Governors
Our governors draw on years of experience and diverse skill sets to raise standards for children in our care. They share our vision of educational excellence for every under fives, and are willing to make the big changes we need to realise this vision. They spend lots of time ‘on the ground’ seeing our work in action, and they hold our team to account. Thanks to our governors’ challenge, guidance and support, we give our children the best possible education.
Gemma Williamson
Gemma Williamson is an accomplished and dedicated leader in Early Years education. Before the federation of the three nursery schools, she served as the Headteacher of Muriel Green Nursery School in St Albans. She brings a wealth of experience across the Early Years sector, having previously led the Foundation Stage at Laurence Haines Primary School in Watford. Her expertise was recognised by the Local Authority, who appointed her as a Leading Teacher —a role in which she supported schools across Hertfordshire to enhance the quality of their Early Years provision.
In 2017, Gemma became Headteacher of Muriel Green Nursery and, in the same year, achieved the National SENDCo Award (Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator). In January 2021, she began working with Oxhey Early Years in a consultancy capacity, supporting the Headteachers in post at the time. Her strategic vision later created the opportunity for Heath Lane Nursery School in Hemel Hempstead to form a collaborative partnership, strengthening leadership and provision across settings.
Gemma serves as a governor at two maintained primary schools in Hertfordshire, ensuring she remains connected to educational developments beyond the Early Years phase. She also contributes to several boards that advocate for the needs and sustainability of maintained nursery schools locally and nationally.
In recognition of her commitment to inclusive practice, Gemma was named SENDCo of the Year in 2024. She has also achieved the National Professional Qualification for Executive Leadership (NPQEL), a programme that further strengthened her strategic leadership and system‑wide impact.
Driven by a deeply held belief that children do not get a second chance at preparing for adulthood, Gemma ensures this principle sits at the heart of every decision, policy, and practice she leads. She has extensive consultancy experience both within and beyond Hertfordshire, supporting early years settings, maintained nursery schools, and primary schools to strengthen leadership, provision, and outcomes for children. in line with the Roots Federation mission to put children at the heart of every educational decision
Patrick Aikman
Patrick is a dedicated professional who holds the esteemed position of Chair of Governors at the Roots Federation, a UK Three-School Nursery Federation. With a deep rooted passion for education and an extensive background as an education consultant. Patrick brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise to their role. They find immense joy in being a governor as it allows them to contribute directly to shaping educational policies, implementing positive changes, and driving excellence in teaching and learning. Collaborating closely with a diverse team of governors, educators, parents, and community, members, Patrick works tirelessly to create nurturing and inclusive learning environments that empower children.
Sarah Pritchard
Sarah is an education specialist with a background in further education and apprenticeships. She has worked with government bodies and professional training providers and is currently an Apprenticeship and Professional Education Manager in one of the UK’s largest consultancy firms. She brings expertise in educational policy, quality assurance, strategy and regulatory frameworks, as well as direct experience of Ofsted inspections as a training provider, employer and governor.
Sarah has expertise in provider and stakeholder management, leading projects and using data to monitor performance and drive improvement. Her work has involved supporting organisations to meet regulatory standards, strengthen accountability and deliver high-quality outcomes for learners.
As EYPP governor, Sarah is committed to supporting inclusive, high-quality early years education and recognises the importance of solid foundations in shaping future learning and development. supporting the federation’s vision to nurture curiosity and a love of learning in every child.
Sara Chatterpaul
Sara has been a primary school teacher for over seven years. She is passionate about education and is committed to instilling a lifelong love of learning in every child she teaches. Prior to becoming a teacher, Sara worked in HR for a FTSE 100 and a former FTSE 250 company in a range of roles. As a governor, she brings a valuable combination of HR experience and first-hand knowledge of working in the education sector.
Sara is a mum of three young boys and has a strong connection with Heath Lane, where her sons have either attended and thrived or will attend in the future. Sara is the Safeguarding Lead and is passionate about supporting the Roots Federation as it continues its exciting journey.
Liz Smith
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Liz has worked in the education sector for over 15 years and currently works for an edtech organisation supporting children who are home-schooled or not currently attending school. With a strong background in curriculum design for children of all ages and a particular passion for early years, she brings a wealth of experience in creating engaging, accessible learning experiences for families. Liz is especially passionate about using technology to make education and support services more inclusive, flexible and responsive to the individual needs of families.
