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Governors


 

The Governing Body and the school’s strategic leadership

The Governing Body works with the Senior Leadership Team to provide strategic leadership and scrutiny of our effectiveness. The Governing Body comprises people from the local community, parents, local authority and staff, including the head teacher. Some governors are voted for by parents and staff but the majority are selected for their skill, knowledge and expertise to meet the needs of the school.

The core responsibilities of a Governing Body are:

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
  • Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of the staff; and
  • Overseeing the financial management of the organisation and making sure money is well spent.

The Governing Body plays a crucial role in holding the school to account for securing the best possible outcomes for its pupils. By challenging key decisions and asking probing questions about the school’s performance data, governors can help to guarantee high standards of education provision.

 

Governors are linked to a specific area of the school’s work or a statutory responsibility e.g. early years, special educational needs. Details of the Governing Body membership and their specific responsibilities can be found below.

 

The full Governing Body meets at least twice a term to review progress against the school development plan. Governors also visit the school during the working day to see for themselves how the school runs on a day-to-day basis and to monitor progress against the school’s priorities with their linked member of staff.

The chair of governors can be contacted at governors@chasebridge.richmond.sch.uk

Chase Bridge is is currently looking to fill some Governor posts in the new academic year, starting in September.  Please head to our vacancies section for more information.

REGISTER OF INTEREST

GOVERNING BODY STRUCTURE

ATTENDANCE AT MEETINGS

INSTRUMENT OF GOVERNMENT

GOVERNORS' ALLOWANCES POLICY

 

Governor profiles

 

 

Mike Dormer - Chair of Governors


I've spent my entire working life in the film and television industry, originally as a documetary maker but mainly as a drama producer. For several years I was a governor at Rose Bruford College of Theatre and Performance in Siducp. I live in St Margarets and volunteered as a governor to support education in Richmond. Chase Bridge is a vibrant creative community and I'm very much looking forward to becoming part of it.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor - Community

Chair of the Governing Body, Safeguarding, Pay and Performance Management, Three-year Strategy Group, Recruitment and Selection.

Appointed 3rd December 2022. Term ends 3rd December 2026.

 

The chair of governors can be contacted via email at governors@chasebridge.richmond.sch.uk

 

 

Eleanor Wright


I have been a governor since my children were at Chase Bridge in the 1990s. I became a governor because of my interest in the school and in education, and in the hope that I could be helpful. I am a solicitor specialising in education law and a member of Richmond Dyslexia Association, and I also sit on local admission and exclusion appeal panels.

Governing Body role: Associate Member

Safeguarding

Appointed 10th June 1995. Term ends 20th June 2025.

 

 

James Lovatt


Employment: Head of Compliance Europe - TD Securities

I have worked for a number of financial services firms and lived in the local area for approximately fifteen years. Over that time I have realised how important it is to have a variety of views contributing to decision making. I want to be able to use my skills and expertise from the financial sector to hopefully contribute to the continued success of Chase Bridge. In addition I am excited to learn how such an important sector functions and will enjoy developing new skills along the way. I look forward to working with all members of the Chase Bridge community in the future. I am married with two young daughters and enjoy playing golf.

Governing Body role: Local Authority Governor and Vice Chair of Governors

Pay and Performance Management, Admin and Premises, Health & Safety Link Governor

Appointed 9th February 2021. Term ends 9th February 2025.

 

Graeme Kirkpatrick


My career and other achievements in life to date are thanks in no small part to the education I received as a primary school student. I believe that education can be a creator of many great experiences for participants and an enabler of many more. I'm also a believer that Sport and games play a similar role, creating & enabling experiences, throughout life and I think Chase Bridge recognises the same.

I plan to use the skills I've gained through a varied professional career, in construction, to help the Governing Body continue the vibrancy and excellence of experiences at Chase Bridge.

As a Parent Governor, I'm excited to have an opportunity to contribute to the school that my children and others attend and look forward to doing so.

Governing Body role: Parent Governor

Appointed 1st June 2021. Term ends 1st June 2025.

 

Bhaven Marshall


I’m a parent of two children at Chase Bridge and have lived in the local area all my life. I have a background in health and social care and have previously served as a Children’s Health Commissioner within London. It is a privilege to have the opportunity to support the Governing Body and contribute to the schools continuing success.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor

Appointed 6th July 2022. Term ends 6th July 2026

 

 

Tony Meehan


I retired in 2017 after 29 years as a teacher in mainstream secondary and special schools. My specialism is modern foreign languages. I spent over eight of those years as head of a Pupil Referral Unit, working with vulnerable pupils excluded from mainstream school and their families in inner London, before retiring in 2017. I now coach and train school leadership teams. I also support schools and families in my role as a nonviolence resistance (NVR) practitioner. I continue to explore approaches to education that minimise the likelihood and risks of exclusion.

