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Bernards Heath

Infant & Nursery School

Governors

ABOUT OUR GOVERNORS

Our Governors work collaboratively as part of the school Leadership Team to promote and develop the school vision. Their role is strategic and responsibilities include: employing staff, managing resources, ensuring a broad and balanced curriculum, maintaining high standards, working effectively with parents and ensuring that the staff and children have a high quality working environment. Our Governors work very hard for the development of successful learning at Bernards Heath and there are a variety of times during the school year when you can meet them. The school’s Governing Body is made up of 4 Governors elected by parents, the Head Teacher, 1 Governor elected by staff, 1 Governor appointed by Hertfordshire County Council and 7 Governors co-opted by other Governors. Appointments are for four years, although vacancies do occasionally occur at other times.

Click here to see a list of our Governors
Click here to see the Register of Interest

A Governor’s time commitment is significant with at least six full Governing Body meetings.

  • Pay panel – Emily Ainsworth, Sean Trend, Katherine Martindill
  • Headteacher’s appraisal panel – Freya Loftus, Katherine Martindill, Hayley Thomas
  • Complaints panel – Hayley Thomas, Katherine Martindill, Kerrie Barnes
  • Exclusions panel – Hayley Thomas, Katherine Martindill, Kerrie Barnes
  • Finance Working Group – Sean Trend, Emily Ainsworth, Katherine Martindill
  • Appeals and Grievances Committee – Ad hoc panels

Governors are also linked to the School Development Plan and are encouraged to make three visits a year during the teaching day to talk to the children and staff, to informally observe teaching and learning and to learn more about the day to day work of the school.

The Governing Body provide strategic management and act as a ‘critical friend’ supporting the work of the Head Teacher and other staff.
Schools have a budget and the Governing Body is responsible for managing this budget. They  support the Head Teacher in deciding how many and what types of staff to employ, which type of equipment to replace or upgrade and what the priorities are for implementing new strategies and initiatives. The Governors also have a role in monitoring the school’s progress.

The Governors do not get paid for their work at school – it is a voluntary role. People often apply to join the Governing Body because they are keen to make a commitment to their local community.

Anyone can become a Governor, some of our Governors work full-time, some part-time, and others are not in paid employment, but they all share one thing – a commitment to the children at Bernards Heath Infant School today and in the future. We welcome people with skills and expertise in particular fields, but the most important thing is having the time and willingness to work with the school to make it as good as it possibly can be.

Elections are held for new Governors as and when the need arises. Any parent or guardian of a child at our school is eligible to stand for election. You may want to talk to a current Governor if you would like to find out more about joining the Governing Body.

The Governors are pleased to meet with parents. You can contact them by emailing . The Governors also attend our parent teacher consultations, plays, fetes etc. to meet as many parents as they can.

Click here to read our Blog

OUR GOVERNORS

Hannah Rimmer – Head Teacher

  • Head Teacher (1st September 2015)
  • Attendance  (2025-2026): 6 out of 6 (FGB)

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I started my teaching career here in our wonderful school in September 2005. My first role was in Year 1 as a NQT. My learning journey has included leading on assessment, English, Maths and Year 2. When the opportunity arose I applied for the role of Deputy Head and did this for five years before applying for, and being successfully appointed to, the role of Headteacher in September 2015.

I have always worked with children, working as a private day nanny for two boys in Harpenden and before that in a ski resort in France, where I also learned to ski (with the grace of a baby deer).

I love coming to work and feel hugely privileged to be one of the cogs in the amazing Bernards Heath learning machine. I am driven by working with others to design and implement a curriculum that enables children to develop a positive sense of self and to acquire the skills they need for life-long learning.

I have worked with our governors for the last 13 years and find this work really rewarding. I am regularly inspired by what our Governors can do and thoroughly appreciate their support, challenge and genuine interest in the strategic working of our school.

