The London Colney Local Governing Body will provide close scrutiny of teaching, learning and achievement across the school and have parental representation. The Board of governors will provide an oversight of all aspects of the work of the school, the governors as a whole and ensure that we make best use of all the resources that are available.
The main role of the governing body is to help raise the standards and performance of the school by supporting the work of the Headteacher and the staff. Governors support and, at the same time, challenge the Headteacher by gathering views, asking questions and deciding what is best for the school.
Governors make important decisions on policies and strategies and have to stand by their decisions. The governing body is answerable to parents, Ofsted and the wider community. Some of the things School Governors are expected to be involved in include
- with the Headteacher, and staff, planning the future of the school involvement in staff appointments, including selection of the Headteacher and Deputy Headteacher
- setting standards for staff and pupil behaviour, and supporting the Headteacher, taking disciplinary action where necessary
- making decisions on the school’s budget, expenditure and staffing
- contributing to how the school can encourage pupils’ spiritual, moral and cultural development
- ensuring that the school provides for all its pupils, including those with special needs
- representing the local community.
We have a focus on three core strategic functions:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and the children, and the performance management of staff
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
Being a Governor is both very interesting and fulfilling. We have to deal with lots of different issues such as staff development, performance management, health & safety together with premises and personnel issues.
If you are interested in becoming a Governor you can always contact the Chair of Governors via the school office.
| Name | Type of Governor | Committee | Other Responsibilities | Date of Appointment | Dates of Term | Attendance at FGB Meetings | Declarations |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Maggie Kirby (Chair) |
Co-opted | PRaF |
|
08/05/2015 | 07/05/23 to 07/05/27 | 3/3 | NA |
| Evelyn Akbolat | Co-opted | T&L |
|
14/01/2013 | 10/06/23 to 11/06/27 | 3/3 | School employee of Hertfordshire County Council |
| Elena Journet | Co-opted | T&L |
|
14/07/2022 | 14/07/22 to 13/07/26 | Owner of Little Nightingales Pre-school and Nursery | |
| Peter Mclean | Co-opted | PRaF |
|
14/07/2022 | 14/07/22 to 13/07/26 | NA | |
| Sarah Joyce | Headteacher | T&L
PRaF |
01/09/2016 | 3/3 | NA | ||
| Theresa Clements | Teacher Governor | T&L |
|
01/02/2015 | 01/02/23 to 31/01/27 | 3/3 | School employee of Hertfordshire County Council |
| Julia Frey | Co opted | PRAF |
|
26/6/2025 | 26/06/26 to 26/06/30 | NA |
T&L = Teaching and Learning
PRaF = Premises, Resources, and Finance
I am Maggie Kirby, proud to serve as Chair of Governors at London Colney Primary and Nursery School.
With over 15 years of experience as a school governor, including two years as Chair, I bring a deep commitment to supporting our school community. Before becoming a governor, I spent more than 32 years in education as a teacher, covering a range of roles such as SENCO, Maths Coordinator, Deputy Headteacher, and Headteacher. This extensive professional background gives me valuable insight into the challenges and opportunities within primary education, helping me to contribute effectively to the governance of the school. My governance responsibilities include safeguarding, supporting children looked after (CLA), promoting mental health and wellbeing, overseeing maths provision, and chairing the finance committee. These areas are close to my heart, and I am dedicated to ensuring that every pupil at London Colney receives the best possible education and care. On a personal note, I enjoy spending time with my grandchildren and travelling whenever I get the chance. These experiences enrich my perspective and remind me of the importance of community and lifelong learning. I chose to become involved in school governance shortly after retiring from teaching. A friend invited me to join the governing body, and I immediately knew that London Colney was the kind of school where I would be happy to volunteer my time and skills. It has been a rewarding journey, and I look forward to continuing to support the school’s growth and success.
