Governors
What governors do
Governors are strategic leaders within schools and have a vital role to play in making sure every child gets the best possible education.
The role of the school governor
Governing bodies have a strong focus on three core strategic functions:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and direction
- Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of the staff
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
Each individual governor is a member of a governing body and all decisions are the joint responsibility of the governing body.
Tavistock Governors
The governors of Tavistock Infant School are a small and committed group of busy people who enjoy being part of the school’s leadership team. Our role is to support and challenge the school as it works to deliver the best possible educational experience for its children, and strives to adhere to its statutory responsibilities. School governors are appointed to serve for four years. Details of governors’ attendance and pecuniary interests can be found in the document below.
The governors welcome contact with parents, staff and children and make themselves available at school whenever possible. If you would like to contact the governors, please email the Chair at chair@tavistockgovernor.org.uk
Positions of responsibility/committees:
Committee Membership and Special roles
Governors’ Register of Interests 2024-2025
Governors’ Attendance 2024-2025
Governors’ Register of Interests 2023-2024
Governors’ Attendance 2023-2024
Governors’ Register of Interests 2022-2023
Governors’ Attendance 2022-2023
Governors’ Attendance 2021-2022
Governors’ Roles and Responsibilities October 2021
Governors’ Register of Interests 2021
Governors’ Roles & Responsibilities – January 2021
Governors’ Details, Attendance & Pecuniary Interests 2020-2021
Governors’ Details Attendance & Pecuniary Interests 2019-2020
Governors’ Newsletters
Governors
Mrs Joanne O’Connor
Category of Governor: Staff
Headteacher
Claire Jamfrey
Category of governor: Staff
Appointed date: 17 October 2021
Dawn Wells
Category of governor: Co-opted Governor
Appointed date: 23 March 2022
Pecuniary interests: None
I joined the Governors in March 2022 as I’m not originally from Fleet and wanted a way to get involved in the local community. I have already seen first-hand how fantastic the school is with supporting the children and wanted to be part of the team helping them continue to do that. The skills I have from over 15 years in HR are really useful in a Governor role. Outside of work I have two children, the oldest of which is currently at Tavistock, so they, along with a house that needs lots of renovation, take up most of my time!
Dagmara Stajkowska-Kahane
Category of governor: Co-opted
Appointed date: 17th October 2022
Pecuniary interests: None
My name is Dagmara Stajkowska-Kahane and I been a governor since October 2022. I have two daughters, one already attending Tavistock Infant School, and another one due to join in 2024. I am a Polish national with both my parents coming from a teaching background and having given me some insight into school life from their perspective.
My polytechnic studies resulted in an MSc in Material Engineering, following a diploma, after which I emigrated to work in the UK. Following that I worked in Germany and then returned to UK again to work within the automotive and aerospace industry, mostly within quality departments connected with material knowledge and testing. A bit of a rocket scientist, you might say! My former manager – head of quality told me that I am unlikely to last long on maternity leave and that he could not imagine me not returning to the company – probably a result of the fact that I always gave 100% at work and I would enjoy every moment working with colleagues. Since then, I am a contented, full-time parent, enabling me to offer my time and efforts to the school and community.
I most admire dedication in people – no matter what they do, or whatever profession they represent. Tavistock Infant School has an incredibly inspiring and enthusiastic team who are a great privilege to work with. I am proud to be able to add my skills and experience in order to Achieve Happily Together.
In my spare time, I like to do work on home improvements with the aim of making my children’s lives easier. Otherwise, I have a passion for science, nature, DIY, and the simple things in life.
Timo York
Category of governor: Co-opted
Appointed date: 17th October 2022
Pecuniary interests: None
I joined the Governing Body in November ’22 as a co-opted governor. I moved to Fleet in 2019 and my son started Year R in Sept ’22. Professionally, I’m a Product Manager, working to understand customer’s needs and problems and solving these through the application of technology. When I’m not doing that, I can usually be found playing with Lego, model cars or biking. I enjoy getting involved, learning more, and contributing my skills and experience to the ongoing success of Tavistock Infant School.
Sophie Bellchambers
Category of governor: Parent Governor
Appointed date: 17th October 2022
Pecuniary interests: None
Having moved to Fleet from London with my husband and two young children during the lockdown of 2020, I really felt I was missing a “community”. However this all changed once my daughter started at Tavistock in 2021. It’s a wonderful school driven by an exceptionally nurturing head and staff and I want to support them in continuing to make it a happy and thriving environment for current and future pupils and their families.
Aside from being a mum, I’ve worked for over 15 years in the Advertising industry and I also like to dabble in a bit of furniture up-cycling on the side!
Laura Griffiths
I joined the Governing body in March 2024 and am looking forward to learning ways I can support Tavistock infants. I moved to Fleet from London in 2020 with my husband and our then 10 month old. I now have a 4yo and 2yo, both of whom will attend Tavistock infants over the next couple of years. Our family is so happy with our move to Fleet and we’ve been blown away with the friendliness of the community. Both of my parents were Governors when I was growing up (my Dad still is) and I saw first hand how fulfilling it was to support the school and to give back to the local community. My professional background is within supply chain operations and I’m lucky enough to have the choice to pause my career to spend time with my children before they start school. Outside of mum life I have a passion for all things craft and love to cook and learn new skills.
Kate Williams
James Morgan
Lynne Lawrence
Clerk