The composition of the Governing Body of Wheatfields Infants' and Nursery School is as follows:

Co-opted Governors

Emma Carvalho-Baird

Kate Corrigan

Jo Swindells 

Karen Watson 

Andy Woodhead

Parent Governors
Alejandro Guarin 

Ruth Maisey (Chair)
Dorothy Murray ( Vice Chair)

Staff Governor
TBC

Headteacher
Clare Cockburn 

The governance structure of the Alban Academies Trust which we are part of can be found at: https://albanacademiestrust.org.uk/scheme-of-delegation/ 

Governor bios

Name: Emma Carvalho Baird

Category : Co-opted
Appointing Body: Governors
Term of Office: 06/02/23 - 05/02/27

Areas of Responsibility: Safeguarding and Children Looked After

Personal relationships with school: Parent of 2 children in Nursery and Reception

I have lived in the St Albans area since 2012 and have two sons currently attending the school – one in Nursery and the other in Reception. I am a commercial solicitor at a city law firm where I specialise in advising on large infrastructure and energy projects. In my spare time, I am a keen baker and love to travel. As the first member of my family to go to university, I am a strong advocate of social mobility and believe that every child should have the opportunity to thrive and succeed. I am committed to the ethos of the school and proud to be part of this vibrant school community.

Name: Kate Corrigan

Category : Co-opted
Appointing Body: Governors
Term of Office: 06/02/23 – 05/02/27

Areas of Responsibility: Human Resources 

Personal relationships with school: Parent of child in Year 1.

I have recently left the corporate world, where I was a Senior Director at a Global Consultancy, to focus on raising our 4 children – 2 daughters in Year 3 and Year 1, our son starting at Wheatfields nursery in September and our 7 month old daughter.  I’m a Chartered Quantity Surveyor, with a background in commercial management, HR, learning & development, operational management and a passion for diversity and inclusion.  I believe all children should be provided with the support, environment and opportunities to enable them to flourish and realise their full potential. I hope I can support this through my role as a School Governor.

Name: Clare Cockburn
Category: Headteacher
Appointing Body: Governors
Term of Office: 01/09/2017
Areas of Responsibility: Curriculum
Relevant associated interests: None
Personal relationships with school: Headteacher

Name: Alejandro Guarin
Category : Parent
Appointing Body: Parent Election
Term of Office: 21/02/22 – 20/02/26
Areas of Responsibility: Governor Mornings
Relevant associated interests: None
Personal relationships with school: Parent of child in Reception

I grew up in Colombia and have lived with my family in St Albans for nearly six years after stints in the USA, the Netherlands, and Germany. I work as a researcher on environmental and overseas development issues. I am married to a New Zealander and am the proud father of two boys: one currently in Year 3 at Wheatfields, and one who started Reception this autumn. 

Name: Ruth Maisey 

Category : Parent
Appointing Body: Parent Election
Term of Office: 13/12/2020-12/12/2024
Areas of Responsibility: Chair of Governing Board & SEN
Relevant associated interests:Employee at Nuffield Foundation
Personal relationships with school: Parent of child in Year 2

I have a daughter in Year 6 (Wheatfields Junior School) and a son in Year 2 - he will be at the school throughout my Governor term of office. I have spent my career helping to inform teaching practice and education policy through research into improving children’s attainment, well-being and opportunities, including running multi-million evaluation programmes. I lead the Primary research portfolio at the Nuffield Foundation.  I am approachable and delighted to bring my experience to the Governing Body and represent the carers/parents. 

Name: Dorothy Murray
Category : Parent
Appointing Body: Parent Election
Term of Office: 13/12/2020-12/12/2024
Areas of Responsibility: Vice Chair of the Governing Body & Health and Safety
Relevant associated interests: None
Personal relationships with school: None

With a daughter now at Junior school, having previously attended Wheatfields Infants and Nursery School, I bring a parent perspective to the role as well as my professional skills as a litigation solicitor advising individuals and companies for over 20 years: problem solving, project management, effective teamwork and critical thinking. A firm believer in the power of education to shape young lives for the better, I am proud to support and challenge the school to provide an excellent education for all its children, and, as Vice-Chair of the Governing Board, ensuing that we as governors fulfil our responsibilities as an effective team.

Name: Jo Swindells
Category : Co-opted
Appointing Body: Governors
Term of Office: 05/01/2021-04/01/2025
Areas of Responsibility: Safeguarding and Children Looked After
Relevant associated interests: None
Personal relationships with school: None

I have been involved in education for 30 years, starting out as an English teacher and progressing into senior management in Further Education. I am currently National Head of English and ESOL for an education charity. I am also an Ofsted Inspector.  For several years, I was chair of the management committee of a large community centre in London. I have held the position of Staff Governor on the board of Governors of a Further Education college. I have two daughters who are in Year 10 and Year 8 in school in St Albans.

Name: Karen Watson
Category : Co-opted
Appointing Body: Governors
Term of Office: 05/01/2021-04/01/2025
Areas of Responsibility: Premises
Relevant associated interests: None

Personal relationships with school: None

I have a keen interest in the community where I live, volunteering in a local charity shop, helping out at Brownies each week and being part of the St Albans Gang Show costume team. In my professional life, I lead cyber security teams to ensure data is protected and the business remains secure.  Being a school governor allows me to use my experience in governance to provide independent oversight of the management and operation of the school, whilst ensuring the quality of education provided remains high. 

Name: Andy Woodhead
Category : Co-opted
Appointing Body: Governors
Term of Office: 06/02/23-05/02/27

Areas of Responsibility: Finance

Personal relationships with school:Child in Reception

Having attended Wheatfields Junior school myself numerous years ago, and now with my eldest coming to the end of his first year in reception, I am keen to get stuck in and support Wheatfields Infant school where possible over the coming years. I have a background in Finance, currently work as a Finance Business Partner within the Financial Services Industry.

.................................................................................................................................

We meet regularly throughout the school year, both as a full Governing Body and also in our two committees (Quality of Education and Resources) to look in detail at different aspects of the school’s work and environment.

These aspects include:

• Promoting high standards of education and achievement

• Setting direction, policies and objectives for the school’s long term future

• Work with the Senior Leadership Team to set the school’s vision and aims

• Approving the allocation and control of the school budget

• Reviewing progress against the school’s budget and objectives

• Appointing staff

• Challenging and supporting the Headteacher

We visit the school on a regular basis to go into different classrooms and observe learning activities. We are guided on our visits by aspects of the School Improvement plan (SIP) which the Headteacher would like us to monitor. 

 Governor Resignations 2023 - 2024

Natasha O'Sullivan

Matt Pope

Fleur Baikie