When I am not at work I enjoy being outdoors in any weather; walking, being by the sea or among the trees. I am also a parent, a bit like school, this is a role I find incredibly fulfilling; no two days are the same, I am never bored, it fills me with joy and I don’t always get it right. Always more to learn.

Freya Loftus – Chair of Governors

  • Appointed as Parent Governor 21st November 2023. Current term ends 20th November 2027.
  • Appointed by Parent Election
  • Responsibilities: Safeguarding, Filtering and Monitoring, Attendance
  • Attendance (2025-2026): 6 out of 6 (FGB)

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I am a primary school teacher with experience teaching across EYFS, KS1 and KS2. I love education and seeing the way children view the world. Working in the classroom brings such variety day to day and is never short of a humorous story. I moved every 3-5 years growing up, so I was educated in different cultures and different types of school. My husband and I moved to St Albans in 2017 from York. We have two children, one who is in Year 1 and one who is in Nursery at Bernards Heath Infant School. I’m interested in psychology, child development and ​I enjoy being involved with our local church Verso St Albans. I’m excited to join the Governors at Bernards Heath to support this amazing school who are giving the youngest children a super start into their journey of school life.              

Hayley Thomas – Vice Chair of Governors

  • First appointed Parent Governor (11th October 2021) converted to Co-opted Governor (14th July 2025). Current term end 13th July 2029.
  • Appointed by Governing Body
  • Responsibilities: Writing, Assessment
  • Attendance (2025-2026): 6 out of 6 (FGB)

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I am a barrister specialising in personal injury and employment law. I represent clients in a wide range of sectors facing claims for life changing injuries arising from accidents at work, road accidents and public liability, often with an element of suspected fraud, dishonesty or exaggeration. My employment work covers discrimination, unfair and wrongful dismissal, redundancy and whistleblowing. I have worked part time since having my children. I moved to St Albans following the birth of my eldest child and now have two children at the school and one due to start in a few years. I stood to be a parent governor because I will have a child / children at BHINS for the next 6/7 years. I wanted to learn more about the work of the school and contribute to its continued success. With three small children I have almost forgotten what spare time is, but where possible I love trips to the theatre, walking and planning my next holiday.

Vicky Pinkham

  • Appointed as Staff Governor 24th March 2023. Current term ends 23rd March 2027
  • Elected by Staff
  • Responsibilities: Heath Class Teacher, Risk Register
  • Attendance (2025-2026): 6 out of 6 (FGB)

Coming soon...

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Emily Ainsworth

  • Appointed as Co-opted Governor 18th January 2024. Current term ends 7th January 2028
  • Appointed  by Governing Body
  • Responsibilities: Finance, Governor Training and Development, Sustainability, OPAL (Outdoor Play and Learning)
  • Attendance (2025-2026): 6 out of 6 (FGB)

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I am a Chartered Accountant with over a decade of experience working in Strategic and Commercial Finance for FTSE and multinationals organisations.

Originally from Warwick, I moved to St Albans 11years ago and have since grown roots; meeting my husband and having three children, 2 of whom currently attend BHINS (Mitchell and Heath class).

My third child has only recently been born, meaning I expect to be a BHINS parent for the next 7/8years. It is for this reason I was keen to become a Governor; to deepen my connections with, and contribution to, the communities my family are fortunate enough to be a part of. My primary objective, and hope, in taking the Governor role is to leverage my skills to support the schools continued success, so as future children benefit from the same fantastic school our children currently experience. The role also affords an exciting learning opportunity, which I believe will support my growth in all capacities – Governor, parent, professional – and so it is a privilege to sit on the board.

I grew up a keen equestrian & horse owner; in my spare time you will find me at the stables. 

