Meet our Local Committee Members
Louise Wood - Headteacher
Louise is currently the Headteacher at Barrow Hedges Primary School.
Melissa Williams - Chair of Governors, Deputy Safeguarding Governor, Behaviour, Staff Workload & Wellbeing
I was appointed Parent Governor in late 2020, having been on the Barrow Hedges PTA for 2 years and serving as class representative for both my children, the eldest of which has been at the school since 2016.
I presently work for a Day Nursery providing administrative and HR support, as well as chairing the Patient Participation Group of my GP surgery and managing a local rugby team. In my spare time I enjoy running, cooking and reading.
I look forward to working with the Governors board in helping make Barrow Hedges as safe and enjoyable a learning environment as possible for both children and staff, and am passionate about ensuring all members of the wider school community are engaged and included on as many activities and events as possible.
Andrea Todd - Inclusion, SEN & Pupil Premium Link Governor
I was appointed as parent governor in December 2020, having been part of the Barrow Hedges community since 2015 when my son joined the nursery. The years are going quickly as my son and daughter move through the school.
After spending a few years working for a medical PR firm, I trained to be a teacher and have now spent 20 years teaching science, predominantly Biology, to local secondary school students. In more recent years, I have taken on the role of Assistant Headteacher with responsibility for teaching and learning. I love the diversity of working in a school, no two days are the same,and working with children and young adults keeps me on my toes and young at heart.
In my spare time I enjoy the great outdoors – running, walking, gardening or exploring new environments with my kids.
Nidhi Misri - Vice Chair of Governors, Health & Safety
Nidhi is a governance professional and has spent the last few years leading on risk management and governance within key Government Department, including Cabinet Office and the Department for Exiting the European Union. Currently working in Cabinet Office as Head of Governance, within Transition Taskforce.
Born and raised in Sutton, Nidhi is passionate about her supporting the community and is happy for the opportunity to use her skills and experience to encourage, and support in planning of the strategic direction of the school.
Srinivasan Lyengar - Physical Learning Environment
I am an engineering and business management (MBA) graduate having 20 years of experience in software product development in telecom, aviation areas and financial services sector with focus on risk management, solution delivery, governance and regulatory engagement.
I live locally with my wife and two young children.
Natasha Nardell - Safeguarding Link Govenor
I was appointed as co-opted Governor in April 2021, spending the time of the pandemic seeking something with which to feel I was contributing to my local community.
I currently work at Historic Royal Palaces, managing Hampton Court Palace. I have responsibility for all front facing staff across the site and all of the complex, logistical decision making needed for the smooth running of a site which welcomes over 1 million visitors per annum! I also manage the diverse and engaging programme of events which we host including the Music Festival and RHS Flower Show, and most importantly for the children – we have the incredible Magic Garden! Prior to my engagement with Historic Royal Palaces, I have undertaken similar roles at Shakespeare’s Globe and Buckingham Palace. I am also a freelance consultant in the museum and heritage sector, advising on customer service standards, team building and training and holistic visitor journeys through attractions, both pre and post visit. I love the fast-paced nature of working in such big, culturally significant and world renowned buildings and feel truly grateful for the experiences and opportunities which I have been afforded through my work with these unique organisations.
Outside of my professional realm, I have the upmost pleasure to be Mum to my gorgeous daughter who turned two earlier this year. I’m sure I have the empathy of you all when I say ‘managing’ a toddler during lockdown was definitely one of the hardest challenges I’ve ever faced!
We enjoy visiting farms, parks and doing all things active together, and when I get some much needed ‘me’ time, I love fine dining and good, honest food and wine.
Shahid Chowdhury - Finance Link Governor
I retired recently and I always wanted to do voluntary work in the education sector and as such have joined Barrow Hedges Primary school as a co-opted governor.
I am a qualified actuary and worked for a large consulting firm for over 35 years. I worked primarily in the pensions fields and mainly worked in advising and providing consultancy and services to large corporate clients. I joined my firm when computers where just getting introduced and I headed up the team responsible for in implementing Actuarial, Pensions and Financial systems.
With my experience and knowledge of Maths, Finance, Management , Risk and Data Analysis, I feel that I can contribute positively, working with the Governors board, towards making Barrow Hedges school as effective a learning environment as possible. Specifically with my background in Maths and Science, I would like to be able to influence/inspire all students to be proficient (if not excel) in Maths and the STEM subjects.
I like travelling, reading and hiking. I play table tennis regularly at the local league level. I used to play Bridge and Chess at University and will get back to them now that I have a bit more time on my hand.
Claire McGrath (Parent Governor) - Wellbeing and Behaviour
Newly appointed as Parent Governor - awaiting blurb.
Jon Almond (Parent Governor) - Curriculum and Teaching and Learning
Newly appointed as Parent Governor - awaiting blurb.
Michelle Rondeau
I joined Barrow Hedges in September 2020 and lead Inclusion and Safeguarding across the school. Before joining Barrow Hedges, I worked at another Cirrus Trust School, where I was one of the Assistant Headteachers and this role included being the school SENCO and Pupil Premium Lead. In 2019, I completed a Masters in Education (Leadership and Management), and in 2020 I completed the National Award for Special Education Needs Coordinators. I feel extremely lucky to be supported by an experienced and dedicated inclusion team, who continuously support each other and the school community every day.
Kate Duncan
I joined Barrow Hedges as a Newly Qualified Teacher in September 2009, spending two years as a Year 4 teacher and then five years in Year 6. Since September 2014, I have been a been a member of the Senior Leadership Team and in 2017 I became a non class-based Deputy Headteacher, leading on Behaviour and Assessment across the school. I am also a KS2 Writing Moderator for the local authority. I am extremely proud of the quality of education we provide the children with at Barrow Hedges and feel very lucky that my own child attends our lovely school.