I joined the Westfield Junior School Governing Body in November 2022. I have a child working his way through the school. I believe wholeheartedly that it is important for the whole community that we ensure the best possible education for our children.

I am the director of a local accounting company. I have previous experience as a Governor in another school, along with further experience of training and leadership in other sectors.

It is a great honour to be able to use my life experiences to support the school, as the school supports our children to learn and grow.

Mr Paul Gibbard

Chair of Governors

Elected by Parents

From: 29 November 2022  To: 28 November 2026

I have worked in education for over 25 years, starting my career as a modern languages’ teacher in secondary schools. Over the years I have been Head of modern languages, progressing to Assistant Principal at a local secondary school with responsibility for Special Educational Needs and safeguarding. I currently work at a special school in the city and part of my role is to deliver training to new teachers in the area of special educational needs and meeting the needs of all learners.

I am passionate about inclusion and diversity and believe that all children have the right to be happy and healthy and that it is the responsibility of school leaders to ensure that each child reaches their full potential.  

Having grown up and gone to school in Hinckley myself, I feel privileged that I can now give something back to our community.

Mrs Lynsey O'Keeffe

Vice-Chair of Governors

Appointed by Governing Body

From: 28 September 2022  To: 27 September 2026

During my career, I have had the pleasure of working with many wonderful Governors and Trustees, and have been a Governor myself in several different schools both before and during my Headships at two different schools.  I recognise that Governors come from different backgrounds and bring with them a whole range of skills and experiences.  In recent years, Governance has undergone a transformation.  It is now recognised that the role of Governance is an integral part of leadership and management of a school and, consequently, is judged as such by Ofsted.

It is vital that the school has effective working relationships with Governors and as Head Teacher, I work closely with the Governing Body.  Key to an effective working relationship is transparency and clarity of purpose and thought.

Holding the school to account is an area where Governors will continue to have an increased role to play.  A true reflection of a school's success is not just attainment but the extent of progress made, and the desire and capacity to improve even further.  As Head Teacher, I am proud to be part of a wider team that works together for this common purpose.

Mr Richard Haltof

Head Teacher

Ex-officio by virtue of office as Head Teacher

From: 22 August 2019  To: 21 August 2029

Mr Sefton Winslade

Elected by school staff

From: 7 February 2023  To: 6 February 2027

I am a director in a local accountancy practice where I have a multi-faceted role practicing as a Chartered Tax Adviser, overseeing the human resource’s function and sitting on the company’s board of directors.  I have also previously been a volunteer with the Princes Trust Enterprise Programme as a Business Mentor supporting young entrepreneurs starting their own businesses. 

I have two children who have both attended Westfield, the youngest will move on to secondary school in 2022 so I am very much looking forward to maintaining links with the school in my capacity as a governor. 

Schools are faced with lots of very similar challenges to businesses in terms of budgeting, remaining compliant with ever changing legislation, resourcing and of course, governance.  I hope that the skills I have gained in my work, and my experience as a parent, will transfer to make me an effective and proficient governor. 

Mrs Amy Hook

Appointed by Governing Body

From: 25 May 2022  To: 24 May 2026

Mrs Grace Nott

Appointed by Governing Body

From: 23 November 2022  To: 22 November 2026

I joined Westfield Junior School's Governing Body, as a parent governor, in September 2021.  I have two children at the school and know how hard the school works to make them feel safe and confident in their schooling.  It has been great to see how the school has evolved and changed for the better over the last 3 years, and how the staff supported the school community during the COVID pandemic.  I am incredibly proud to be a parent and governor at Westfield Junior School and I am committed to supporting the staff and pupils in their journey to excellence.

I have a background in education and have worked at two local primary schools in my 16 years as a teacher.  I have worked across the primary sector, mostly as a KS2 teacher, and have led subjects such as computing and writing across my school.  At Westfield, I support the reading and phonics team, and have been impressed with their commitment to raising standards in reading, for children of all abilities.

Other than having a passion for education, I love to get outdoors with my own children and explore.  I have a passion for photography and love nothing more than to drink coffee and read a book in the sunshine, when I get a spare ten minutes to myself.

I am looking forward to watching the school grow and excel further, in the next few years of governance.

Mrs Anna Halkett

Parent appointed by Governing Body

From: 13 September 2021  To: 12 September 2025

I have worked in education as a teacher, lecturer and developing policy, for a number of years.  Most recently my role as an education policy consultant involves helping to set government policy as it applies to further and higher education.

I have a clear understanding of education policy as it stands and potential changes in the immediate term.  I also regularly write policy reports and briefings for policymakers and civil servants, and manage both organisational and departmental budgets.  

Dr Andrew Jones

Parent appointed by Governing Body

From: 16 September 2022  To: 15 September 2026

Miss Becky Grimshaw

From: 1 February 2023  To: 31 January 2027

Mrs Karen Allen

karen.allen@westfield-jun.leics.sch.uk