Role of the Governing Board
In accordance with the Government’s requirements for all governing bodies, the core functions of the Holly Trees Primary School Governing Board are:
Some of the specific roles of the governing body include:
The Governing Board of Holly Trees Primary School is normally made up of five elected Parent Governors, one Governor nominated by the Education Authority, an elected Staff Governor, the Headteacher and 8 Co-opted Governors from different backgrounds.
The aim is to ensure that the Governing Board reflects our local community and includes people with the skills and experience to contribute to the effective governance and success of the School. The Full Governing Board meets once each term, and we also have several committees to consider different aspects of the School in detail. Those which meet regularly are the Teaching & Learning Committee, which focuses on educational provision at the School including the Curriculum and meeting the specific needs of different groups; and the Resources Committee, which covers finance, premises and some personnel matters. There are also committees and panels which meet as required to consider staffing matters (including key appointments, pay and performance), pupil discipline and any associated appeals.
2023/2024 Governors
Name | Category of Governor | Date Appointed | Term of Office until |
Kathryn Waters Chair of Governors | Co-Opted | 23 September 2019 | 22 September 2027 |
Neville A Brown JP | Local Authority | 25 June 2022 | 24 June 2026 |
Maria Bloom | Co-Opted | 1 September 2023 | 31 August 2027 |
Rachel Hadley | Co-opted | 30 September 2021 | 29 September 2025 |
Sarah Meacher | Headteacher | Ex officio | - |
Sara Rose | Elected Staff | 1 September 2022 | 31 August 2026 |
Dr Richard Spandl | Co-opted | 17 October 2018 | 15 October 2026 |
Claire Magnusson | Elected Parent | 02 March 2020 | 29 Feb 2028 |
Elisabeth Edwin | Elected Parent | 02 March 2020 | 29 Feb 2028 |
Kevin Brailey | Co-Opted | 30 September 2021 | 29 September 2025 |
Kristen Barke | Parent Governor | 2nd February 2022 | 1st February 2026 |
Alice Gupta | Elected Parent | 21st March 2023 | 20th March 2027 |
Stephen Bowers | Elected Parent | 21st March 2023 | 20th March 2027 |
Saravanan Anandathiyagar | Co-opted | 21st March 2023 | 20th March 2027 |
How to Get in Touch
If you would like to talk to anyone regarding the role of the governing body, then you can get in touch with the Chair of Governors, Mrs Kathryn Waters, via the school office admin@hollytrees.essex.sch.uk
| Kathryn Waters - Chair of Governors
It is my great pleasure to support Mrs Meacher and her team in leading this wonderful school. I have been a co-opted governor since 2015. I have over 25 years’ experience in education as a teacher and school leader and have recently completed an MA in Advanced Child Protection. Both my children attended Holly Trees and I can still see how the strong ethos of the school has influenced them as they grow into young adults. I take an active part in school life, both through my role as Chair of Governors and as Safeguarding Governor. Holly Trees is such a great school, and I am proud to be a part of the community here. |
Neville A Brown JP - Vice Chairman
As Chairman of the Governing Board for nine years; I stood down in September 2020; due mainly to some health problems. I feel that my business background (a long and varied career with Shell), and my various continuing activities within our local community, have contributed to our School governance over time. Having largely “recovered”, I am now prompted to stay on, as Vice Chair, in the hope that I may offer some continuity and support. | |
Maria Bloom - Vice Chair
I work for a charity providing legally based advice, training and information on special educational needs and the duties of schools and local authorities. On the basis of this, and my longstanding knowledge of the school (I first became a parent governor at Holly Trees when my son, who is in his 20s, was a key stage 1 pupil!) I was re-appointed a co-opted governor in September 2023. My areas of responsibility are Spiritual, Moral, Social & Cultural Development, PSHE and Special Educational Needs. I am vice chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee
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Sara Rose - Staff Governor
I have been a teacher at Holly Trees since 2008 and have recently taken on the role of Staff Governor. My two children are past pupils and I am very proud of the school's strong values and inclusive approach. I am passionate about child development and learning across the whole curriculum, and have elected to be on the Teaching and Learning Committee.
