Governors 2025-26

The role of the Governors is to have a strong focus on the following core strategic functions:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
• Ensuring there is strategic plan for the school focusing on long term development and improvement;
• Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff;
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent;
• Support the Headteacher and staff in the achievement of all this

The day-to-day management of the school is the responsibility of the Headteacher and senior leadership team.

There are four types of  Governors:

• Local authority Governors appointed by the London Borough of Hackney;
• Parent Governors elected by the Parent community
• Co-opted Governors appointed by the governing body to provide a specific skill required by the school;
• Staff Governor who is appointed by the staff of the school

The Headteacher is appointed to the board as an Ex-officio Governor.

The length of office for a Governor is four years.  The Chair of Governors and Vice Chair of Governor are appointed by the Governors on an annual basis.  

The full Governing body meets at least once a term.  The full Governing Body is supported by the three committees that meet around once every half term. The intention of committees is to allow joint working on areas that matter most to developing the school's vision to 'Discover Learning'. The link Governor role enables governors with relevant skills to partner with the most appropriate member of the school to cover the link area in the appropriate detail.

If you would like to contact the Chair of Governors – please email him at the following address: 

governors@bettylayward.hackney.sch.uk

The dates of the Governor Meetings for the 2025 - 2026 Academic Year have been set:

Full Governing Body Meeting – Thursday 20 November 2025

Full Governing Body Meeting – Thursday 12 March 2026

Full Governing Body Meeting – Thursday 21 May 2026

Committee meetings are held regularly with the Headteacher and members of staff throughout each term.

Governor Profiles

Cheikh Alfaya Tato - Parent Governor

I'm a Parent Governor at Betty Layward. I'm an upcycling designer who transforms old cloth into new garments. Living in Stoke Newington since 2009 has allowed me to feel deeply connected to our community. I feel lucky to raise my children in such a vibrant and supportive area. With two kids currently at Betty Layward, I wanted to take a more active role in a school that has given us so much.

Having grown up across different places, cultures and languages, I bring a broad perspective and a strong understanding of the rich diversity within our school community.  I love the warm, nurturing environment Betty Layward prioritises and fully support the Headteacher's vision for helping every child thrive.

Shevelle Furlonge - Co-opted Governor

I am a Governor at Betty Layward and a proud parent of three children who have all been part of the school community. Having seen first-hand the care, ambition and dedication the school gives to its pupils, I wanted to give something back to a place that has meant so much to my family.

I became a governor not only to support the school’s vision, but also to help ensure that a broad range of family experiences and perspectives are reflected in governance and decision-making. I am particularly passionate about equity, opportunity and making sure every child has the support they need to thrive.

I sit on the Curriculum Committee and am the Link Governor for Pupil Premium. It is a privilege to contribute to a school that does such incredible work for its children and community.

Nadim Dimechkie - Co-opted Governor

I'm a creative director in an advertising agency, which I offset by being a School Governor.  This role also helps me indulge my love of education - I was a teacher in Hackney for ten years and I try to draw on that experience to understand, support and challenge the school leadership (particularly with English teaching and learning). To me, Betty Layward represents a rare example of a school where kindness and warmth are as important as academic achievement - a rare and important balance in today's educational and political climate. I feel very lucky that my children, and this wonderful community in Stoke Newington, can benefit from it.

Megan Jones - Parent Governor

I am a Finance Link Governor and co-chair of the finance committee.  I chose to become a school governor because I have a deep respect for the dedication and expertise of our teachers, and I believe every child deserves the best possible environment in which to learn and thrive. I want to play an active role in supporting the school's vision, strengthening it's community and ensuring that decisions are always made with the pupils' best interests at heart. By contributing my time and perspective, I hope to help create a place where both staff and students feel valued, supported, and empowered to achieve their full potential.

I work in Catering & Events in the City and am continuing my studies whilst working. I am a Chartered Manager with a Masters in Business and am working towards qualifying as a Corporate Responsibility & Sustainability Practitioner.  My eldest daughter has recently left Betty Layward for secondary school and my youngest is in Key Stage 2.

Having lived in the local community for circa 20 years I feel proud to be able to contribute towards the growth and development of a school which I have a personal connection with, and a great admiration.

Laura Williams - Associate Governor

Hello all! I'm Laura Williams, proud mum to Leilahni and Akaila, who both attend Betty Layward Primary School. You may have spotted me during the busy school runs or through my Swift Movers after-school dance club. I love creating fun spaces, keeping the energy high, and I'm always ready to listen and support.

I bring experience as a parent at Betty Layward, a learner across multiple university subjects, a business owner and someone who has managed many events.

I'm stepping into this role because I believe in the power of community. When we support one another, our children can grow, learn and shine in a happy environment.

Sally Stewart - Local Authority Governor

As a Local Authority Governor and a Parent of three Betty Layward pupils (past and present), I am committed to supporting the school's long-term strategic development. I also serve as Vice Chair of the Governing Board, working with fellow governors to provide oversight, challenge and support. I became a governor because I believe deeply in high-quality, inclusive education and wanted to use my professional experience to contribute to a community I value.

I have worked in the education sector since 2006, gaining experience across the Primary School sector, holding senior leadership roles including Early Years Leader and Key Stage Leader. After having my 3 children, I moved into Early Years consultancy, supporting leaders and teams across a range of settings, and I now work part-time as a self-employed Early Years Consultant.

I bring skills in leadership across multiple key stages, Early Years pedagogy, curriculum development, and staff support. I am especially drawn to Betty Layward's warm, community-centred ethos, it's commitment to nurturing confident and curious learners, and it's celebration of every child as an individual. These values make the school a truly special place, and I look forward to contributing to it's continued success and helping ensure every child receives the best possible start to their learning journey.

Adrienne Archibald - Co-opted Governor

I am a new co-opted governor - starting in 2026, I will be supporting on the finance committee, as well as being the Sustainability Link Governor for Betty Layward. My background spans engineering, strategy consulting, and I currently work as Senior Sustainability Program Manager at Amazon, where I focus on ensuring that we drive sustainability in our operations. 

I became a governor because I believe education is one of the most powerful foundations in a young person’s life. Having benefited from excellent educational opportunities growing up in Canada, I’m passionate about giving back to the community I now call home in London. I hope to bring my skills in leadership, problem-solving, and consensus-building to support the school’s continued success. I love the warm, inclusive atmosphere here and the clear commitment to helping every child grow with curiosity, confidence, and joy.

Imaad Nabil - Co-opted Governor

As co-chair of the Finance Committee, I help oversee the financial health of the school and ensure that our resources are used responsibly and in the best interests of the children. As the youngest member of the Governing Board, I feel well-positioned to bring a fresh perspective, ask constructive questions, and contribute to long-term strategic thinking. I became a governor because I’ve always been passionate about the education space and wanted to challenge myself in a role that blends community service with thoughtful governance.

That motivation has guided me through my studies and early career, and it’s a big part of the perspective I bring to the Board today. I graduated university in 2021 with a BSc in Politics & Economics from LSE, and now work in Risk Management at Bank of America. In 2025, I transferred to the US and now live in New York. When transitioning and considering my future on the Board (including the implications of 4am committee meetings), what mattered most to me was the culture of the school and how clearly its values are reflected in the everyday experiences of both teachers and pupils. Jessica and the SLT have created an environment where values aren’t just slogans; they are instilled into the fabric of Betty Layward. And for that, I’m excited for what 2026 has in store for this incredible community.