Governors

Mrs Sarah Chessis
Foundation
I am honoured to be appointed as a governor and am deeply committed to helping the school reach its full potential while maintaining its Jewish ethos. With extensive teaching experience and leadership in Maths and Lower Key Stage 2, I look forward to supporting the school’s development and strengthening its connection with the local Jewish community.

Mr Wayne Cohen
Parent
It’s a real privilege to join the WIJPS Governing Body after experiencing first hand the school’s warmth, care, and strong sense of community. I’m passionate about supporting WIJPS’ continued success and look forward to helping it thrive throughout my child’s journey and beyond.

Mrs Carly Conway
Parent
I’m delighted to serve on the WIJPS Governing Body, with two daughters who have been at the school and a deep appreciation for its caring ethos. With over a decade of experience in education and a background in marketing, I’m passionate about supporting both learning and the wellbeing of every child.

Mrs Deborah Epstein
Foundation
I’m honoured to serve as a Foundation Governor and, as a parent of one former and one current pupil, I’m deeply committed to WIJPS’s ethos and educational excellence. Drawing on extensive experience in mental health and leadership within the NHS, I’m passionate about supporting the wellbeing of pupils and staff and helping the school thrive.

Mr Joshua Fineman
Foundation
As a Foundation Governor and parent with deep family ties to WIJPS, I’m committed to helping the school deliver an excellent education while upholding its proud Jewish ethos and strong community spirit. With my professional background as a solicitor experienced in litigation and project management, I look forward to working collaboratively to ensure every child has the opportunity to reach their full potential.

Mr Joshua Gladstein
Foundation
As a former pupil and now parent, I feel deeply connected to WIJPS and am passionate about helping it continue to thrive throughout my children’s journeys and beyond. With experience in retail, budgeting, and customer service, I’m eager to use my skills to support the school’s warm, welcoming community and its ongoing success.

Mrs Deborah Harris
Staff Governor
Having taught Jewish Studies at WIJPS for over two decades and led the department since 2008, I feel deeply connected to the school and its proud Jewish ethos. With long-standing personal and professional ties to the community, I’m passionate about helping shape our children’s futures and strengthening WIJPS’s role within the local community.

Mr Daniel Hunter
Foundation (Chair)
As Chair of Governors, a former pupil and parent of three children at WIJPS, I am deeply committed to the school’s ongoing success and its thriving Jewish ethos. Drawing on my experience in corporate development, investment banking, and strategy, I aim to support the school’s leadership in maintaining high educational standards, strong financial sustainability, and a welcoming environment for all pupils.

Dr Emma Lautman
LEA Governor
With experience in central government, including policy and corporate roles at the Department for Education, I bring a strong understanding of how schools can adapt and thrive. I’m passionate about ensuring every child receives a rich, high-quality education and am committed to supporting WIJPS as it continues to flourish.

Mr Ben Saltman
Foundation (Vice Chair)
As a former pupil and long-standing member of the WIJPS community, and former Chair of Governors, I’m dedicated to supporting the school and its pupils with commitment and care. Drawing on my professional experience as an Asset Management Surveyor, I use my problem-solving and people skills to help the school continue to grow and positively impact future generations.

Mr Daniel Seymour
Foundation
With 15 years’ experience in secondary education and a continued passion for learning, I’m committed to helping WIJPS provide an engaging, supportive environment where every child can thrive. Deeply connected to the school through family and community ties, I’m eager to use my educational background and wider professional experience to add value and help strengthen WIJPS’s proud ethos and values.

Mr Barry Soraff
Co-opted
I joined WIJPS as a governor in 2014, having attended the school myself from 1977 to 1982. Living and working locally, I have been a partner in an accountancy firm since 1999, supporting hundreds of organisations and individuals nationwide with their financial and commercial affairs. I help manage the school’s finances and ensure it remains on a sound financial footing.

Rabbi Sufrin
Foundation
Having served the Ilford community for over 40 years as Senior Rabbi of Chabad across Essex and previously taught at WIJPS, I am spiritually connected to the school’s mission of nurturing young souls in the light of Jewish values. As Rabbinic Governor, I am committed to guiding and supporting staff, parents, and pupils, fostering a warm, sacred environment where each child can grow in wisdom, character, and joy, fulfilling their potential.

Mr Jonathan West
Associate Governor - non voting
I have a long association with WIJPS, including involvement in the rebuilding of the school at its current site. The Governing Body has invited me to serve as an Associate Governor, and I am delighted to provide assistance to the school when required, particularly in matters relating to legal and property topics. I am currently Director of Legal Affairs, Property and Procurement at Jewish Care and an experienced solicitor.

Mrs Lisa West
Headteacher
Having grown and progressed through WIJPS over the past
18 years, both professionally and personally, my heart is fully invested in the school and its community. As Headteacher, I am passionate about guiding the school’s next chapter, supporting Governors, and creating an environment where every child can flourish, embrace their potential, and thrive through the many opportunities WIJPS provides.
Responsibilities of the Governing Body:
The Governing Body is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the school, agreeing policies and ensuring that sufficient resources are available. Governors undertake specialist governor training to ensure that they are competent in all aspects of governance. The Headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school.
The Governors meet as a full body three times a year. In addition, a number of sub-committees meet on a regular basis including; Finance & Premises, Teaching & Standards and Ethos.
Governors aim to visit the school regularly and meet with subject and key stage leaders to focus on areas for development as identified in the school’s SEF (Self Evaluation Form) and gather evidence that informs judgements regarding progress, achievement and any areas of concern which may need to be addressed.
Constitution of the Governing Body:
Foundation Governors: 8
Parent Governors: 2
LEA Governors: 1
Co-opted Governors: 1
Staff Governors: 1
Interim Headteacher: 1
Associate Governor (Non-Voting): 1
Publication of Governor Information
