Meet our governors

On behalf of the governors of Alwyn Infant and Courthouse Junior School, I would like to offer you a very warm welcome to our schools. We are writing to introduce ourselves as the two Co-Chairs of Governors of the Alwyn and Courthouse Federation.

Eduard Woltjer

My name is Eduard Woltjer and I have been a member of the governing board since 2019, at first appointed as a parent governor and now as a co-opted governor. Both my daughter Isla and son Luke attended Alwyn and Courthouse, where they benefitted greatly from the unique culture of both schools. Professionally, I have over 15 years’ experience in the IT industry, holding a variety of HR leadership roles. I bring this expertise to my role as a governor, supporting the staff and leadership team in developing and delivering the strategic plan, while ensuring that the children remain at the heart of every priority.

Paul Griffiths

I am an IT consulting Director, focused primarily on the public sector, bringing a wealth of experience in deploying technology solutions into large government organisations. As part of this role, I am required to keep abreast of recent legislation and understand what this means to the different large organisations with whom I work, both from a technology and business process perspective. I have 2 children, Joe who is in John Hampden, and Emma, who is undertaking a degree apprenticeship, both having been through Alwyn & Courthouse previously. I joined the governing body in 2019 and have enjoyed working with the leadership team in both schools. One of the perspectives I am looking to bring to the Governing Body, is an understanding of the knowledge and experiences the children will require as they progress into later secondary schools. We must ensure that they benefit fully from their Alwyn and Courthouse experience, becoming rounded individuals, fulfilling their full potential.

We are proud to co-chair the board of governors of the two exceptional schools in Maidenhead which came together through the federation during 2021. We are fortunate to be working with such a strong governing board comprising skilled, experienced and committed individuals, including parents and members with deep knowledge of the local community. Our role is to set the strategic direction for both schools, working closely with our Executive Headteacher, Lawrence Hyatt, and to support and complement the skills of the senior leadership teams in each school to deliver on our mission of ensuring every child receives not only an excellent academic education but real-world knowledge, skills and experiences to help them thrive in whatever they choose to do when they leave school and become fully committed citizens of tomorrow. We ensure the schools have a clear vision, direction, and ethos. Also, we oversee the financial performance of the school in these very challenging times to ensure that the money the school receives is spent wisely.

Alwyn and Courthouse are wonderful places and all of us who serve the school as governors are immensely proud of the fantastic achievements of those attending and working at the school, and we would like to thank parents for their interest in supporting and maintaining our strong partnership with the local community. We wish your child every success and happiness and will do all in our power to ensure that together we build a future where every child is flourishing.

