Hannah Bailey   

Year 6 Link Governor

I have lived in Deanshanger for the past nine years and have one child currently at DPS.

Having been a primary teacher for 16 years, I now run my own children and adults wellbeing classes, focussing on teaching the skills needed to become aware of emotions and the techniques needed to manage them.

I have taught all year groups from Year 1 to Year 6, with the last 5 being in Year 6. I have been SENCO and worked with the LA in this area. As well as this, I have been a Learning Mentor, Assessment lead, KS2 Leader, EYFS lead as well as curriculum focus in Maths, Art, Science and PSHCE. Before my Teacher training I was a TA for 2 years, so feel I have walked in a lot of school positions’ shoes!

Although no longer in the classroom, I passionately believe in the importance of an excellent education for all children. I have chosen to work in schools in challenging areas or in difficulties to be part of a change for good and was integral in bringing one school from Special Measures to Good in two years.

In my free time I enjoy all art and creative pursuits, as well as gardening.

I feel I could bring experience, creativity and understanding to the role of a Governor and would love the opportunity to help DPS continue on its amazing journey to “Outstanding”.

Pecuniary Interest – None             
Current Term of Office  11th October 2020 - 12th July 2024

 Vincent Lajux. 

Pecuniary Interest – None             
Current Term of Office  31st July 2020 - 12th July 2024

David Aaronson  -  Chair of Governors, Committee Membership: member of Curriculum committee and joint SEND lead, Most Able lead, Safeguarding/Child protection lead and BNTO member

SEND Link Governor

I have been a Governor for nearly 30 years and my reasons were so I could help support the school in the work it does in providing positive experiences for all the children regardless of ability, to see that we became a transforming force in the wider community and ensure that we delivered the best educational opportunities we could.  Before retirement, I worked in the field of Special Education with Adults with Learning Disabilities and as a SEN link governor, this has enabled me to support the school in this very important area.

I was a District and Parish Councillor up until 2014 and this allowed me to build up links between the School and wider community,  as well as accessing support and funding from outside agencies. 

Pecuniary Interest – None             
Current Term of Office  1st September 2019 - 31st August 2023

Andy Limbert - Committee Membership:  Chair of Curriculum Committee, Vice Chair Personnel Committee and joint SEND lead, safer recruitment lead

Year 4 Link Governor

I am a retired hotelier with over 40 years of experience running large hotels, both in this country and overseas.

Having lived in the village for more than 30 years, I have always taken an interest in both the primary and secondary schools. In their youth, both of my grown-up children attended the schools and benefitted from the excellent education which they received.

When running hotels I have been active within schools in a number of areas, having worked with education establishments as a careers advisor, mentor and other supporting roles.

I truly believe in the importance of a sound education and I hope I will bring to the team at the school, the knowledge and experience which I gained from the variety of roles which I have held in industry.

For many years I have been active within the village community, serving as a Parish Councillor, and together with my wife, we started and ran the Deanshanger Feast for over 16 years.

I am looking forward to furthering my involvement in the community, by supporting and working with the team at the school. 

Pecuniary Interest -  None
Current Term of Office   17th July 2017 - 16th July 2021      

Geordie Stewart - Vice Chair Finance Committee

Year 2 Link Governor

I’ve been a governor at Deanshanger Primary School since October 2020.

After studying at the University of St Andrews, I spent a year at Sandhurst before commissioning into the Light Dragoons - an armoured reconnaissance regiment. I spent several years as a Troop Leader before instructing at phase one training where I spent the final 18 months of my army career. I’ve written two books and currently work for Amazon in Milton Keynes.

Teaching has been part of my family for generations – great-grandparents, grandparents and now one of my sisters. I applied to be a Governor having had an insight to teaching in other countries alongside my desire to better understand our education system and local community having moved to Deanshanger. I believe and hope I can add something different given my experience to date in the public and private sector.

Pecuniary Interest -  None
Current Term of Office   1st Oct 2020- 16th July 2021     

Mani Janakiraman 

Year 5 Link Governor

I’ve been a governor at Deanshanger Primary School since December 2020.

I have more than 20 years of professional experience having worked with many international banks, Public utility and Non-profits. I have been a Founder CEO of a tech start-up and hold directorship within an IT and Business Consultancy for the last ten years.

I grew up in a proud teaching family where both of my parents were teachers in a primary school setting. My siblings were also trained to be qualified teachers. I feel passionate about contributing to the wonderful cause of education which has the power to elevate all strata of the society.

