Governance

Local School Committee (LSC)

The Local School Committee (LSC) provides strategic oversight, support and challenge to the school’s senior leadership team to ensure high standards of education and the best possible outcomes for pupils. It works within the vision, ethos and policies of the Trust and ensures that statutory responsibilities are met, including those set out in Keeping Children Safe in Education and Working Together to Safeguard Children.

The LSC is made up of the Headteacher (and Head of School where applicable), elected staff and parent members and co-opted community members who are appointed for their skills and experience and meets 4 times a year alongside a programme of LSC member visits to the school.

The LSC has delegated responsibility to work with senior leaders on the following:

• Standards
• Stakeholder engagement
• Safeguarding
• Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND)

The LSC is a committee of the Spiral Partnership Trust which is legally responsible for overseeing the operations of the Trust’s schools.  Our decisions are monitored by, and may be influenced by, the Board of Directors who are ultimately responsible for all the actions of the Trust’s schools.

The LSC supports the work of the Trust and Board of Directors, acts as a questioning friend to the school, monitoring decision making and its impact on pupil progress, achievement and attainment and ensures that the Trust’s vision, ethos and strategy is adopted and applied by school leaders.

If you would like to contact the Local School Committee or find out more about how it works, please contact the school office by telephone or email at admin@springmead.herts.sch.uk.

LSC members do not deal with individual pupil matters or specific complaints and parents and carers should first raise concerns with their child’s class teacher and then with the Headteacher or Head of School where necessary.

Meet the members of our Local School Committee:

Sarah Merrigan (Chair)

I am a senior leader in a local community secondary school and have enjoyed working alongside Springmead in the secondary school transition process. I was keen to enhance the relationship with Springmead and support them in communicating Springmead successes. 

Karen Cayford (Headteacher)

I joined Springmead in September 2018 and have overseen a fundamental change in the school since then.  I was born and have lived in Hertfordshire for most of my life and still have children who go to school within the county.  I am privileged to lead such as diverse and interesting school and can see our vision and aims in action every day.

I love the variety that the children and families bring to Springmead and the importance that we place on developing the whole child whilst not taking our focus away from continually striving to raise standards. It is a happy environment to be in for everyone who learns and works here and every day presents a new and exciting challenge.  

Chris Gearing (Staff Governor)

Having had both of my children go through Springmead and having previously chaired the PTA for five years, I became employed by the school four years ago as the School Business Manager and now work as a Senior School Business Manager across two schools within the Spiral Partnership Trust. By overseeing the school’s operational, financial, and administrative functions, my role gives me a deep understanding of how the school operates. I take pride in being part of a team that helps to ensure a safe, welcoming environment in which pupils can achieve their potential.

Dirk Werling (Parent)

I am Professor of Molecular Immunology at the Royal Veterinary College and a Fellow of the Higher Education Academy.  Thus, whereas I may not have a deep insight into Primary School Teaching, I have a good understanding of what contributes to a successful learning environment.  I have experience in curriculum setting and delivery, and in managing large projects in groups with a diverse background. 

I have two daughters who currently attend Springmead.  I was elected as a parent governor at Springmead in autumn 2016, taking up office in early 2017.  I am a qualified Vet, and enjoy spending my time with animals and in the outdoors with activities such as rock climbing, skiing and cycling.

Laura Downer (Co-opted)

I have lived in Welwyn Garden City with my family all my life and have two children one of which attends Springmead and the other was a former pupil and is now at secondary school. 

I became a co-opted member of the local school committee in January 2019 and have had the privilege to see first hand how the school has developed over the past 6 years and to achieve its Good Ofsted rating. I have a background in Human Resources and have worked within both the public and private sector for the past 22 years. 

I am excited for having the opportunity to continue to support the school in its continual improvement plans and to maintain its high standard of teaching and learning.  In my spare time, I am an avid women’s rugby supporter and enjoy walking and spending time with my family.

Natalie Moore

I have two children who attend the school and am excited to support the school community in this role. I work locally as a SENCO and am passionate about inclusion, ensuring that every child feels valued, supported, and able to thrive. I strongly believe in a relational approach, building positive relationships that help children achieve their full potential. In my spare time, I love being with family and friends and enjoy being active and exploring new things. 

Our Clerk is Patrick Aikman.

• LSC Constitution Declarations of Interest - Springmead LSC

Current LSC Members

Previous LSC Members

Dates of meetings for 2025-26 are:

Wednesday 23rd September 2026 at 6.00pm

Wednesday 2nd December 2026 at 8:30am

Wednesday 17th March 2026 at 8:30am

Wednesday 30th June 2027 at 6:00pm

All meetings are attended by LSC members and invited guests only.

To contact any of our LSC members please email admin@springmead.herts.sch.uk and your enquiry will be passed on.