Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

The governors play a vital role in both supporting and challenging the Headteacher and staff to help set ambitious targets and achieve excellence in all aspects of school life. Their work is guided by the Strategic Plan, which includes two key documents: the School Improvement Plan (SIP) and the School Evaluation Form (SEF). The SIP outlines the goals and actions the whole school works towards, while the SEF evaluates the school’s current performance and identifies areas for improvement.

The role of the governing board is a strategic one, our legal duties are to:

• set the aims and objectives for the school

• set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives

• set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives

• monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives

• to be a source of challenge and support to the Headteacher (a critical friend).

The full Governing Board meets at least once every term (six times a year). In addition to these meetings we have monitoring pairs who visit the school three times a year and focus on one area of the SIP, meeting with the Headteacher and/or member of staff concerned. Reports are written and fed back to all governors at the next full Governing Board meeting. 

We attend training sessions and seminars to help us keep up to date with changes in schools and education and to help us do our job effectively. All governors are committed to providing an excellent environment for all pupils to enjoy during their time at our school.

If you wish to know more about becoming a school governor please contact us via the school office.

Governor Biographies

Sharon Waterman - Co-chair

Co-opted Governor - Term of Office: 19.3.19 - 18.3.27

Areas of responsibility: Safeguarding, SEND, Attendance, Leadership and Management, Behaviour and Attitudes

My name is Sharon Waterman and I am a Coach and Consultant with over 28 years experience in education. I have been a Principal of a large secondary academy in Kent and held the position of Education Director in a Multi Academy Trust of 28 secondary, primary and special academies. I have lived in Laddingford for 18 years and have enjoyed being part of the Governing Body since 2019. I have a keen interest in health and fitness and in my spare time I play golf.

Vince German - Co-Chair

Co-opted Governor - Term of Office: 9.11.22 - 8.11.26

Areas of responsibility: Quality of Education, Well-being

I live in Laddingford with my wife and daughter having moved into the village in 2021. In our short time in the village, we’ve become active members of the local community. As well as joining the school as a governor, I’ve also become a flood warden for Laddingford. I work as a Graphic Designer for a small agency in Clerkenwell, London. I support our varied client base with their communications, striving to ensure that they engage effectively with their target audiences through online and offline channels. More historically, I studied at the University of Nottingham and graduated with a 2:1 (Hons) in Management in 2003.

Jason Bryant - Vice Chair

Co-opted Governor - Term of Office: 10.11.20 - 9.11.28

Areas of responsibility: Early Years

My name is Jason Bryant and I have lived in the village for 25 years. I work as a pharmaceutical consultant helping companies bring their medicines to patients all around the world. When I'm not working, I love to fix stuff, roam the local countryside, walk the family spaniel (which usually involves a swim of some kind), and when away from home I can usually be found on my boat which is moored in Essex on the Blackwater.  I'm a father of 2 and chairman of the Yuletide Market committee.  

 

Amy Yates 

Co-opted Governor - Term of Office: 25.1.25 - 25.1.29

Areas of responsibility: Finance

I have a long-standing connection with Laddingford St Mary’s C of E Primary School, as all four of my children previously attended. Although I am no longer a parent at the school, I remain committed to supporting its continued success.

I became a governor in January 2017 to give something back to the school and the community. I am passionate about ensuring that every child has the chance to thrive in a supportive and inclusive environment. I firmly believe that primary school is where the foundation for lifelong learning is built, and I enjoy contributing to decisions that make a real difference to the lives of children and families in the local community.

Being a governor has allowed me to gain a deeper understanding of how schools operate, including the challenges and opportunities they face. 

In my professional life, I work in Publishing, and I bring my organisational, communication and analytical skills to my role as governor.

Father Paul Kish

Ex-Officio - Term of Office: 16.11.16

Areas of responsibility: Collective Worship

I'm Father Paul, one of the school's foundation governors. I am originally from Ilkley in West Yorkshire and now vicar of Yalding and Laddingford with Collier Street. I have been a governor at all of our local schools in these parishes since I came here to be vicar in 2016. Previously, I have been an industrial chaplain and a school chaplain and I was ordained in the diocese of Gloucester in 1998.

 

 

Wayne Alexander 

Foundation Governor - Term of Office: 7.5.25 - 6.5.29

Areas of responsibility: Collective Worship, Personal Development, Quality of Education, Well-being

My wife Emma and I chose Laddingford as our first choice for our daughter because we were inspired by the staff, the values, and the way the school helps children grow and thrive. We saw a place where children are known, supported, and encouraged - and where parents can really make a difference. I’m proud to be serving as a governor.

In my day job, I run a consultancy that works with teams and leaders at companies like PepsiCo and AstraZeneca, focusing on leadership, strategy, and culture. I’m passionate about helping leaders dream big and act boldly.

Before that, I led two churches with strong community programmes, and later became UK Director of a health organisation that supported humanitarian workers from charities like Save the Children and the Red Cross. Those roles gave me a deep respect for the pressure leaders face and showed me how essential well-being is to any kind of success. That’s something I carry with me in supporting the children and staff at Laddingford.

Luke Sehmer 

Parent Governor - Term of Office: 7.5.25 - 6.5.29

Areas of responsibility: Finance

My daughter has attended Laddingford since 2022, and I am an active volunteer for the Friends of Laddingford School (FLS).  We have loved getting to know the Laddingford community, and by being a Parent Governor, I hope to continue to play a role in the success of Laddingford St Mary’s.

 I am currently an independent strategy & insight consultant, helping my clients to understand their customers better and deliver the right products & services to address their needs in balance with the commercial pressures of their business.

Steve Hann

Co-opted Governor - Term of Office: 23.9.25 - 22.9.29

Areas of responsibility: Health and Safety, Personal Development

Bio coming soon

Susannah Adams - Clerk

Copies of minutes are available by request from the school office.