 

Katherine Martindill

  • Co-opted Governor 18th March 2024. Current term ends 17th March 2028

    Appointed by the Governing Body

  • Responsibilities: Writing
  • Attendance (2025-2026): 6 out of 6 (FGB)

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I have worked in three different primary schools with very different contexts, opportunities and challenges. I have been Head Teacher in a one form entry primary school in Welwyn Garden City since September 2021. Though, at times, challenging, I feel privileged and fortunate to do the job that I do and have an influence on shaping children’s lives.   I love leading my school, developing culture and practice and working every day with incredible children, staff and parents.  Education is a huge part of my life and I’m passionate about improving outcomes for all children and fully embrace Bernards Heath vision of inspiring individuals to develop a positive sense of self and the skills for lifelong learning.

As a co-opted Governor, I hope that my skills and experience will effectively contribute to the future work of the Governing board.  I understand the pressures, demands and challenges for school leaders and school staff and fully appreciate the vital role that governors play in supporting them.

I live locally in St. Albans with my partner who is an Innovation & Experience Director, and  two young children.  Our son is currently at the infants, moving to the Juniors in September 2024, and our daughter will start in the Infants in September 2024.

 

 

Sean Trend

  • Co-opted Governor 9th December 2024. Current term ends 8th December 2028

    Appointed by the Governing Body

  • Responsibilities: Safeguarding, Attendance
  • Attendance: (2025-2026): 5 out of 6 (FGB)

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My son has recently joined in reception and has enjoyed his time so far.

I’m a chartered accountant and have over 15 years experience working across professional services, charity sector and retail / ecommerce.

Recently I was a Finance Director for ASOS and my currently role is leading the ASOS US Business. I am also a Finance Governor at another Primary School in St Albans as well as the Finance Trustee of large UK charity.

Outside of work I enjoy time with the family and I’m a big football fan. I play regularly and I coach my son’s team at the weekend.

 

 

Gianpaolo Surfaro

  • Co-opted Governor 20th October 2025. Current term ends 19th October 2029

    Appointed by the Governing Body

  • Responsibilities: IT, Pupil Premium, Looked After Children
  • Attendance: (2025-2026): 5 out of 6 (FGB)

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I am a highly experienced Principal Engineering Manager at Citi, where I currently lead a cutting-edge AI project. I built this expertise over 12 years at Google, focusing on a wide array of technologies, programming languages, and Artificial Intelligence. Academically, I hold a Master’s degree in Engineering and a Bachelor’s degree in UK Law.

I am also a parent to two daughters and, in my free time, I enjoy reading and going to rock gigs (or Taylor Swift with the girls). I’m always interested in learning new things and I am excited to bring my technical and leadership skills to the Board of Governors of Bernards Heath Infant School to support the school and its pupils.

 

 

Kerrie Barnes

  • Local Authority Governor 2nd February 2026. Current term ends 1st February 2030
  • Nominated by the Local Authority.  Appointed by the Governing Body
  • Responsibilities: SEND
  • Attendance: (2025-2026): 4 out of 4 (FGB)

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I am a Primary School Teacher with over 20 years’ experience across EYFS, KS1 and KS2. I am passionate about supporting children with SEND and have recently moved away from the mainstream classroom to work with children who need additional support to re-engage with learning and access the curriculum.

In my spare time, I enjoy being outdoors with my dog, taking part in parkrun, reading, doing puzzles, and spending time with my extended family and friends.

As a parent of four children, I also bring valuable lived experience to my role. One child is at university, two are in college, and one is studying GCSEs. Three of my children have, at different times, required extra support in mainstream education, which has strengthened my commitment to helping every child reach their full potential.
I am excited to become a governor at Bernards Heath Infant and Nursery School and to support inclusive practice and a nurturing environment where all children can thrive.

 

 

Charlotte Scanlon

  • Parent Governor 27th November 2025. Current term ends 26th November 2029
  • Appointed by Parent Election.
  • Responsibilities: Health and Safety, Assessment
  • Attendance: (2025-2026): 4 out of 4 (FGB)

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I am an experienced Primary School teacher who has worked in a number of schools over the past 14 years. I have also worked for an ed-tech company, a Research School, examination board and currently, in a Forest School. I have wide experience across all areas of primary education alongside a variety of industries aligned with education.

