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Governors

What is the Governing Board's Purpose?

 

The governors are the strategic leaders of schools and they have a vital role to play in making sure every child gets the best possible education. The Governing Board is the school’s key strategic decision-making body. It has a collective, legal responsibility for the effective management of the school, acting within a framework established by national legislation and the school’s agreed policies, and ensuring all statutory duties are met.
 

The Education Act 2002 states that the purpose of maintained school Governing Board is to 'conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement at the school'. In all types of schools, governing bodies focus on three core strategic functions:
 

  • Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;

  • Holding the head teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff;

  • Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

 

Governors are volunteers who bring knowledge, skills and different perspectives from their work and life experiences. They are not paid for their work. Many of them have full-time jobs and all have other commitments. They sometimes take time off from their work to visit the school or attend meetings, although most meetings are held in the evening.

 

Governors are not expected to take detailed decisions about the day-to-day running of the school. That is the responsibility of the headteacher - although the Headteacher will discuss most aspects of school life with the Governors. The partnership between the Headteacher, staff, Governors, parents, pupils and the wider community determines how well the school functions.

Who is Represented?

 

When Cannon Lane First and Junior Schools amalgamated on 1 September 2013 the Governing Board reconstituted to become the Cannon Lane Primary School Governing Board.

The Governing Board comprises:
 

  • 4 Parent Governors - elected by the parents
  • 6 Co-opted Governors - appointed by other members of the Governing Board (one who is a member of staff) 2 Staff Governors, comprising the Headteacher, and one staff Governor elected by the staff
  • 1 Local Authority (LA) Governor - nominated by Harrow Council.

 

In addition, Associate Members can also be appointed by the Governing Board to serve on one or more Governing Board committees to contribute to areas where they have a particular expertise e.g. finance, legal, marketing. However, they do not have voting rights.

 

The school's Deputy Headteacher attends as an observer to the Governing Board.

What Does the Governing Board Do?

 

The Governing Board meets each half term, so that is six meetings every school year. There are three committees:

 

  • The Finance and Personnel Committee, which deals with finance, staffing, and related policies
  • The Curriculum and Community Committee who monitor pupil progress and attainment, and develop links within the school and wider community
  • The Premises Health and Safety Committee ensures the school provides a safe, healthy, sustainable environment for staff, pupils and visitors. To include health and safety, premises issues, maintenance of school buildings, grounds, and equipment

 

There are also smaller committees and working groups which review areas such as the school development plan, staff pay and performance management, deal with safeguarding.
 

Individual Governors are also linked to a particular subject area, meeting termly with each subject leader.

 

As well as attending the regular Governing Board and committee meetings, Governors:

 

  • Meet regularly with senior leaders and middle managers,
  • Undertake learning walks and visits to meet staff and pupils, seeing at first-hand how the school works
  • Organise opportunities to meet parents and the wider community
  • Keep up to date with new legislation and education changes through reading and research
  • Undertake regular training organised by the Harrow Support Services for Education (HSSE).

Interested in Becoming a Governor?

 

If you would like to find out more about becoming a school Governor, please contact us using the online contact form or via the school office. More information may also be found at Harrow Council website's School Governor section, the National Governor Association and the DfE.

Harrow Council provides free training for new Governors and we have an in-house induction programme for new Governors to help you in this important role.

Members of the Governing Board

 

Jaqueline Lack

Chair of Governing Body 

I was co-opted as a governor at Cannon Lane Primary School in January 2023. I worked in education for over 40 years and was the Head Teacher of a primary school for 18 years before my retirement.

 

I am a passionate about children's learning and hope I can bring experience and knowledge to the Governing Body. I believe that every child is entitled to a good all-round education, whatever their ability and that as a school we must strive to meet their needs within a fun and safe learning environment.

 

I look forward to working with the Head Teacher, Governors, parents and staff to continue to provide excellent opportunities for Cannon Lane pupils.

