Barming Pre-School and Primary School Governing Body comprises of a number of volunteers offering their time and experience to support, challenge, set and reach targets for the Headteacher and staff.

Most of the Governors with the exception of the Headteacher, serve a 4 year term. Our Pre-School Parent Governor serves a 2 year term.

Governors bring a wide range of knowledge, life skills and professional expertise to the Governing Body.

For the academic Year 2024 to 2025 the meetings will be as follows:

Governors monitor specific areas including safeguarding, finance, achievements and teaching and learning. 

Each and every Governor is committed to providing an excellent safe and happy environment for all pupils to enjoy and thrive during their time at Barming Pre-School and Primary School.

Our Safeguarding Governor is Rev Wil North.

Our Safeguarding Trustee is Mr Gavin Collins.

The named contact for the Chair of Governors is Rev Wil North.

Please send any correspondence for the Governors to:

Barming Primary School

Belmont Close

Barming

Maidstone

Kent

ME16 9DY

List of School Governors

Headteacher: Mr Christopher Laker

I have been in the teaching profession for 20 years, majority of my experience is in Key Stage 2 but I have experience of KS1 and EYFS  as a PPA teacher. I became a deputy head in 2009 and was Head of School at a small School for three years before I became Head of School at Barming in 2016.   In January 2021 I became a Headteacher.   I have a passion for education and want the best education for each and every child who attends Barming Primary School.

Chair of Governors: Rev William North

I have been an active governor since 2013.  During that time, I have journeyed with the school through many challenges and changes, and held various roles.  Currently as well as being Chair of Governors (a post I started Sept 2018), I am the link governor for EYFS, Key Stage Leaders and Pastoral Care. I have great belief in Barming School and am committed to helping the school, its students and staff all grow to reach their full potential.

Vice Chair of Governors: Mrs Mary Winder BDS.,JP.

I have recently retired from Barming Scouts and Guides where I was a Beaver Scout Leader for over 30 years.   I am involved in an educational programme, visiting schools to increase awareness of the Youth Justice System and aim to prevent the young people getting involved in criminality.   I have a particular interest in informing the students about the dangers of peer pressure within their age group.   I have been a governor since November 2018 with special responsibilities for SEND and Inclusivity working with Mrs Stere.

Co-opted Governor: Mrs Natalka Sokolowski

Although born and bred in the UK, I come from a Ukrainian family background.   I am a Bristol University law graduate and a solicitor with over 30 years post qualification experience specialising in corporate and commercial law.   I have run my own legal practice for 21 years. I am married, have one son in secondary education and have lived in Barming for 16 years.   I am interested in all aspects of education but particularly in adult and child literacy in the UK.   I regularly volunteer and for 5 years was involved with Chernobyl Children Life Line (Maidstone Link) - a charity seeking to promote the wellbeing of children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine in 1986.   Currently I am involved with the Children of Kerala, a charity that has as its aim to support poor and disadvantaged families in Kerala, India thereby allowing children from these families to access and benefit from education.

Co-opted Governor: Mr Timothy Margrett

I currently work for the NHS managing community services and community hospitals across the county. As well as this, I am head of medical operations to a semi professional rugby club in Sussex. I have been fortunate enough to live and work all over the world which has provided me with some wonderful experiences to help build my knowledge and skills  which I hope to use within this role. 

I have 2 children in the school and feel passionately about continuing to improve the school and the experience for the pupils. Having the opportunity to work as a governor will allow me to do this and I can hopefully bring some skills and experience from my other roles to assist driving the school forward. 

Co-opted Governor: Mr Oliver Selfe

Being a father of 4 boys, from primary school age up to 18, I have a broad understanding of parenting and the challenges we parents face in raising our children. I have previously been involved with SUK, a surrogacy charity, arranging and hosting socials for surrogates and intended parents. I am also a business owner & property investor.  I believe life skills are also an important part of children's early education. I have a strong belief in education for all within a nurturing and inclusive environment. With regard to ties to Barming, my wife is a member of staff, and like her I want to assist the school to continue being the best it can be. 

Co-opted Governor: Mr Yannick Foh 

As a passionate advocate for personal and professional growth, I'm dedicated to empowering individuals to overcome challenges and achieve their full potential. With a strong background in biomedical science and clinical research, I've honed my expertise in the pharmaceutical industry as a Clinical Project Manager.

Beyond my professional pursuits, I'm deeply committed to social justice and equity. I founded a not-for-profit organisation dedicated to addressing underrepresentation within the pharmaceutical industry.

Born in Cameroon and residing in the UK for over two decades, I'm a devoted father and a passionate advocate for creating a more inclusive and equitable world.

Parent Governor: Mrs Kelly Jillians

I have two young sons at Barming Primary School.  Like any parent I want the best for them, so I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be a school governor and to assist the school in reaching its full potential.

I previously worked in Construction Engineering, and now run a limited company operating as an online retail store. For over two years I have assisted Barming Football Club with their Barming Buds football team, I now also assist my husband in managing one of the Under 7’s teams.

Parent Governor, Trustee and Safeguarding Trustee for the Trust: Mr Gavin Collins

I have always been keen to be involved in the local community and enjoy the role of being a Governor at Barming. I also work closely with Barming Youth FC running teams and helping with other elements of the club where I can. My children attend Barming and so feel well placed to work with the school on various matters and am also a Trustee of Orchard Academy sitting on the Premises and Finance committee.

Parent Governor for the Pre-School: Mrs Annabel Norman

I am the Head of Performing Arts at Wrotham Secondary School with a specialty of teaching Drama, I have worked at Wrotham for almost 10 years. I have two young boys, we moved to Barming 2 years ago with the hopes that our boys would be able to attend Barming Pre-school and Primary.

I have a passion for teaching and working with children and adults within the education sector. I have a particular love for the arts and what that can bring to a school and particularly students who can thrive in vocational subjects.

Staff Governor: Mrs Samantha Wade

Mrs Wade is one of our Year 5 class teachers. Please follow the below link to find out more...

https://primarysite-prod-sorted.s3.amazonaws.com/barmingprimary/UploadedDocument/9a878b049e384a92bd3cb5ce61f130c5/year-5-class-teacher-empire-mrs-wade.pdf

Clerk: Dr Vanessa Stevens

Co-Chairs of the Trust are Mrs Anne Mailling and Dr Nigel Smetham. Find out more about them on our Trust website. 

Dr Nigel Smetham will take the lead on Health and Safety for Barming Governors as he does this role at Allington.

Governor Information:

Governor Attendance:

Full Governing Body Minutes

For copies of Full Governing Body Minutes please ask at the office. We are no longer required to publish these online. Thank you