Meet the Governors

We are a very active governing body, meeting formally twice each term, but maintaining a high profile within the school at various school and fundraising events. Our current members are:

Hannah Jones

Awaiting biography

Lara Gardiner

Lara has been a governor at Ivy Chimneys since 2014.  She is an experienced teacher, currently teaching in another local primary school , and a qualified SENCO. Her involvement with Ivy Chimneys goes back to 2007 when she undertook a placement here as a trainee teacher. Lara has children at Epping Upland Primary (another school which is part of our multi-academy trust) and Epping St John's Secondary School. She is also involved in the Epping Anglican Church Team as warden at All Saint's, Epping Upland. As well as being one of the governing body's Vice Chairs Lara also has responsibility for SEN and disadvantaged pupils.

Andy Jones

Andy is the deputy head teacher at Ivy Chimneys. His association with the school started when his oldest child began attending in 2006; joining a well-established school with a rich history of tradition and a caring ethos. When his younger child began school Andy started teaching at Ivy Chimneys part-time, moving to full-time teaching (year 3/4) the following year.  Since then Andy has taught every year group in the school, albeit only occasionally in EYFS, and has seen many changes in that time. His passion for PE and interest in science helps with his subject responsibilities and, although his children now both attend Epping St John's Secondary School, he continues to play an active role in all areas of Ivy Chimneys.  Andy is our teacher governor and helps our governing body to gain an insight into how the school is progressing and how future plans could lead to further development. He is both proud and pleased to be able to say that Ivy Chimneys would still be his first choice of local school, upholding the welcoming atmosphere, traditions and character that make it a special place for staff and children alike.

Cherry McCredie

Cherry is most easily recognised as an Epping Town & District Councillor, covering the Ivy Chimneys area. She brings a wealth of experience to our Board from her various other roles, including as Chair of the Epping Forest & Brentwood Independent Advisory Group (a support group for the police) and as member of the pan Essex Strategic Independent Advisory Group at Police H.Q. She is a prominent member of the community as: a member of CountryCare (conservation for local Nature Reserves), a committee member of Friends of Swaines Green, a volunteer in the Market Garden, and a tree warden. Now retired, her former career and interests lie in horse training and the teaching of horse riding, including to children.