Barming Pre-School and Primary School Governing Body comprises of a number of volunteers offering their time and experience to support, challenge, set and reach targets for the Headteacher and staff.

Most of the Governors with the exception of the Headteacher, serve a 4 year term. Our Pre-School Governor serves a 2 year term.

Governors bring a wide range of knowledge, life skills and professional expertise to the Governing Body.

The specific areas currently monitored by Governors are: Data, Maths, English, Safeguarding, Behaviour and attitudes including Anti-Bullying, PE, SEND / Inclusion; Attendance, EYFS, Website, Health and Safety, Finance, and Education and Standards

Each and every Governor is committed to providing an excellent safe and happy environment for all pupils to enjoy and thrive during their time at Barming Pre-School and Primary School.

Our Health and Safety Governor is Tim Margrett. 

Our Safeguarding Governor is Rev Wil North.

Our Safeguarding Trustee is Lucy Shimmin

For the academic Year 2025 to 2026 the meetings will be as follows:

Tuesday 23rd September - Procedural 

The LGB meeting dates are: 12 November 2025; 4 February 2026; 6 May 2026

The named contact for the Chair of Governors is Rev Wil North.

Please send any correspondence for the Governors to:

Barming Primary School

Belmont Close

Barming

Maidstone

Kent

ME16 9DY

List of School Governors

Headteacher: Mr Christopher Laker

I have been in the teaching profession for over 20 years, majority of my experience is in Key Stage 2 but I have experience of KS1 and EYFS  as a PPA teacher. I became a Deputy Headteacher in 2009 and was Head of School at a small School for three years before I became Head of School at Barming in 2016.   In January 2021 I became a Headteacher.   I have a passion for education and want the best education for each and every child who attends Barming Pre-School and Primary School.

Chair of Governors: Rev William North

I have been an active governor since 2013.  During that time, I have journeyed with the school through many challenges and changes, and held various roles.  Currently as well as being Chair of Governors (a post I started Sept 2018), I am the link governor for EYFS, Key Stage Leaders and Pastoral Care. I have great belief in Barming Pre-School and School and am committed to helping the school, its students and staff all grow to reach their full potential.

Vice Chair of Governors: Mrs Mary Winder BDS.,JP.

I have recently retired from Barming Scouts and Guides where I was a Beaver Scout Leader for over 30 years. I am involved in an educational programme, visiting schools to increase awareness of the Youth Justice System and aim to prevent the young people getting involved in criminality. I have a particular interest in informing the students about the dangers of peer pressure within their age group. I have been a governor since November 2018 with special responsibilities for SEND and Inclusivity working with Mrs Collie.

Co-opted Governor: Mrs Natalka Sokolowski

Although born and bred in the UK, I come from a Ukrainian family background. I am a Bristol University law graduate and a solicitor with over 30 years post qualification experience specialising in corporate and commercial law. I have run my own legal practice for 21 years. I am married, have one son in secondary education and have lived in Barming for 16 years. I am interested in all aspects of education but particularly in adult and child literacy in the UK. I regularly volunteer and for 5 years was involved with Chernobyl Children Life Line (Maidstone Link) - a charity seeking to promote the wellbeing of children affected by the Chernobyl nuclear disaster in Ukraine in 1986. Currently I am involved with the Children of Kerala, a charity that has as its aim to support poor and disadvantaged families in Kerala, India thereby allowing children from these families to access and benefit from education.

Co-opted Governor: Mr Timothy Margrett

I currently work for the NHS managing community services and community hospitals across the county. As well as this, I am head of medical operations to a semi professional rugby club in Sussex. I have been fortunate enough to live and work all over the world which has provided me with some wonderful experiences to help build my knowledge and skills  which I hope to use within this role. 

I have 2 children in the school and feel passionately about continuing to improve the school and the experience for the pupils. Having the opportunity to work as a governor will allow me to do this and I can hopefully bring some skills and experience from my other roles to assist driving the school forward. 

Parent Governor: Vacancy

Parent Governor: Vacancy

Co-opted Governor: Mrs Kelly Jillians

I have two young sons at Barming Pre- School and Primary School.  Like any parent I want the best for them, so I’m delighted to have the opportunity to be a school governor and to assist the school in reaching its full potential.

I previously worked in Construction Engineering, and now run a limited company operating as an online retail store. For over two years I have assisted Barming Football Club with their Barming Buds football team, I now also assist my husband in managing one of the Under 7’s teams.

Staff Governor for the Pre-School: Mrs Danielle Goodfellow

As a dedicated member of the trust for several years, and with both of my children having proudly attended this school, I have a deep-rooted commitment to our community.  My journey within the school began at the preschool, and I'm also a familiar face at the breakfast club as part of the wraparound team.  These experiences have given me a comprehensive understanding of the school's operations and the diverse needs of our students and families.  I am keen to serve as a school Governor because I believe my firsthand knowledge and passion for our school can contribute meaningfully to its continued success and the well-being of every child.

Staff Governor: Mrs Babiche Deysel

I was born and educated in The Netherlands but moved to Africa in my mid-twenties, where I began my teaching career at a Montessori nursery school and later taught at a private school in Zimbabwe. I then moved to Botswana, where I took on the role of Senior Teacher, leading the primary section of a small all-through school.

In 2014, my family and I relocated to the UK. Since then, I have held a variety of leadership roles, including Assistant Head and Headteacher, in both academies and independent schools. I have previously served as a staff governor, and in my role as Headteacher, I have worked closely with governing bodies, reporting regularly and supporting school improvement.

Having recently joined Barming Pre- School and Primary School as a teacher, I am excited to contribute to the school’s ongoing development. I strongly believe that all children have the right to an inclusive and holistic education that supports their growth in every sense.

Clerk: Dr Vanessa Stevens

Co-Chairs of the Trust are Mrs Anne Mailling and Dr Nigel Smetham. Find out more about them on our Trust website. 

Governor Information:

Governor Attendance:

Full Governing Body Minutes

For copies of Full Governing Body Minutes please ask at the office. We are no longer required to publish these online. Thank you