The Governing Body works with the Headteacher and staff to make sure the school provides an excellent quality of education for all its pupils.

Governors are volunteers elected to the Governing Body for a fixed term bringing specialist skills and experience in order that its core strategic functions are met.

The Governing Body is part of the strategic leadership of the school.  Governors are not expected to make day-to-day decisions about how the school is run; that is the role of the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team. 

Governors have a strong focus on three core strategic functions:

1. “Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
2. Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
3. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.”

(Reference Department for Education – Governors’ Handbook)

This means that as school governors we will be involved in many aspects of running the school including how the budget should be spent, making sure the school building is welcoming, safe and fit for purpose, setting and monitoring the school's aims and policies and agreeing the curriculum.

The Full Governing Body meets in full every half term to conduct its business. 

Governors' Profiles

Profiles for Willowbrook School Governors

Rob Fryer (Chair, Co-opted Governor)

I became a Parent Governor in 2018 and Co-opted in 2021 when I was appointed Chair. After working in Human Resources Management for 15 years across the manufacturing and professional services sectors, I spent 7 years as Director of Student Experience at a leading University.  I am now an Executive Director at a small charity called Now Teach that inspires and supports career changers to become secondary school teachers. I am a qualified coach with the Institute of Leadership and Management and have a Masters Degree in Human Resource Management. I have two children who attend the school and one who recently left for secondary school. I really enjoy working with such a talented leadership team and hope to bring all my experience and knowledge to help make Willowbrook an even better school.

Kate McLeod (Vice Chair, Parent Governor)

I joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor in September 2021 and became Vice Chair in September 2023. I currently have responsibility for Finance, SVFS, Health & Safety & Premises as well as being a class governor for Cherry Class. I have one child in Willowbrook in Oak class and another who left Year 6 very recently. I currently work for an investment bank as head of their Procurement Team and have twenty years experience in financial services. I’ve seen my children blossom at Willowbrook and hope I can help and support the school to carry on its journey of continuous improvement.

Sunj Notani (Co-opted Governor)

I became a Parent Governor in February 2017 and currently have responsibility for governor training as well as being a class governor for Oak. I enjoy most sports with a particular passion for football. I have completed my level one FA coaching badge and currently coach a local U9 football team. I am also actively involved in coaching football at Willowbrook. I have two children who attend Willowbrook – Freddie in Olive class and Scarlett in Cherry class. My wife Michelle is also an LSA at Willowbrook. I have a degree in Mathematics and I currently work for a data analytics company in London where I have almost 30 years expertise in Data Management.

Kathryn Kalair (Co-opted Governor)

I was pleased to be appointed as a Co-opted Governor from July 2017 and now have responsibility for Inclusion/Disadvantage, Safeguarding, Internet & Monitoring and SEND. I am class governor for Whitebeam.

I have 2 children who currently attend Anglo European High School, Ingatestone and KEGS, Chelmsford.  I grew up in the Billericay area and spent my career working in the travel and tourism, transport and education sectors.  I gained post graduate professional qualifications.  Before taking a career break, after having children, I worked for 12 years in Human Resources in large organizations in a variety of different management and business partnering roles.  I am entrepreneurial and have been the Director of a micro horse livery business.  As well as volunteering as a school governor I now support Anglo European’s Exams Dept as an Invigilator (something that I can juggle with family responsibilities and a micro business).  Working as an Invigilator, when I support young people under pressure during exams, has afforded me further insight into how young people develop and how the secondary school education system is organized. I personally find child development fascinating and links can be made back to my professional experiences (albeit with adults) and the importance of mental health.  I believe every child deserves to receive the best education possible to optimize their life chances and thrive.  I sincerely hope my experience will add value through positive challenge of the leadership team and help continue to drive the school forward.

Rebecca Crow (LA Governor)

Having joined the Willowbrook school Board of Governors in 2022, I have responsibility for the School Council and English.  I have worked for over 15 years in the financial sector as a Senior Executive Assistant, and previously travelled the world as long-haul Cabin Crew.  I am a mature student, in my 5th year studying for a BA Hons degree with the Open University and am mum to my little boy who is 7 years old and attends a local primary school.  I am very interested in personal development and supporting mental health. I am really excited to be part of Willowbrook family and look forward to learning about the school and helping to achieve its vision.

Luke Hamm (Parent Governor)

I am delighted to be appointed as a parent Governor from November 2023. I have 2 children currently at Willowbrook and my wife attended the school 30 years ago! I have spent my career in professional and financial services covering sales & marketing, strategy, corporate development and employee engagement. I have held senior leadership roles for both blue chip businesses as well as SMEs and currently lead the UK division of a private equity backed global specialist consulting business. I hope my experience can support the school leadership and help drive the school forward.

Governing Body

Willowbrook Primary Full Governing Committee Membership and Lead Governor Appointments

Governors that have left in the last 12 months:

Jo Cox, resigned 21.07.23

Colin Hunt, resigned 17.07.23

Pay & Personnel Committee:

Kathryn Kalair/Rebecca Crow/Sunj Notani

HT Performance Management Panel:

Kathryn Kalair/Rob Fryer/Andrew Binnell (External Advisor)

WILLOWBROOK PRIMARY SCHOOL

DECLARATION OF ANNUAL BUSINESS INTERESTS 2023/24 (updated 24^th November 2023)

Governors

Staff with financial responsibilities and Senior Management Team

Willowbrook Primary School – Governors’ Attendance 2023/24 (updated April 2024)