Paul Griffiths and Eduard Woltjer

Co-Chairs of Governors

Meet our Governors

Marta Cano	I am a school leader and SENDCo working in a school in Slough. I have dedicated most of my career to education and am passionate about inclusion, teaching, and learning. I am very excited about this new role, as I view the Alwyn & Courthouse Federation as a place with a driven mentality and a strong community. Becoming a new mum has made me realise even more the importance of “getting it right” and the crucial role schools play in this today. With this in mind, I hope that, with my knowledge and expertise, I can contribute to the further development of both schools and support them as much as I am sure this community will support my personal growth. Outside work, I enjoy life outdoors and exercise. I also love travelling!
Sindhu Narayanan	I work in technology leadership at a major UK bank, with over 25 years of experience in the financial sector. My career has equipped me with strong leadership, strategic planning, and governance skills—qualities I am eager to apply in supporting our school’s development. I look forward to bringing my professional experience and personal values to the school governing board, and to working alongside others who share a commitment to excellence in education. I have lived in Maidenhead for the last 18 years. Outside of work, I enjoy gardening, cooking, and experimenting with new recipes.
Rachel Allman	With a son now in Alwyn and a daughter in Courthouse, it was important to me to become more involved with the school community and contribute to building on the Federation’s success for our children and staff. We are part of a great school. I’m especially interested in continuing to develop a strong culture; the feeling of belonging, a focus on wellbeing and community that’s so important in enabling our kids to thrive. Academically, of course, but in many other ways too. Creative thinking, problem-solving and emotional resilience are increasingly important in the world they are entering. Professionally, I’m experienced in setting strategic direction, pinpointing opportunities for improvement and gently but effectively challenging to achieve constructive change. All of which are important skills for this role. Outside of family and work life, I enjoy travel, yoga, reading and good food!
Jenny Sakal	A passionate and experienced teacher at Alwyn, who is able to reflect the views of the brilliant teaching team across the federation and the local community as she lives in the schools' area.
Navroop Mehat	I am the Headteacher at Wexham Court Primary School in Slough. I have had the pleasure of seeing our children thrive and grow for a number of years. We understand that we ALL play a special part in our children’s development and as a school community we work well together in doing so. With that being said, last year I was awarded the Pearson Headteacher of the Year Award. This was such a heart-warming surprise! Alongside working at Wexham Court Primary, I also support local schools on their journey of improvement by providing Leadership Training. I am also part of key groups such as: School Forum School Education Partnership Board Primary Headteacher’s Core Group After a long time, I feel that education is at a point of interest and I feel highly motivated by it. The content and information being shared with teachers and leaders is great, and I love being part of it. Personally, I enjoy sports, going to the cinema/theatre and taking long walks in the countryside.
Siobhan Tarbuck	I’m a local GP, so I am passionate about our community. I initially joined the PTA when my youngest was in reception as I was keen to get involved in some way to help the schools. My son has been through both schools and has just finished year 6 and my daughter is in year 4 currently. When the two schools became a federation in 2021, I decided it was a great time to join the board of governors. In my work as a GP the impact of mental health and well-being is so apparent, especially since the pandemic. I’m hoping that this experience and focus will be a great skill set for future decisions as a governing board. Outside of work, I enjoy exercise, reading, family trips and eating out with friends.
Emma Keen	I am a Finance Director with over 20 years experience in finance and commercial roles across both the private and public sectors. I applied for the role of Finance Governor so I could give back to the schools that my son has been very happy at for many years. He is currently in Courthouse. Education has always been a big part of my family life, with my mum and both my sisters working as teachers in primary schools, so I am passionate about making sure our children and teachers have the support they need. I look forward to bringing my experience and expertise to the Governing Board to help with this. I have lived in Maidenhead for over 25 years and went to school at Furze Platt senior school, so I know the local area well! Outside work, you will find me spending time with my family and walking our lively spaniel, Luna. I also enjoy karate and going for the occasional gym class!
Jenny Sakal	A passionate and experienced teacher at Alwyn Infant School, who is able to reflect the views of the brilliant teaching teams across the federation and the local community as she lives in the school's area.
Felicity Viney	I am a highly experienced Children’s Physiotherapist with a specialist background in supporting the physical development, mobility and well-being of young people. I have worked across a range of healthcare and educational settings, helping children and families to overcome challenges and achieve their potential. I am passionate about child health and education and bring valuable expertise in child development, safeguarding and inclusive practice to my role as safeguarding governor. I am committed to ensuring that every pupil has access to support and opportunities they need to thrive both in and out of the classroom. My son has just started in Courthouse and my daughter is in Alwyn. I felt now was the right time to become more involved in the school, to support them with their visions and values. Outside of work and family life I enjoy walking with my dogs, Rolo and Bailey, going out for meals with friends and swimming.
Helen Walles	I am new to Maidenhead, having recently relocated with my family from London. As a Project Manager for a local authority my work focuses on making improvements to the way adult social care services are delivered for residents. To do this I analyse lots of data so I can understand trends, make recommendations and measure the success of changes made. I am also undertaking an apprenticeship in data analysis and I have a particular interest in equity, diversity and inclusion. I am currently working on a project to address the differences experienced by various groups when accessing social care services. As a mother of two, and an experienced social worker, I am passionate about the importance of education and the role it plays in shaping children’s wellbeing, both now and for their future. I have worked to safeguard children in various roles for 12 years and now I am excited to use my skills and experience to benefit Alwyn and Courthouse.