Type of Governor:Chair of Governors
Appointment Body:Governing Body
Term Start:30 January 2023
Term End:29 January 2027
Committees:Premises, Health & Safety 
Responsibilities:SEND
Pecuniary and Personal Interests:None
FGB Attendance 2025/2026:2/2

 

Jonathan S. Simons

Co-Opted Governor

I started as a Governor at Cannon Lane (First, Middle and now Primary) School since my sons attended, and have subsequently been fortunate enough to have been a Local Authority Governor and continued as a Co-Opted Governor since then.


The Governing Body is a crucial part of the Management of the School as it sets, with the Headteacher, the strategic route of the school, and I feel honoured to have been part of that process for many years.

Type of Governor:Co-Opted
Appointment Body:Governing Body
Term Start:04 November 2025
Term End:03 November 2029
Committees:Chair of Premises, Health & Safety
Responsibilities:RE, Relationships & Sex Education, Rights Respecting School Award and Spiritual, Moral, Social and Cultural Values
Pecuniary and Personal Interests:None
FGB Attendance 2025/2026:2/2

 

Lucy Yasin

Co-opted Governor

I was elected as a Parent Governor in December 2021 and privileged to serve as Chair for the 2022/23 academic year. 

 

I am passionate about ensuring the best educational experience for all children and dedicated to ensuring that the governing body works in the most efficient and effective way alongside my fellow governors, the Senior Leadership Team and wider staff.

 

I have a strong background in governance and have been Deputy Director of Corporate Governance for Guy’s and St Thomas’ NHS Foundation Trust since July 2023.  Prior to this I held a number of governance roles at the British Transport Police Authority with my final role being Head of Governance and Compliance from 2017-2023. There is significant cross-over between my career and the role of school governor meaning I bring a unique perspective having seen governance in action in a number of sectors/roles.

 

I have a certificate in Corporate Governance, a Masters degree with distinction in Business Psychology and I am currently studying for an ‘Advanced Certificate in Healthcare Governance’.

Type of Governor:

Parent

Appointment Body:

Governing Body

Term Start:

01 December 2025

Term End:

31 November 2029

Committees:

Finance & Personnel

Responsibilities:

Maths and P.E

Pecuniary and Personal Interests:

None

FGB Attendance 2025/2026:

2/2

 

Rachel Willmott

Co-opted Governor

I joined Cannon Lane Primary School in 2017 as a Year 3 teacher. This academic year, I have moved to Year 6 and have taken on the role of Maths Leader, which has allowed me to gain experience in both Key Stages within the school. This has helped me get a wider understanding of the support needed for children to move forward and the support needed by teachers to help them.

Prior to teaching at Cannon Lane, I was a teaching assistant, which gave me an insight into schools from a different viewpoint

I am looking forward to bringing my viewpoint as a staff member to the meetings and seeing the school from a different perspective.
Type of Governor:Co-opted
Appointment Body:Governing Body
Term Start:30 September 2023
Term End:01 October 2027
Committees:Premises, Health & Safety
Responsibilities:None
Pecuniary and Personal Interests:Relative is Clerk to Governors at Kingsley, Roxbourne School and Norbury School
FGB Attendance 2025/2026:

2/2

 

Dr Kerry Day

Co-opted Governor

 

I have had the privilege of being a governor at Cannon Lane since 2013 – initially as a parent governor and now as a co-opted governor. I have been the designated safeguarding governor for 9 years and I am also responsible for monitoring pupil premium. Other responsibilities include being the link governor for EYFS and as part of the curriculum and community committee.

As a paediatrician, the development of children is something I have always cared passionately about. I believe an education that is inspiring, wide ranging and fun gives young people the best possible start in life. I enjoy my role, ensuring that high standards of learning are delivered and by providing strategic leadership and accountability to support the school as it grows.

Type of Governor:Co-opted
Appointment Body:Elected by Governing Body
Term Start:04 November 2025
Term End:03 November 2029
Committees:Curriculum and Community
Responsibilities:Safeguarding
Pecuniary and Personal Interests:Governor at Pinner High School
FGB Attendance 2025/2026:2/2

 

Lakshminarayanan Seshan

Parent Governor

I became a Parent Governor of Cannon Lane Primary School in November 2022. I have two sons studying in the school.  I look forward to representing the views of parents and students in ensuring that the school continues to maintain its high standards and reputation. I have varied experience in IT, Operations and Banking across India, UK and US. I am currently working as Chief Financial Officer for a mid-sized International Bank and looking forward to bringing my experience in corporate governance, Finance and Banking experience to the role.

