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.
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Gemma Williamson
Gemma is an experienced leader who, prior to the Federation of the three Nursery schools, She was originally the sole Headteacher of Muriel Green Nursery School in St Albans. Gemma has vast experience in Early Years leadership. She led the Foundation Stage at Laurence Haines primary school in Watford and was selected by the Local Authority to be a Leading Teacher. In this role she supported other schools across the County with improving their Early Years provision.
Gemma Hall
Gemma has worked in education for over twenty years. Passionate about supporting children with special educational needs, she’s worked as a SENCo, InCo, Inclusion Leader and Deputy Head. Currently a DSPL Manager and SEND Lead, Gemma supports SENCos in Watford, Three Rivers, Bushey and Radlett. She ensures that schools, settings, professionals, services and ISL collaborate and share best practice, so that children of all abilities can access an ambitious curriculum. In her role as governor, she brings unrivalled knowledge and experience of SEND provision.
Matthew Brown
Matthew joined Oxhey Nursery in 2019 as Chair of Governors. During his tenure, he recruited the current co-headteachers of Roots, and oversaw Oxhey’s transition into the Roots Federation. Matthew is our Oxhey Link Governor and the Safeguarding Governor. In his spare time, he is a scout leader for the 64th Bushey & Oxhey Beaver Scouts.
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.
Carole Connelly
Carole is a highly experienced clerk and educational consultant with decades of service in the public sector, including extensive work with Hertfordshire County Council. Her expertise spans school complaints, grievances, safeguarding and safer recruitment. Known for her professionalism and attention to detail, she plays a key role in supporting schools to run efficiently and effectively.
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 has extensive experience in education, working in Watford schools since 2001. His previous roles include two primary headships in Hertfordshire where he demonstrated a track record of rapid school improvement. He led the academisation of Laurance Haines in November 2016 and set up the Inclusive Multi Academy Trust, which includes a further two schools – Beechfield and Cherry Tree. James is a keen advocate for disadvantaged children and established the Trust in order to ensure children in the most disadvantaged areas of Watford are given the same life chances as their peers throughout Hertfordshire. James has a passion for curriculum development with a family centred, nurturing approach to learning. James currently works as a Hertfordshire Improvement Partner where he is part of a team monitoring and supporting primary schools across Hertfordshire
