Meet our Governors

Sarah Asquith: I was a Parent Governor at Paddock from 1995-2005 and, after my son left the school, became a Co-opted Governor. My background is in publishing, in which I still work. My enthusiasm and admiration for the school has rarely wavered and indeed has increased over recent years, principally because of the remarkable commitment of all staff towards the school and pupils. I am Joint Chair with Tim Pethybridge, and live in Wandsworth.

Tim Pethybridge: I first became involved with Paddock School as the parent of a severely disabled daughter. I was one of the first parents to be elected to the governing body and when my term ended I became an LA Governor. I have recently been recognised for my long service to the school by Wandsworth Council. I am a director of Private Banking with a major financial institution in the City. I was a director of The Children's Trust, which provides rehabilitation and care services for some of the most disabled children in the country, and I am also a trustee of The Guildhall School of Music and Drama. I live with my family in South West London.

Georgina Hania: I have worked at Paddock school since 1986, first as a Nursery Nurse working in classes across all age phases and with students with a variety of special needs.

In 2012 I became the school’s Family Liaison Officer working with families to provide a range of training activities, Supporting families by sign posting them to appropriate services, running coffee mornings, and responding to parent needs as they arise.

I am a qualified Makaton Tutor and run communication training for both staff and families.

As a non-teaching Staff Governor I enjoy gaining an insiders perspective into the running of our special school. I also contribute my insight to the school’s overall vision.

Bruce Jones: I am a partner in a London law firm. I moved to Wandsworth from Berkshire in 2014 and became a governor of the school shortly afterwards. I have no particular connection with the school but became a Co-opted Governor because I wanted to give something back to society and to do something to honour the memory of my late wife, who was a teacher. I remarried in 2015 and have twin children and two step-children.

Bobbie Cooper: I wanted to become a Paddock Governor for two reasons; so that I could have a clearer understanding of the school's functioning, and because I wished to give back something (however small) to a school I have great admiration for. My role began shortly before Paddock's transformation into its exciting and creative current phase on two sites. I was initially a Parent Governor but am now a Co-opted Governor.

I found being a Parent Governor extremely rewarding and enjoyable, and would encourage other parents to consider becoming one if the opportunity arises. It's a great way to gain awareness and insight into the day-to-day workings and ethos of the school. You feel you have a voice, and can potentially make a constructive impact on the students' education and the overall experience of their school day.

I have been impressed by the determination, commitment and enthusiasm demonstrated by Sarah Santos and her highly skilled colleagues who have made Paddock one of the best schools in the country. The school governing body is extremely well run and co-chaired by two very experienced governors who are supportive and encouraging of new governors. Overall, I find the Paddock governors a friendly, committed and inclusive team, and it is a real privilege to be part of this.

Colette Roach: I am an NHS Manager working in the field of children and young people’s mental health, with degrees in biology and public health. I became a co-opted governor at Paddock School primarily because I have lived in Wandsworth all my life and wanted to give something back to my community. I am also really interested in children’s development, education and health, and am keen to bring my professional background in this area to the governor role.

Whilst I have no specific connection to the school nor background in education, it has been a privilege to gain insight into how the school runs and provides the best possible education and care for its pupils. This is my first role as a governor, and so far it has been an interesting, challenging and rewarding experience.

Paul Hayes: I come from a military background and have also worked in the construction industry. Now I am a full-time carer for my son Dominic, another happy student at Paddock. I was a governor at Somerset Nursery and Children’s Centre in Battersea and currently am one of four Parent Representatives on the Patients and Families Experience Enhancement Committee at Great Ormond Street Hospital. I also act as a Parent Champion in Wandsworth, which involves helping other parents of disabled children to understand the benefits of joining the Disabled Children’s Register and guiding them towards local services. I have recently been appointed as a Parent Governor at Paddock and am looking forward to getting started.

Jeeven Bedi: I currently run a construction company and before that worked in finance. Although I have no previous connection to Paddock School, I am delighted to become a co-opted governor and hope that my experience and eagerness to make a contribution to the local community will help the school as it expands.

Also, because of growing up with a brother with Down’s Syndrome I am very aware of the impact that school makes on those of all abilities and want to support the team at Paddock where I can. The school has already impressed me so much with its dedicated staff and high quality teaching.

I live in Wandsworth – where I have been a resident for over 25 years – with my wife and three teenage children.

Surabhi Sharma: I am a full-time parent to my autistic son who started at Paddock Lower School in September 2021. Ever since my first contact with the team at Paddock, I have been extremely impressed by the knowledge, enthusiasm and unwavering dedication of the leadership team, teachers and staff of the school.

Having a child with special education needs is highly challenging and I was fortunate to receive lots of support from the Early Years resources and other parents in Wandsworth.

I became a Parent Governor in 2021 with a view to give back to the community, and to support the school in strengthening its position as a champion of children with special needs and a leader among special schools.

I have a Masters in business and marketing and have worked previously for Fast Moving Consumer Goods and Media Marketing in India.

Gavin Marshall: I joined Paddock in June 2021 as a Teaching Assistant at the Middle School, currently in Euston Class.

Prior to Paddock, I worked in advertising and marketing for 28 years including Global Head of Digital at SAB Miller and Associate Marketing Director at Coca Cola. Following a couple months volunteering at a refugee camp in Northern Greece, I pivoted career to work in the charity sector and joined Mind (the mental health charity) to lead social marketing in Africa and India tackling the stigma surrounding mental health. I am certified by the World Health Organisation as a Quality Rights practitioner, promoting the rights of those with mental health conditions.

Mimie Wite-Nkate: When talking to others about Paddock School, I often refer to it as ‘my village’, and I refer to the professionals who support the wellbeing of my son, who is currently 7 years old, as ‘my tribe’. I decided to join the governing board as a parent governor in order to give something back, and it’s been a gradual progression for me – I’m very keen to support parents who have children like mine, I enjoy advocating for SEN children in daily life, and raising funds for an SEN school in Congo (where I’m from) is very important to me.

So, taking on this role has seemed a natural process. It’s a way not just to represent parents but also to encourage and support the selfless and amazing team at Paddock. The dedication and hard work of the staff ensure that our children thrive in a safe environment.

Dev Singhvi: I work for PwC in the Deals practice, advising clients on M&A in the Technology, Media and Telecoms sectors. I grew up in the UK and have since lived and worked in Singapore and Myanmar, before moving back to London.

Outside work, I enjoy spending time with my family (we have a young boy), running along the Thames Path, and reading.

I became a governor at Paddock School to share my expertise in all things financial and to contribute to the local community.

I am passionate about education and the impact it has on livelihoods and health. I provide mentoring and career advice to young adults, and business mentoring to entrepreneurs from underprivileged backgrounds. I am keen to bring my experience in finance and mentoring to the governor role at Paddock School.