Our board of governors works hard to ensure that the needs of our community are met. They work with the headteacher and other teaching staff to ensure that the best possible education is being provided, they provide their expertise and resources to help benefit the community and they visit the school regularly to meet pupils and hear their views.
Ofsted have praised the work of our governors, saying:
Governance is a strength of the school. Governors work hard and have high ambitions for the school. They undertake regular monitoring activities, as well as evaluating a range of other evidence, including internal and external reports, in order to accurately assess the strengths and weaknesses of the school. As a result, they are clear about achievements to date and the areas that require further development. They are supportive and challenging in equal measure. (2018)
At present, our board of governors consists of:
The headteacher, who works closely with, and is the primary channel between, our governors and the rest of our community
6 Co-opted governors who have been asked to contribute their knowledge and experience in a variety of fields to help better our school
2 Parent Governors, who have been elected by the parents to represent their interests to the board and speak on all of their behalf about the direction that our school should take
1 Local Authority governor who has been selected to represent the the interests of Hertfordshire’s education authority
1 Staff governor, who has been elected by colleagues to represent their interests to the board
Governors Register of Interests
The Leys Governing Body opts out of sharing personal data, including data on any of the protected characteristics from the Equality Act 2010.
The protected characteristics are age, disability, gender reassignment, marriage and civil partnership, pregnancy and maternity, race, religion or belief, sex, and sexual orientation.
This term, class teachers select one pupil per class who have demonstrated and followed the school values; Inclusivity and Empathy. These pupils were all rewarded with a Christmas special lunch with Governors and Senior leaders.
Each term, class teachers select one pupil per class who have demonstrated and followed the school values. These pupils are all rewarded with a special lunch with Governors and Senior leaders.
Category of Governor: Co-Opted
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 03.12.19 - 03.12.23
Current membership and responsibilities:
Chair of Governors, School Improvement Committee, Safeguarding, SEND
Register of Interest: Governor at Ashtree School
I am a mother of eight, four of whom attend The Leys. I chaired the PTA for two years and played a part in establishing it in the 18 months prior to this. I currently volunteer on the maternity ward at the local hospital and have been doing this for the past ten years. I also hold a governor position at another primary school in the town. In my spare time I enjoy exploring all manner of places with my young family, caves and mines area big favourite! I also enjoy learning and can always be found training or completing courses of some variety or learning languages. I believe the education children receive at primary level sets the foundations for the rest of their lives and that all children have the right to an outstanding education.
Category of Governor: Co-Opted
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 03.12.19 - 03.12.23
Current membership and responsibilities:
Vice Chair of Governors, Chair of School Improvement Committee, Information and Communication Technology
Register of Interest: None
I have been a School Governor at The Leys for over 6 years now. My family lives in Ripon Road, my wife is a Teaching Assistant at the school and all three of my daughters were pupils there, from nursery to Year 6 and I am very proud of their schooling and results. I have a strong belief that Early Years and Primary School are where the children develop their learning ethos for the rest of their lives. If we can help to give them a good start in life then that will usually continue through to adulthood and beyond. I work locally in the advanced electronics industry which gives me a passion for ICT, science and mathematics in particular. I regularly travel overseas for work and coupled with my interest in robots, provide some interesting shows and presentations for the children.
Category of Governor: Local Authority
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 26.02.21 - 25.02.25
Current membership and responsibilities:
Chair of Resources Committee, Link Governor for Pupil Premium, English and Children Looked After
Register of Interest: Governor at Shephalbury Park School
I retired as a Bank Manager in 2006 and, since then, have been working for the community, particularly St Nicholas, where I have lived since 1998. I am the County Councillor for St Nicholas, and a Borough Councillor for Woodfield. I have been delighted to have been a Governor for The Leys for 13 years, getting involved at a senior level with key aspects of school improvement and development.