I live locally and look forward to making a positive contribution to Chase Bridge school and continuing to learn in the process.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor, Vice Chair of Governors and Chair of the Behaviour, Attitudes & Personnel Development Committee

Appointed 7th December 2022. Term ends 7th December 2026

 

 

Kuldev Sehra


I am a local Councillor representing our unique town of Whitton. I am already involved in a number of charities and initiatives as I strive to help make our neighbourhood and community fulfil its potential.

I was honoured when given the opportunity to serve as a Governor at Chase Bridge because there are synergies between this and what I do already. I fully endorse the school's vision for all children to excel at learning, be able to express their talents and know how to care for others.

I hope to be able to bring my life experience of being a parent, 30 years as a financial adviser and multiple committees that I take part in; so that I can fulfil my responsibilities here.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor

Appointed 7th December 2022. Term ends 7th December 2026

 

Gillian Keane


My daughter is a pupil at Chase Bridge and I decided to become a Governor to support the school and gain a deeper understanding of education. I work in Corporate Governance and Finance and I am keen to support the school in whatever way I can to succeed.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor and Chair of the Finance, Personnel & Premises Committee

Appointed 6th July 2022. Term ends 6th July 2026

 

Archana Jhinger


I bring over 13 years of experience working in the Real Estate Industry. I have solid experience in budgeting, finance, health and safety, customer service, sustainability and capital expenditure.

I feel honoured and privileged to be able to contribute to the local community, and hence I am here to support the Chase Bridge community with my skill capacity. I also mentor university students and do webinars and in-person presentations for schools through charity partners from work.

An interesting fact about me is that I love creativity and was part of several stage performances and plays in my much younger days. Life is also about an effective life-work balance for me.

I look forward to working with the decision-making community to contribute towards a progressive, safe, empowered and effective educational institution.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor

Appointed 7th December 2022. Term ends 7th December 2026

 

Navdeep Sidhu


I am delighted to have the opportunity to support the wonderful school community at Chase Bridge, helping it to continue to thrive and succeed.

My professional career to date has focussed on strategic communications, PR, government affairs, stakeholder engagement and, more recently, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion.

I hope to use my experience and knowledge to help strengthen the future vision and strategic direction of the school and ensure we adopt an inclusive approach across the school, recognising the rich diversity we are fortunate to have at Chase Bridge.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor and Chair of the Quality of Education Committee

Appointed 27th September 2023. Term ends 27th September 2027

 

Sue Stanley


I am Sue Stanley and I am a co-opted governor at Chase Bridge Primary School. I have 38 years of experience in primary education as a teacher, advisor and leader. I was recently Headteacher of a school in Ealing for 12 years. I now work as an independent educational consultant. I look forward to using my experience and energies to support the school and community at Chase Bridge Primary School.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor

Appointed 7th December 2022. Term ends 7th December 2026.

 

Nida Rehman


As a property development professional, with over 15 years of industry experience, I bring a strong background in time/cost/quality management & property knowledge to the table.

By serving as a Governor, I aim to bring my skills, knowledge and dedication to support the school in achieving its goals and creating an enriching environment for students.

As a parent with a son attending the school and a resident of Twickenham, I have a personal investment in the success of Chase Bridge.

I'm excited to offer my professional expertise, coupled with my genuine interest in the well-being of the school community, to contribute to the ongoing success of Chase Bridge.

Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor

Appointed 27th September 2023. Term ends 27th September 2027

 

Yuvraj Nirwal


I have worked as a teacher for over 15 years and am currently an Assistant Head responsible for teaching and learning. I have always had a passion for helping young people achieve and wanted to become a Governor not only because my children attend Chase Bridge but also because it is important for the local community to have excellent schools to help prepare young people to make the most of the opportunities ahead of them.

Governing Body role: Parent Governor

Appointed 20th March 2023. Term ends 20th March 2027

 

Becky Seaward


My daughter is a pupil at Chase Bridge and we live very close to the school, so I welcome the opportunity to take up a Governor role to better understand ways to support the school’s work, its pupils and staff. 

My background is in infrastructure projects and finance and I have held a few Non-Executive corporate roles as well as holding a current charitable Trustee role elsewhere.

I’m hoping to contribute to the school based on my background, as well as learning more about how best to help Chase Bridge succeed.

