Our Team

Watling View’s Senior Leadership Team (SLT) works in close partnership with its Governing Body to set the strategic vision for the school. The Governors role is to both support and challenge the senior leadership team. It meets formally four times per year, and has a range of committees examining school life in greater detail.

Chloe Priest Griffiths

Chair of Governors - Chair of SIP - Leadership and management and Personal Development

Chloe joined as a co-opted governor in September 2014.  Her current term runs from 27th September 2018 - 26 September 2022.  Chloe was Marketing Manager at a leading chamber orchestra before moving to work on membership and supporter development at a major UK art charity.  She is now a freelance marketing and project management consultant for various arts and not-for-profit organisations in London and Hertfordshire.  Chloe serves on the Teaching and Learning committee, and the Finance and Resources committee. 

Debbie Tankard

Vice Chair of Governors - Chair of Teaching and Learning. Co-opted Governor with responsibility for Curriculum Impact and Development

Debbie joined as a co-opted governor in July 2015.  Her current term runs from 30 June 2019 - 30 June 2023.  Debbie was a teacher and special needs co-ordinator at a primary school in Essex and following her retirement in 2013, wanted to give something back to the community and particularly to children with special needs.  Prior to her late entry into the teaching profession, Debbie was a human resource and development specialist for a number of companies in Hertfordshire.  Debbie serves on the Teaching and Learning committee.  

Kate Johnson

Co-opted Governor with responsibility for Safeguarding/ Children Looked After, Teaching, Learning and Behaviour

Kate joined as a co-opted governor in July 2018. Her current term runs from 3 July 2018 - 2 July 2022. Kate has worked as teacher for nearly 20 years and spent time teaching abroad as well as in central London. She has worked with many children with SEND; when she heard about Watling View she really wanted to support it . She currently works with a local Year 6 class and loves teaching. She serves on the Teaching and Learning Committee.

Elizabeth Droznika

Chair of Finance and resources.  Co-opted Governor with responsibility for Health & Safety/Premises,

Elizabeth joined as a co-opted governor in December 2018.  Her current term runs from 25 September 2018 - 25 September 2022. Elizabeth previously worked in Banking, in both Product Management and Corporate Cash Management. She is now a stay-at-home mum looking after her two children, and also works part time at a Travel Consultant.  Elizabeth serves on the Finance and Resources committee. 

Jo Roberts

Staff Governor

Jo has worked at Watling View School for over 14 years.  She has always lived in St. Albans and has children who attend local schools.  

Dr Neil Johns

Parent Governor with responsibility for Pupil Premium, Sports Premium, 14-19 Curriculum including Careers and Data Protection Officer

Neil is a parent governor of the school. His current term runs from 25 September 2019 - 24 September 2023. His eldest son Harrison attends the school. Having lived in Edinburgh for the last 10 years he and the family relocated to St. Albans. Neil was keen to be involved with the school to support his son and felt this was a proactive way to do so. He works as a surgeon specializing in managing patients with breast disease.  

Navneet Kokri

Co-opted Governor with responsibility for Business Development

Nav joined as a co-opted governor in April 2020. His current term runs from 1st April 2020 - 31 March 2024. Nav currently works in fund management, focusing on investments in infrastructure projects such as wind farms, high speed internet networks and school buildings. Nav recently moved to St Albans and has one child. Nav serves on the Finance and Resources committee. 

Andrew Melling

Co-opted Governor with responsibility for SEN

Andrew joined as a co-opted governor in April 2020. His current term runs from 1st April 2020 - 31 March 2024. Andrew works in funds product development and governance in the financial services industry. Originally from Ireland, Andrew previously lived in London prior to moving to St. Albans in 2017. He has two young children, one of whom is in a local primary school. Andrew serves on the Finance and Resources committee. 

Committee Structure

Teaching and Learning

Debbie Tankard (Chair), Charlotte Abley, Chloe Priest Griffiths, Kate Johnson, Andrew Scott, Dr Neil Johns and Emma Lad (clerk).

Finance, Resources and Premises

Elizabeth Droznika (Chair), Andrew Scott, Pippa West, Chloe Priest Griffiths, Navneet Kokri, Andrew Melling, Jo Roberts and Emma Lad (clerk).

Pay

Debbie Tankard, Kate Johnson, Dr Neil Johns and Andrew Scott.

Headteachers performance management

Debbie Tankard, Elizabeth Droznika, Kate Johnson and Andrew Scott.