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

Appeal Panels: Selected as required

Links - area of responsibility

• Safeguarding/Child Protection/Prevent: Tiffany van der Werk
• Special Educational Needs and Disability: Joanna Hewitt
• Early Years: Kathryn Parker
• Health and Safety: David Walker
• Pupil Premium and Sports Premium: Sarah Harman
• Mental Health and Wellbeing: Jacque Holmes

Curriculum Team Link Governors:

• Knowledge of the World - TBC
• STEM - Laura Grace, David Walker
• Creativity - Joanna Hewitt, David Walker
• Healthy Bodies and Minds - Jacque Holmes 

David Walker - Chair of Governors

I became a governor for the school in the summer term of 2023. Having seen first hand the quality of education my children have received here, with my eldest currently in year 4 and my youngest in Reception, I was proud to become part of the already successful organisation behind the scenes and enjoy being able to bring my own expertise and experiences to the table.

My main background is in driving tuition, a career I’ve followed for over 15 years. During that time, I have also been a director of a local driving school company, as well as chairperson of a local driving instructor association.

I believe very strongly in seeing all children prosper through the education they deserve, and I hope to continue the tradition of moving Maple Tree Primary School forward along its path of success.

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. 

Jacque Holmes - Co-opted Governor

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.

Joanna Hewitt - Co-opted Governor

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.

Tiffany van der Werk - Parent Governor

With two young children at Maple Tree Primary School, I have been developing my knowledge and understanding of their school community, and its leadership for quite some time. 

Having been a Parent Rep for several years, in addition to supporting Friends of Maple Tree (FoMT), I decided to join the governing body to ensure the children get the most out of their primary school experience.

My professional background is within Children’s Services.  I have supported children and families through a variety of services, including Early Help and Complex Safeguarding for almost 20 Years. Furthermore, I am passionate about Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. I aim to use my knowledge and understanding  to support the school and the wider community, whilst maintaining high standards of quality and compliance.

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.

Sarah-Jane Harman - Parent 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.