Julia Frey – Vice Chair
I’m Julia Frey, currently serving as Vice Chair of the governing body at London Colney Primary and Nursery School, a role I’ve held for the past nine months. With three decades of experience as a visual effects producer in the film industry, I bring a creative and project management perspective to my work as a governor. Alongside this, I completed a Masters in screenwriting, which has deepened my appreciation for storytelling and communication—skills I find valuable when contributing to discussions about curriculum and spoken language, areas I’m actively involved with on the relevant committee. Although my governance experience is still quite new, I am eager to learn and grow in this role. I originally moved to the UK from the US in August 2023 with my husband and our daughter, who is currently in secondary school. After completing a Masters degree at the University of Hertfordshire in 2024, we hope to make London Colney our home for at least the next five years. Outside of governance, I enjoy engaging with the school community through volunteering as a School Reader, spending time supporting Reception and Year 3 pupils with their reading. This involvement sparked my interest in becoming a governor, as I wanted to give back to the community we are becoming part of and to better understand how the UK education system compares to what I experienced in the US. In my role as Vice Chair, I am committed to supporting the leadership team and ensuring that the school provides a rich, inclusive education for all pupils. It’s a privilege to be part of such a welcoming community and to contribute to the development and success of the school.
Evelyn – staff
Term – 4 years
I’m Evelyn, a staff governor here at London Colney Primary and Nursery School, currently serving a four-year term. My professional background spans a variety of development and project management roles, including positions such as HR Manager at the BBC, Head of the Brussels Office for the East of England, and Development Manager for the London 2012 Olympic Games. I’ve also worked with the London Chamber of Commerce, London Development Agency, NHS, and Hertfordshire Business Link & TEC. This diverse experience has equipped me with strong organisational and leadership skills, which I bring to my role as a governor to support the school’s growth and success. My governance journey began in 2013 when I was Chair of the London Colney Children’s Centre Board. This role led to my appointment as a co-opted governor on the Nursery’s full governing board before becoming a staff governor. These experiences have given me valuable insight into the importance of collaborative leadership and effective decision-making in education settings. Outside of school, I enjoy spending time with my family and have a keen interest in fashion, which helps me stay creative and connected to the community. Within the school, I am actively involved in the Teaching Committee, where I focus on supporting the quality of education and pupil outcomes. I became involved in school governance because I am passionate about helping children thrive. Being part of the governing board allows me to contribute to shaping a positive learning environment where every pupil can reach their full potential. I’m proud to work alongside staff, parents, and fellow governors to make a real difference at London Colney Primary and Nursery School.
Elena – Co opted
Term – 4 year
I’m Elena, a Co-opted governor at London Colney Primary and Nursery School, serving a four-year term since July 2022. I have been a proud resident of London Colney for over 25 years, and my commitment to this community runs deep. Professionally, I bring a wealth of leadership and strategic experience from two very different but complementary careers. I spent over 25 years in retail management, starting as a Trainee Buyer at Selfridges and progressing to Area Manager roles at Benetton and Ted Baker. In 2007, I shifted my focus to Early Years Education, driven by a desire to be closer to my three young children. I founded Little Nightingale’s Day Nursery and have spent the past 18 years growing it into a thriving nursery that now supports over 100 children, with more than 800 graduates to date. My governance experience began when Little Nightingale’s was invited to open a term-time only nursery at London Colney Primary and Nursery School in 2021. This successful collaboration deepened my commitment to the school and community, leading me to join the Governing Body. Within the school, I am responsible for SENCO matters and contribute actively to the Teaching & Learning Committee, areas I am passionate about supporting to ensure all pupils have the best opportunities to thrive. Outside of my professional and governance roles, I enjoy travelling and spending time with my family, which helps me maintain a balanced perspective. Being a governor allows me to give back to the community that has supported my family and me for so many years, and I’m proud to play a part in shaping the future of our local children.
Pete – Co opted
Term – 4 year
I am Pete, a co-opted governor at London Colney Primary and Nursery School, currently serving a four-year term that began in 2022. With a background as a carpenter, I bring practical skills and a hands-on approach to my role, which is particularly valuable in overseeing the premises and ensuring health and safety standards are met across the school. My experience in this trade helps me understand the importance of maintaining a safe and welcoming environment for both pupils and staff. Since joining the governing body in 2022, I have been committed to supporting the school’s development and wellbeing. Although this is my first formal governance role, I have quickly embraced the responsibilities and enjoy contributing to the wider school community. Outside of my professional life, I am a proud grandparent, which gives me a personal connection to the importance of education and a safe school environment. This motivates me to play an active part in the school’s success. My specific responsibilities focus on the premises and health and safety, areas where I can apply my skills directly to benefit the school. I chose to become involved in school governance because I want to support the school in providing the best possible experience for pupils, staff, and families. Being part of the governing body allows me to contribute to the school’s ongoing growth and ensure it remains a safe, nurturing place for all.
Please see below for attendance at Governors meetings: