Jenni Lau

I am delighted to be a Parent Governor at Hatfeild Primary. My eldest child came to Reception at Hatfeild in 2014 and is now in Year 8 and my daughter is in Year 4. I have loved volunteering at the school and getting to know the children's teachers, making friends with the parents at the school gate and I now value the opportunity to be a Governor at the school. I really love our school community and want to see Hatfeild go from strength to strength.

I grew up in South Africa but have been in the UK for almost 20 years and view London as home. I was trained as a Primary school teacher and taught in both South Africa and the UK, as a full-time teacher. I have also done some supply teaching. Now I am a full-time Mum and keep myself busy with volunteering and my own craft projects.

Harriet O'Connor

I am very proud and happy to be a Governor on the Cherrywood Foundation Board. I was previously on the governing board for Joseph Hood Primary for a number of years and was the Chair for the last five. I have been very involved in the federation process and am delighted that Joseph Hood is now working in partnership with Hatfeild. It is wonderful to see both schools flourishing together and I look forward to supporting the federation as it goes from strength to strength. As well as being a Co-opted Governor, I have also had two children attend Joseph Hood and as parents we couldn't have been happier with our choice of primary school. 

I am an experienced primary school teacher and teach locally at Dundonald Primary School in Reception. Over the years I have also had the pleasure of working at other schools in our borough which has given me a fantastic insight into our education system and how other schools operate. It also means that I know a great many of the children and families in our community and often say hello to people I have previously taught as I walk around the area.  Before I had children, I was a teacher and a governor at Brandlehow Primary School in Wandsworth, which achieved an ‘Outstanding in All Areas’ ofsted report while I was there. 

There are many things that impress me about our schools. I can see first-hand the thoroughness and passion that all the staff put into their work. I also love how there is always a welcoming, warm atmosphere when you enter and the way in which the children behave calmly, politely and happily both in and out of both schools.

Danny White

I have lived in this community for most of my life and my father was a governor who appointed Mrs Saville as Head Teacher at Joseph Hood. I would like to follow in his footsteps and ensure Joseph Hood graduates from being a good school to become the best in the borough. I am passionate about providing equal opportunities for all and have provided sponsorship for a disabled party to climb to the base camp of Mount Blanc. I established a Fire Door Safety Company in 2015 and am currently 1 of approximately 30 3rd Party certified fire door inspectors in the country. I am used as an expert witness by the London Fire Brigade. I believe I have business acumen and, most importantly, the skill to listen and take forward other people’s views.  I was a parent at Joseph Hood Primary School for 14 years, with my youngest son leaving in 2024, and my eldest son starting at University in 2024 to study Mathematics. I would like to offer my services for the benefit of all students.

Liz Sullivan

Liz Sullivan - Clerk to the Governors

I have been the Clerk to Hatfeild's Governing Body for many years and over that time have been greatly impressed by the dedication and commitment of the school's governors. As clerk I am responsible for producing the agendas and minutes for all meetings as well as carrying out the various administrative tasks required to support the governing body. I have always enjoyed my role and found that it has increased my awareness of the huge task required to run an effective school. I have three teenage children, all of whom attended Hatfeild. My connection with the school has been varied over the years. As a parent I was Minute Secretary and Vice Chair of the H.S.A. and I have been involved with the school's pantomime as chorus member, prompt and director. For 14 months I had a placement as Teaching Assistant in Year 2 before taking up the position of Literacy Support for pupils in Years 1 and 2 at St. Matthews School in Raynes Park.

Martin Chitty

I was delighted to join the new governing body for the Cherrywood Federation as the LA governor, having previously served on the Joseph Hood governing board from February 2023. After a varied career in consultancy within the energy sector, I recently retired and am keen to use my past knowledge and experience to help young people achieve their full potential.

I have volunteered at events for TeenTech, a charity that helps young people from every social background to understand the opportunities in the science, technology and engineering industries, and how rewarding careers in STEM subjects can be.

I am a trustee for the National Energy Foundation, and work as a volunteer for charities including a Trussell Trust Foodbank in an inner London borough, and the MoneySavingExpert.com charity which gives grants to groups that provide education, information and support to help people learn how to manage their money better.

As a parent I have helped my two adult daughters through school and university and have some awareness of the day-to-day pressures and opportunities for staff and pupils in education, particularly in balancing budgetary constraints, while ensuring equality of opportunity and access for all children.

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With 17 years of teaching experience in Merton, I have had the privilege of working with children across all age groups, from Nursery to Year 6. This diverse experience has deepened my understanding of the educational journey and strengthened my commitment to fostering a love of learning in every child.

As a governor at Hatfeild Primary School, I am dedicated to supporting the school’s vision and ensuring that every student has the opportunity to thrive. This role is important to me because it allows me to contribute to shaping an inclusive, high-quality education for our community. I bring a wealth of skills to the position, including a strong knowledge of the curriculum, effective communication, and a strategic approach to problem-solving. My vast experience in education equips me with valuable insights into classroom practices, which I use to support decision-making that benefits both staff and children.

Being part of a team that helps the Cherrywood Federation grow and succeed is a responsibility I value deeply, and I am proud to contribute to both schools' ongoing achievements.

I have been very fortunate to work for both schools in the federation.  I started my teaching career working in a mainstream Primary School with an Additional Resource Provision for children with hearing impairments, where I gained my level one British Sign Language. I always wanted to work in a school that provides an ARP to support children in our community. 

I have lived in Merton all my life, growing up locally to Hatfeild Primary School.  Merton is a wonderful place to live as so much of London is easily accessible.  I have worked in Merton Primary Schools for over 10 years. 

I am an Early Years Specialist and much of my career has been spent leading the Early Years and I am a trained Early Years SENCO. However, I have taught all the way up to Year 6 and enjoy teaching all year groups. 

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Kirstie Blake

Having worked in primary education for over a decade in all year groups from reception to year 6, I have built relationships over the years that have had a positive impact on the students and schools I have worked in. Currently, I am working in the Additional Resource Provision at Hatfeild and I am excited about the Cherrywood Federation and all the opportunities that it brings. 

I constantly seek to enhance my knowledge and training and can articulate my point in a meaningful and balanced way. I feel confident that I would be able to provide a different perspective on the role and look forward to serving the school community and federation by ensuring everyone is heard and valued. 

I am a retired dietitian with 38 years of experience in the NHS, specialising in therapeutic advice and prevention through gradual dietary and lifestyle changes in both acute and community settings.

Having lived in Merton for over 35 years, I am proud to remain an active member of this vibrant community. My passions include education, health, and social mobility, and I am eager to share my extensive experience as a parent, grandparent, and healthcare professional.

I deeply value the school's role in enhancing the life chances of all its students and the crucial role it plays within our wonderful local community. I am thrilled to join the dedicated governing team and am committed to contributing my expertise to benefit the staff and pupils of Cherrywood Federation.

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