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 have been the Vice Chair of Governors at Chater Junior School since March 2023 and greatly value working alongside a dedicated and skilled governing body who consistently place the needs of pupils at the centre of their decisions. I firmly believe that all children are entitled to an excellent education, regardless of their background or any challenges they may face. Chater Junior School works hard to provide this, and this ethos is clearly evident in the values, attitudes and everyday practice of the staff.

Through my work with the school, I have found the children at Chater to be resilient, enthusiastic and kind learners who take pride in their achievements and look forward to the future with confidence. It is a privilege to contribute to the life of the school and to support the continued success of the Chater community.

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

Co-opted 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.

Mina Mistry

Co-opted Governor

I became a governor at Chater Junior School in November 2024. With a professional background in finance within a corporate environment, I’m able to support the school with financial and governance matters.

As a parent of two daughters who have been educated in Watford, I’ve always wanted to give something back to the local school community and help create a positive, thriving environment for every child. It’s been a real pleasure learning how the school operates and getting to know the dedicated leadership team.

Aysha Khokhar

Co-opted Governor

As a parent and resident, I decided to become a school governor to share my experience and contribute to my local community. I am passionate about children’s rights, pupil voice and social mobility. I am committed to ensuring the best possible outcomes for every child and believe children thrive when we actively listen and work together to create opportunities and an environment that sparks curiosity and fosters a love for learning.  I am very excited to support a warm, diverse, inclusive and a collaborative school community that strives to help every child flourish and achieve their potential.

 Waseem Shah

Parent Governor

As a governor, I would bring my commitment to the school and local community, working to support staff, pupils, and parents so the school can continue to thrive.

 See link below for the attendance record for Governor meetings

Meeting Attendance 2025 - 2026 Meeting Attendance 2024 - 2025

See link below for Historical Governors

Historical Governors