I would like to welcome you to the website of Farney Close School.
As the Chair of Governors, I feel privileged to be leading – alongside the Vice-Chair – a dedicated board of governors and directors who bring valuable opinions and expertise in areas including business, education, IT, adolescent counselling, care and safeguarding. Together we oversee the school’s development strategy, aims, objectives and goals following governance, legal and regulatory requirements.
We are all excited to be working closely with Sara Hack, the school’s Principal and members of the Senior Leadership Team (SLT) to drive the school forwards during these exciting – and sometimes challenging – times. We have recently expanded our SLT to include James Mills (Head of Education) & Dawn Lashley (Operations Manager) as well as Sara, Ray Lau (Vice Principal) and Steve de Souza (Head of Care).
As the Chair of Governors, it is important to me that the Board – myself included – are not only holding the SLT and employees of the school to account but also supporting them to ensure that our provision offers a quality service. As part of this process we all make regular visits to the school, not only monitoring our designated areas of responsibility but also taking time to speak with staff members and children and young people to gather their views.
The school is currently facing several challenges including COVID-19, major repairs being undertaken on the main building and extensive damage caused by a direct lightning strike in July 2021. However, there are also many exciting developments such as the new year 5 & 6 primary provision, our opening up to day pupils whilst maintaining our residential provision, a variety of fundraising projects, new technology being implemented to mention just some of our ongoing work.
All of the good work that happens at Farney Close School would not be possible without the hard work and dedication of all of the people who work at the school. I would like to take this opportunity to thank you all for your work and the positive impact you have on the lives of the children and young people that attend our school.
I would also like to thank the parents and carers of our pupils for their support and let you know that if you ever need to make contact, we are all here for you. Finally, I would like to thank the children and young people because without pupils there is no school and without your co-operation, we cannot help you to succeed.
If you would like to contact me, please get in touch via the school.
Carole Johns