We meet regularly through the school year to look in detail at different aspects of the school's work and environment.

These aspects include:

• Working with the AET to set direction, policies and objectives for the school's long term future

• Working with the Senior Leadership Team to set the school's vision and aims

• Promoting a culture of respect that prioritises wellbeing and equity

• Promoting high standards of behaviour and strong attendance

• Holding the school to account for delivering excellent progress and attainment

• Ensuring that the school delivers a broad and balanced curriculum

• Overseeing the implementation of effective safeguarding

• Working with the AET to provide financial oversight and effective allocation of the school budget

• Ensuring that the school recruits, develops and retains the best teaching and support staff 

We visit the school on a regular basis to speak to staff and visit different classrooms to observe learning activities. We are guided on our visits by aspects of the School Improvement Plan which we help monitor alongside the Headteacher and the AET.

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

Trust Appointed Governors

Emma Carvalho-Baird

Kate Corrigan

Ruth Maisey (Chair)

Dorothy Murray ( Vice Chair)

Emma Simmons

Karen Watson 

Andy Woodhead

Parent Governors
Alejandro Guarin 

Staff Governor
Victoria Foley

Headteacher
Clare Cockburn 

The governance structure of the Ambition Education Trust which we are part of can be found at: AET Schedule of Delegation

Governor bios

Name: Emma Carvalho Baird

Category : Trust Appointed
Appointing Body: Trustees
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 Wheatfields Infants' and Nursery School

I have lived in the St Albans area since 2012 and have two sons currently attending the school . 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 : Trust Appointed
Appointing Body: Trustees
Term of Office: 06/02/23 – 05/02/27

Areas of Responsibility: Human Resources 

Personal relationships with school: Parent of child in Wheatfields Infants' and Nursery School

I have recently left the corporate world, where I was a Senior Director at a Global Consultancy, to focus on raising our 4 children.  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: Vicky Foley

Category: Staff
Appointing Body: Staff 
Term of Office: 25/11/24 
Areas of Responsibility: Governor Training
Relevant associated interests: None

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 Wheatfields Infants' and Nursery School.

I grew up in Colombia and have lived with my family in St Albans for nearly eight 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.

Name: Ruth Maisey 

Category : Trust Appointed
Appointing Body: Trustees
Term of Office: 13/12/2020-23/07/2025
Areas of Responsibility: Chair of Governing Board & Treetops
Relevant associated interests:Employee at Nuffield Foundation
Personal relationships with school: None

I have a daughter at Sandringham School and a son at Wheatfields Junior School. 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 : Trust Appointed
Appointing Body: Trustees
Term of Office: 13/12/2020-12/12/2028
Areas of Responsibility: Vice Chair of the Governing Body and Attendance and Behaviour
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.

Emma Simmons

Category: Trust Appointed

Appointing Body: Trustees

Term of Office: 10/12/2024 - 10/12/2028

Areas of Responsibility: SEN

Relevant associated interests: Employed by Alban Teaching School Hub

Personal relationships with school: None

I have been in education for 25 years and have gained experience working in a variety of schools, in both teaching and leadership roles. I am currently the Executive Head of Crabtree Infants’ and Crabtree Junior School in Harpenden. I am passionate about education and have a desire to make a difference. I work closely with the Alban Teaching School Hub, supporting ECTs and ITTs, and facilitating several courses for teachers and senior leaders. I have lived in St Albans for many years and enjoy being part of such a wonderful community. I am very much looking forward to working with the Governance team to support the children, staff and community at Wheatfields.

Name: Karen Watson
Category : Trust Appointed
Appointing Body: Trustees
Term of Office: 05/01/2021-04/01/2029
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 : Trust Appointed
Appointing Body: Trustees
Term of Office: 06/02/23-05/02/27

Areas of Responsibility: Pupil Premium and Finance

Personal relationships with school:Child in Wheatfields Infnats' and Nursery School

Having attended Wheatfields Junior school myself numerous years ago, and with my children here now, 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.

 Governor Resignations 2023 - 2024

Natasha O'Sullivan

Matt Pope

Fleur Baikie