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Chair of Governors: Scott Richards

The school Governing Body consists of Local Authority, Community, staff and Parent Governors.  Our Parent Governors are elected by parents and serve a term of four years.  Any vacancies that arise are filled by election as rapidly as possible to ensure that parents always have full representation on the Governing Body.

 In compliance with EFA guidelines regarding the disclosure of Business interests, below is a table outlining Governors Pecuniary Interests:

Governor Profiles

Tom Rees – Headteacher

As Headteacher at Simon de Senlis, it is part of my job to be a Governor at the school.  The Governing body are here to support and challenge the school and make sure that we are doing all the things required by law, as well as everything we can to improve learning and experiences for children.  We are fortunate to have a strong and supportive Governing Body who have a range of skills and experience which bring value to our school.  They are very good at asking the right questions and are always challenging us to do better for our children.  I love being Headteacher at Simon de Senlis and am excited to lead a school with so many talented and hardworking staff and children.

When I'm not being a Headteacher, I am Dad to three children.  In the occasional moments outside these two important jobs, I enjoy music, golf and cricket (and anything related to Star Wars, Harry Potter or Lord of the Rings!).

Scott Richards – Community Governor & Chair of Governors

I have been a Community Governor at Simon De Senlis for about eight years and have undertook numerous different roles in that time.  I am currently the chair of governors, a role which I have had for the last year.  I originally joined the board of governors to aid and fulfil the role of the health and safety governor, a role which I still hold, and I have developed from there.  Being a governor is one of the community roles I undertake outside of my day job and is one that I have found significant personal benefit and reward from.  Being a parent I have no spare time but if such an opportunity should arise I would have no doubt that it would be filled with DIY.

Victoria Shaw – Parent Governor

I was elected as a parent governor in November 2013 and am Chair of the Safeguarding and Health and Safety Committee. I have 11 years of business experience mainly in supply chains, predominantly in the automotive industry. I then qualified as an osteopath 6 years ago. My son joined the school in Reception in 2012 and since then I have been active in supporting the school for example via the Friends of SdS and am passionate about helping the children at Simon de Senlis receive the very best educational experiences. I also serve on the Management Committee of Senlis Scallywags Out of School Club which is a charity that runs the wraparound care for the school. In my spare time I enjoy the further study of osteopathy and health, playing the piano, singing and getting out into the countryside with my family.

Lynne Whitehouse – Staff Governor

I represent the non-teaching staff on the board of Governors and am also a member of the Safe Guarding Committee. I have worked at Simon de Senlis for 18 years now and as a parent helper for some years before that. During that time I gained HLTA status which forms part of my role in school now. Previously I worked as a Nurse for 10 years before having my children who both attended Simon de Senlis. More recently, 3 years ago (in my 50th year so it’s never too late!) I graduated from Northampton University with a BA Hons degree in Learning and Teaching. My spare time is used walking my dogs, gardening, reading and my current addiction, researching my family tree.

Indy Shokar - Parent Governor

I have lived in the area for over 15 years, with my eldest son joining SdS in 2015 and my youngest hoping to join in 2018.  I run a town planning consultancy business which specialises in obtaining planning consents for schools across the UK; basically helping schools to realise the full development and operational potential of their campuses.  I wish to apply this background knowledge and skill set within a Governor position to assist SdS in its continued success, to support and challenge the amazing staff, and ensuring an environment where all children achieve their full potential.  I've been voluntarily helping the school with its after school football club since September 2016 and elected Parent Governor in September 2017.  Outside of work I enjoy keeping fit, playing the guitar and keeping my juniors out of trouble.