As a Governor, I look forward to providing an objective input to the Governing Council’s decision-making process with a view to improving the functioning of the school for the benefit of all stakeholders (pupils, staff and parents) and elevating the status of the school within the Community.

Pecuniary Interest -  None
Current Term of Office   1st Dec 2020- 16th July 2021   

Daniel Peel - member of Personnel Committee, Finance Committee and lead governor for health and safety

Year 3 Link Governor

I am a proud dad of 3  children in the school. I have lived locally in the Milton Keynes area all my life. 

In 2018, I was employed by the school as a Learning Support Assistant in year 4. Whilst this was a big change from being in corporate business for 15 years, I really enjoyed the change in direction and realised how rewarding working and supporting children could be. In September 2019 I moved to an Office admin role, where I now look after the schools admin and still have contact with the children during the week. 

Becoming a member of the Governing body is a way for me to give back to a school that has given my children so much. I am hoping it will give me further opportunities to make a difference and support our school in the future. I enjoy and thrive on the challenge that comes with every aspect of school life and am passionate about high-quality education for each and every child to reach their potential. I would like to contribute to providing an infrastructure and environment to ensure outstanding education is given to all children at Deanshanger Primary. Schools should be a safe, secure and happy environment for staff and pupils alike, and as staff governor, I believe I can help support the school. 

Pecuniary Interest – Office Team 

Current Term of Office started - 13/09/2018 - 16th July 2021   

Peter Nickoll - Committee Membership: Vice Chair Curriculum 

EYFS and Year 1 Link Governor

I have had 47 years experience working in and supporting primary schools across the country.  I began my teaching career in Kent in 1971, moved for promotion to Buckinghamshire and finally to Northamptonshire. 

I was headteacher of a primary school in Buckinghamshire 1984-1990 and at Deanshanger Primary School between 1990 – 1997.  In 1997, I was appointed General Education Inspector and Adviser.  During my time as an inspector I undertook over 40 OFSTED Inspections leading 20 of them.

In 2005, I was appointed Principal Adviser for Primary Education in Northamptonshire and was responsible for the quality of and standards in Northamptonshire Primary Schools.

In 2008, I resigned from the Council and worked for myself as an Independent Consultant providing advice and support to over 45 primary schools. 

I finally retired in 2018 but wish to share my knowledge and expertise by offering advice and support to the headteacher and governors of Deanshanger Primary School. 

Pecuniary Interest: None

Current Term of Office: 01/04/2019 - 31/03/2023

Rachel Rice - Committee Membership: All Committees

I had the pleasure of being a Head teacher in two other schools before joining Deanshanger in 2014. After an amazing family experience in Thailand, both personally and professionally, we moved to the UAE for my first headship. The interesting thing is that it may have been in the middle of the desert with sprinklers trying to keep us cool in the playground, but everything else was pretty much the same as the UK - the same curriculum with same expectations and fabulous children keen to learn!

We then moved as a family to Kampala in Uganda and all I can say is WOW! The most beautiful country and people with incredible staff, children and families.  The school was a British International School and held all of the features of school life that I hold dear - open communication, teamwork, dedication, high standards, a broad curriculum, well-matched resources and lots of smiles. 

Arriving back in the UK with my family in 2014 was a shock in some respects but very familiar in others. I went to Old Stratford Primary as a child and spent my secondary years at EWS here in Deanshanger ( formerly known as Kingsbrook)! I even did supply work here 20 years ago when I was starting a family!

I feel privileged to work in such a vibrant and community-focused school. We have been on a strong journey of reflection and school improvement and, in reality, this will not have an endpoint! There is always new educational research, external and internal feedback, changing expectations and individual needs to focus on. It's interesting how the world of education constantly changes but tried and tested strategies return.

We are well supported by all stakeholders, have a very active PTA, parents that show a huge interest in their child’s education and very importantly, happy and polite children that come to school eager to learn – the recipe for learning success.

I am also very fortunate to work alongside a committed team of governors that constantly challenges us as critical friends whilst supporting our forward direction. We work strategically to ensure that our School Improvement Plan is acted upon in a timely manner and that all other advice is reflected upon to ensure our school is constantly moving towards being outstanding in the widest sense. 

Pecuniary Interest - Employee
Current Term of Office started –  31st August 2014

DPS Governing Body Meeting Schedule: FGB and Committee Meeting Dates, Sept 2019 – Sept 2020

DPS Governing Body Meeting Schedule: FGB and Committee Meeting Dates, Sept 2018 – Sept 2019

Agreed FGB 13/9/2018