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 (Executive 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.  

I am also Executive Headteacher - Compliance and Operations for the Spiral Partnership Trust.

Hannah Clarke (Head of School) 

I joined Springmead at the same time as Karen in September 2018 as a class teacher. In my time at Springmead, I have been led multiple different subjects, been Key Stage 2 phase lead, lead behaviour across the school, been Assistant Head and am now delighted to be Head of School. Before working here, I worked at another local primary school. I was part of the Senior Leadership Team when Springmead achieved it's 'good' Ofsted and I have really enjoyed seeing the changes that have taken place whilst I have worked here. I am proud to be able to lead such a wonderful staff who all always put the children at the heart of all they do.

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.

Adnan Mir (Parent)

Hello! I’m Adnan, a pharmacist by training, a scientist at heart, and someone who still gets far too excited about anything involving space, experiments or how the world works.

I was born and raised in Bradford as the child of immigrant parents from Pakistan; their emphasis on education, curiosity and community shaped a lot of who I am today. Life has taken me all over the north of England before settling happily in Welwyn Garden City with my family.

Professionally, I work in the pharmaceutical industry, where I have the privilege of working alongside brilliant Scientists and Doctors to develop and test the medicines of tomorrow. I also hold a research Doctorate myself in Analytical Biochemistry, which is a long way of saying I spent several years studying tiny molecules that do very big things in the human body.

I’m passionate about science, especially how it can improve human life, and I love helping children and adults see how exciting and creative scientific thinking can be.

Outside of work, you’ll usually find me pottering around in the garden, exploring anything science related, or being kept very busy by family life. I have two children currently at Springmead and a third joining soon!

I’m proud to be part of the Springmead Local School Committee and to support a school that celebrates curiosity, kindness and community.

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.

Our Clerk is Patrick Aikman.

Current Governors

Previous Governors

Dates of meetings for 2025-26 are:

Wednesday 24th September 2025 at 6.00pm

Wednesday 3rd December 2025 at 8:30am

Wednesday 18th March 2026 at 8:30am

Wednesday 24th June 2026 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.