the governing body and share in the ethos that we can support each and every pupil to reach their full potential.  Once my children left the school I transferred from parent to an associate governor.

I am passionate about ensuring strategies, plans and decisions made about children and young people are reflective, analytical, effective and put the child at the centre to ensure their best interest is always promoted.

Over the years, I have always been delighted by our social and sporting achievements as well as our academic performance. The successes we enjoy are due to the strong partnership, communication and teamwork between our parents, pupils, staff and governors alike.

As I am about to embark on a new challenge as the SEND governor, I remain committed to attending training courses in order to gain relevant knowledge to help provide an excellent education and supportive environment for all of our children.

I firmly believe that all children should be given the education they are entitled to and that every opportunity should be taken to enhance the quality of their learning.

As a stay-at-home parent, I feel I have the time to fully commit to the role and I welcome the challenges it presents. Having previously worked within law enforcement for many years, I have encountered a variety of diverse and differing environments. This has given me vast experience of problem solving, managing confidential data and holding others to account.

Since I have been in post, I have taken every opportunity to enhance my knowledge of the education system. As the Governor responsible for Curriculum, I have attended courses within the Local Authority to further my understanding and will continue to do all I can to ensure this remains current.

I became a parent governor in November 2023 because I am passionate about learning as much as I can about the education of my son and his peers. I saw this as a role where I could try to support the team at Lionel Walden in the excellent work that they do to give our children the best education possible. I work in the finance industry and believe that I have many transferrable skills that can be of benefit to the governing body. The benefits of a solid education, in whichever form that may take for individuals, cannot be underestimated and it is important to me that standards are upheld amongst the very many challenges facing those trying to provide education today.

I have been a dedicated teacher at Lionel Walden Primary School for over 25 years, gaining experience across various age ranges. Teaching is undoubtedly a challenging profession, but it is incredibly rewarding. Over the years, I have come to appreciate the vibrant and supportive environment at Lionel Walden. The school is a fantastic place to work, and I have always enjoyed representing the school in community events, such as choir concerts and the annual carnival. Our staff works exceptionally well as a team, always striving to do our best for all children.

Recently, the opportunity to become a Staff Governor became available, and with my youngest child now heading off to university, I find myself with the time needed to commit fully to this role. Throughout my teaching career, I have gained valuable insights into the challenges and opportunities within our school. I believe my experience as a teacher will allow me to offer a unique perspective on policy development, ensuring that our policies are practical, effective, and supportive of both staff and pupils. I am also keen to develop my skills further to make data-informed decisions that benefit our school. Additionally, I am eager to learn more about school funding and its impact on the school’s success.

I’m passionate about helping our school grow and succeed and can’t wait to contribute more as a Staff Governor. I’m really looking forward to getting even more involved in our school community and helping to make a positive difference.