Type of Governor:Parent
Appointment Body:Elected by parents
Term Start:17 October 2022
Term End:16 October 2026
Committees:Finance & Personnel
Responsibilities:EYFS and PPG
Pecuniary and Personal Interests:None
FGB Attendance 2025/2026:1/2

 

Richard Evans

Parent Governor

 

I became a Parent Governor of Cannon Lane Primary School in November 2025. I have two sons studying in the school. I have a daughter in year 5 and prior to that my eldest daughter attended Cannon Lane, leaving in July 2025. I have worked  with the school over a number of years, primarily when chairing the PTA from 2019 through to 2022, where we organised a range of events and brought a number of areas forward such as electronic ticketing and payments. This also provided perspectives on the challenges and different thinking required in making the School a success. 

 

In my day job I run the Risk and Assurance Practice for a Top 10 firm where we work in delivering governance, risk management, investigation, technology assurance and advisory services to a range of not for profit, corporate and financial services organisations. I look forward to bringing this experience to my role as governor in supporting the School in continuing its excellent reputation for teaching and development of its pupils. 

 

I was previously a rugby coach, from U6's through to U10's and am currently a Trustee of the Ed Sheeran Foundation which is focussed on supporting music education in schools. 

Type of Governor:Co-opted
Appointment Body:Elected by parents
Term Start:6th December 2025
Term End:5th December 2029
Committees:Finance & Personnel
Responsibilities:IT
Pecuniary and Personal Interests:None
FGB Attendance 2025/2026:1/1

 

 

Sarah Keshani

Parent Governor

 

I was elected as a Parent Governor in January 2024 and am deeply committed to serving the wonderful children and families of Cannon Lane, a thriving school and supportive community.

With over 13 years of experience as a secondary English teacher and 7 years as a Head of Year in an outstanding inner London school, I bring a strong understanding of teaching, learning and pastoral care. I hold a Master’s degree in English in Education and a degree in English Literature, which have shaped my belief in the transformative power of literacy. Throughout my career, I have led initiatives to foster reading and writing proficiency, supported students’ wellbeing, and worked collaboratively with parents and staff to ensure every child achieves their potential. Recognised nationally by the SSAT for the outstanding GCSE progress achieved by my Year 11 cohort in 2016, I am passionate about developing confident, resilient learners.

I am eager to use my experience, creativity, and commitment to education to contribute positively to the continued success of Cannon Lane and help every child flourish.

Type of Governor:Parent
Appointment Body:Elected by Parents
Term Start:18 March 2024
Term End:18 March 2028
Committees:Curriculum
Responsibilities:English
Pecuniary and Personal Interests:None
FGB Attendance 2025/2026:2/2

 

Tarandeep Sambi

Co-Opted Governor

I joined Cannon Lane in 2018 and since working here I have been lucky enough to experience working across both key stages and in 4 different year groups. I am currently teaching Year 2 and also have the role of PSHE Lead. I have been part of 3 very successful Ofsted inspections here and I am proud to be part of the Cannon Lane family.

 

Before working at Cannon Lane, I worked at 2  schools in 2 different boroughs and have been teaching since 2006. I am a passionate individual who wants to make a difference and help all children show their true potential/ I am looking forward to working closely with the Governing Body to continue to make sure Cannon Lane is a Happy, Safe and Successful place for all our pupils and staff.

 

Outside of teaching, I enjoy many things such as calligraphy, art, baking and reading.

Type of Governor:Staff governor
Appointment Body:Elected by staff
Term Start:9th May 2025
Term End:9th May 2029
Committees:Curriculum
Responsibilities:None
Pecuniary and Personal Interests:None
FGB Attendance  2025/2026: 2/2
  

Former Governors who have served in the past 12 months

 

Sarah Skerton, Co-Chair of Governors

Priya Bansal-Williams, Co-opted Governor

Raj Patel Co-opted Governor

 

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