Governors

The governor’s role is to act as a ‘critical friend’ to the school, by monitoring the activities of the school to ensure that the children receive the best possible education in a safe and stimulating learning environment.

We are fortunate to have so many active and committed governors, many of whom have been connected to the school for many years. As you can see, the governors come from a wide range of backgrounds and bring a diverse range of talents and experience to the school and we rely on these skills to ensure that the governors fulfil their function. We are also very fortunate to have such a dedicated and talented staff of teachers and teaching assistants and the governors work in close partnership with the staff. If you have any questions, queries or comments about the work of the governors please do not hesitate to get in touch. We very much value feedback from parents about their experience and views of the school.

You are able to make contact with the Governors by contacting the office or the Chair of Governors by email governor.bailey@kingfisher.oxon.sch.uk

John Bailey - Chair of Governors

I have just taken the positive decision to be semi-retired, which will give me more time. I had heart surgery last March which has changed my life priorities and I feel I would like to give my time to help my community. I will be running the Oxford Half Marathon next October in aid of the British Heart Foundation to give something back to the NHS. I have a strong passion that children need the best start in life and if there is anything I can do to help that, then I would welcome the opportunity.

I have been part of running several companies, including one which was listed on the UK Stock
Exchange. I have strong financial skills, but have also had responsibilities for legal, IT and HR, so I have a wealth of experience across various disciplines. Added to my business acumen, I have sports coaching badges for both football and badminton and have worked with children to better themselves. I have 3 grown-up children of my own and 2 grown-up stepchildren, so I understand the challenges facing children in education and life skills.

Cynthia Bartlett - Safeguarding Governor

I am a retired Headteacher of a Secondary School. During my career in teaching I was a governor at three secondary schools and a primary school before taking up the post of a Community Governor at Kingfisher School.

I work as a senior examiner for one of the Examining Boards and have edited GCSE textbooks and other resources for Oxford University Press.

I have always had a particular interest in children with special educational needs and am delighted to be a Governor at Kingfisher School. I live in Abingdon and am a member of Trinity Church.

Sam Shepherd - Governor

I have more than 15 years experience of working in the public sector in roles which cover a wide range of corporate services and functions. This includes corporate planning, grant management, equalities and inclusion, scrutiny, partnership working and liaison with elected representatives, voluntary and community organisations and parish councils. I began my public sector career by completing a doctorate on evidence based policy making. I have worked for a Fire and Rescue Service, the NHS, central government agencies and different types of local authorities.

Alongside my formal professional skills, I have had training in psychotherapy and am passionate about emotional and mental wellbeing. As a Mum of two children; I have an enormous interest in supporting Kingfisher School to continue its holistic and tailored education of our young people. It is an honour to be part of the Kingfisher School community, where everyone is valued, supported and celebrated.

Sarah Adair - Governor

I have more than 20 years of experience working in communications and engagement within the NHS. I currently lead a team who work across the NHS in Buckinghamshire, Oxfordshire and Berkshire West providing media relations services, communications including health and immunisation campaigns, public engagement and consultation, digital marketing, and event management. I began my career working within public relations in the private sector.

As a mum of a child who has special education needs, I have a real interest in how we provide an education to all our children. I am new to school governing and learning the ropes, but it is a privilege to be part of the Kingfisher community and I am keen to support the school to deliver its vision and ensuring every pupil is valued and supported to develop their independence.

Alicia Rowe – Staff Governor

Tess Whitehead - Staff Governor

I am mum to 4 children and nanna to 5 beautiful grandsons and I live local to school. I am a TA based in Eagle class and have been at the school for 3 years. I am joint PSHE lead and deliver lessons on Relationships, Sex Education and Zones of Regulations. I am currently training to be an ELSA (Emotional Literacy Support Assistant) to help support emotional well-being. I am passionate about Kingfisher School and helping our learners feel valued and gaining independence to become wonderful adults in the community.

Wasim Mehmood - Parent Governor

I am a father to two very boisterous little girls and my eldest is fortunate enough to be a student at Kingfisher school since September 2022.

I have grown up and lived in Abingdon for the past 25 years and am a financial advisor based in Abingdon town centre. If I’m not spending quality time with my wife and children, you’ll find me playing cricket at Oxford Downs Cricket club in Standlake, where I have been on and off in leadership roles throughout the past 10 years.

The two years that my daughter has been attending Kingfisher school has been transformational, not only for her learning and development but also for my wife and I’s personal life, the support we have received has been incredible.

It is for these reasons why I have joined the talented team of governors and feel so passionately about supporting Kingfisher School. I hope to support fellow parents to have their voices and opinions heard and ultimately support Kingfisher to continue to do the great work they have done for so many years.

Caroline Armstead - Governor

I am honoured to have the opportunity to support such a wonderful community as Kingfisher School.

I am an experienced secondary school teacher and primary school SENCO (Special Educational Needs Coordinator) and Safeguarding Lead. Together with my experience as a mother of children with SEND, I am passionate and dedicated to ensuring the best outcomes for all children and their families.

To balance work and a busy, happy family life, I love wild swimming, singing in choirs and walks with my Labrador.