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Marlow Church of England Infant School

Governors

Provide all children with the opportunity to develop towards their full potential

About Us

The Governing Body is an active and enthusiastic group which is committed to ensuring that Marlow Church of England Infant School remains an outstanding Church of England school. Working closely with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team, the governors are responsible for the overall strategic management of the school and for determining its aims, objectives and policies in accordance with all relevant legislation.

Over the past few years, governors have been actively involved in essential projects, including changes to home learning policy, the building of a new outdoor covered area, and new innovative approaches to teaching, including Jasmine PE.

Any governance roles in other educational institutions or business or financial interests in the school are declared below.

The minutes from the Governing Body meetings are a public record and can be accessed via the School Office if required.

Who are we?

As volunteers, governors come from a variety of backgrounds, and represent a diverse range of local interests and bodies. As a church school, the constitution of the governing body is currently as follows:

  • 8 Foundation governors, appointed by the Diocese of Oxford. This includes a member of the clergy from All Saints Church, Marlow, as an ex-officio member.
  • 2 Parent governors, elected by the parent body
  • 2 Staff governors (including the Headteacher)
  • 1 Local Education Authority representative
  • 1 Co-opted governor
  • 1 Appointed governor 

HOW DO WE WORK?

We meet as a full governing body once a term. Main responsibilities are shared between the three subcommittees set out below. In addition, individuals have specific roles and responsibilities.

  • Finance and People (F&P) - currently chaired by Barry Jennings, this committee oversees the school budget, the facilities, health and safety and staffing.

  • Teaching and Learning (T&L) - currently chaired by Helen Gallop, this committee ensures a broad and balanced curriculum and monitors student achievement.

  • Admissions and Promotion - currently chaired by Daphne Howarth, this committee manages school admissions, open days, the website and community engagement.

If you wish to contact the Governors, then please email the Chair at:

governors@marlow-infant.bucks.sch.uk

Mr R McFarlane - CHAIR OF GOVERNORS, A&P, F&P, Health & Safety

Mr Robbie McFarlane

Foundation Governor

  • Appointed by Oxford Diocesan Board of Education and Elected as Chair by the Board of Governors: January 2024
  • Term of office until: November 2028

Originally from Ireland, I moved to the UK in 2000 to start university in Surrey. I met my wife in 2007 whilst I was training in Spain. Beccy is a Marlow girl through and through and a former student of the school. Whilst I ended up taking us to Birmingham for 12 years, we finally moved back in January 2020. Our two daughters are former students of Marlow CE Infant School.

A former Training Captain with a UK regional airline, I am now a pilot with British Airways. Before flying, I had a brief period as a Telecoms Manager for a large multinational, and, since the '90s, have been developing websites to support small businesses. In my spare time, I enjoy cycling and being out and about with my girls.

Mrs D Howarth - Vice Chair of governors, chair of A&P, pay committee, performance management, T&L, PFA, pupil premium

Mrs Daphne Howarth

Co-Opted Governor

  • Appointed by the Board of Governors following a parent election: December 2020
  • Reappointed by the Board of Governors as a co-opted governor: September 2024
  • Term of office until: September 2028

I moved to Marlow in 2018 following time in London and Geneva and my eldest started at Marlow Infants the following year.  I've got three small children and have a long-term investment in the school.

I'm a solicitor by profession and spent ten years working, initially for a law firm, then as an in-house lawyer. I had the honour of being elected as a parent governor at the end of 2020 and am delighted to be able to use my experience to support this wonderful school and community!

Mrs S Reynolds

Mrs Sharon Reynolds

Staff (headteacher) Governor

  • Appointed by Governors: February 2017

My relationship began as a parent when my son, and then my daughter, started school in Reception. At that time, I was working in Marketing in London and knew very little about the local area, community and education.

I retrained and became a teacher at Marlow C of E Infant School and have never looked back. Teaching in different year groups and holding many different roles in the school has given me a real love for the school, and its ethos. I am passionate about the school and what it represents.

When I have spare time, I like to look after our garden and bake. My children are now grown up and leading their own lives as adults, but they always reflect fondly on their time at this school.

Mrs S Downing

Mrs Sarah Downing

Staff (teaching) Governor

  • Appointed by school staff: September 2023
  • Term of office until: September 2027

I gained my Music degree back in 2000 and, following a short time working in travel, getting film and TV crews around the world, I decided that I would miss music and retrained as a secondary school music teacher. A role I really enjoyed until the arrival of my first child. Following that, I took a break from teaching to be a full-time mum, which included the arrival of my youngest. I have been at Marlow Infants since 2014, where I started as an SEN teaching assistant. A role I thoroughly enjoyed.

In my spare time, I like to row at Marlow Rowing Club, run and I play in the local Marlow Town Brass Band. Having only recently learnt to row, I realise that learning a new skill has many upsides, but it can be a challenge, so I say, 'Every day is a learning day!'

Revd D Bull

Revd Dave Bull

Ex-officio Foundation Governor

  • First appointed by: September 2021
  • Term of office until: September 2025
  • Resigned: February 2025

I am the Rector of All Saints' Church. I am married and have three children. I have lived in Worcester, Oxford, London and Reigate. Until the age of 23, I rarely darkened the doors of a church, but came to faith on an Alpha course in London. I worked for Unilever, a charity in South West London, and a large London church before training for my ordination. I love mountain biking, sailing and spending time with my family.

MRS H Gallop - A&P, CHAIR OF T&L, early years

Mrs Helen Gallop

Foundation Governor

  • First appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: October 2019
  • Reappointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Governors: October 2023
  • Term of office until: September 2027

I moved to Marlow in 2016 and started as a Foundation Governor in September 2019 when my eldest daughter started at Marlow Cof E Infant School. I love being involved with the wonderful community in Marlow and enjoy helping out with gardening projects at All Saints Church and Sandygate. I chair the Teaching and Learning Committee and sit on the Admissions and Promotions Committee alongside monitoring Early Years and RE.

