Abel Smith School P

Abel Smith School P

ABEL SMITH GOVERNORS 2017-18

Mrs Maddie Waller (Chair & Co-opted Governor) has been a school governor for 7 years. This will be her fourth year as Chair of Governors. Both her children have now moved into secondary education following very happy and successful years at Abel Smith. Maddie has been involved with the school for many years with activities from nursery all the way through the school and was a member of the PFA for 7 years. She works hard to support the school and is a regular visitor. Maddie is also a parent governor at Presdales secondary school. Maddie works part-time as a freelance Event Manager mainly in the pharmaceutical sector.

Miss Dorothy Abel Smith (Co-opted Governor) is a long serving governor. She is interested in the early years of education, writing a short history ' Abel Smith School' in 1998. She has always lived near Hertford and seen many changes in the town's schools and educational systems. She supported retaining the original c19th building as an integral part of the School and the formation of Churchfields Childrens Centre and more recently the Kindergarten. She strongly believes that every child should have the opportunity to receive a broad education from an early age.

Mr Adrian Barkey (Co-opted Governor and Chair of Resources) has three children and lives with partner Claire. Otis, their youngest child is in Year 5 at Abel Smith. Adrian is passionate that education balances academic progress with personal development. He owns a technology company that provides services to small and mid-sized businesses in the South East. Adrian is Chair of the Resource Committee and link governor for Health & Safety.

Hassan Khalil (Parent Governor) is father to Evie (year 2). He is passionate about the pupil experience and learning journey of each child during their time at Abel Smith. Hassan is a Research Analyst for the Rail Safety and Standards Board, and has a background in physical activity, mental health, and student support (welfare and discipline) in higher education. He is in his first year as parent governor, and hopes to draw on his experience to benefit the continued success of the school.

Mr Steven Faber (Parent Governor) has two children, Violet and Daphne, both at Abel Smith and is married to Suzanne. Steve, is a passionate believer in the state school sector and its ability to provide an environment where children with different talents can flourish. He is now Managing Director of a UK Property Investment business having previously headed a Real Estate Investment Trust listed on the London Stock Exchange. He is an active member of local cycling club, North Road CC.

Mrs Katy Kay (Vice Chair, Co-opted Governor, Chair of School Improvement, Safeguarding Governor) this is Katy’s 6th year as a school governor, which she does alongside working as a midwife. The safeguarding governor role means that she works closely with Mrs Langan to ensure the safety and well-being of all pupils and staff. Katy’s youngest daughter Mariella is in year 4 and her older children have moved on from Abel Smith to Richard Hale and Presdales.

The Revd. Canon Jo Loveridge (Co-Opted Governor) is Vicar of All Saints Church. Abel Smith School has always enjoyed a good, close relationship with the Church. School and Church have a vital role in society in building up a greater sense of care for one another, the community and the environment. Before being ordained priest Jo was a teacher and has always been passionate about education. She has three sons and two grandchildren. Jo is also on the governing body of Richard Hale School.

Nick McMahaon (Parent Governor) is dad to Dan in year 5 and Phoebe in year 2, and Will who moved to Richard Hale from Abel Smith School. This is Nick’s first year as Parent Governor and he is looking forward to supporting the school to build on its many successes so that every pupil can achieve their full potential. He works for GSK as head of a global scientific department enabling the discovery and development of new medicines.

Mr John Palfreyman (Co-Opted Governor) lives in Hatfield and was elected as a governor in February 2016. As a qualified accountant he is keen to utilise his finance experience to support Abel Smith School through the ever-changing educational and financial landscape. He is a member of the Resources Committee and also assists with ad-hoc finance-related projects. In his spare time he plays table tennis and generally enjoys all sports.

Mr Simon Tilbury (Parent Governor) and his wife Steph have two children at the school, Benjamin in year 4 and Maya in year 2. Simon has lived in Hertford all his life. He is currently a Secondary School Assistant Head Teacher and has worked in two schools in Hertfordshire over the last 18 years. Simon is a keen sportsman and plays and coach’s cricket locally, as well as coaching rugby.

Mrs Gillian Langan and Mrs Nicki Law are the Staff Governors.

Governors’ newsletter November 20171