Category of Governor: Ex-Officio
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 20.05.19 - 19.05.23
Current membership and responsibilities:
Headteacher of the Leys Primary and Nursery School
Register of Interest: Staff
I have been teaching for over 17 years at various schools within and out of the county. I am passionate about improving the life chances and aspirations of children as they leave primary school and continue their journeys elsewhere. I have previously been an Assistant Headteacher, the deputy head and now the Headteacher at The Leys Primary School and I currently hold the role of Designated Safeguarding Person. Part of these roles requires reporting to governors on matters of safeguarding, progress and attainment, so becoming a member of the Governing Body as an Assistant head made sense – it allows for ongoing dialogue and for governors to appropriately challenge when necessary. Our number one priority is ensuring that all our pupils are safe and they have high aspirations at school, and this is held in the highest regard during Governing Body meetings. I enjoy the oversight of school that being a governor provides, and I feel that I can contribute, in a positive way, to key decisions and discussions. I also feel that the professional development I get from being part of the Governing Body is invaluable. The Governing Body (and staff as a whole) want what is best for our children, and we all pull in the same direction to try and achieve this. Outside of school, my time is filled by my two young sons!
Category of Governor: Parent
Appointing Body: Parent / Carers
Term of Office:
Current membership and responsibilities:
Mathematics & Resources
Register of Interest: None
As a parent of twins in Year 1, I have a continued interest in The Leys. Education is very close to my heart and as schools strive to meet narrow government targets, important aspects of our children’s education can be neglected. Due to this, I am especially keen to help by becoming a parent governor. I come from a Mathematical background and work in Finance for which I believe this and my passion for education, I will be able to contribute to making a difference to our wonderful school.
Category of Governor: Parent
Appointing Body: Parent / Carers
Term of Office:
Current membership and responsibilities:
Register of Interest: None
My daughter is in year two at The Leys primary, ever since she started her education at The Leys, we have had an amazing experience. Schools strive to help children with additional needs in the best way they can under tight resources, sometimes it’s challenging to bridge this gap with carers hence I am keen to become a Parent Governor. I come from an accounting and administration background, and work at a local mental hospital. My interest is mental health and safeguarding. I believe every child has the right to be heard, nurtured, and protected. I believe my skills and experience will make a positive difference in the decision making as we thrive to make the school better for our current and future pupils.
Category of Governor: Parent
Appointing Body: Parent / Carers
Term of Office:
Current membership and responsibilities:
Register of Interest: None
I have two daughters in the school, both of whom are thriving at the Leys. I’m former pupil of the Leys, this combined with my children’s experience has led me to have a strong interest in helping the school to help its pupils to achieve their potential. My background is in service improvement, I’ve worked within Local Authorities, Children’s Services and Youth Services supporting service delivery in the face of funding cuts. I’m currently working in a University Digital department working to deliver improvements to help our students to succeed in their studies.
Through my skills and experience I hope I can make a positive impact to support decision making within the school as it makes decisions in a challenging climate. In my spare time I volunteer with a local scout group and help with the coaching of a mini’s rugby tea
Category of Governor: Co-Opted
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 01.09.22 -
Current membership and responsibilities:
Register of Interest: Staff
I have been a teacher for 17 years and have worked at the Leys for the last 7. I have previously worked in a variety of schools both in the Uk and abroad. I am currently working as an Assistant Head at the Leys as well as Pupil Premium Lead and Key Stage 1 Leader. I have enjoyed becoming a Governor as it has provided me with a new perspective on the management of schools and provided me with another opportunity to work towards the best future for the children at The Leys.
Category of Governor: Staff
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 01.09.22 -
Current membership and responsibilities:
Register of Interest: Staff
I have lived in Stevenage for 22 years, have worked in several schools throughout the town and been at The Leys for 15 years. My role involves pastoral support including support for wellbeing and mental health. I am primarily involved in the safeguarding of children in the school. I am committed to providing a high quality environment at The Leys where every child can thrive and feel that my role as a governor can support this aim.
