Governing Board
We are a Small School with Big Aspirations and a Huge Heart.
Governing Board
Julie Disdale
Chair of Governors - Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust
Julie Disdale
Appointing Body: Chair of Governors – Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust
Term of Office: 4 Years (25/03/2021 – 24/03/2025)
Current membership and Responsibilities: A co-opted governor with overall responsibility for the governing board, whose work includes setting the strategic direction of the school, overseeing its financial performance, pupil attainment and progress, and holding the Head of School to account.
Governance Experience: Julie has already served one term on the school’s board, which she joined in 2015 as a parent governor. She was responsible for overseeing communications and complaints, was a member of the working party responsible for converting the school to academy status and joining the Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust. Julie also chaired its Learning and Welfare Committee, with specific responsibility for curriculum, pupil attainment and progress, special educational needs, equality, and pupil behaviour.
Julie has spent two years as a Director on the Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust Board; responsible for communications and community cross the Trust.
Professional Experience: Julie has been a journalist for almost 20 years. She is also a lecturer and tutor at the University of Hertfordshire, where she teaches journalism, academic writing, and study skills.
Personal Interests: Curries, cars, my kids, and anything that’s beautifully designed. I also love to write.
Register of Interest: None
Sally Hale
Co-opted Governor
Sally Hale
Category of Governor: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Governing Board of Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust
Term of Office: 4 years (24/09/2019 – 23/09/2023)
Current Membership and Responsibilities: Governor with specific responsibility for safeguarding
Governance Experience: None
Professional Experience: 16 years as a secondary teacher. Currently the Assistant Head of Upper School at Merchant Taylors’ School, Northwood.
Personal Interests: Cross country and keeping fit!
Travelling and doing Maths for fun!
Register of Interest: None
Melanie Boda
Parent Governor
Melanie Boda
Appointing Body: Governing Board of Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust
Term of Office: 4 Years (12/12/2019-11/12/2023)
Current Membership and Responsibilities: Governor with specificities responsibility for Pupil Premium, Looked After Children, Equality and Wellbeing
Governance Experience: CEO of a charity with strong governance requirements.
Professional Experience: Melanie is co-founder and CEO of Electric Umbrella, a charity challenging the perception of people with learning disabilities and empowering and enriching lives through music. As well as significant experience in strategy, partnerships and fundraising, Melanie has an extensive background in community arts and is a qualified Art Therapist registered with the HCPC.
Personal Interests: I am mum to 3 energetic boys and love spending time as a family outdoors growing vegetables, cycling and talking long walks by the sea!
Register of Interest: None
Chantelle Jalland
Parent Governor
Chantelle Jalland
Appointing Body: Governing Board of Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust
Term of Office: 25/03/2021 – 24/03/2025
Current Membership and Responsibilities: A co-opted parent Governor with specific responsibilities on the resources/finance committee.
Governance Experience: None
Professional Experience: Chantelle works for a global law firm leading a team of legal and technology specialists in the Alternative Legal Services department. She has strategic, financial, team and project management responsibilities.
Personal Interests: Chantelle loves exploring/travelling around the world. After relocating from Melbourne, no destination is too far away.
Register of Interest: None
Daniel Trueman
Parent Governor
Daniel Trueman
Appointing Body: Governing Board of Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust
Term of Office: //2021 – //2025
Current Membership and Responsibilities: Co-opted as Health and Safety governor within facilities and finance
Governance Experience: None
Professional Experience: In a professional capacity I am a Signal Engineer. Our department is responsible for all signalling assets and signal performance across the Jubilee, Northern and Piccadilly Lines. Whilst this is generally seen as a technical area my main interest is in people. I have worked for LU/TFL for 16 years. Prior to this I did a degree in European Business with Business Economics and worked in corporate products for British Airways.
Personal Interests: Running, Swimming and watching my 2 daughters ride their horses.
Register of Interest: None
Torie Gallagher
Parent Governor
Torie Gallagher
Appointing Body: Governing Board of Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust
Term of Office: //2021 – //2025
Current Membership and Responsibilities: SEN Governor
Governance Experience: None
Professional Experience: I am Global Head of Business Acceptance at an international law firm and my responsibilities include managing conflicts of interest, reputational and ethical risks. I have strategic, team and management responsibilities.
Personal Interests: Doing up my house (big project!), travel and spending quality time with the family
Register of Interest: None
Helen Bailey
Staff Governor
Helen Bailey
Category of Governor: Staff Governor
Appointing Body: Governing Board of Chess Valley Primary Learning Trust
Term of Office: 4 years (09/07/2020 – 08/07/2024)
Current Membership and Responsibilities: Staff Governor
Governance Experience: None
Professional Experience: Helen has over seven years experience of working as a TA across all year groups and both key stages. As part of the school well-being team, Helen enjoys supporting both staff and children ensuring everyone is content, feels valued and their concerns are listened too.
Personal Interests: Walking, drawing and spending time with my family.
Register of Interest: None
Nicola O’Hare
Head of School
Nicola O’Hare
Appointing Body: Sarratt School Governing Body
Term of Office: For the duration of employment as Head
Current Membership and Responsibilities: Head of School, Learning, Standards and Welfare including Safeguarding
Governance Experience: Nicola has previously been a staff governor
Professional Experience: Since completing her training in 2004, Nicola has worked in primary schools in the North West and North East of England, teaching all primary age year groups. Her past leadership roles include: English Subject Leader, KS1 Phase Leader, KS2 Phase Leader and Lead practitioner. She relocated to Hertfordshire in 2016, joining Sarratt C of E School as Deputy Head Teacher.
Personal Interests: Nicola enjoys spending time with her family. She tries to keep fit and healthy; enjoying long weekend runs with her husband in the beautiful surrounding countryside.
Register of Interest: None
