As a Governing Body we aim to ensure that our children experience a secure, safe and stimulating environment providing the full breadth of the National Curriculum – with emphasis on the acquisition of english, mathematics, science and computing skills – where all stakeholders are excited about learning and all learning activities encourage positive models of enquiry, reflection, innovation and challenge.

We nurture and support children of all abilities, helping each to achieve her/his potential in all aspects of learning and physical, social, emotional, moral and spiritual development. From this foundation we encourage staff to share success and equip children to become independent, creative thinkers and learners for life and to develop the resilience to face the challenges of an ever-changing world.

We recognise and value the diversity of our school family and the uniqueness of each of its members. We ensure excellence in teaching and learning through teamwork, support, collaboration and effective leadership.

We promote inclusion, creativity and enthusiasm. We promote British values – including tolerance, cooperation, trust and respect – within the school and the wider community.

Water Lane Primary Academy has a long, rich history and we actively encourage community involvement wherever possible. We achieve the best we can for our children by using the strength of partnership working with parents and others.

Governors keep the vision of the school at the heart of all that we do, including  when setting and accepting school policies and the School Development Plan.

Our Local Governing Body at Water Lane consists of individual volunteers who collectively help to oversee the strategic direction and management of the school.

Governing a school means giving much time, energy and enthusiasm in supporting our school and helping to shape the stimulating environment it is today.

Barbara Duff - Chair of Governors

I am very excited to be joining the Local Governing Board for Water Lane School as Chair of Governors. I am a passionate believer in the importance of education and learning in all our lives. I started my career as a Primary School teacher and am now working with a charity that helps young people make the most of their educational and employment opportunities through sport and activity. In between I worked in different parts of the world teaching people who need English for study and work, before becoming a senior manager in a disability charity and then a housing association. I have learned a lot about how different organisations can achieve their objectives and I am looking forward to using my experience to work with the Chair, the Head Teacher and my fellow Governors as the School continues in its development as a great place for our children to learn.

Natasha Plowman - Trust Appointed Governor

I am pleased to be a governor at Water Lane Primary Academy. At this point in my career, I'm looking to give back to my community. I have a keen interest in issues related to children and young people and have started volunteering with Herts CC to mentor high school students.

However, having a more strategic role overseeing our schools is also an interest and I feel a need to ensure our young people have the best start in life, which always starts with effective schooling. I will bring rigour and oversight to the governing body. I have over 20 years of work experience - starting in politics before moving to charities and the corporate sector. My work experience is in communications, corporate affairs, issues management and public policy. I am a senior leader with extensive management experience.

Joseph Obedoza - Parent Governor

I am delighted to be a governor at Water Lane Primary Academy. I am an LLB Law graduate and also a graduate member of CILEx (Certified institute of legal executives). I recently specialised in criminal litigation and conveyancing. My knowledge also covers company and insolvency law, employment law and financial service law. (Please note that these last ones were studied 10 years ago so I am probably not as knowledgeable as before). My next modules to study are civil litigation and landlord and tenant law.

I am currently working as a lifeguard and fitness instructor as I have been working this job throughout the pandemic.  Previous to this, I was a member of the medical team in Wembley National Stadium Ltd where I was working as a first responder and first aider both in the pitch and around the first aid rooms.

Sergio Dimech - Parent Governor

I am proud to be a governor at Water Lane. Through my line of work as a Head of Education Finance with a prominent London Borough, I frequently work with School Forum members, Head Teachers, School Business Managers, and Governors. 

I am a qualified chartered accountant, able to advise on matters regarding accountability. As a Head of Education Finance, I manage the Education Finance Team. 

I am also aware of the statutory and contractual requirements that a school like Water Lane Academy needs to comply with. I hence do understand the need to ask for legal advice when needed. I look forward to being able to work with you as the Head Teacher together with the rest of the Governing body for the benefit of the pupils

Melinda Ochap - Staff Governor (Support Staff)

I joined the Local Governing Body of Water Lane Primary Academy as a parent governor 2 years ago. I enjoy working with children to achieve their potential and I am experienced in supporting children's learning. I graduated as a primary school teacher in Hungary. 

I initially started to work as a volunteer at Water Lane. I really enjoyed working with children again: learning about the school and education in England. I was keen to help wherever I was needed. In September 2020, I started to work full time as a Learning Support Assistant and my role in the governing body has now changed to Staff Governor. 

I am a mother of two children. The older one left Water Lane Primary Academy two years ago and the younger one is currently a student in year one. I have a special interest in working with children who have English as an Additional Language and I am keen to support them with their learning. 

I am very much looking forward to continuing to be involved with Water Lane and supporting the school with achieving its goals.

Barry Watkins - Staff Governor (Teaching Staff)

I am Assistant Head teacher at Water Lane and have been a staff governor for a few years now. During that time, I have enjoyed the collaborative approach of our governing board. I have also been impressed by the professionalism and supportive nature of our governing body meetings. My other roles include Class Teacher, Curriculum Lead, Mathematics Lead and Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead.

Governing Body Pecuniary Interests

The school recognises the requirement of all school governors to declare a pecuniary interest - direct or indirect.

All governors complete a pecuniary/business interest declaration at the start of the academic year and must declare a pecuniary interest if circumstances in this regard change during the course of the academic year.

At present we have no governors who have any pecuniary /business interests. 

REACH2 TRUST GOVERNANCE DETAILS

For further information on governance please refer to the governance section of the REAch2 website: http://reach2.org/governance-policy/governance/