Category of Governor: Co-Opted
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 17.07.19 - 16.07.23
Current membership and responsibilities:
Resources Committee, More Able Pupils
Register of Interest: Chair of Governors at Codicote Church of England Primary School, Financial Services Delivery Manager at Herts for Learning
I have been a Governor for over 15 years, serving as Chair of the Governing Body at Codicote CofE School for a number of years. I believe that all children are entitled to receive the best possible education to enhance their life chances, whatever their challenges or background. School should be a positive, harmonious place where all contributions are valued and everyone feels safe and secure. There are a number of challenges providing this, not least the financial planning and stability of all schools. I hope my experience in this area will be beneficial to The Leys. By serving on two Governing bodies I hope to contribute to both, whilst making sure my knowledge is current and relevant to different settings.
Category of Governor: Co-Opted
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 01.09.22 -
Current membership and responsibilities:
Register of Interest: None
I have lived in Stevenage for just over 40 years. Spent my working life in Banking and was asked if I would like to become a Governor by a Family Member who was a Teacher's Assistant.Hopefully I can help the School with my life experiences to move forward in the positive way it already does to help the Children achieve their Life goals."
Category of Governor: Co-Opted
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 17.07.19 - 16.07.23
Current membership and responsibilities:
School Improvement Committee, PSHE, Mental Health
Register of Interest: 1decision (Supplier of resources for the subject of PSHE/Safeguarding)
As a former pupil of the Leys, I am dedicated to supporting the school in any areas where my expert knowledge can be utilised. For the last decade, I have worked within education in various ways from managing alternative provisions for dis-engaged students to creating a full suite of resources to support the subject of PSHE within primary schools across the UK. I am passionate about safeguarding children at every opportunity and look forward to supporting the Leys further.
Our governors meet as a whole group twice a term. This is known as a Full Governing Body meeting (FGB for short) and is a chance for them to hear about how the school is doing as well as discuss the issues that face the school community. They then take actions to address these issues such as accepting policies and planning governor-related events.
Below is a record of the attendance of governors at Full Governing Body meetings this year:
As well as meeting together as a full group, our governors work together in smaller groups called committees that look at and work on a particular part of school life. Some committees meet regularly, such as the School Improvement Committee and Resources Committee, while some meet only when they are needed, such as the Exclusions Committee and the Complaints Committee.
Each governor also has a link responsibility. This is a part of school life that they are responsible for staying in touch with and then letting the rest of the governors know how that part of school life is going.
Below are tables that show the different committees, who their members are and what link roles different governors have:
Pay Personnel and Appraisal Committee
Resource Committee
Anne-Marie Fonseca, SBM - in attendance
Resources Committee
Phil Bibby (Chair)
Davinder Khangura
Mark Freeman
Sally Clibbon
Maslline Katiyo
Marie Doherty
School Improvement Committee
Hayley Sherwood (Chair)
Barry Hack
Mel Stone
Marie Doherty
Davinder Khangura
Adam Richardson (Chair)
Panel Pools
Headteacher's Performance Management -
Phil Bibby, Mel Stone, Mark Freeman, Adam Richardson, Barry Hack
Complaints -
Phil Bibby, Mel Stone, Hayley Sherwood, Barry Hack, Mark Freeman, Adam Richardson, Maslline Katiyo
Staff Disciplinary -
Mel Stone, Phil Bibby, Barry Hack, Hayley Sherwood, Mark Freeman, Adam Richardson
Exclusions -
Mel Stone, Hayley Sherwood, Barry Hack, Phil Bibby, Mark Freeman, Adam Richardson
Link Roles
Safeguarding - Mel Stone/Adam Richardson
Health & Safety - Mark Freeman
PSHE/SRE - Hayley Sherwood
Mental Health & Wellbeing - Hayley Sherwood
SEND - Mel Stone & Maslline Katiyo
IT & E-Safety - Adam Richardson & Barry Hack
RE - Mel Stone
Geography - Adam Richardson
History - Adam Richardson
English - Phil Bibby
Maths - Mel Stone
Science - Barry Hack
PE & Sports Funding - Mark Freeman
MFL - Maslline Katiyo
Pupil Premium - Phil Bibby
Sports Premium - Mark Freeman
CLA - Phil Bibby
EYFS - Hayley Sherwood
Training - Mel Stone
Website - Davinder Khangura
Visits - Marie Doherty