She has two children currently attending Muriel Green, which fuels her commitment to supporting the Federation as People Governor, and promoting all the children’s wellbeing in practical, family-centred ways, and aligns with the Roots Federation’s vision to nurture curiosity, individuality and a lifelong love of learning.
Chloe Reade
Chloe began her childcare career in 2015 as a children's entertainer, quickly showcasing her talent for engaging young minds. She then joined Muriel Green as an Early Years Practitioner, working with children of all ages. Her strategic approach and deep understanding of child development led to her promotion to Deputy Day Care Manager, where she played a crucial role in supporting children with additional needs, especially those with hearing impairments. Chloe's dedication and expertise were recently recognized with her appointment as Governor for the Roots Federation. In this role, she continues to influence children's education and oversees social media communication across the federation, further contributing to the educational community.
Mark Knowlson
Mark has been involved with Muriel Green since 2012, and has loved seeing his two children flourish from their early days in Baby Room, through the day care and nursery school and on to confidently making the transition to primary school and beyond.With over twenty-four years’ experience working in consultancy helping public and private sector clients, he has been a school governor for over ten years including driving the development of the wonderful outdoor provision and helping form the Roots Federation which has successfully brought together Muriel Green, Oxhey and Heath Lane.Mark is Chair of the Resources Committee, overseeing the finances across our schools to help invest everything wisely in the highest standards of care and educational excellence for all our children.He loves that the schools are all non-profit organisations so all fees and income can be focussed on giving all our children the best start in those critical first five years of life.
James Roach
James Roach is Vice Chair of Governors at the Roots Federation serving young children and families in Hertfordshire.
James brings over 25 years of experience in education, having started his career as a classroom teacher before becoming Headteacher at both Laurance Haines and Beechfield schools. He is currently CEO of the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust, a primary trust in West Watford serving over 1,400 pupils and supports schools and school leaders across Hertfordshire and beyond.
His commitment to early years education is rooted in a long-held belief that the foundations laid in the earliest years are fundamental to everything that follows. As Vice Chair, James contributes strategic governance experience alongside a deep understanding of curriculum, inclusion, and community. helping to ensure that every child within the Federation has the best possible start to their education and develops a lifelong love of learning in line with the Roots Federation vision.
Fahad Halling
Fahad Halling is an experienced senior Project Manager with over 11 years’ experience managing complex portfolios across technology and service development, including network, infrastructure and cloud environments. He brings strong expertise in governance, financial oversight, risk management and stakeholder engagement, combined with a commitment to community service and child wellbeing.
Fahad is serving as a parent-nominated governor with Roots Federation. He has led multidisciplinary teams, delivered programmes within robust governance frameworks and worked closely with senior stakeholders to achieve sustainable outcomes. He has also volunteered with the Metropolitan Police Special Constabulary for over 11 years and is a parent to a three‑year‑old son at Oxhey Nursery School, giving him a strong personal connection to education and safeguarding. and aligning with the Roots Federation’s commitment to safe, nurturing environments where children feel welcome, valued and ready to learn.
Rachael Fallon
Rachael is an experienced education professional with over ten years of teaching experience in primary school settings. Throughout her career, she has worked across a range of age groups, supporting children’s learning, development and wellbeing, with particular expertise in Early Years education. She has successfully led Early Years provision for a number of years, overseeing curriculum development, supporting staff and ensuring that children receive a strong foundation for future learning.
Rachael is passionate about creating inclusive, nurturing and engaging learning environments where every child feels valued, supported and inspired to achieve their potential. She recognises the importance of the early years in shaping children’s confidence, independence and lifelong love of learning, and is committed to promoting high-quality educational experiences that enable all children to thrive.
Through her leadership and classroom practice, Rachael has developed expertise in child development, curriculum planning, assessment and fostering positive partnerships with families. She understands the importance of working collaboratively with staff, parents and the wider community to support children’s academic, social and emotional growth.
As an EYPP Governor, Rachael brings valuable first-hand experience of delivering and leading Early Years education. She is committed to supporting the federation’s vision of providing high-quality, inclusive learning opportunities for all children and helping to ensure that every child develops the confidence, curiosity and skills they need to succeed.
