- Dave Worley

Dave Worley

Chair

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Co-opted Governor

- Ruth O'Sullivan

I am delighted to join the governing board of Riverside School.  Having been born and brought up in Haringey, I am pleased to have the opportunity to serve my local community in a meaningful manner.

I have always taken an interest in education and previously worked for educational charity Ambitious about Autism, as well as TreeHouse School.  I, therefore, have some understanding of provision for children with special educational needs but look forward to learning more.

I am currently a  solicitor working for the Government Legal Department.  I used to be the Public Affairs and Campaigns Officer for youth homelessness charity, Centrepoint, advocating for homeless young people who rely on state support for their housing, welfare and educational needs.  I hope to bring my experience of both the public and third sector, as well as advocacy skills, to Riverside’s governing body.

Ruth O'Sullivan

Vice Chair 

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Co-opted Governor

- Irene Mansfield

Local Authority

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Governor

- Abigail Coombs

Having moved to Haringey in 2022 from south of the river, I was keen to give back to the borough. I was therefore thrilled to be invited to join the board of governors at Riverside to be part of what is clearly a dedicated and dynamic team.

I’ve spent much of my career working for UNISON in various capacities, most recently as head of the union’s charity. UNISON represents members working in all types of educational settings, so I am acutely aware of the challenges faced by staff and students alike. I bring experience of governance, fundraising, finance, policy development and implementation, mediation, project management, safeguarding, industrial relations and most importantly a passion for education.

Abigail Coombs

Co-opted Governor

 - Heather Back

I am honoured to have been given the opportunity to join the governing board as a parent governor at Riverside. I have been living in Haringey since I moved here in 2001. I have 7 children 2 of which are currently in special education at Riverside, 1 in Woodside and the rest either working or in further education.

Before moving to London, I worked with children with special educational needs and since moving to London I have worked in a primary school with children on SEN.

These past and current experiences give me a unique understanding of the different individual needs in children and young adults.

Heather Back

Co-opted Governor

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Staff

- Despina Moutafis

I was delighted to be invited to join the Governing board. I have been a teacher at Riverside for 3 years. Prior to that, I managed Team Spirit, the after-school and holiday club provision for Riverside School. I have learnt so much throughout the years. I have had wonderful opportunities as a lead, or by being part of many projects within Haringey that support our young people in a variety of settings. This has given me great insight to what matters to our students and their families. 

 I find myself in a very privileged position to be part of this body to help support the great work we do here at Riverside.  We have the unique opportunity to see our students grow to the best of their abilities in all aspects of their school lives. I am enjoying being an integral part of this school and seeing it grow to its full potential.

Despina Moutafis

Co-opted Governor

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Staff

- Ryan McClelland

I’m really happy to be joining the Board of Governors at Riverside. I am a practicing artist who has been involved in education for 23 years predominantly teaching in SEND schools but also lecturing in Universities as well as running projects in Galleries and Museums.

I joined Riverside as the Art Teacher in 2019 having previously worked at the Bridge School in Islington as a Senior Teacher. From 2010-17 I was a Trustee of Intoart an Arts Studio that supports Artists with learning disabilities.

I believe strongly in the power of creativity and its ability to empower young people with SEN providing them with the opportunity to learn through activities that provide sensory, skill and conceptual development opportunities. Riverside has a rich culture of promoting all the art forms which drew me to work here, no day is the same and every day is fun thanks to the amazing staff and students at the school.

I’ve been a Haringey resident for 18 years where I live with my wife and nine-year son who attends a local primary school, and our dog “Barbara”.​

Ryan McClelland

Staff Governor 

 - Camille Lee

 I am pleased to have been given the opportunity to become a parent governor at Riverside School.

As a mother of 3, I have gained valuable experience in looking after children through my parental care duties. Nurturing and developing my children’s physical, emotional and cognitive needs and this has been a different journey for each child, due to their individual needs. I am currently working as a special needs assistant in the Brook Primary school where my youngest attended due to her complex physical and medical needs.

I have over 20 years’ experience working in the corporate banking and investment industry.

In the role of Parent Governor, I will strive to work proactively with the Board of Governors to highlight and improve aspects of the children’s educational needs.

With my experience I am confident that I would be an asset to the Board in the development of the school and its various projects to further enhance the learning and opportunities available to the students.

Camille Lee

Coming soon!

Katrina Serrette

Parent Governor

 - Stephen Hehir

I am delighted to be joining Riverside School as Headteacher and feel hugely privileged to be leading such a warm, inclusive and aspirational community. Riverside’s strong ethos and commitment to putting children and young people first make this an exciting opportunity, and I am particularly looking forward to working closely with the governors of Riverside as we shape the next chapter of the school together.

I bring many years of experience in education, including senior and headteacher roles across both mainstream and special school settings. Much of my leadership journey has focused on SEND, inclusion and safeguarding, and I am deeply committed to ensuring that every child feels safe, understood and supported to achieve their very best. I believe exceptional SEND provision is built on strong relationships, high expectations and a deep understanding of each individual child.

As a parent myself, I understand how important it is for families to feel confident that their child’s school will nurture them, celebrate their strengths and help them grow in confidence and independence. I am a values-driven, people-focused leader who believes schools thrive when there is trust, openness and genuine partnership between staff, families and governors.

Riverside’s motto, Living Life to the Full, resonates strongly with me. For me, this means providing rich, meaningful experiences that support not only learning, but also wellbeing, independence and enjoyment of life in all its forms. I am incredibly proud to be part of Riverside and look forward to working with governors, staff, families and students to ensure every member of our community truly lives life to the full.

Stephen Hehir

Headteacher Governor