This page is currently 'work in progress'
Claire Baynham![]() |
I have been Chair of Governors at Bengeo since May 2023, having been appointed as a parent governor in August 2021. I have three children at Bengeo and it has been a pleasure to watch them thrive and develop their curiosity for the world as they have progressed through the school. In my working life, I am a solicitor at the University of Hertfordshire, advising the University on a wide range of legal issues. I am passionate about ensuring that all the children at Bengeo receive an excellent and broad-based education and I am excited to be able to lead the Governing Board to work with the school in order to achieve that. |
Daphne Hynds |
Having lived in Bengeo for the majority of my life I know the community well. I was educated locally and the greater part of my career was in banking. I qualified as an Associate of Institute of Bankers and later was made a Fellow. For many years I ran the local Brownie Unit where I still help. – also catered for many Scout & Guide camps in this country and on the continent. I am a mentor for new Adult Leaders and Young Leaders. Other hobbies include handbell ringing, gardening and I am a member of National Trust, English Heritage and Historic Houses together with a number of wildlife and nature trusts. |
Curtis Fevrier |
|
Andrew Taylor - Resources Chair |
|
Dipesh Shah |
I have been a governor for almost six years. I have two children currently at the school, in Year 2 and Year 5. I am a Senior Civil Servant, specialising in finance and public policy, and use my skills and experience to support the school in running on a sound financial footing. I enjoy being a governor as it allows me to witness first-hand the incredible work that everyone at Bengeo does to make the school a safe and inclusive environment where all children can flourish and reach their potential. |
Tanya Needham![]() |
My name is Tanya Needham, I have been a Co-opted Governor for 5 years. I have lived in Hertford for over 34 years. I live with my husband, two children (who are in their 20s) and a Miniature Schnauzer dog. I enjoy being involved with community projects which originally lead me to become a Governor at the school. I like reading, baking, travelling, cycling, walking my dog and tracing my family history. I am passionate about being involved with projects that protect the landscape in Bengeo. I feel that it is very important to preserve green spaces for the enjoyment of everyone and for future generations. |
Juliet Whitehead - Vice Chair |
I have been a Co-opted Governor at Bengeo since 2028. Both my children attend/have attended the school and I wanted to be more actively involved in the decisions made for the school. I have enjoyed combining my professional expertise and experience with serving on the Governing Body. I have worked for many years for Hertfordshire County Council in education so know what the key issues are locally for Hertfordshire’s children and families. I work in the Education Leadership Team. My key responsibility is managing the Herts County Council School Improvement Contract with HertsforLearning. This involves a range of functions in support of maintained schools including governance, finance, Early Years, SEND and Human Resources. In addition, I also have 5 years’ experience as a primary teacher working in a Hertfordshire school with years 1 & 2 and 5 & 6. |
Janet Ranford |
I was born and brought up in Chester and came down to London to attend Teacher training college. I have lived and worked in and around Hertford ever since. My links with Bengeo School go back a long way, my own three children attended as pupils and I taught at the school from 1990 until my retirement in 2015. I was delighted to be asked to return to Bengeo as a governor the following year. I enjoy being outdoors, walking in the countryside with my husband and our dog or spending time in the garden. I live in a busy village and take part in and support many local events, I also love meeting with friends and family, especially our six grandchildren. Since retiring, I have joined Pilates classes and Tai Chi classes and in the Summer months I play bowls; I would like to learn to play golf. |
Barbara Walwyn |
I live in Bengeo and have taught Maths at Secondary Schools in East Herts. Since I retired I have enjoyed volunteering at Bengeo School, teaching small groups of Year 6 pupils. My hobbies include gardening, walking, travel and Bridge. |
Claire Hobbs |
I am an experienced governor and this is my 5th Year as a governor at Bengeo. I have recently trained as a bookkeeper and I work for our family run business, managing finance and accounts. Prior to this, I was a primary school teacher for 24 years, 9 of which as a Deputy Headteacher. I trained as a maths specialist and have led on assessment and data analysis. I believe that my experiences in education and finance are helpful in supporting the development of the school. I have a daughter going into Year 6. |
Torran Macdougall
|
I am a father of three children at Bengeo Primary School. I work for a charity called School of Hard Knocks which is a sport for development Charty, my role is to oversee our schools programme which uses Rugby Union to help support secondary school students with their mental and physical health. I am also a keen rugby player/coach and enjoy how team sports can help develop and support people. My children love going to Bengeo school and I think it is important to ensure the school is a happy and safe space for the students. |
Sarah Potts |
I completed a BA degree in film, journalism and English at the University of Ulster and then, after a few years working, travelling and starting a family, achieved a PGCE at the Institute of Education in London. I taught for many years in a large primary school in Tower Hamlets serving the predominantly Bangladeshi community. I became SEND lead early on, a role I continued to develop when I moved my career to Enfield before becoming deputy head a few years later. I became deputy head of Bengeo Primary in ? and have now been here nearly 20 years. During my time at Bengeo, I completed a masters degree in primary education at the University of Cambridge. In over 30 years of teaching, I have taught all year groups from Nursery to Year 6 as well as leading Early Years, KS2, English, maths, science, teaching and learning, assessment, curriculum, PPG and pupil leadership. My favourite activity at Bengeo is talking with the children. |