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Dr Richard Spandl -Parent Governor
I am a father of two and my eldest son started at Holly Trees in September 2018. Since completing a PhD I have worked as a science teacher for over 10 years and I am now a Deputy Headteacher of a large secondary school in London. I have lived in Brentwood since 2008 and I regularly run the Brentwood Half Marathon. The community spirit of Holly Trees is fantastic and I feel privileged to be able to support the school as a Governor and help ensure that all of the pupils continue to receive a first class academic and holistic education.
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| Mrs Rachel Hadley - Co-opted Governor
I joined the Governing Board in September 2019 as a co-opted governor. I am an HR Director for a local Housing Association and have lived in Brentwood for 20 years. I feel that my professional experience will be valuable to the school, particularly in my role around Mental Health and Wellbeing on the governing board. I am a working parent of two: through my eldest I have insight into SEND provisions at Key Stage 2 and beyond; my youngest is also at Holly Trees. I look forward to supporting the school in the coming years. |
Mrs Claire Magnusson - Parent Governor
I am a mother of two and my eldest started in reception at Holly Trees in September 2019. As a parent just starting the journey through primary education, I really wanted to be immersed in the school environment and play a role in its community, so I applied to be a parent governor. I am a brand strategy and public relations director and hope to bring my expertise in communication and passion for creativity to the role. I look forward to supporting Holly Trees wherever I can over the coming years.
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Mrs Elisabeth Edwin - Parent Governor
My eldest child started at Holly Trees in 2018 and we have enjoyed being a part of the school community. As a Parent Governor, I want to contribute to the continued success of the school. I am a chartered accountant and have worked across small businesses, charities and financial services. I currently work part-time leading the finance team for an organisation that invests in social enterprises and charities.
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Mr Kevin Brailey - Co-opted Governor
I was co-opted to the Governing Board in September 2021. I have lived in Brentwood for twenty years and my youngest son attended the school a few years ago. For thirty years I worked in East London, firstly as a Secondary School teacher and then in Local Government but now I'm no longer working full time I'm keen to get back involved with my local primary school. I am a member of the teaching and learning committee and will be the link governor for maths.
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Mrs Kristen Barke - Parent Governor
My eldest daughter started at Holly Trees in 2014 and is now in secondary school. My two boys are currently in Year 1 and Year 4. I was co-opted February 2022 and it is a privilege to be a governor at such a warm, friendly school. I have been teacher 3 years and currently work in a local private school. Before teaching I worked in Marketing in a large law firm in London. I am a member of the teaching and learning committee and will be the link governor for literacy. | |
Mrs Alice Gupta - Elected Parent Governor
My journey as a Holly Trees parent began in 2015 and since then, I have been eager to represent a range of parental perspectives. With over 17 years of experience working in the Housebuilding industry, I will use my corporate background to provide support wherever and whenever needed. Beyond my professional life, I am also an enthusiastic runner, actively raising money for various charities and competing in races. Most importantly, my son looks forward to attending Holly Trees every day, and I am committed to ensuring that all children at the school continue to receive a high-quality education and support. Overall, I am excited to serve as a parent governor and look forward to working collaboratively with staff, parents, and fellow governors to help shape the direction of Holly Trees Primary School. | |
Mr Stephen Bowers - Elected Parent Governor
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Mr Saravanan Anandathiyagar - Co-opted Governor
"I have been a resident of Great Warley for 8 years, and my two daughters currently attend Holly Trees where they are thriving. I have worked in eCommerce and Digital Marketing for over 10 years, and currently lead the commercial team for a sustainability-focused brand. I believe my personal experience, passion for the school and advocacy for Diversity & Inclusivity will be valuable to Holly Trees as a member of the governing board. I am excited and motivated to serve as a Co-opted Governer and working together with teachers, parents and fellow governors to ensure Holly Trees continues to thrive." |
Annual Governance Statement 2022/23
A review of the Governing Body’s activities during the past school year, including the attendance records of Governors at meetings, is available by clicking here
Governors' Individual Roles and Business Interests
To view the Governors' Business Interests Register for 2023/24 click here
Governor Committee Membership for 2023/24
To view the Governor membership in the individual committees please click here
Governors' Attendance Record for 2022/23
To view the Governors' Attendance Record for 2022/23 click here
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