Governors
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.
Helen Caldwell (Chair)
I've just finished my second year as CoG which has been a busy time with Ofsted visiting & the move to the new building.
The role of CoG is very responsible & involves working closely with the senior staff & making decisions that are for the benefit of all the students at the school. At times I get to work closely with other members of staff & I really enjoy being in school, seeing how happy the students are & that they are settled in the new building.
When I can, I get out on my road bike or often during winter my mountain bike & I have recently started open water swimming. I also enjoy a good book & going to the cinema or on walks with my family.
Daniel turner (Vice-Chair)
Andy Hall (Headteacher)
Although I have been Headteacher for 4 years I have actually been at Riverside for nearly 15 years. It is my favourite of the four schools that I have worked in and I still love coming to work here every day.
When I am not at work I enjoy getting into the countryside with my family and dog. I also try to get to sports events (mostly football and rugby) and I can often be found at music concerts.
Julie Johnson
I have lived in Holme on Spalding Moor for most of my life and my background is in the banking sector where I worked from leaving school up to having Luke, and I now work part time for WHSmith in Beverley.
Luke started at Riverside in 2015 having been in mainstream up to that point, and having been a parent governor before I know that it’s a great way to be involved with the school and to give something back and help this amazing school continue its great work.
Annette Benstead
With 20 years of experience in SEN, I have just finished my first year as a Co-opted Governor which included the Ofsted inspection, opening of the new building and the post 16 provision. I sit on the Health and Wellbeing and Personnel Committee and in addition to this I am the Special Educational Needs (SEN) Governor. 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.
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, cycle and go fell running whilst at the same time enjoying the scenery and the tea rooms.
Elaine Dykes
I am married with 4 grown up children and 5 grandchildren.
I have worked in school administration and finance for over 20 years in Secondary, Primary and SEN, working at Riverside for 11 years.
Whilst my own children were at school I was a Parent School Governor at both the Primary and Secondary Schools they attended.
I have a variety of hobbies including, holidays, crafts, walking, reading and photography.
George Gilmore
I joined the Governing Body in September 2016, following my retirement as Head teacher of a large secondary special school in another local authority. I am delighted to have the opportunity to work with the Governors, the Head teacher and the school community to support the continued development of Riverside School. I’m a member of the Behaviour and Safety, and Finance and General Purposes committees.
I have worked in special schools throughout my professional career, initially in Newcastle and then in Durham, Cleveland and in most recently in Yorkshire. During that time I have accrued a wide range of experience in teaching and learning, leadership and management, financial planning, governance and working with parents and the community. I am pleased to have opportunity to offer my skills and experience to the school.
Although retired as a Head teacher, since February 2016 I have been working for another local authority providing support for their SEN Services department and helping prepare for the local area Ofsted / CQC inspection.
I’m married with 4 grown up sons who are all involved in the creative arts industries. In my spare time I play the guitar, I’ve recently started piano lessons and I enjoy walking, cycling and going to music concerts and the cinema.
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 Lewis with his education. In my spare time I enjoy gardening, house renovation, paintballing (at which Lewis takes great delight in getting me covered in paint), theatre, Steampunk Morris Dancing and walking the dogs.
Liz Herrieven
I’m Dr Liz Herrieven, mum to Amy (year 8). I’m a doctor at A&E in Hull with a special interest in children and learning disability. I’m particularly interested in making sure our children with additional needs get the support they need when they go to hospital. I don’t have much spare time but I enjoy spending time with my family, Clubbercise and sleeping!
Nicola Lazenby
I have been a qualified teacher since 2000. I worked in mainstream settings before joining Riverside in 2008. I love working here and find each achievement rewarding. I became a governor as I enjoy working towards improving the school for all who attend. I am mum to 2 young children (5 and 2) and enjoy spending time with them outdoors. We take the caravan on family holidays to experience different places. The spare time I do have is spent reading or decorating.
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 to.