The Governing board for Maple Tree Primary is selected from different categories of people; staff, parents, the Local Authority and co-opted community members.  Currently the Governors work with a Full Governing Board and a number of smaller committees that meet less regularly and these are for Headteacher Performance Management and Pay.

Committee Membership

Full Governing Body:	Joanna Hewitt - Chair of Governors Scott Whorrod - Vice Chair Sarah-Jane Harman  Peter Brooks James Cockrill Vicki Green Cath Bainbridge Kim Varley
Pay Committee:	Headteacher Performance Management:
James Cockrill Sarah Harman Scott Whorrod	Sarah Harman Joanna Hewitt

Appeal Panels: Selected as required

Links - area of responsibility

• Safeguarding/Child Protection/Prevent: Scott Whorrod
• Special Educational Needs and Disability: Joanna Hewitt
• Early Years: Peter Brooks
• Health and Safety: James Cockrill
• Pupil Premium and Sports Premium: Sarah Harman
• Mental Health and Wellbeing: TBC

Curriculum Team Link Governors:

• All Governors

 

Joanna Hewitt - Chair of Governors

I moved to Sandy in May 2016, following a career in Private Client finance and philanthropy, when I hoped to use my experience in the voluntary sector.

I was delighted to become a Co-opted Governor of Maple Tree School in the Autumn of 2023, joining a dedicated team of individuals, from diverse backgrounds, who work together with the Head and her team, to build both a challenging and happy environment,  in which children thrive. My area of responsibility lies in Special Needs and Disability.

Alongside my Governor role, I am a Sandy Town Councillor and since May 2023, Mayor.  I am also non-executive Director and Chair of Youth Inspired C.I.C., a small independent learning and social care facility based in Bedford,  enabling young people with Learning Difficulties, Disabilities, Autism or Mental Health conditions to learn, grow and achieve.

Scott Whorrod - Vice Chair

As both a parent and an education professional, I am delighted to serve as a Parent Governor at Maple Tree Primary.

I have worked in education for 15 years, holding a range of positions including classroom teacher, curriculum and pastoral leader, and senior leader in secondary schools. More recently, I have specialised in digital education and the effective use of AI to support teaching and learning. I also had the opportunity to work as a Project Lead within the Department for Education's EdTech Demonstrator Programme.

Since November 2025, I have worked for Prospero Learning as a Development Lead, supporting teachers with career development and helping to design professional learning programmes for education staff.

I hope to use my experience, knowledge and passion for education to support Maple Tree Primary in providing the very best opportunities for all children and in helping the school continue to flourish.

Sarah-Jane Harman - Co-opted Governor

I am the most recently appointed governor at Maple Tree and a proud parent of a child currently in Year 6.

In my professional life, I am a qualified accountant with over 20 years experience in financial management, compliance, and strategic planning. I am responsible for overseeing financial operations, budgeting, and ensuring regulatory compliance, with a strong background in reporting and governance.

Being passionate about education, I want to use my professional knowledge to help shape a positive learning environment for all pupils. 

I am excited to work alongside the dedicated school leadership team to uphold high standards, promote inclusivity, and support the continuous improvement of the school.

James Cockrill - Parent Governor

 

Peter Brooks - Parent Governor

 

Cath Bainbridge - Headteacher

I am the proud Head of Maple Tree Primary.

I have spent 20+ years teaching in primary schools in Hertfordshire, where I taught in both KS1 and KS2, before I moved to Maple Tree in September 2015 when I started as Deputy Head. I became Head in January 2018 and am passionate about the school and making a difference to the lives of all of our children. Being a Headteacher is an absolute privilege and being part of the Governing Body means I am part of a team who work hard; our values and ambitions determine the achievements of the school and our common belief that school must provide the best for your children is evident in all we do. 

Kim Varley - Co-opted Governor

As School Manager,  I am looking forward to working with Governors who, like me, are enthusiastic about shaping the future of our school to ensure the best education possible for all our pupils.

Vicki Green - Staff Governor

I have been a member of staff at Maple Tree since the school opened in September 2000.Over the last 23 years I have worked in most areas in the school as my role as Teaching Assistant and Play Assistant.I am very passionate about achieving good outcomes for the children. I was voted in as Staff Governor in November 2022 and I am honoured to be part of the dedicated Governing Body and look forward to supporting the school’s development along its path of success.