I previously worked as a Neurological Physiotherapist in the NHS for 10 years.

Mrs J White - A&P, T&L, Artsmark, Equalities & Diversity, lac, sen & Nurture

Mrs Joanna White

Foundation Governor

  • First appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: October 2019
  • Reappointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Governors: October 2023
  • Term of office until: September 2027

I have lived in Marlow for more than 8 years and my 3 children have been through Marlow C of E Infant School and my youngest. I believe this school gives children such a positive, wonderful, nurturing start in their learning journey and I look forward to giving back and offering some of my time, experience and passion for teaching to the Governing board.

Before children, I taught in the primary sector for 9 years when I was in charge of English, PSHE and introduced Emotional Literacy and Values Education to schools. Prior to that, I worked in Marketing for 5 years.

MR B Jennings  - f&P, DATA PROTECTION, Rights respecting schools, WELlbeing

Mr Barry Jennings

lOCAL AUTHORITY Governor

  • First appointed by the Board of Governors: October 2019
  • Reappointed by Buckinghamshire Local Authority: October 2023
  • Term of office until: September 2027

I moved to Marlow in 2013 and my son started at Marlow C of E Infant School in September 2019. I have always appreciated the education I have received and the important role that it has played in the opportunities I have had. I am a technology lawyer in the financial services industry.

Outside of work, I enjoy cooking, the cinema, the gym and spending time with my family.

Mr D Bourdillon - F&P, Science

Mr David Bourdillon

Foundation Governor

  • Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: November 2020
  • Term of office until: July 2025

I moved to Marlow with my wife Rachel in 2015, and we live here with our two boys, Josh and Alex. We're active members at All Saints Marlow and I started as a foundation governor when Josh started in Reception in late 2020. 

After a degree in engineering, I now work in digital product and proposition development in various industries, including TV (Sky), energy and, most recently, insurance. I also play lots of tennis in my spare time.

Mrs J Cousins - T&L, Maths, PE, & Sports Premium, safeguarding

Mrs Jackie Cousins

Foundation Governor

  • Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: March 2022
  • Term of office until: February 2026

I have lived in Marlow for 30 years with my husband and son and daughter.

I spent 17 years teaching in primary schools and led subjects such as mathematics, science, design and technology, computers/IT and art. Then I worked for Ofsted as a school inspector for 10 years, followed by a short period as an adviser for the early years in Southend-on-Sea. Most recently, I was a Church school adviser for The Oxford Diocesan Board of Education, but I retired in December 2021.

My hobbies include gardening, sewing, walking, bird watching, reading, theatre, travel and history.

I am also a governor at Datchet St. Mary’s C of E Primary School.

MRS S Slyfield - T&L, Artsmark

Mrs Salli Slyfield

Parent Governor

  • Appointed by the Board of Governors following a parent election: October 2022
  • Term of office until: October 2026

I live in Marlow with my husband and two children – my eldest attends Marlow C of E Infant School. I have worked in local primary schools for over 10 years. I had the privilege of being elected as parent governor in October 2022, and I am delighted to further support this fantastic school. 

MRS C CARTER - T&L, RE

Mrs Christine Carter

Foundation Governor

  • Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: January 2023
  • Term of office until: January 2027 

I moved to Marlow from Chiswick in 1997, as I had taken up a post at Sir William Borlase's Grammar School the previous year as a teacher of French and German, subsequently becoming Head of German.

I retired in 2014, having spent my entire career teaching in secondary schools. I am married with three grown-up children and four grandchildren, one of whom attends Marlow Infants and one of whom goes to Teatimers. I am a committed Christian and a member of All Saints Church and help there every Thursday at Teeny Saints, a playgroup for children aged from 0 to 4.

My main interests are travel, hiking, gardening and solving cryptic crosswords.

 

Mrs C Miller - F&P, English

Mrs Clare Miller

Foundation Governor

  • Appointed by the Oxford Diocesan Board of Education: January 2023
  • Term of office until: January 2027

My family moved to Marlow when I was a young child and, aside from three years spent studying music at Birmingham University, have lived in or near Marlow since then.

I live with my husband and three young children, the eldest of whom attends Marlow Infants. I am delighted to be able to serve as a governor at this wonderful school.

In 2010, I gained my PGCE to qualify as a teacher and I have held various roles in my career, including senior leadership. I am currently enjoying working part-time as a music teacher at a local primary school. 

In my spare time, I enjoy family adventures, cooking, playing the piano and spending time in nature.

Mrs L Oliver

Mrs Laura Oliver

Parent Governor

  • Appointed by the Board of Governors following a parent election: December 2024
  • Term of office until: December 2028

I grew up in Chalfont St Giles and, since returning from University, where I studied English Literature and then completed my PGCE in Secondary Education, I have lived in different parts of Buckinghamshire.

I love teaching and am extremely passionate about the prospect of helping to shape a young person’s life. I have taught in a range of schools within Buckinghamshire and London and enjoy the challenges of helping young people navigate this ever-changing landscape. I have had many roles within schools, including: Head of Year, Head of English and Assistant Headteacher, all of which have given me a wealth of knowledge and experience.

I live with my husband, and we have two daughters; one of whom is in Reception and my youngest, who is still in nursery. I have loved becoming a mother and sharing special milestones with my girls.

Previously, I was a staff Governor and enjoyed seeing and experiencing the ‘inner workings’ of a school.

In my spare time, I am a keen netballer, playing for a local club. I also enjoy family days out, travelling, having adventures and making memories with the family.