Message from The Chair of Governors

My name is Chris Pritchard, and I am Chair of Governors at Hawthorn Primary School.  I joined the Governing Board in September 2021 having worked in schools for thirty years in a variety of capacities. My work in schools includes several aspects, including managing before and after-school provision, taking it from only having two children, to over one hundred, who were provided with high quality childcare.

Previously, I was a level 4 Teaching Assistant, supporting children from Nursery to Year six within a primary setting. I have also worked for the Local Authority, (Education Welfare) focusing on attendance, and have been a Senior Learning Mentor since 2001 and a Designated Safeguarding Lead, ensuring safeguarding and child protection policies are adhered to.

I am extremely passionate about children having the best opportunities in school and having a positive impact on their life chances. I feel strongly that standards in the basic skills are taught well, as well as opportunities for sports, performing arts and creative arts.

I share the ethos with Hawthorn Primary School, where staff are driven to nurture children through every aspect of school life. The school works hard to ensure children aspire to be successful in life, making a positive contribution to society as adults, particularly in the context of diversity, local, national and global.

I take pride in being Chair of Governors of a school that is outward-facing and always striving to achieve. All our decisions as governors at Hawthorn Primary School are made in the context of the children coming first and regular meetings as a board as well as strong working relationships ensure the very best outcomes for our pupils.  I am extremely proud to be part of the Hawthorn family.