Local Governance Committee
Melissa Taylor (Executive Headteacher)
Melissa is the Executive Headteacher at Ford End, Margaretting and Roxwell Primary Schools and is committed to bringing together all of her classroom and management experience to ensure that these 3 Mid-Essex Schools are best they can be. She ensures that collaborative work between the Mid-Essex Schools and LIFE Education Trust enriches the lives of the children and enhances the curriculum. Melissa has a degree in history as well as a PGCE teaching qualification and a National Professional Qualification in Senior Leadership. She is currently studying the National Qualification for Headship. Melissa has a passion for the arts in the primary curriculum and has written a research paper on this topic. She is also dedicated to ensuring that all children reach their full potential and aims to prepare all children for secondary school by the time they leave in Year 6.
SUZANNE FARRIS (Chair)
Suzanne is an independent occupational therapist specialising in paediatrics, working in the medical legal field, mainly in obstetric clinical negligence. As part of this role, she supports parents to apply for EHCPs and prepare for educational tribunals. Prior to this she worked in the NHS as a clinician and senior manager. As Director of Community Services in an east London trust, she managed a portfolio of adult and children’s services including safeguarding. She has an interest in supporting the health and well-being of all children and promoting equality.
EMILIE DARABASZ
Emilie is the Joint Headteacher at Frances Bardsley Academy for Girls. Following completion of French as a foreign language master and PGCE at Canterbury Christ Church University, Emilie started her career in a school in Essex where she gained 10 years’ experience and during which time was promoted to various positions including a Head of Year, a Pastoral Lead and Head of 6th form.
Emilie joined FBA in September 2015 as an Assistant Head overseeing the school’s behaviour and pastoral system but also the pupil premium provision. After three years of positive trends and a very strong track record, Emilie was appointed joint Head of School in September 2019. Emilie loves cooking, travelling and has a passion for working with young women and helping them to become empowered strong women.
ROBECCA DAVEY
Robecca is a parent of children at the school. She is a Senior Associate, Chartered Trade Mark Attorney working at a leading global intellectual property firm. In her spare time, Robecca lectures students on the Chartered Institute of Trade Mark Attorneys (CITMA) paralegal course, writes articles for industry publications and contributes to the updating of legal journals. As Governor, Robecca is looking forward to supporting the school in the continued growth and development of its children.
JANE KAIN
Jane is a parent to a child currently attending Margaretting and has worked within the education sector for 14 years. Jane is a qualified Primary school teacher and has also completed the National Award for SEND Co-ordination. She has worked at several schools across Essex and has been a phase leader, PE subject lead, EYFS specialist as well as a SENDCO. Jane has a passion for education and as Governor she is hoping to bring her experience and knowledge of the sector to help support the school.