Meet the Governors

Sarah McAllister

I’m Sarah McAllister and I’m the Chair of Governors at Shepherd Primary School.  I’m appointed by the Local Authority and have been a governor at the school since 2016.  My children have now left Shepherd Primary School to move on to their secondary education, but I’m delighted to continue my work on the Governing Body.   As well as chairing the Full Governing Body meetings, I sit on the School Improvement and Resources Committees and am the link governor for Pupil and Sports Premium, Special Educational Needs and Disabilities, Inclusion and Equalities.  I’m passionate about ensuring our pupils receive a high-quality education and inspirational learning experiences during their time with us.  I work closely with the school Senior Leadership Team and our partners at Herts for Learning to help improve outcomes for all of our pupils and deliver our school motto of “Achieving Together”.

Claire Foad

I'm Claire Foad, the Headteacher of Shepherd Primary School. I am a member of the Full Governing Body and both committees - the School Improvement Committee and the Resources Committee. I have been a member of our Governing Body since 2011 when I became Headteacher.

Rebecca Whiteman

I'm Rebecca Whiteman, the former Deputy Headteacher of Shepherd Primary School. I am currently a co-opted Governor and a member of the School Improvement Committee. I have been on the Governing board since September 2010, so have been privileged to see first-hand, the consistently supportive work of our school Governing body.

Sarah Freuchen

I'm Sarah Freuchen and am the Assistant Head Teacher and Special Needs Co-Ordinator at Shepherd Primary School. I have been on the Governing board since 2017 as the staff Governor and am on the School Improvement Committee. I work closely with different members of the Governing body in terms of their link governor roles: Special Educational Needs, Safeguarding and Attendance.  I enjoy being part of the supportive and committed Governing body of Shepherd Primary School.

David Hewitt

I’m David Hewitt and I’m a Parent Governor at the school. I have been a governor since 2019 and sit on the committees for School Improvement and Resources. I’m the link governor responsible for monitoring compliance of the school website.  I have two children at the school and wish for all children to have happy environment, inspiring learning and for them to build strong foundations in themselves for their next step in education. These years are the building blocks for the adults they will become. I think it’s important to encourage achievement in all aspects of school life, ensure opportunities for all and to help guide children in treating others with honesty and respect.

Padmini Naicker

I’m Padmini Naicker, a parent governor and Vice Chair of Governors at Shepherd Primary School. My sons were at Shepherd Primary School but have now moved on to Secondary school and University. I’m also the Chair of the School Improvement Committee, link governor for attendance and the governor training co-ordinator. I believe every child is different and has their own path to achieve their true potential. I’m glad to help the school in my own small way in order for them to make sure the children are able to do that. 

Tim Duck

I’m Tim Duck and I’m a Co-Opted Governor at Shepherd Primary School. I’ve been a governor at the school since 2018 and I sit on the School Improvement Committee and am the link governor for School Council / Pupil Voice. I’m passionate about equipping young people with the skills they need to thrive and giving them the opportunity to be heard. Having spent many years filming in schools around the country, as my day job is making factual television shows for children, I’ve a clear understanding about what a good education should look.

Tony Humphreys

I’m Tony Humphreys and I’m a Co-Opted Governor.  I have lived in Rickmansworth all my life, first in the Cedars Estate and now in Mill End.

I am the Chair of the Resources Committee and Link Governor for Finance and Health and Safety at Shepherd Primary.

Outside the school, I am now retired having worked as a civil servant for 40 years and am now a Three Rivers District Councillor. I am also Parish treasurer at St Peter’s Church and Assistant Cub Scout Leader in 1st Rickmansworth group.

I belong to an over 50’s dance group locally which helps to keep me fit.

I take an interest in English teaching at the school, particularly reading attainment and I have helped in the past with listening to pupils read out loud.

Katie Ahmed

I’m Katie Ahmed and I was elected as Parent Governor in November 2022.

I live in Rickmansworth with my husband and two daughters, Ella who is nearly 3, and Sophia (pupil at Shepherd Primary). I work 3 days a week as an ESG (Environmental Social Governance) Manager for an infrastructure investment firm in London but prior to that was in Human Resources within financial services for 12 years. I also volunteer at Watford General Hospital as a breastfeeding peer supporter.

Nick Stuart

I'm Nick and I was born in Shoreham by Sea, near Brighton, but grew up and went to school in Bath. I studied Music at the Royal Birmingham Conservatoire, where I received a 1st class BMus (Hons) and an MMus with Distinction, before achieving my Primary PGCE with QTS in 2015.

I have taught in a variety of roles in both the maintained and independent sectors. I worked as a Graduate Musician in Residence and as a part-time Teacher of Music in two independent girls’ schools, before joining a three-form entry junior school in Birmingham, where I was a class teacher in Years 3, 4 and 6. I was subsequently Head of Music at a 3-18 coeducational boarding school in Staffordshire, before being appointed Director of Music at Merchant Taylors’ Prep in Rickmansworth in September 2021.

I join Shepherd Primary School as a co-opted governor and am excited to be able to support the school in its future development.

Nousheen Begum