Governing Body Role: Co-opted governor

Appointed 25th September 2024. Term ends 25th September 2028

 

 

 

Clare Rees


I am a primary lead for the Ealing Learning Partnership, overseeing 63 primary schools and the strategic lead for Ealing’s Early Years provision. I have also been a Headteacher of two schools over 12 years.

Having gained a doctorate in Educational Leadership in 2020 from Middlesex University, my research and subsequent thesis was ‘An exploration into the effectiveness of coaching as a mechanism for school improvement in a primary setting.’ I am also one of the Founding Fellows of the Chartered College of Teaching and also a trustee of Education Support, a charity that supports teachers’ mental health and wellbeing.

As a governor, I hope that I can actively contribute from the perspective of a Headteacher and now a local authority lead.

In my spare time, I like to read, go to the cinema, travel, work on my allotment with my son and visit my grandchildren in Wales.

Governing Body Role: Co-opted Governor

Appointed 13th December 2023.  Term ends 13th September 2027

 

 

Kath Briggs

Kath Briggs


I am an outstanding primary teacher with 18 years of experience and have taught across the entire primary range. I have led many year groups, been an assistant and deputy head and a leading English teacher./p>

In the past, I was the staff governor at my previous school for five years.  

I joined Chase Bridge six years ago and I am currently leading Year 5. I also have a child at the school.

I look forward to contributing to Chase Bridge in a new way as staff governor and building effective partnerships.  

Governing Body role: Staff Governor

 

Appointed 25th May 2021. Term ends 24th May 2025.

 

 

Gareth Mantle


Governing Body role: Co-opted Governor 

As a teacher of 12 years experience in Key Stage 2, I am excited to have the opportunity to contribute to the life of Chase Bridge Primary School as a governor.

With a background in the arts (studying Art History and working in arts administration in London) I bring to the classroom a creative approach - focussing on arts and design & technology. I have been a Year 6 teacher at Chase Bridge for 3 years and have enjoyed becoming part of the school community. I have two primary age children and enjoy reading, photography and running.

As a governor, I am looking forward to helping to oversee the continual development of the curriculum and look at the wellbeing of pupils, staff and the wider school.

Appointed 25th May 2021. Term ends 25th May 2025.

 

Daniel Bishop


Governing Body role: Headteacher - ex officio

Attends meetings of the Governing Body.

 

Brian Ostro


Governing Body role: Deputy Headteacher

Attends meetings of the Governing Body.

 

 

Past Governors

Ash Patel, Co-opted Governor - term ended 20th March 2024

Helen Box, Co-opted Governor - term ended 7th June 2023

Emily Metcalfe, Co-opted Governor - term ended 17th March, 2023

Fr David Cloake, Vice Chair - term ended 16th December 2022

Emily Tafler, Parent Governor - term ended 16th December 2022

Martin Ford, Co-opted Governor - term ended 21st October 2022

Leighton Aurelius, Co-opted Governor - term ended 15th July 2022

Jonathon Lisseman, Co-opted Governor - term ended 15th July 2022

Natasha Jackson - term ended 10th June 2022.

Miguel Brito, Co-opted Governor - term ended 10th February 2022.

Harj Singh Mann, Co-opted Governor.  Term ended 29th November 2021.

Michael Ashe, Vice-Chair. Term ended 13th October 2021.

Lorraine Templeton. Co-opted Governor.  Term ended 3rd February 2021.

Joanna Wilkinson. Parent Governor. Term ended 3rd September 2020.

Sue Wood. Staff Governor. Term ended 3rd September 2020.

Una Blair. Co-opted Governor. Term ended 31st August 2020.

Greg Twitcher. Co-opted Governor - Community. Term ended 31st August 2020.

Janet Scott. Chair of Governors. Term ended 31st July 2020.

Caroline McCarthy. Parent Governor. Term ended 28th November 2019.

Anne-Marie Fussey. Staff Governor. Term ended 8th October 2019.

 

Governing Body Meetings

Minutes of full Governing Body meetings for the past two years can be found below:

10 JULY 2024

20 MARCH 2024

13 DECEMBER 2023

27 SEPTEMPER 2023

5 JULY 2023

22 MARCH 2023

11 JANUARY 2023

21 SEPTEMBER 2022

6 JULY 2022

23 MARCH 2022

 

 

Get In Touch

Chase Bridge Primary School
Kneller Road
Twickenham
TW2 7DE

020 8892 1242
info@chasebridge.richmond.sch.uk

Headteacher: Mr Bishop
School Business Manager: Mrs Kan