The Ashfield Governing Body is a group of stakeholders selected (or elected in the case of Parent Governors) from the school and wider community. Governors are responsible for making strategic decisions for the school including the school vision and ethos. Governors are not responsible for the day to day operation of the school but are responsible for monitoring its operation to ensure the school fulfils its statutory responsibilities, ensuring the school provides value for money and the best possible education for its pupils. More details of our roles and responsibilities may be found in our Governor’s Handbook.
Anyone interested in becoming a governor should contact the Headteacher or the Chair of Governors via the School Office.
 Councillor Anne SwerlingI have lived in Bushey for more than 30 years and am now a grandmother to four lovely girls, who happily live nearby. I enjoy being one of your School Governors and am also involved with Bushey & Oxhey Care who help with transportation for those who need. I have been a Hertsmere Councillor now for five years, a role I enjoy and I am also a churchwarden at St Peter’s Church in Bushey Heath. One of my main hobbies is horseracing and there is nothing I enjoy more than an afternoon spent watching these delightful animals! |
 Sandra Podro My name is Sandra Podro and I have enjoyed working at Ashfield for 19 years as a Teaching Assistant, Midday Supervisor and more recently a Higher Level Teaching Assistant. Both my children did their primary education at Ashfield. |
 Chris HoltMy name is Chris Holt and have been married for 32 years. Laura Holt, my daughter is a teacher at Ashfield Junior School. I am an experienced premises / facilities manager who has worked in the Education Sector for the past 8 years. I am currently working at Tring School in Hertfordshire, a large secondary Academy. I am a keen sports fan and am a season ticket holder with Saracens Rugby Club and also attend matches at Watford Football Club and cricket matches at Lords. My wife and I enjoy travelling far and wide and recently climbed Mt Kilimanjaro and visited Botswana and the Victoria Falls in Zimbabwe and Zambia. We also enjoy walking and have spent many holidays in and around the Alps and the Pyrenees. Whilst I wouldn’t say that I was well read I do enjoy reading with a particular interest in History. |
Jo Barnett My name is Jo Barnett and am proud to have been part of our community since 2012 when my first child started their Ashfield journey. My two other children have equally received an excellent education whilst learning in a fun, stimulating and nurturing environment. For 23 years, I have worked as a primary school teacher in an Independent School in Mill Hill. I absolutely love my job and thrive on making a difference to the children I teach! Education is empowering and I strive to ensure that pupils at Ashfield develop a love for learning and gain the skills necessary to become independent life-long learners and responsible children. My hobbies include: making celebration cakes, watching tennis and spending time with my family.
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Charmaine Davison I have enjoyed nearly 19 years as a teacher at Ashfield. I moved from South Africa with the intention of only staying for a couple of years and then moving on, but found myself loving the Ashfield school and community. I currently teach in Year 4, but also taugth for many years in Year 6. Reading and art are my two favourite pastimes and I love to share that enthusiasm with the children at Ashfield. I have served on our Governing Board since September 2008 and take great pride in the work we do.
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Fiona Waloff My name is Fiona Waloff and my current role on the Governing Board is that of a Foundation Governor and was re-elected in March 2018 for a 4 year term. I have been a Governor since my daughter was at Ashfield some 15 years ago, when I was elected as a Parent Governor, sitting on various committees as well as chairing the committee and being involved in the restructuring of the Board. I currently sit on both the Curriculum, Attainment & Progress and Finance, Resources & Personnel Committees.
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Sarah Vincett I have had the pleasure of being apart of the Ashfield Community since my second eldest son joined in 2012. As well as being the Vice-Chair of Governors, I am a trustee of a charity and I enjoy each role immensely. I recently completed an Early Years Education degree, which led to a School’s Direct placement at the school where I have worked as a teaching assistant for the past six years. I am looking forward to the next chapter of my career as a Primary school Teacher. In my spare time I enjoy watching films and playing board games with friends and family.
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David Carter I am an Elected Councillor and a Justice of the Peace for Hertfordshire. I am a Chartered Engineer and currently work as an Associate Accountant for a local company. I have lived in Bushey for over 25 years and I am married and have 3 lovely grandchildren. I like cars and I enjoy racing cars and like going to watch them when I can.
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Emma Desmond I grew up in Whetstone, North London, and went to school at Haberdashers’ Girls’ School in Elstree, Hertfordshire. I went on to study a degree in Classics at the University of Nottingham, followed by a PGCE in Latin and Classics at the University of Cambridge in 2017-18. In 2020-21, I also completed a part-time Masters in Education at the University of Cambridge, alongside teaching, focusing on managing low-level disruption in the classroom. I am a keen swimmer and competed in Synchronised Swimming competitions growing up, before establishing a Synchro club at the University of Nottingham. I also played Waterpolo, representing both Nottingham and Cambridge University during my studies. I now run a Synchro club for the students at St Margaret’s School too. In my free time, I love reading, trying new restaurants and spending time with my friends and family. |
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Don Barrell I am passionate about the school community, with children at both Merry Hill and Ashfield. I am on the governing board at both schools, looking to support both individually and see where there is useful synergy between the two. In my day job, I head the national pathways for England Rugby, responsible for the system that helps young players go on to achieve their successes. I am looking forward to working with the school and community going forwards. |
Usma Collins I am passionate about the school community, with children at both Merry Hill and Ashfield. I am on the governing board at both schools, looking to support both individually and see where there is useful synergy between the two. In my day job, I head the national pathways for England Rugby, responsible for the system that helps young players go on to achieve their successes. I am looking forward to working with the school and community going forwards. |
Chair of Governors
Foundation Governors
Local Authority Governors
Parent Governors
School Governors
Clerk to the Governors
Co-opted & Community Governors
Associate Members
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