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Governors

What governors do

Governors are strategic leaders within schools and have a vital role to play in making sure every child gets the best possible education.

The role of the school governor

Governing bodies have a strong focus on three core strategic functions:

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and direction
  • Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of the staff
  • Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

Each individual governor is a member of a governing body and all decisions are the joint responsibility of the governing body.

Tavistock Governors

The governors of Tavistock Infant School are a small and committed group of busy people who enjoy being part of the school’s leadership team. Our role is to support and challenge the school as it works to deliver the best possible educational experience for its children, and strives to adhere to its statutory responsibilities. School governors are appointed to serve for four years. Details of governors’ attendance and pecuniary interests can be found in the document below.

The governors welcome contact with parents, staff and children and make themselves available at school whenever possible. If you would like to contact the governors, please email the Chair at chair@tavistockgovernor.org.uk

Positions of responsibility/committees:

Governors

Mrs Joanne O’Connor

Category of Governor: Staff
Headteacher

Dawn Wells

Category of governor: Co-opted Governor
Appointed date: 23 March 2022
Pecuniary interests: None

I joined the Governors in March 2022 as I’m not originally from Fleet and wanted a way to get involved in the local community. I have already seen first-hand how fantastic the school is with supporting the children and wanted to be part of the team helping them continue to do that. The skills I have from over 15 years in HR are really useful in a Governor role. Outside of work I have two children, the oldest of which is currently at Tavistock, so they, along with a house that needs lots of renovation, take up most of my time!

Dagmara Stajkowska-Kahane

Category of governor: Co-opted 
Appointed date: 17th October 2022 
Pecuniary interests: None 

 

My name is Dagmara Stajkowska-Kahane and I been a governor since October 2022. I have two daughters, one already attending Tavistock Infant School, and another one due to join in 2024. I am a Polish national with both my parents coming from a teaching background and having given me some insight into school life from their perspective.

My polytechnic studies resulted in an MSc in Material Engineering, following a diploma, after which I emigrated to work in the UK. Following that I worked in Germany and then returned to UK again to work within the automotive and aerospace industry, mostly within quality departments connected with material knowledge and testing. A bit of a rocket scientist, you might say! My former manager – head of quality told me that I am unlikely to last long on maternity leave and that he could not imagine me not returning to the company – probably a result of the fact that I always gave 100% at work and I would enjoy every moment working with colleagues. Since then, I am a contented, full-time parent, enabling me to offer my time and efforts to the school and community.

I most admire dedication in people – no matter what they do, or whatever profession they represent. Tavistock Infant School has an incredibly inspiring and enthusiastic team who are a great privilege to work with. I am proud to be able to add my skills and experience in order to Achieve Happily Together.

In my spare time, I like to do work on home improvements with the aim of making my children’s lives easier. Otherwise, I have a passion for science, nature, DIY, and the simple things in life.

Timo York

Category of governor: Co-opted 
Appointed date: 17th October 2022 
Pecuniary interests: None 

I joined the Governing Body in November ’22 as a co-opted governor. I moved to Fleet in 2019 and my son started Year R in Sept ’22. Professionally, I’m a Product Manager, working to understand customer’s needs and problems and solving these through the application of technology. When I’m not doing that, I can usually be found playing with Lego, model cars or biking. I enjoy getting involved, learning more, and contributing my skills and experience to the ongoing success of Tavistock Infant School.

Sophie Bellchambers

Category of governor: Parent Governor 
Appointed date: 17th October 2022 
Pecuniary interests: None

Having moved to Fleet from London with my husband and two young children during the lockdown of 2020, I really felt I was missing a “community”. However this all changed once my daughter started at Tavistock in 2021. It’s a wonderful school driven by an exceptionally nurturing head and staff and I want to support them in continuing to make it a happy and thriving environment for current and future pupils and their families.

Aside from being a mum, I’ve worked for over 15 years in the Advertising industry and I also like to dabble in a bit of furniture up-cycling on the side!

Kate Williams

James Morgan

Anthony Wicks

Category of governor: Co-opted 
Appointed date: 21st October 2025

I am delighted to have joined the team of passionate staff and governors who support making Tavistock the delightful school that we know. 

Our eldest has just joined Year R and is thoroughly enjoying everything the school has to offer, especially Fishy Fridays!

Professionally I have spent my entire career working for large technology companies who have instilled a constant drive to want to learn more and grow. Becoming a governor allows me to learn something completely new, be involved in such a crucial element of my children's early years, and most importantly give back to the community we have called home for 5 years.

Will Parker

Category of governor: Co-opted 
Appointed date: 20th January 2026

Lynne Lawrence

Clerk

 

  1. Governors' Newsletter Oct 25
    pdf

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