Here is some information about our Governors

 Helen Yates (Foundation Governor) - Chair of Governors

I live in Langton Green, am married with two children who are both now at secondary school after being at Speldhurst.  I was heavily involved with the school PTA having held roles of Treasurer, Vice Chair and Chair. I am a qualified accountant with 25+ years working in industry. I became a parent governor in 2015 as I wanted to support the school in being the best it can be and supporting our children to achieve their potential. It is important to create an environment where each child is valued and develops their own self esteem and confidence, so they can excel both academically, socially and creatively.

 Sara Andrew (LEA Governor)

I became a governor at Speldhurst more than 15 years ago after my two daughters’ enjoyable and successful time there. The school gave them a good foundation both as individuals and academically. As a governor, I hope to help maintain and develop this education for future generations of pupils. As an award-winning radio producer and journalist, mainly for BBC Radio 4, I believe I can help ‘open the door’ to the world beyond Speldhurst as well as bringing the excellent work of the school to the attention of the local community. (eg: Parish magazine column, articles in the local press). Throughout my journalistic career, spanning more than 40 years, I have also worked for TV and written for newspapers.  I still write occasionally for the Times Education Supplement mainly on the use of ICT and mobile technology in the classroom and contribute education features to BBC radio including a series ' The Secret History of a School' with former education secretary Alan Johnson  whilst many of my documentaries also give a ‘voice’ to young people.  I also lecture/mentor media students and other radio professionals including a workshop at the Third Coast International Audio Festival in Chicago and present/mentor the next generation of young feature makers in a series called 'New Storytellers' on Radio 4. I am currently working on a new contemporary history series for Radio 4 called ' History on the Edge' and have recently trained as a Samaritan. 

 Stephanie Hayward (Headteacher)

I have been the Headteacher at Speldhurst CEP School since September 2010. Prior to that I worked at Southborough CEP School which is very close in location and has a similarly distinctive Christian character. I have been delighted by the warm, family atmosphere, close community links and polite, well-motivated pupils at Speldhurst School. We are blessed with an excellent team of teachers and teaching assistants, together with a very proactive governing body which makes education at the school really enjoyable. It is a pleasure and a privilege to be the Headteacher of such a fabulous school. My husband and I live in Tunbridge Wells with our two daughters, Laura and Ellie and a small menagerie of animals. It is a joy to drive through the stunning countryside to Speldhurst each day; it really is an idyllic setting. As a small, village primary school, Speldhurst provides the diversity and challenge I sought when moving to headship and I feel sure that we will continue to be a thriving part of the local community for many years to come.

  Victoria Dobney (Parent Governor)

As a former primary school teacher and a current teacher and project manager in further education, I feel as though my experience within education makes me ideal for parent governor. Having been an editor at a children’s publishing company as well also highlights my attention to detail and understanding of educational development. My roles within this field included being intrinsic in developing a Hi-Lo reading scheme and non-fiction texts. 

Reading has always been a passion of mine and whilst teaching, so much so that I created a blog reviewing and recommending books that the children and I worked with read. 

Although primary education is curriculum bound, primary schools provide so much more than what the government lays out. It is a community; an extended family and I would feel very proud and privileged to contribute more to this very special school.

 Paul Youens (Parent Governor)

I wanted to contribute to the school and local community, bringing experience from my professional background in corporate affairs, which includes organisational governance and reporting, alongside managing relationships with stakeholders and communities. I like the environment and spirit of our school and am pleased to be a part of helping this to continue to thrive, providing great education and community for the children and local area.  Both of my parents spent their careers in education and it’s always been an area of keen interest to me, I’ve spent time myself as a snowsports coach and enjoyed taking school groups out into the mountains.

 Jamie Macpherson (Foundation Governor)

I have lived in Speldhurst since 2017 and have three daughters at the school.  My wife plays an active role with the PTA, through which we have seen something of the productive and happy relationship that exists between the school and the local community. I wish to see our excellent school, and all the children who attend it, prosper; and I will contribute my skills and experience - some gained in legal practice - towards the school's good governance and continued success.

  Deviani Parekh-Jones (Foundation Governor)

I have been a part of the Speldhurst family since 2020, when my daughter started in Reception. I play an active role in the Speldhurst community and school, being a PTA member, organising events, raising funds and awareness. I assist children using the library, where the children are so excited to go and read as part of their learning and development. As well as prayer space in school, I am part of the Sunday School team at St Mary’s Church in Speldhurst. Having this experience with the children has given me a better understanding of their care, safeguarding, and wellbeing needs. 

I have a financial background for over 12yrs from working in banking and being a Parish Councillor. I take an active part in the finance & planning committee, looking at resources, pay review, budgeting and more. I plan to bring my experience with children and finance into this role. As well as a clarity of vision, ethos, diversity, inclusion, and strategic direction into the school. 

I know it takes just one teacher who can see the child’s potential, and believes in them, to make a significant difference in their lives.  I aim to be an active member of the school governance team and bring along a wealth of knowledge and experience whilst supporting Speldhurst Primary in its continued efforts to be the brilliant school it is.

 Thiago Ferriera (Foundation Governor)

My wife and I moved to Speldhurst in 2018, and both of our girls attend the school here. We chose this school because its Christian values align with those of our family. The school plays a crucial role in our children's lives, and I aim to support it in upholding its values as a governor. My background is in mathematics and finance. I have an MBA and over a decade of experience working in financial markets and running businesses. I hope to put my skills to good use as a governor and add value to this great governing body.

 Julian Bardo (Foundation Governor)

I moved with my wife, Jane, to Speldhurst in 2018 when I retired from a firm of patent and trade mark attorneys and grandchildren drew us to Kent.  I then began volunteering at the school to assist the caretaker. It has been a great privilege to be involved at such a good school.  I hope that my membership of St Mary’s church and my experience of the law and of managing a business will prove useful as a Governor.

 Stephanie Virgo (Foundation Governor)

I have been a primary teacher in West Kent for the last twenty five years with experience in all year groups . In 2011 I worked for Greenwich University lecturing and tutoring the Early Years Professional Degree. I have five children and my youngest child Layla went to Speldhurst . I have a passion for providing support and encouragement to those in the profession and want the best for pupils and staff . I am currently training and developing my expertise in various areas of SEND provision within the classroom setting.