Governing Body
In England, Wales and Northern Ireland, school governors are members of a school’s Governing Body. In state schools, and those that are voluntary controlled, they have responsibility for raising school standards through their three key roles of setting strategic direction, ensuring accountability and acting as a Critical Friend.
Our governing body is responsible for, amongst others:
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Monitoring, raising and maintaining high standards within the school
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Ensuring accountability in relation to school procedures, pupil progress and overall effectiveness of the school
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Creating a cohesive link between all members of the school community
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Ensuring that all policies and procedures are updated and reviewed regularly
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Ensuring that all statutory information is published on our school website
More information about governing bodies in maintained schools can be found at Gov.uk
Our Chair of Governors can be contacted via: thechairofgovernors@sandon.herts.sch.uk
Minutes of Full Governing Body meetings are available upon request from the school office
Governors Information and Duties
Headteacher | Mrs Niki Ellement | No pecuniary interests declared |
Chair of Governors |
Mrs Sarah Purcell |
No pecuniary interests declared |
Elected staff | ||
Elected parents |
Mrs Liz Oakley Dr Laura Kemp Mrs Crissie Flemming |
No pecuniary interests declared No pecuniary interests declared No pecuniary interests declared |
Co-opted Governors |
Mr Paul Heath Mrs Emily Bray Mrs Kerry Cain |
No pecuniary interests declared No pecuniary interests declared No pecuniary interests declared
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Clerk to the Governors | Clerking Service through HfL | n/a |
All Governors can be contacted through the school office. The Clerk to the Governors can be contacted as above.
All Governors have declared pecuniary interests, including where they have none. All interests that exist have been recorded on the register which is reviewed annually.
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Niki EllementHeadteacher
Niki Ellement
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Sarah PurcellChair of Governors
Sarah Purcell
I am a parent to two children at Sandon School, and have been a member of the school community since my eldest child joined reception in 2017. I was swiftly drafted into FOSS and became FOSS Secretary in 2018. Supporting our school and doing what I can to help it be the best it possibly can be is important to me, and I worked hard to raise funds for much needed equipment. In December 2021 I swapped my FOSS hat for a governor hat and took up a position as Parent Governor. Â
I have degrees in Astrophysics, Environmental Science and Science Communication, and in my pre-children days I worked as a Communications Manager at CERN in Switzerland. I am currently working in peer review for BBSRC, one of the UKs scientific research councils. I bring an analytical approach and an eye for detail to my role as Parent Governor, and hope I can make a positive contribution to the school. Â
I enjoy baking, sewing, and geocaching, though not usually at the same time. Â
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Mark ElyParent Governor
Mark Ely
 I became a Parent Governor because I wanted to help support the school, as they are helping my little one so much.
I have lived locally all my life, attending local schools and then the University of Hertfordshire.
I was a SEN student as I have dyslexia, but with support, I was able to get a degree. My aim as a governor is to bring an SEN perspective to the Governing body.
I am self-employed working in partnership with my wife. I have over 27 years' experience in IT, and my wife has over 25 years of experience in education. Together we work with a range of clients, helping with their IT needs through to music interventions for autistic children.
On the social side, I am also a venue manager at a dance hall in St Albans.
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Crissie FlemmingParent Governor
Crissie Flemming
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Tony SearleCo-opted Governor
Tony Searle
I have a BA (Hons) in Graphic Design and have enjoyed a long career in marketing, branding and advertising. I have been a governor at Sandon JMI School since 2012, and am addicted to it. Why Because it has its own, unique personality, driven by an amazing team of support staff and teachers. It also has an outstanding record for helping children to progress, regardless of their starting point. My responsibilities are primarily focussed on helping teachers to stay on track with the School Improvement Plan in matters to do with the curriculum.
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Paul HeathCo-opted Governor
Paul Heath
I have been a governor at Sandon since 2013, and have been chair since 2017. Â I don't have children or a professional background in education, but I became a governor because I want to contribute towards the vital role that the school plays in the community. Â For me this is not just about giving young people the best possible start in life but also because the school is a focal point for the villages it serves, and a significant source of employment within them. Â Â I've lived in Wallington since 2011 and work as a senior engineer for a defence company in Stevenage. Â
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Doug HallCo-opted Governor
Doug Hall
I have lived in Sandon for five years and until September 2021 was a partner in a firm of Chartered Accountants working in the City of London as a Forensic Accountant, following which I have retired. Â As well as acting in that role I have provided advice to clients on strategy and business planning. Â I have held managerial roles for many years, as a Head of office and Head of Forensics Services in my firm. Â I have always had a keen interest in all types of DIY and plan to do much more of that in retirement. Â Although a novice in the field of primary education, I became a Governor as I want to make a contribution to my local community. Â
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Emily BrayCo-opted Governor
Emily Bray
I am the subject link governor for phonics and english. As a published author I have an interest in this area and have parented two children through this stage of education so I understand the challenges!
I have lived in Sandon for 9 years and am keen to support the school which is an important part of our local community.
During my spare time I enjoy reading, horse riding and cooking. Â
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Kerry CainCo-opted Governor
Kerry Cain