Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

The Governors at Riverside are a motivated and committed body who strive to support and give encouragement to the school wherever they can. They offer themselves as a critical friend to the Headteacher and staff and provide valued and challenging opinions at meetings.

The experience and variety of skills that these individuals bring to the school is welcomed by all the staff at Riverside. Although many of the Governors live some distance from the school they strive to visit the school as often as possible and are welcomed at a variety of events in school.

Meet our Governors'

Jessica Horseman (Chair)

Annette Benstead (Vice-Chair)

I was honoured to be asked to be a governor in such a lovely school with such a dedicated staff team. It is a pleasure to come into school on governor business but also to various events involving the children.  

I have 24 years of experience in SEN in the voluntary, public and private sectors. I have been on the Governing Body since 2017 as a Co-opted Governor. I sit on the Progress and Achievement Committee and the Personnel and Wellbeing Committee as well as the School Development Plan Group. In addition, I am the Link Governor for Science and the Special Educational Needs and Disabilities Governor.

My interests are walking the dogs (3), horse riding, cycling, Hull FC (rugby league/black & white) and fitness training. My favourite holiday destination is the Lake District, going on long walks, climbing mountains, cycling and going fell running whilst at the same time enjoying the scenery and the tea rooms.

David Percival (Headteacher)

I have the honour of leading Riverside School, working with an exceptional and dedicated team of leaders and professionals.

I have a wide range of experience having worked in both big inner city and small rural schools and been fortunate to spend time working abroad.

My hobbies include cycling, running and spending time with my family and little dog Scarlet who occasionally likes to go for a walk.

Jonathan Watkin

I am a Chartered Certified Accountant and work for a manufacturing company in Hull. I have been an accountant for many years and have worked in various industries including construction, haulage, NHS, milk processing and financial services. I became a school governor because I wanted to give something back to the school using the skills available to me, in return for the great help they have given our son with his education. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, the gym, paintballing (at which my sone takes great delight in getting me covered in paint), theatre, Steampunk Morris Dancing and walking the dog.      

Tricia Ward

I have worked in the Education Sector for 22 years and still love it. It is truly an inspiring place to be. My background is in Finance having previously work in the Banking Field. I have gained over the years qualifications in Accounting and Finance and more recently a Diploma of School Business Management. I feel that being part of the Governor helps support the school and the pupils not only on a day to day basis but long term too.

 John Speight

My name is John Speight, I am 64 years old.  During my working life I have been a soldier and a fire-fighter serving South Yorkshire Fire and Rescue Service for thirty years until my retirement in 2008.  Following that, I worked as a Health and Safety Officer at a Special School in South Yorkshire.  I have previously served as a Governor at Riverside School starting in the early 1990s through to 2014 and left at around the same time that my wife retired from teaching. 

My interests are spending time with grandchildren and going away in our caravan.  I also enjoy wood carving and spend many hours whittling.   

 Emma Lawson

I am a qualified Recruitment Consultant, Learning Support Assistant, EFL Teacher, Forest School Leader, Certified Outdoor Mental Health Practitioner and Outdoor Therapist. In my free time, I serve as one of the Directors and Trustees of the Forest School Association (FSA) and as a Cadet Leader for Humberside Police. Working at Riverside, I witness the incredible work of my colleagues as they support and enrich the lives of our pupils. My role as a governor provides me with the opportunity to support our wonderful pupils, staff and school.   

  Janet Huscroft

Originally from Hull and a long time resident of Goole, I worked in education for 42 years. As headteacher of an Ofsted graded outstanding school, I was committed to ensuring success for every child. Success was achieved by providing a unique child-centred curriculum, nationally recognised as one of the best in the country.

Since retiring in 2017, I have continued to support education by offering voluntary advice on school improvement and teacher training. I am passionate about helping schools thrive, ensuring every child has access to high-quality learning opportunities.

In my personal life, I enjoy spending time with my family, especially my grandchildren one of whom is a pupil at Riverside Special School.

I am proud to support and serve the school community and remain committed to supporting staff, pupils and families in achieving their full potential. I am honoured to be a governor at Riverside Special School.

 Laura Lattimore

   Chris Wood

Riverside has been a massive part of my life, from my grandparents being caretakers of the school when the school first opened to now my twin boys attending this amazing school, so it’s a great honour to now be a parent governor.

My aim is to support staff, the leadership team and pupils in whichever way I can and make this amazing school even better than it already is.

Work wise I am part of the successful business C4LP embroidery & printing (clothes for little people)/ the school uniform shop.

Outside of work, I have a wonderful family, 3 children and a great wife.

I have played rugby (league and union) for 20 plus years, mainly for Goole rufc.

Also big interest is football.

Governor Information

Governance Structure and Remit

Governors Attendance

Please note that the minutes of full governing body meetings are available on request.