Chater Junior Governing Board

The Governing Body at Chater Junior is made up of a team of committed staff, parents and members of the local community who have responsibility for raising school standards through their three core functions of:

• Ensuring a clear vision, ethos and strategic direction are in place.
• Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure it is well spent.

The Headteacher is responsible for the day to day management of the school and the role of the Governing Body is to provide strategic management, and to act as a “critical friend”, supporting the work of the Headteacher and other staff.

The Governing Body meet every half term for a Full Governing Body meeting and once a term for the Finance Committee meeting.

Meet our Governors

Anfaal Jaffer

Chair of Governors

Since becoming a governor in November 2022, it’s been a pleasure getting to know the school leaders and children, cementing what is excellent about the school, while focusing on how to improve to provide an even better learning environment.

When I moved to Watford, I took an opportunity to become a parent governor at my daughter’s school before taking on the chairperson position at Chater. This was an invaluable experience and underlined what a difference a governor can make by being involved in the school community and ensure that children are achieving their best in a safe and welcoming school.

My professional background is in finance, which is useful when reviewing the school finances. Together with the other members of the governing board, I look forward to continuing work with the school community to ensure a thriving school environment.

Kayleigh Fitzgerald

Vice Chair of Governors

I am a Year 2 teacher in a primary school in Watford. I am currently working towards my Master's Degree in Education and have experience in teaching across Key Stage 2. I am the lead teacher for bilingual children within my school, as well as the designated teacher for children who are looked after. Coming from an educational background, I am familiar with the challenges, hard work and dedication that goes into delivering a high-quality education.

I have been the Vice Chair of Governors for Chater Junior School since March 2023 and have enjoyed working with a dedicated team who put the needs of the children first. I believe that all children have the right to a good quality education, regardless of their background or barriers that they may face. Chater Junior School works hard to ensure that all children receive this, and I believe that this is something that it as the heart of every member of staff at Chater. Through my work with the school so far, I have found that the children at Chater are resilient, passionate and kind individuals who enjoy learning and show hope for future generations. It is a privilege to be a part of Chater Junior School.

Claire Tessier

Co-opted Governor

I become a governor at Chater Junior as my youngest child left the school in 2021. I firmly believe that a high quality education is something all children have a right to, and that it is a great privilege to be able to be involved in helping to shape education for the next generation. Chater Junior school has a very special community, and I am proud to be involved with a school where such diversity is celebrated and embraced.

My professional background is in healthcare, which has given me an appreciation for wellbeing within the school community. I also feel passionately that creating a nurturing environment will lead to the optimal conditions for children to feel comfortable to learn and to thrive, and in turn, develop to their full potential.

Saima Ali

Parent Governor

Both of my children started their schooling journeys at Chater - progressing from infants to juniors, so Chater holds a very special place in my heart. I also understand how important it is that children are provided with a strong foundation in the early years, and this is why I joined the governing body at Chater. As governors, it is our job to support and challenge the school to continuously improve. Being a governor can be challenging but I love that as a governor, I am constantly learning.

I bring with me experience of working both in the private and public sector and a real commitment and passion for making Chater an enriching experience for all, one both children and parents will look back at fondly in years to come.

Diwash Bajgain

Parent Governor

I grew up in Nepal, after graduating from university I joined the National Police service and went to work with the UN in an overseas peace keeping mission in Kosovo. Since 2004 I have been settled in the UK. Currently I am working for an American housing developing company for rental market.

I have three children all of whom are at Chater Junior School. I am delighted to be part of governing body; with my experience I hope I can bring value to the team for the betterment of our children's school.

 Zabeena Riaz

Co-opted Governor

I was very keen to support the school, as I was a pupil at Chater and have lovely memories of a school that nurtured my creativity and gave me confidence in my own abilities. My four children have all attended the school and absolutely loved their time here. 

I look forward to seeing how the school continues to develop and change to meet all the challenges it faces. 

 See link below for the attendance record for Governor meetings

    Meeting  attendance 2023-2024

 Meeting attendance 2024-2025 

• See link below for Historical Governors
• Historical   Governors