WELCOME FROM THE CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

On behalf of the Governors of Blue Coat (CofE) Junior School, I would like to offer you a very warm welcome to our school. I am writing to introduce myself as the new Chair of Governors at Blue Coat (CofE) Junior School. My name is Heidi Donkin. I would like to thank Ian Hoult firstly as outgoing chair for the great service to the school as a governor and a chair of governors. In my job, I work for Durham County Council as a Special Educational Needs Support Worker with a lead in Autism and Social and communication difficulties. I am a past pupil of Blue Coat School and currently have a son who attends the school as well as a daughter who has recently left.

I live in Sacriston with my children and husband and our array of family pets. I feel very privileged to have been appointed chair of governors for this new academic year and to be working with such a professional team of staff and governors. As a Governing Body, our purpose is to ensure that a high quality of education is being provided, in a safe and nurturing environment. We take responsibility for the strategic development of the school by monitoring progress, and challenging the school leadership team to maintain the excellent conduct, ethos, and performance expected at Blue Coat. The Governors work very closely with the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and teaching staff, supporting them in their commitment to providing Blue Coat pupils with the best possible education, spiritual wellbeing, key social and creative skills, confidence and self-esteem, to help further their personal development.

Blue Coat is a wonderful place, and all of us who serve the school as Governors are immensely proud of the fantastic achievements of those attending and working at the school, and we would like to thank parents for their interest in supporting and maintaining our strong partnership with the local community. It is a privilege to be Chair of Governors at Blue Coat, with a devoted team who work hard to share their expertise in helping to guide our school forward.. We wish your child every success and happiness at Blue Coat.

Heidi Donkin

Chair of Governors