The Federated Governing Body of Canewdon Church of England and St. Nicholas Church of England Primary Schools.

GOVERNOR SAFEGUARDING STATEMENT

Canewdon Church of England Primary School is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all staff and volunteers to share this commitment. We aim to provide a positive, safe and welcoming environment where children are respected and valued.

We have a number of policies and procedures in place that contribute to our safeguarding commitment, including our Safeguarding and Child Protection Policy. Safeguarding policies are reviewed regularly by the Executive Headteacher and Governing Body (at least annually) and updated in response to national guidance and model documents.

All Canewdon Church of England staff and governors have undertaken and are up to date with safeguarding training, as well as receiving on-going support and information to help them execute their safeguarding responsibilities effectively. They are familiar with the definitions and signs and symptoms of abuse or neglect and are aware of their individual roles in safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children, including their responsibility to be alert to any issues for concern in the child’s life at home or elsewhere.

Our Designated Safeguarding Lead is Mrs Samantha Willis (Executive Headteacher). Our deputy DSLs are Mrs Riley, Mrs Sinfield and Mrs Kelly.  Our governor with responsibility for safeguarding is Mrs Katie Boulahlib.

Our governors have a wealth of experience and expertise in many different areas, not just education and are committed to helping Canewdon Church of England Primary School become the best it can possibly be.  

School Governors play an important role in the strategic leadership of the school.  

The Federation has a single governing body that strategically leads Canewdon Church of England and St. Nicholas Church of England Primary Schools.  

From September 2021, governors Katie Boulahlib and Martin O'Rourke jointly chair our governing body. Our Governors may be contacted through the school office. 

Katie Boulahlib

I have three children attending St Nicholas, meaning I have a vested interest in ensuring the schools continue to provide the best environment for every learner to excel.
I am proud to be a part of the Governing Body so that I can take a more active role in supporting the schools with the challenge of being the best that they can be. I became Co-Chair of the Governing Body in September 2021.
I am a secondary school teacher of science, and prior to this have ten years’ experience in the financial sector in London.

Martin O’Rourke

I have been a Governor of the Federation since 2017 and Co-Chair since September 2021.

My son has now progressed to senior school this year whilst my daughter progressed into Yr 4.

In my professional life, I having worked in the IT industry since 2001, in large corporates and small consultancies as an HR & Payroll technical specialist.  I feel I bring ideas, drive and enthusiasm to every challenge.  I am proud to support our schools and its pupils, and to be a part of their learning journey.

Jenny Harrison

I am a foundation governor and have lived locally in Rayleigh, and now Hullbridge where I am involved in village life and in the St Thomas of Canterbury church community.  Originally, I worked in the Arts in London and have taught Drama and Performance, Art and Design, Textiles and Circus Skills in both vocational and mainstream education.  Much of my current work is supporting challenged people fulfil their potential and helping multi-cultural groups with creative arts, speech, literacy and cultural information.  I am keen to support life-long learning and opportunities for independent learning.

As I am semi-retired, I now have more opportunities to spend time on my own arts and crafts, walking, travelling and as a volunteer at a local museum.

Sam Willis

I am the Executive Headteacher of Canewdon Church of England Primary School and St. Nicholas Church of England Primary School. 

It is a joy to work with the children at both schools and I look forward to each opportunity that I get to work with the Governing Body.

Before I was appointed as Deputy Headteacher of Canewdon (the role I had before becoming the Executive Deputy Headteacher, and now Executive Headteacher), I was a teacher at Downhall Primary School.

I am married and have two super boys in years 9 and 12.

Maria Bozin

I joined the governing board in September 2022, with a daughter at Canewdon, I was keen to help support and encourage positive change within the school where needed. My professional career in Communications and Marketing, within the education sector and large corporates, focuses on promoting and developing Creative and Cultural learning for children and young people.  I hope that my expertise and exposure to the creative sector will support the school's vision and ambition to nurture and encourage children to express themselves in a forever-changing landscape. 

Caroline Kelly

I am senior teacher and SENCo across the federation.  I have been a teacher for 16 years and a SENCo for 10 years.  I worked at a school in Thurrock for 10 years prior to starting at St Nicholas in 2019.  I am married and have two children who are primary school age. 

I enjoy my role working across both schools and seeing the progress the children make in all areas throughout their years at school.  I look forward to working with the governing body and supporting the school further.  

Michael Brown

I joined the governing board at the start of 2024. I have two children at Canewdon, my daughter is in year 5 and my son is in year 3.  I am a Farmer and have lived and worked in Canewdon for most of my life. I joined the governing body as I wanted to help both Canewdon and St Nicks to achieve the highest possible standards for all the children who attend the schools.

Andrew Currie

I have four children who have all attended St Nicholas school. I hope by volunteering my time as a school governor I can help the school by giving some of my project, change and governance experience. I see my role as one to support the school by offering an alternative view to provide challenge and to try to make sure all options have been fully thought through. 

I work in IT across both private public sector currently in a private sector city financial firm. I hope this experience can help the school set a cohesive clear vision and strategy.

Revd Steve Lissenden

I am the rector of St Nicholas Church in Rawreth since December 2024. I regularly attend school to help with Collective Worship weekly. I feel that I am already well known to both staff and children alike ensuring that Jesus is known in the school.

I was ordained in 2019 and was associate priest in the Wickford and Runwell Team Ministry until I moved into full time ministry in 2024.  I am married and have 1 son who attends The Wickford Church of England School.

I am excited to serve as a Foundation Governor and offer my help and support to both schools through my role.