 

I have two young children, a son in Year 1 and a daughter at nursery. Outside of work and being mum, I enjoy reading, exploring nature and watching rugby.

 

 

Letitia Slabu

  • Parent Governor 27th November 2025. Current term ends 26th November 2029
  • Appointed by Parent Election.
  • Responsibilities: Wellbeing
  • Attendance: (2025-2026): 3 out of 4 (FGB)

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I am a Doctor in Social Psychology, Senior Lecturer in the Psychology Department at a London university, with over 20 years of experience in higher education. Both my work and home life have taught me the importance of nurturing children’s curiosity, confidence, and wellbeing.

As a member of the Department’s Leadership Team, I have developed extensive expertise in curriculum design, assessment, student progression, and engagement. This work aligns closely with my research interests in wellbeing and helping people thrive through approaches such as music therapy, mindfulness, and gratitude. I also serve on the Ethics Board, where I uphold the highest standards of child safety and safeguarding.

Drawing on my background in education and wellbeing research, I am committed to working collaboratively with staff, board members, and parents to ensure that all young children receive the strongest possible foundation for life and learning. I also care deeply about initiatives that create culturally sensitive, diverse and inclusive environments where every child feels valued and encouraged.

 

 

Ashley Proceviat

  • Co-opted Governor 12th October 2026. Current term ends 11th October 2030
  • Appointed by the Governing Body
  • Responsibilities: Admissions and Marketing
  • Attendance: (2025-2026) N/A

Coming soon...

 

 

PREVIOUS GOVERNORS

Dan Knight

  • Stepped down (22nd July 2026)
  • First Appointed Parent Governor (11th October 2021) converted to Co-opted Governor (20th October 2025). Current term ends 19th October 2029.
  • Appointed by Governing Body
  • Responsibilities: Premises, Health and Safety, IT (resource)
  • Attendance (2025-2026): 2 out of 6 (FGB)

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I am a Consultant Cardiologist at the Royal Free Hospital and an Honorary Associate Professor at University College London. I specialize in imaging the heart, in particular using cardiac MRI scanning, and treating patients with pulmonary hypertension. This is a rare condition that causes high blood pressure in the blood vessels connecting the heart and lungs (the pulmonary arteries). I carry out this work in the National Pulmonary Hypertension service at the Royal Free, one of six nationally commissioned centres in England for the treatment of adults with this diagnosis. My job involves a mixture of clinical and academic work, and my research activity is supported by a British Heart Foundation Fellowship.

Both of my children are at Bernards Heath Infant & Nursery School. My eldest child started in Verulam class in 2020 and his brother started in Heath class in 2021. I was very impressed at an early stage with the school, its staff and the school community as a whole. For these reasons, I was keen to attempt the role of a school governor as an opportunity for me to give something back to the school and contribute to an area outside of my usual work. Through this position, I hope to make a positive and meaningful contribution to the school and its children.

Mark Jennings

  • Stepped down (22nd July 2026)
  • Parent Governor (16th May 2022) Current term ends 15th May 2026
  • Appointed by Parent Election
  • Responsibilities: SFVS, Finance and Assets, Staff Wellbeing
  • Attendance (2025-2026): 5 out of 6 (FGB)

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I am a forensic accountant and I help businesses recover from catastrophic events which interrupt their ability to trade.   I have given evidence in court and in alternative dispute resolution settings as an accounting expert. I’m originally from Birmingham. I moved to London in 2005, then on to St Albans to start our family and our son started in Verulam class in 2021.  I have been really impressed by the school and its ethos – I firmly believe it is giving our children the skills needed for lifelong learning. When the school was looking for a parent governor with finance experience, I jumped at the opportunity to contribute.