Welcome to All Saints’ Primary School Governors’ Page.

The school’s Board of Governors is made up of parents, members of staff and members of All Saints’ Church and the wider community.  In addition, both the Headteacher and the vicar of All Saints’ church sit on the Governing Board.

Governors have an important part to play in providing support and challenge to the school leaders and ensuring that the school meets the needs of its pupils as fully and as well as possible.   Governors are not involved in the day-to-day running of the school, but rather have a strategic role focused around three main areas. 

These include:

a. Ensuring the school has a clear vision, ethos and strategic direction;

b. Holding the head teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and

c. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent in the interests of the pupils.

As a Voluntary Aided school, the governors are also responsible for setting and administering the school’s admissions policy, acting as the employer of the school’s staff and ensuring the school is run in accordance with the principles of its foundation i.e. to “preserve and develop its religious character in accordance with the principles of the Church of England and in partnership with the Church at parish and diocesan level”.  Governors are also responsible for ensuring the safety and well-being of its pupils and staff.  The school’s Instrument of Government can be found here:  link to the Instrument of Government

The full Governing Board at All Saints’ usually meets five times a year and focuses on overarching strategic matters.  In addition, there is an Education Committee and a Finance and Resources Committee, both of which meet once a term.  The Education Committee looks in detail at the curriculum, the quality of education, the progress and attainment of pupils and support provided to children with special educational needs.  The Finance and Resources Committee looks at how the school budget is used, ensures value for money is achieved, oversees staffing matters and sees that the school buildings and assets are maintained in good condition.

Governors do not need to educational experts, but they do need to bring enthusiasm and a desire to make a real difference to children’s lives.  The Board functions best when governors are able to offer a broad range of professional skills such as in finance and accountancy, legal knowledge, experience of HR and performance management, health, safety and estate management, procurement, governance and teaching experience in other settings.

If you would like to find out more about the work of the governors, or are interested in becoming a governor yourself, please contact the school office or download the following guide to the role of a school Governor.

https://www.nga.org.uk/Governance-Recruitment/Be-a-school-governor-or-trustee.aspx

Governors can be contacted through the school office as follows:

• Elaine French, Chair of Governors
• Jackie Tyler, Vice-Chair of Governors
• Elaine French, Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding and Child Protection
• Will Kumar, Governor with responsibility for Health and Safety

Elaine French (Chair of Governors)-  I have twenty years’ experience of teaching, working in a variety of schools in both inner and outer London. My experience includes classroom teaching, special educational needs and as deputy head-teacher.    As an All Saints’ parent I am committed to helping the school continue to progress, ensuring that all children are enabled and encouraged to reach their full potential with opportunities to develop their creative, emotional, social and physical skills as well as academic.

Jackie Tyler (Vice Chair of Governors) I started my involvement with All Saints’ in 2004 as a parent, and spent 5 years as the Chair of ASSA, running many fundraising and social events to support the school.  I also worked part-time in the school office, and was a Staff Governor.  I was appointed as a Foundation Governor in 2015 and bring both administrative and finance skills to the Board, along with my school experience.  I live near All Saints' and am married with my 2 boys now at Dame Alice Owens School in Potters Bar where I am a Parent Governor.  In my spare time I tutor GCSE and A Level Maths!

Veronica Haidar (Foundation Governor) I’ve been a governor at All Saints’ since 2008 and served on the Finance Committee before being elected as Chair of Governors in 2014.  I remain as a Governor despite stepping down as Chair in 2020.  My professional experience includes being a journalist at the BBC and an assistant director at the Department for Business, Innovation and Skills.  I have been employed by the London Diocesan Board for Schools as a governing body clerk, and have worked with a number of VA schools in North London.  Both my children spent many happy years at All Saints before going on to local secondary schools. 

Will Kumar (Foundation Governor)  I work for a property development company although the majority of my career has been spent in Town Planning. I am married with a young son. I have lived in the parish since 2011 attending All Saints Church during this time. I am a keen on sport with cycling and football my biggest passions. I am also a qualified referee and I officiate at local youth games.  I am very interested in making a contribution to civic life and playing a role in the local community and feel I have a lot to offer in terms of my experience of life and work.

