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 two main sub-committees: Resources and Curriculum.  There are also other 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: Alex van der Werk
• Special Educational Needs and Disability: Carly Mowbray
• Early Years: 
• Health and Safety: Carly Mowbray
• Pupil Premium: Alex van der Werk
• Mental Health and Wellbeing: Jenny Thompson

Curriculum Team Link Governors:

• Knowledge of the World - Carly Mowbray, Andy King
• STEM - Andy King, Laura Grace
• Creativity - Jenny Thompson
• Healthy Bodies and Minds - Jacque Holmes, Caroline Maudlin, Alex van der Werk

Carly Mowbray - co-Chair of Governors

I’ve been a governor at Maple Tree for two terms and, until recently, have also been Vice Chair of another governing body in Central Bedfordshire. 

My children have moved on to secondary school however I continue to support, challenge and guide the headteacher and governors as much as possible.  Maple tree is a lovely school and doing the best for your children is still close to my heart. 

I have strong links in the local SEN community and work closely with the Resources Committee and with school leaders in Maths and SEND. 

Andy King - co-Chair of Governors

Having served as a parent governor and Chair of the Curriculum Committee for four years, I recently agreed to become Co-Chair of the Governing Body. My passion is for the curriculum: making sure it meets the needs of all our children, while providing appropriate stretch and challenge. Along with other governors, we also set the vision for the school and support the implementation of the School Development Plan. I have one son who has now started at Sandy Secondary School, and one son in Year 6 at Maple Tree.

Outside of the school, I work as a Senior Product Manager in Tesco's Technology team, improving engineering effectiveness. In my spare time I'm a Cub Scout Leader at 1st Sandy Scouts, and I also serve as a governor at Sandy Secondary. 

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. 

Jenny Thompson - Co-opted Governor

I have 2 children at the school in Years 3 and Reception.  I have worked in the Scientific Publishing industry for my whole career starting off in various editorial roles and now in a more customer facing commercial role.  With parents for teachers I was fairly immersed in the education system growing up and I am really looking forward to being involved in the future of the school and it's pupils.  I currently sit on the Resources sub committee.

Jacque Holmes - Co-opted Governor

Cllr Caroline Maudlin - Local Authority Governor

I am one of the Central Bedfordshire Council Ward Members for Beeston, Blunham, Fallowfield & Sandy.  As well as being elected into local government I work for Virgin Atlantic Airways as a Flight Service Manager and  runs my own business manufacturing and selling 'Simply Gone' a moss & algae killer for hard surfaces.  In my limited spare time I love walking my dogs, riding my motorbikes, skiing & playing golf, plus raising money for Charity which has included several annual theatre productions with West End performers and recently a Rickshaw Run in India. 

Kim Varley - Co-opted Governor

As School Manager I have been fortunate enough to become a co-opted member of the Governing body.  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.

Alex van der Werk - Governor

I have worked for Statutory Children’s Services within Local Government for most of my working life, with a particular focus on Safeguarding & Child Protection. My background also includes work in both Private and Voluntary Sectors, supporting children and adolescents with complex SEND needs.

I'm incredibly passionate about achieving good outcomes for children, and a strong advocate for creating diverse opportunities that encourage and stimulate children to achieve their potential.

I am fully committed to supporting the school in its performance, its role in the community, as well as the values and behaviours that are nurtured through its curriculum, teaching practises and daily interactions. 

I currently sit on the Curriculum Committee as well as being the link Governor for:

• Diversity and Inclusion
• Child Looked After (CLA)/Looked After Children (LAC)

Laura Grace - Parent Governor

I have been a parent at Maple Tree since 2014, with one child currently in Year 5 and another who left the school at the end of last year. I have always taken an interest in school life and am proud to have been involved with the PTA throughout this time, including 4 years as chair of Friends of Maple Tree. My background is in finance, with the past 5 years being in school finance. I am now looking forward to being able to put my experience and knowledge to use as a parent governor and help develop the future of the school.