Welcome to our Governors’ section.

The Governors of Farley Hill Primary School provide support and challenge to the Leadership of the school to ensure that our children receive the best possible educational experience.

The Governors at Farley Hill are a strong team, representing many aspects of the school and the local community. With a broad set of skills the Governors are able to meet their objectives effectively and professionally:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding the Head Teacher to account for the education performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff.
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school.

The Full Governing Body meets 6 times a year, with Committees (small groups of governors) meeting as appropriate, to cover specialised areas: Teaching and Impact, Resources, ICT Strategic Group and School Nutrition Advisory Group(SNAG).

There are 12 people on our Governing Body, representing School and the Community.

• The Head Teacher

• 1 Staff Governor – appointed by the school staff
• 7 Co-opted Governors – co-opted from our local community to ensure our professional expertise covers as wide a range as possible. This enables the Governing Body to have the skills that are necessary to be a balanced group.
• 1 Local Authority Governor
• 2 Parent Governors 

All Governors are appointed for 4 years. When a vacancy occurs for a parent governor it is advertised to all parents and, if necessary a vote takes place. Parents can be co-opted as a governor, if they fulfill the skills that are required at the time of appointment. For co-opted governors, when a vacancy occurs, it will advertised locally and parents may apply. However, for these positions parents will only be appointed if they show the skills that are required at that time to balance the Governing Body.

We have provided a Register of Governor Interests and an Annual Statement of Issues for your information below.

The Farley Hill Governing Board

Mrs Jane Bateman

Appointed: Ex-officio by virtue of office as headteacher/principal from 25th April 2022.

Headteacher

Mr Duncan Hamilton - Chair of Governors

Governor - Co-opted (Community)

Responsible for: Pupil Premium, LAC, PLAC EAL, Safeguarding and PREVENT, History
A solicitor by profession, Duncan has over 30 years’ experience as a lawyer with regional and international law firms, and in senior advisory and legal risk management roles with international finance companies and a major global Bank. A resident of Farley Hill for more than 20 years, Duncan is also a member of the management committee of Swallowfield Parish Allotments Association and performs regularly with local theatre groups.

Mr Jens Alfs

Governor - Local Authority

Responsible for: Development, Whistleblowing, Art and DT

I have lived in Farley Hill and Swallowfield for the last eight years, and two of my children attend Farley Hill Primary.  I have held a number of senior HR roles in international organisations and aim to bring my experience of communications, development and staff management to the board of governors. I became a governor as I wanted to do my bit to ensure that the school continues to have exceptionally skilled and motivated staff who help our children grow into well-rounded, responsible citizens.

Mrs Louise Henry

Governor - Co-opted (Curriculum & Impact Chair,)

Responsible for: Visits Co-ordinator, EYFS and Nursery, PSHE, RE and Music

Before having my boys I spent almost 20 years in the corporate world. Always in Financial Services I held a number of risk management roles concerned with analysis and advising the business on management and control of operational, reputational, financial and regulatory risks. I gave this up to raise my boys and was excited to be able put my skills and experience to good use when a Governor role became available.

I am passionate about all children being given the opportunity to achieve their full potential and endeavour to keep this at the front of my mind in the work I do as a Farley Hill School Governor. I live in Farley Hill with my husband Sam, and two boys.

Mrs Fiona Ockwell

Governor - Co-Opted (Vice Chair) 

Responsible for: Equalities and Diversity, SEN, PE and Mental Health. 

I have 3 children at Farley Hill and am passionate about giving children the best opportunities and start in life via education and life experiences. I am a qualified Physiotherapist and after working at an advanced clinical level, I have now moved into senior management. I manage a number of clinical services across Berkshire for the NHS and am also involved in a significant amount of work on equality, diversity and inclusion within the trust

Dr Debjit Thakurta

Governor - Parent

Responsible for: Science and Oracy

I am a Father of 4 young children, 1 of whom is currently at Farley Hill. I am also a GP, having worked in the region for the past 7 years and been involved in the development of NHS 111. I am keen to ensure pupils reach their maximum potential both educationally and holistically, and believe that this is an exciting time for Farley Hill School as it integrates into a new and upcoming community.

Mr Ian Pitts

Governor - Parent

Responsible for: Maths

I am an accountant currently working in Financial Planning & Analysis for a large Housing Association, previously I have worked for a Multi-Academy Trust supporting Head Teachers and Business Managers. As a parent, I want to use my skills and experience to support the school and its Leadership Team to deliver the best possible education environment and outcomes for all children at FHS. I believe deeply in our core principle, Together Everyone Achieves More. 

Mrs Jane Bason

Governor - Co-Opted

Responsible for: English and SEND

I have lived in Arborfield Green since November 2021, having previously lived and worked abroad for 20 years, firstly in Brussels, Belgium and latterly in Frankfurt, Germany. I worked for many years in law, but for the past 7 years I have been in the classroom, starting out as a Language/Literature support teacher and for the past few years, as a Learning Support Specialist (SEND), and am currently working at an International school in West London.  I became a Governor because I care deeply about the opportunities children have, to learn and grow from a balanced and broad curriculum that challenges and nurtures.  I would like to make an important contribution to my local community.

Mr Daryn Kerr

Governor 

Responsible for: Health & Safety, Computing

I’m Daryn Kerr, your friendly Technology Director turned dedicated school governor. My mission? To make our school an even better place for our students, teachers, and families.
With over 20 years of experience in Technology, I’ve seen it all. From coding late nights to untangling Wi-Fi knots, I strive to make tech work seamlessly. My eldest son is part of this wonderful school community, and his journey here has fuelled my passion for contributing even more. As a parent of 3, I’m invested in creating a nurturing environment for all our kids.

Imagine a school where technology isn’t just a buzzword—it’s a tool that empowers learning. Let’s create an inclusive, innovative space where every student can thrive.

Mrs Natalie Faulkner

Staff Governor 

I have been at Farley Hill Primary School since September 2022 and felt welcomed immediately as a new member of staff. I am one of the Early Years Teachers in Reception (Conkers Class) and have been a reception teacher for 8 years now. I am extremely passionate about the early years education and believe it to be fundamental to children developing into happy and healthy individuals.  

In my spare time I enjoy dance, including ballet and contemporary.

Mrs Alexandra Park

Associate Member

A resident of Riseley for over 5 years, I am a mother of three girls who have or are still pupils at Farley Hill.  My current role as EMEA Marketing director for a Security IT firm, involves, strategic planning, budgeting, analysis and communications. I look to bring some of my skills and experience to the school in achieving its strategic objectives

I became a Governor as I am interested in ensuring that children go to school in an environment that is safe and one that encourages confidence and independent thought whilst enjoying a creative curriculum.

Mrs Nicola Smith

Clerk to Governors

The Headteacher and Chair of Governors are automatically members of each committee.