Our Governors
The Government requires each school to have a management team – the Governing Board.
This team is made up of volunteers who include parents, staff, members of our local community and the local authority.
The governing body has a range of important responsibilities and works in partnership with the Headteacher and all school staff to shape the future of the school and decide key issues that will help to raise standards and to determine how the school will best spend its money to achieve these aims.
Governing Board Diversity
The governors of Rodings Primary School believe it is important that boards reflect the diversity of the school communities they serve. Diverse boards promote inclusive school environments and provide diverse role models for staff and young people.
The governors are currently collecting data on the diversity of the board, including data on age, gender and ethnicity. They will use that data to inform their recruitment and training needs and ensure there is always a diverse range of perspectives around the table to support robust decision making.
Due to our relatively small governing body we do not publish this diversity data online as individual governors could be identified and we have a legal obligation to protect their personal data.
Steph Green - Chair of Governors
Governor Type: Partnership
Date of Appointment: January 2017
Responsibilities:Chair of Governing Board, Rights Respecting
Class Link: Goslings (Year R)
I was brought up in Northamptonshire but after studying in London and abroad and then living in Chester, I have now lived in High Easter for longer than I have lived anywhere else!
My involvement with Rodings Primary School started as a parent in 2005 and I have loved the school since that first time I came through the front door. Before children I worked in logistics running large warehouses – first for a large national food company and then for several publishing houses. I now work in training in education which is much more interesting!
My hobbies used to include forest rally driving and climbing ‘munro’ mountains, but nowadays I prefer gardening, looking after my free-range pigs, all sorts of craft activities, reading and singing loudly. I can do some of these all at the same time!
I love running the local Rainbows group (the youngest part of Girlguiding) and am lucky enough to help with the Reception class at forest school.
Leeann Goddard - Vice Chair of Governors
Governor Type: Parent
Date of Appointment: September 2016
Responsibilities: Chair of Teaching and Learning Committee, Chair of Pay and Personnel Committee
Class Link: Kingfishers (Year 5)
I am a relative newcomer to the Rodings area, having moved here in 2012. Both of my sons have or are currently attending Rodings. Having worked in the Financial sector for almost 20 years, currently as a project manager, I wanted to use my professional experience to benefit a public or charitable organisation, becoming a Governor has been a great opportunity to do this!
I enjoy all things arts, gardening, and beach walks with the dogs. I am currently preparing to complete part of the Thames Walk in September.
I have been a Governor since 2016 and I am impressed by the range of experiences and activities that the children have the opportunity to get involved in, as well as their academic learning, and the culture in which they experience them. Everyone at Rodings is striving to provide the best school experience for the children, I am very proud of being a part of the Rodings School.
Andrea Beard - Chair of Finance Committee
Governor Type: Co-opted
Date of Appointment: June 2019
Responsibilities: Chair of Finance and Premises, Chair of Health and Safety Committee
Class Link: Swifts (Year 2)
Andrea has been a Governor since 2015. Having worked for almost 30 years in the legal profession in London, the latter 15 of those as an Office Manager, she decided to have a career change in 2017 and now works in the office of a local primary school which she finds extremely rewarding. In her spare time she is Tawny Owl at her local Brownie unit, taxi driver for her daughter, enjoys everything to do with cooking and runs a few miles a week to try and work off calories from trying out new recipes!
Lauren Dearsley
Governor Type: Parent
Date of Appointment: December 2021
Responsibilities: Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Class Link: Kookaburras (Year 5)
I moved into High Roding in 2018 and in early 2019 we made the decision to move our eldest child into the local school where he settled in and was welcomed into the Rodings Family instantly. Having seen how both of our children have flourished at Rodings Primary School I wanted to be able to ‘give back’ and I thought being a Governor would be a good way for me to do this.
I have a background in Safeguarding and have worked in this field for the last 12 years. I felt that the skills I had gained could offer another perspective to the governing board.
I am really excited to take on this new challenge as parent governor!
Kate Elsmore
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Date of Appointment:
Responsibilities: Inclusion
Class Link: Hummingbirds (Year 4)
Tory Foster
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Date of Appointment: December 2023
Responsiblities: Safeguarding and Wellbeing
Class Link: Toucans (Year 6)
As a current parent with two children at the school I really felt I wanted to give something back to the school who have provided my children with the best start to their education.
I am a primary school teacher but in my spare time I am kept very busy with family.
As a family we enjoy time together at home. We have chickens, a rabbit, and our beloved dog Alfie to look after!
I am really looking forward to supporting Mr Raraty with the future of the school.
Sam Kilpatrick
Governor Type: Staff Governor
Responsibilities: SEND
Date of Appointment: July 2024
Mrs Kilpatrick grew up in the East Midlands and moved to Chelmsford in 2001. She has previously worked as an LSA in two local primary schools and recently passed her City and Guilds Level 3 Supporting Teaching and Learning in Schools.
She has three children (two sons in Secondary School and a daughter in KS2) and enjoys reading, walking and spending time with her family.
Michelle Nicoll
Governor Type: Parent
Date of Appointment: March 2023
Responsibilities: SEND
Class Link: Doves (Year 4)
My family and I moved to the Rodings in December 2020, mid-pandemic and my eldest child joined the school remotely in January 2021. It was a challenging start, but the school were great in the transition, and he settled into the Rodings’ family very quickly. My youngest child is now at the school and they are both thriving and love school life. The school really does have a warm community ethos and it is great to be a part of it.
I wanted to become a school governor as a way to give back to the school, and on a personal note as I feel it will be a challenging but rewarding role. As a qualified solicitor, I have great qualities and transferable skills. I am able to critically analyse and provide constructive solutions. I have great research skills and love developing new ideas. I am empathetic, intuitive, and keen to support the physical, emotional and mental wellbeing of children and staff.
Colin Raraty - Headteacher
Governor Type: Headteacher
Date of Appointment: April 2014
Mr Raraty was appointed headteacher in April 2014 having previously taught in Blackmore and Epping. He lives in Harlow where he is busy renovating his house. He likes long walks, drawing and listening to music. His responsibilities include staff development, assessment and child protection.
Recently, Mr Raraty was on secondment at Flitch Green Academy to provide support during the transition period between Principals.
Mr Raraty holds an NPQH and has recently completed the Leaders for Impact qualification run by the Royal Opera House. He was also nominated for Essex Headteacher of the Year 2022
Amy Wareham
Governor Type: Local Authority
Date of Appointment: December 2023
Responsibilities: Attendance
Class Link: Wrens (Year 2)
Peter Wakeling
Governor Type: Co-opted
Date of Appointment: March 2023
Responsibilities: Governor Training
Class Link: Woodpeckers (Year 3)
I grew up in the Chelmsford area and after a few years living in East London, we moved to High Easter in 2019 with our young family. I have over 10 years of experience in the banking sector and am a Chartered Financial Analyst.
My daughter joined as a Gosling in 2022 and I couldn't have been more impressed with what the school has offered - I am very excited to contribute to the continued progression of Rodings.