Luke Bridges (Staff Governor, Headteacher)  My name is Luke Bridges and I’m the Head teacher of All Saints' Primary School.  I’ve been in education for 20 years and have experience of teaching in the early years, key stage 1 and key stage 2 as well as having leadership experience in schools in Barnet and Islington.  I believe our school plays a crucial role in placing Christian values at the heart of our community.  I’m passionate about education for all and believe that everyone should have an equal opportunity to reach their potential, regardless of their heritage or social background.  This is why I became Head teacher and why I feel privileged to work at All Saints’ School

Charlotte Lea - Robbins (LA Governor) I work as a Class Teacher at a three from entry school in Brent. I am an experienced teacher, I am a Year Group Leader, Literacy Co-ordinator and a member of the Middle and Extended Leadership Team.  I enjoy sport and play netball regularly. Up until April I have always lived in East Finchley so am familiar with the Barnet area.  I’m passionate about teaching and feel that school should be an enjoyable experience for children as if they are happy at school learning will come naturally to them.

Ross Broadbent (Foundation Governor)- Both my children were born in Barnet and we have lived here for most of the last six years.  Our youngest now attends All Saints' and I am passionate about developing lifelong opportunities for children and believe that academic structures and engaging extra-curricular activities lie at the heart of any happy and successful child.   I currently lecture in business and Economics and take a particular interest in the future opportunities for young people and addressing educational disadvantage, to ensure that all children have access to an excellent state education, regardless of their abilities, financial status or social circumstances.   This is borne out by the contributions I try to make wherever and whenever possible and is demonstrated by my previous and current experience and ‘pro bono’ work (as a volunteer for Barnet’s Youth Offending Service, mentoring, and coaching).   I look forward to making a thorough contribution to All Saints and the community as a whole.

Ashik Shah (Parent Governor) Ashik Shah is a Pharmacist and has worked in the NHS acute hospital sector in North Central London all his professional life. He believes that everyone continually learns throughout education, training and development and feels passionately about starting this lifelong journey for everyone at a young age.   He loves reading and programmes about nature and coming from East Africa has a story or two to share about wildlife encounters! He also enjoys playing hockey, cricket, swimming and tennis, and loves a good hike.

Tiani Perera (Parent Governor) I am mother to two lovely girls who attend All Saints’ school and we have lived in Whetstone for over twelve years. I am honoured to be part of the Board of Governors for All Saint’s School and welcome the opportunity to contribute to the long-term development and strategic direction of the school. I am a chartered accountant and currently manage the finance function of a global supplementary education provider. I look forward to using my skills and experience to support our students to excel, and All Saints’ to continue flourish.

Cindy Kent (Foundation Governor) I am a semi-retired vicar who was, until recently, the vicar at St Johns Church in Whetstone.  I have a long association with the school have being involved in the community for many years.  I am actively involved in several churches in the area.  I have had roles in radio and TV and currently present on Serenade Radio from 3 to 5pm on Saturday.

Deborah Baptiste (Diocesan Governor) I am a teacher with over 20 years teaching experience in Primary schools across different boroughs. I have had the pleasure of working at All Saints, a school that has its own heartbeat. I retired from teaching two years ago to start my own business teaching children computer programming and the early principles of mechanical systems using Lego robotics. I have found the transition from teacher to business owner challenging as there are many times when I find myself wearing my teaching hat instead of my business hat. I really enjoy working with children, watching them problem solve and being creative and inquisitive. 

Hoa Le Minh (Parent Governor) Hoa is an associate professor in electrical and electronics engineering and is the deputy head of the Department of Mathematics, Physics, and Electrical Engineering at Northumbria University. Hoa has been a part of All Saints' primary school community for several years and has happily seen his children's growth at the school. Hoa is deeply committed to supporting the school's pursuit of academic excellence and its long-term, sustainable growth.