THE GOVERNING BODY

The Governing Body consists of co-opted, local authority, teacher, staff and parent representatives in accordance with the requirements of the Education Reform Act. The full Governing Body meets every term to discuss matters relevant to the administration of the school, school development and standards. Committees meet to consider different aspects of the school in detail. Committees include Curriculum Committee, Finance and Premises Committee, and a Pay Committee. We also have committees that meet if required including pupil discipline and staffing matters.

One of the roles for the governors is reviewing and agreeing school policies, particularly policies around Safeguarding and Child Protection, Behaviour Management, Health and Safety, Attendance, SEND and GDPR. Policies are available to view on our website, or by request from the school office. Governors and Senior Leadership Team analyse school data and the progress of each year group, looking at the impact of interventions and deployment of resources. We use this data to produce our School Development Plan and priorities for the next school year. Training opportunities for the governing body are also readily available, with a blend of online and in person training attended.

Our current Chair of Governors is Mr Patrick Burgess and our current Vice Chair of Governors is Mr Mark Weale: they can be contacted through the School Office. A complete list of names of the Governing Body can be requested at the School Office and more information about our Governing Body is available on this website.

Hatfield Peverel Infant and Nursery School Governing Board Diversity Statement

Headteacher – Zoe Fairbairn (ex-officio)

Chair of Governors – Patrick Burgess (Co-opted Governor from 17th November 2022 to 16th November 2026 ) 

I became a co-opted governor in 2022 when my eldest Daughter was in Reception, and my youngest is due to start school in September 2026. Following a year as vice-chair, I became Chair in September 2024. Being Chair has been a rewarding role and allowed me to see the wonderful work the school puts into shaping our children for the future. I am lucky to have the backing of a group of governors from a range of backgrounds, each bringing their own experiences and ideas. As a board, we work with the school and community, providing the checks and balances needed to ensure it stays a kind, safe place that follows the best educational practices. In my work life I have 20 years’ experience in the technology and data security sector, helping organisations keep their information safe. 

Vice Chair of Governors – Mark Weale (Co-opted Governor from 15th September 2022 to 14th September 2026)

My name is Mark Weale. I am now retired after spending the majority of my working career as a senior manager with Essex & Suffolk Water. I am currently chairman of the Parish Council and the Chair of the sole trustee board for the Village Hall and a former trustee of the Museum of Power at Langford. I am currently a business advisor for the Young Enterprise scheme working with Appleton School at Benfleet where I was also a governor at Appleton for a few years.

Safeguarding Governor – Katy Burgess (Parent Governor 17th November 2023 to 16th November 2027)

I became a parent governor in 2023 with one child at Hatfield Peverel Infant and Nursery School and another who has progressed to the Junior school. I am currently the Safeguarding Governor and also have responsibility for PSHE and attendance. I have worked as a forensic psychologist in the civil service for nearly 20 years. I find great value in supporting the public sector and thoroughly enjoy contributing to HPIS. I have the benefit of working with a great team to support the school in becoming the best it can be for all children. 

Lesley Henderson (Co-opted Governor from 16th November 2023 to 15th November 2027)

Amanda Smith (Co-opted Governor from 17th November 2023 to 16th November 2027)

I became a Co-opted Governor in November 2023. I currently have responsibility for EYFS, SEND, Phonics and Reading.  I have a background as a SEN LSA and for 15 years I also owned a business, running classes for preschool children teaching social and communication skills.  Before becoming a Governor, I started volunteering at Hatfield Peverel Infant and Nursery School, reading to the Nursery children and listening to children read in Hedgehogs and Squirrel classes. I continue to do this alongside my Governor role and thoroughly enjoy seeing the children and staff each week.

Mark Keenan (Co-opted Governor from 21st November 2024 to 20th November 2028)

I retired in 2023 having been the school caretaker for both schools for over 20 years. I became a co-opted governor in November 2024 and bring to the role a knowledge of the fabric and history of the school. Previously I had a career in the Royal Navy and various engineering roles. I am also one of the Church Wardens of St Andrews Church. 

Terry Lingley (Co-opted Governor from 21st November 2024 to 20th November 2028)

I am a co-opted governor who rejoined the governing body in 2024.   I was previously a governor and Chair of the infant school governing body at the school while my children, who are now 16 and 19 went through the school. I have also held a number of roles at Hatfield Peverel football club for many years.  In my working life I have over 20 years’ experience in Risk and Compliance roles within financial services. I currently have responsibility for Geography and am the link training governor. 

Jen Ashley  (Teacher Governor from 1st January 2025 to 31st December 2028)

 I have been teaching at Hatfield Peverel Infant and Nursery School for 12 years. Currently, I am a Year 2 teacher responsible for writing and PE, and I am deeply invested in the quality of education and well-being of our children. I have two daughters who have attended the school giving me a personal connection and valuable insight into the community we serve. I became a teacher governor to contribute more broadly to the strategic development and success of our school. This role allows me to support the school’s vision and values from a leadership perspective, and I am very fortunate to work alongside a dedicated and talented team.

Katie Shakespear (Parent Governor from 29th  January 2026 to 28th January 2030) 

I have been proud to serve as a Parent Governor since the start of 2026. I currently have one child in the Infant School and another who progressed through to the Junior School, giving me a strong understanding of our school community across different stages. I am responsible for Design, Technology and Art — two areas I am particularly passionate about. I value the creativity and confidence these subjects foster, helping children to develop important skills and express themselves. Professionally, I work in higher education in a strategic and administrative role, supporting senior leaders and helping ensure complex programmes and events run smoothly behind the scenes. Through this, I bring strong organisational skills, attention to detail and a practical, solution-focused approach to my role as governor. As a parent, I care deeply about our school community and am committed to supporting the leadership team in providing a safe, positive and inspiring environment where every child can thrive, in line with the school’s vision and values.

Louise Cockerton (Clerk – Governance Professional) 

Governors who have stepped down within the last 12 months