The Governing Body plays an important role in school life.  The role of the governing body is to provide strategic management, to act as a "critical friend", and support the work of the Headteacher and other staff.

Aims of the Governing Body:

• Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction.
• Hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils.
• Oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure money is well spent.

In Catholic schools, Foundation Governors, who are practising Catholics appointed by the Diocese, make up the majority. A Foundation Governor has a responsibility to preserve and develop the Catholic character of the school, but like all governors, they also have to ensure high standards of educational achievement for the children.

You can contact the Governors via the school office - office@salinf.org

Our Governing Body

Chair of Governors: 

Mrs Sarah Starling 

Term: Feb 2024 - Jan 2028

Appointing Body: Foundation/ Trust Diocese

Sarah studied Physical and Sport education at St Mary’s University, before
becoming a teacher in a local Catholic secondary school. Her specialisms are in
Special Educational Needs, Mental Health in young people and Safeguarding.
Sarah has a child at St Anne Line Infant School and aims to give back to a
community that enriches the educational and spiritual lives of the young people that
it successfully serves.

 

Vice Chair of Governors:

Mr Paul Norris

Term: Feb 2024 - Jan 2028

Appointing Body: Foundation/ Trust Diocese

Mr Paul Norris is a serving Headteacher of a Catholic secondary school.  He has
served as a Governor and Chair of governors of a Catholic infant school and
previously as a governor at a Catholic Junior School. His experience also includes
serving as a trustee and Chair of a Catholic trust in South Essex and Thurrock and
he is a current member of the Brentwood Diocesan Board of Education.  Paul
studied Law as an undergraduate before training to become a teacher of English. 
Under his leadership, the values of faith, service, and education have been nurtured, ensuring students grow both academically and spiritually.

 

Foundation Governors:

Fr Albert Kollemkudy Chakkoo

Appointed: Jan 2025

Appointing Body: by Virtue

Father Albert has been serving as assistant parish priest for the past year, bringing warmth, energy, and compassion to the parish community. In his short time, he has already become a valued presence, supporting parish life with dedication and kindness.

 

Parent Governors:

Mrs Lynette Brathwaite

Appointed: Feb 2024

Appointing Body: Elected by parents

Lynnette Brathwaite is a mother of 4 and has worked within education and the
charity sector for over 11 years, supporting vulnerable and at-risk young people and
adults.  She manages and delivers programmes that provide personal and
employability development and opportunities that encourage upward social mobility.

 

Co-opted Governor:

Mrs Melissa Dube

Appointed: Feb 2024

Appointing Body: Elected by parents

Melissa is a qualified Social Worker.  Prior to qualifying, she worked for Family Solutions for 4
years, gaining most of her initial experience from there. She have worked with children
from 0-16 years old and is currently working with 16-18 year olds, She has a passion
for helping children and young people. She has a daughter who attends St Anne Line
Infant School.

 

Head Teacher Governor:

Mrs Melanie Clayton

Appointed: Jan 2023

Appointing Body: by Virtue

Mrs Clayton, our Headteacher, has been a part of our school for 19 years, ensuring the school’s vision and mission remain at the heart of every decision. Her dual role allows her to guide both the daily life of the school and its long-term strategic direction with wisdom and care.

 

Staff Governor:

Mrs Claire Warren

Appointed: March 2025

Appointing Body: Elected by Staff

Mrs Warren is our Deputy Head, who works closely with the headteacher and staff to ensure every child flourishes. With commitment and care, she helps to uphold the school’s values and strengthen the partnership between pupils, parents, and the wider community.  She has been a teacher for 20 years, working in Havering and Essex during that time.

 

Interested in Becoming a Governor?

If you would like to find out more about what being a governor involves, or if you’re interested in applying, please contact the school office or email us at office@salinf.org. We would be happy to talk with you about upcoming opportunities or direct you to the appropriate application process via the Diocese or Local Authority.

Come and help us shape the future of our school!