Meet the Governors

John Crook

I am currently retired. In my working life I spent 32 years in a variety of roles/branches/departments with Midland/HSBC bank and followed that with 17 years at ECHG/Riverside Housing Association as a compliance auditor visiting schemes across England.

I joined Water Leys governing body in October 1993 following a three-year stint on what was then the school's Parent Teacher Association (PTA).

Elaine Taylor

I was an HMI and the National Lead for Modern Languages at Ofsted from 2006 till I retired. I taught Modern Languages and held middle and senior leadership roles in secondary schools and was a School improvement officer for a local authority. I also worked with a number of providers of initial teacher education supporting new entrants to the profession. Since retiring I have worked as an independent consultant, as a trustee of an academy trust and on the governing body of a local secondary school.

I joined the governing body of Water Leys in the Autumn term 2022 because I am passionate about learning and want to share the knowledge I have gained from my wide experience of education and its power to transform young lives.

Nicholas Green 

I am an Account Director for BT, responsible for managing the relationship between the Public Sector and BT in the East Midlands. I have been at BT around 11 years after graduating from the University of Manchester.

I first joined the Water Leys governing body during the COVID lockdown on the 12^th August 2020.

I felt that during COVID and the struggles that came with it, the flexibility and time my job affords me meant that I could do something to support a local organisation. A colleague suggested that being a school governor can be extremely rewarding and as such I applied. My skill set that has been built since University I feel is of use to a governing board and my profile offers a different point of view which could, and I hope does, benefit the school.

Faye Jarrams-Royley

I have 20 years of experience working within Education and Social Care for local government. My roles have included Inclusion Support Worker, Surestart Children's Centre Leader and Early Help Team Leader.  I currently work in a Children's Home.

I joined the governing body at Water Leys in 2014 as I have always had a keen interest in Safeguarding children and supporting the educational attainment and emotional needs of children in need and those with looked after status.

Amy O’Neill

I have had a long standing career in teaching, spanning over 20 years.  I have been a governor at Water Leys Primary School for four years now, and thoroughly enjoy the challenge it provides. 

I became a governor because I wanted to support the school in becoming the best that it could. The best, not only for my children, but for the wider school community.

Mitesh Vaghela

I am a Coordinator at The University of Leicester Medical School.

I joined the governing body at Water Leys in November 2018 because I wanted to give something back to the school I went to (and where my children now go), whilst being fuelled by my passion for knowledge and determination to make a difference.

Devita Thandi 

I am a specialist children's physiotherapist. I work with children with a range of conditions and disabilities and families from all backgrounds. I work in the NHS and have recently started my business offering private children's physiotherapy appointments.

I am hugely passionate about helping children with their physical, mental, and emotional wellbeing. I am particularly keen on ensuring that every child can reach their full potential, whatever their background, special educational needs, or disabilities.

I joined the governing body in January 2023 to make a positive impact within the school, which in turn will help our children throughout their time at Water Leys Primary School and beyond.

Emma Steel

I am SEN Executive at a publishers. Within this role I will be publishing books for young readers with learning disabilities and providing educational input into children's books. Before moving into publishing I worked in SEN Education for 17 years in numerous roles, such as Class Teacher, Manager and SENCO. 

I joined the governing body in January 2023 because I am passionate about education and ensuring all children are motivated, engaged and inspired to learn. I feel passionately that every child, no matter their background, educational needs or disability, has the opportunities and ambition to achieve. I also strive to make education fun and captivating in order to inspire young minds to achieve their potential.