Meet the Governors
Sian Farrelly – Chair of Governors
A Deputy Head Teacher in a large primary School in East London, Sian has 18 years’ experience within education and is the lead on safeguarding, teaching and learning, behaviour and attitudes, personal development, and attendance.
With a BSc in Anthropology, she progressed into teaching in Key Stage 1 where she has held roles; such as, Foundation Stage Co-ordinator and Co-ordinator of Art and Science. Sian has been the lead Borough moderator for Early Years and advised for the Local Authority on Early Years’ best practise where she assisted schools in altering their curriculum, focusing on play based and ‘boy friendly’ learning providing a positive impact on learning and the ‘Good Level of Development’ (GLD).
More recently, Sian has strategically led her school to achieve an Ofsted outstanding grade for ‘Behaviour and Attitudes and Personal Development’. This has had a huge impact on the school’s ethos, leading to a positive impact within the pupils learning.
Sian is an NSPCC accredited Safeguarding Trainer and is the ‘Stonewall Homophobic Champion’ and the ‘CSE Champion’ for the Local Authority. Trained in Positive Handling she advises schools on children with challenging behaviour and has a genuine interest in education and enjoys learning and growing as an individual.
Shahid Ali – Co-opted Governor
Shahid is a fully qualified ACCA accountant and certified BCS Business Analyst with over 25 years’ experience in the utilities industry. He has experience in producing financial accounts, budgeting, and working on business projects ranging from large scale system replacements to business process changes.
Shahid has lived in Brentwood since 1999 and moved to Doddinghurst in 2015 becoming a school governor two years later when his daughter started attending the infant school. He continues to be actively involved in helping the school fulfil its missions and aims.
Tara Callaghan – Parent Governor
Tara has recently been elected as parent governor and is very excited to take on this role. With a daughter in Year 2 at Doddinghurst Infants and a son hopefully due to start in September 2024, Tara looks forward to making a positive contribution to our school community.
Tara has worked as a PA/desk assistant on a trading floor for the past 17 years and has recently scaled back her hours, now currently working from home, to enable a more flexible lifestyle with her young children. This has given Tara more time with them and also the opportunity to have a more practical interest in their education and the function of our school.
Tara enjoys spending time with family and friends, going to the gym and travelling whenever she can.
Phil Sell – Co-opted Governor
Phillip is a dedicated individual with an exceptional background in the military and education. With 23 years of service in the Army, Phillip has honed his leadership skills and developed a strong sense of discipline and commitment. Having earned a Degree in teaching in the long-life learning sector, Phillip is passionate about sharing his knowledge and empowering others through education. As a scout leader and trustee, he actively engages with young individuals, providing them with guidance and life skills.
In his free time, Phillip finds solace in nature, with camping and being on the water being among his favourite activities. This connection to the outdoors fuels his adventurous spirit and love for exploration. Phillip Sell embodies a unique blend of military discipline, teaching expertise, and a love for the outdoors. His dedication to serving others and nurturing personal growth makes him an invaluable asset in any endeavour.
Katie Pond – Co-opted Governor
Katie has lived in Doddinghurst since 2018. She has a son that has enjoyed his time at the school and a daughter currently in year 2. Katie takes pride in being involved in the village she lives in and has held posts including a parish councilor, cub scout beaver leader and is on the board of trustees for the village pre-school.
Katie has worked in the fitness and leisure industry for 27 years as a level 4 personal trainer, health club manager and tutor and assessor for a multitude of fitness qualifications. Katie now works at a large independent school as their health and fitness manager, helping to implement the school’s wellbeing program. Katie has developed the program within their new sport and wellness centre including the P.E., after-school and games sessions. Katie believes all children should be able to experience positive experiences around physical activity and that children are encouraged to understand how their bodies work as a base for a healthy life.
Katie enjoys her role as school governor, offering challenge and support to the school leadership team to play her part in keeping the excellent standards of the school.
Rachel Wagstaff – Co-opted Governor
Rachel has lived in Doddinghurst village for five years with her husband and they have since had three children, who they are planning will attend Doddinghurst infants School.
Rachel has been a Deputy Headteacher in the Havering borough for the past 6 years. She has had experience working across three London boroughs, holding roles such as Assistant Head teacher, Phase Leader, English Lead, Maths Lead and Computing Lead.
Rachel is passionate about quality teaching, and strives to ensure that she keeps informed of the best practise through further study. In addition to a BA Hons degree in business and a PGCE in primary education, Rachel has successfully achieved a Master’s in Education, and the National Professional Qualification for Senior Leadership.
Rachel enjoys developing good practice in others, and has recently taken on the role as ‘Visiting Fellow’ for Havering where she will be responsible for delivering training and coaching to Early Careers Teachers and their Mentors. Rachel has a particual interest in teaching English and Early reading (phonics) as well as being well versed in the most recent Ofsted framework.
Rachel believes a governor should be supportive yet, willing to offer the right level of challenge, and be able to confidently work with the Headteacher to ensure the pupils receive the best education possible. Rachels experience and skills as a leader in her own school would her to be an effective member of the governing body, and to help maintain the high standards that the wonderful team at Doddinghurst Infants deliver.
Kris Hill – Co-opted Governor
Kris has lived in Doddinghurst since 1976 and has previously been involved with Doddinghurst Infants School as both Chair of Governors and Governor. Kris has experience within the property business and has previously held a senior position within a large travel organization. Kris works on a full time basis and has extensive interests including a love of music and outdoor activities.
Kris had to vacate her role historically due to taking care of a family member. She has continued to keep in touch with the school throughout this period and is delighted to be a member of the Governing Body again.
Moira Kennedy – Co-opted Governor
Moira is a serving Detective Inspector with extensive experience in partnership work and child safeguarding having worked in policing for 30 years. In a previous role she spent 7 years working in community policing within the five parishes and particularly Doddinghurst.
Moira has lived in Brentwood for over 40 years and has been a school governor at a local Brentwood infant and junior school where her children attended.
Eleana Clark – Co-opted Governor
TBC
Lauren Daly – Staff Governor
Lauren is a EYFS teacher, RE and English lead, and she is part of the teaching and learning committee. Lauren has experience working in EYFS and Key Stage 1. Before joining Doddinghurst Infant School she worked in London and Thurrock.
Additional details
Further details of the governing body who have served at any point over the last 12 months can be located within the following document: