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Who are our Governors?

Warren Hasty -  Chair of Governors

 

Term of Office: 2 .2.2021 to 1.2.25
Committees: Chair of Resources
Governor Link Roles:

  • GDPR
  • Health & Safety
  • Science
  • Art
  • Ruby Class

Biography 

Biography  

Living locally in Sawbridgeworth and with a daughter who had been at Spellbrook School, I am pleased to have the role of governor.

I have worked in various roles within a high street Bank, where I have gained a wealth of experience in management, finance, communication and training of staff.  I feel these skills help the school.

When i joined the Governing Body I had no previous experience within education and i bring an independent perspective to the role whilst working with the other governors.

 

Father Simon Vivian - Vice Chair of Governors

Term of Office:  21.09.20
Committees: Standards & Curriculum
Governor Link Roles:

  • Christian Distinctiveness
  • Religious Education
  • Ruby Class

  Biography 

I am the Vicar of Sawbridgeworth and a governor of Spellbrook.  We moved to Sawbridgeworth in the summer of 2020. I was previously the curate at St Peter’s Church in Berkhamsted and a Castle Federation governor which cares for the two Church of England schools in that town.  My wife and I both trained as musicians at university and, for a good number of years, both worked for the BBC's Religion & Ethics department in Manchester.  I began training for the priesthood in 2014 at Ripon College Cuddesdon, a few miles out of Oxford.  As well as my passion for music (singing and playing the organ and piano), I am an avid Formula One fan, a relatively unbiased appreciator of good football on Match of the Day, and a keen reader.  On first visiting Spellbrook, I commented about the caring, friendly feel of the school and the impressive way the pupils are inspired in so many different ways to give of their best.  As a governor, I am relishing being part of the Spellbrook family, leading collective worships, and helping us to explore positive values for living.

Eve Knights - Parent Governor  

 

Term of Office: 18.03.2020 to 17.03.2024

Committees: Standards & Curriculum


Governor Link Roles:

  • History
  • Geography
  • Emerald Class
  • Shadow SEND

  Biography  

First and foremost, I am mum to two children, one of whom has recently made the transition to Secondary school and the other has just started in Reception. I have been actively involved with the Spellbrook PTA since 2013.

Trained as a dancer, I worked professionally in contemporary dance and musical theatre, before working for the Language of Dance Trust, where I now hold position as Director. I have 18 years teaching experience, including a level 5 teaching qualification and currently teach in EYFS, Primary and SEN settings. As I work as a 3rd party within schools, it will allow me to bring a more independent perspective to the team.

My role incorporates the management and training of staff and other professionals, finance and fundraising as well as keeping updated with curriculum, policies and changes within the education sector, for which I hope my experience will be valuable to my role as parent governor at the school.

I wanted to become a governor at the school as I have always had an active interest in my Children’s education. Through my work, which is mainly based within socio-economically disadvantaged London boroughs, I have always advocated for providing an inclusive curriculum that empowers every child to want to learn and unlock their potential.

Michelle Birch - Co-Opted Governor

Term of Office: 18.09.2019 to 17.09.2023
Committees: Resources
Governor Link Roles:

  • Safeguarding
  • EYFS

Biography 

I have been a Civil Servant all my working life, most of which has been spent at the Official Solicitor & Public Trust Office (Ministry of Justice). 

I am married, but do not have any children.  However, I spent 25 years in the Guides and Scouts, 15 years as a leader, working with children and young adults from 6 to 18.  I have also volunteered with a group for the visually impaired & in 2012, as a games maker at the London Olympics, working with and meeting a wide variety of people. I am relishing the  new volunteering challenge and helping support the education and welfare of the children at Spellbrook.

Sarah Cook - Staff Governor

Term of Office: October 2021
Committees: Standards and Curriculum 
Governor Link Roles:

Staff well-being 

Biography

I am the Deputy Head at Spellbrook and also the Year 5/6 class teacher. This is my third year at Spellbrook but it is my first year working as part of the governing body. I have many years senior leadership experience which will not only help to provide good communication links between the staff and governing body but I also bring a strong understanding about the day to day workings of the school across a wide range of areas. I am looking forward to working with and supporting the governors in their monitoring role to continue to ensure that Spellbrook continues to grow and flourish whilst providing an excellent education for all children in school. 

As well as being the Deputy Head, I also have 4 children, ranging in ages from 8 - 19, a very lovely husband and an energetic springer spaniel to keep me on my toes. 

 

                                                                            

Jeremy Fisher - Headteacher

                                                                                                     

Term of Office:  20.4.2020
Committees: Resources and Standards & Curriculum

Biography

I have been the headteacher at Spellbrook since April 2020. My entire career has been in Primary Education, following the completion of a Degree in Primary Education in 1990. I have worked in very different schools and have had many different roles including being headteacher of a number of schools. I love the friendly community feel here and am proud to lead such a child-centred team, ensuring that we meet our vision and provide an excellent primary education for all of our pupils.

As well as my role as headteacher, my family are very important in my life and my wife, who is a nurse, and I have three fantastic children, two who are now university students.                          

Elspeth Booth - Parent Governor

Term of Office:  October 2021 to 2025

Committees: Standards & Curriculum

Having moved to Sawbridgeworth during lockdown with my wonderful sons and husband in late 2020 from North East London, we were offered a place for the boys at Spellbrook in February 2021.  I am the founder of my own vintage clothing company following 20 years working in antiques and luxury retail and have a passion for organic gardening and sustainable living. Any spare moment I have is spent in my garden, growing as many different fruits and vegetables as possible. I also help manage an U8 rugby team at Eton Manor RFC in Wanstead which means that when I am not working, I am normally covered in mud!  

I am thrilled to have to opportunity to join the Governing Body as a Parent Governor and although I do not have any previous experience of volunteering in an educational setting, I look forward to learning more about how the school operates and what I can do to help support the team.

 

Sarisha Naidoo -Parent Governor

 

 

 

Term of Office:   September 2022 to 2026

Committees: Standards & Curriculum

 

Community Governor - John Haynes

Term of Office March 2024 to 2028

I moved to Sawbridgeworth in 2011 to take up my current position in Farm Management where I have worked ever since. I live a stone’s throw away from the school on one of the farms I manage with my wife and two children. Our eldest is currently in Sapphire Class and our youngest is due to start in Ruby Class this autumn.

I have a passion for my children’s education & development as well as a drive to support both them and the school in which they grow up in. Having found my own education a challenge as well as being told by my peers that I would never make it in my career of choice, I know only too well the importance of a sound education and the creation of opportunity.

My role in Farm Management gives me a much wider spectrum of experience and skills than most would think which includes Health & Safety Management, Human Resources, Financial Control and trying to second guess mother nature. The business I run employs placement students from Agricultural Universities to ensure we contribute to the future generations.

When not at work I devote my time to my family, play squash and compete in off road motor bike racing having competed in 2 international Rallyes in Greece. I am also a Trustee Director for The Institute of Agriculture and Horticulture.

Associate Governor - Ashley Turner

Term of Office March 2024 to 2028

Having previously worked for ten years providing IT support in schools and with several close family members also working in schools, I have always felt a strong connection with children’s education.

 

I both live and work locally, have one child at Spellbook and another due to start this year.  Since becoming part of the Spellbook family I have loved the inclusive and friendly feel and am looking forward to working as a Governor and bringing my skills and perspective to support the school. 

Foundation Governor

Vacancy