Governor Profiles
Ms Selina Vaccarino - Co-opted Governor (Chair of Governors, SEND and Pupil Premium)
My name is Selina Vaccarino and I am honoured to be Chair of Governors at Darrick Wood Junior School, a vibrant community school, solid in values and committed to fulfilling potential of all children. I joined the Governing Board in May 2019 and subsequently Chair of Governors in July 2020.
I have over 10 years international leadership experience, in reputation and project management, working for FTSE 100 c-suite executives. I am committed and excited to contribute to the Governing Body to help build on the positive successes of the school by being supportive with a decisive, open mind, ensuring the best outcomes for the pupils and staff.
selina.vaccarino@solamat.co.uk
Mr Neil Beckford - Co-opted Governor (Vice-Chair, EDI)
My name is Neil Beckford and in January 2021, I was delighted to have joined the Local Governing Board at Darrick Wood Junior School as a Co-opted Governor.
I am an experienced business executive specializing in Technology and Security leadership predominantly across the Media and Entertainment Industry (Film and TV Production). I enjoy participating in industry-related public events as panellist and moderator. I am a board member of an Entertainment Technology research organisation linked to the University of Southern California. I Co-chair my organization's Diversity, Equity and Inclusion global task force. Playing an active support role in Darrick Wood Junior School's continued nurturing and success, supporting its staff and pupils is something I am very much looking forward to.
neil.beckford@solamat.co.uk
Mr Andrew Kilgour (Headteacher, ex officio)
I am now in the twenty-sixth year of my teaching career, the last twelve years of which have been spent at Darrick Wood Junior School. I have also taught in the London Boroughs of Sutton and Croydon and, early in my career, I spent two years teaching overseas in Eritrea. I was appointed to DWJS in the role of Assistant Headteacher in 2007 and took on the role of Headteacher in September 2013. As a member of the DWJS Governing Body I sit on all of its committees and work closely with school Governors, particularly the Chair of Governors, to improve outcomes for all children. When not working, I enjoy running and cycling and I am a big fan of American sports, particularly the NFL. I am also a keen, although not terribly good, guitarist.
Mr Nigel Robinson - Co-opted Governor (Risk and Health & Safety)
I'm Nigel Robinson and have been a Parent Governor since 2011. I have four children, one which has passed through the school and is now at the senior school. Two are currently attending, with one still to come. Feeling I had a vested interest in the school I decided to join the Governing Body and have enjoyed my time thus far.
I am Managing Director of a Picture Framing Company in East London and my everyday work life brings many skills which help me fulfil my role as a Governor. I always hope that I have the school's best interest at heart and with my fellow Governors, strive to make our school the very best it can be for the good of all the children, staff and parents.
nigel.robinson@solamat.co.uk
Mr Ralph Barlow - Parent Governor (Safeguarding and Curriculum)
I am delighted to have joined as a Parent Governor in 2020 in support of the school that has done so much for my three children. My background is in secondary education – as a teacher and senior leader in schools ranging from comprehensives to HMC boarding schools. I was co-founder of the Mathematics Enhancement Programme which is used widely in schools and my recent consultancy and appraisal work in both maintained and independent schools has focussed on developing strategic leadership with a student-centred mission. I spend a lot of time enjoying singing and playing music, increasingly with the family and I direct the choir at St Giles, Farnborough.Ms Julia Maguire - Parent Governor (Wellbeing)
My day job is Senior Employment Counsel for EDF Energy Ltd. As a lawyer with 20 years’ experience specialising in employment law, I advise on all aspects of industrial relations and help look after our legal obligations to the workforce. I have also had a lot of experience acting for large central government departments and advising them on the legal aspects of their HR policy development and day to day employment issues. I have two children who are in year 3 and year 6 of Darrick Wood Junior School. In my free time I enjoy long distance open water swimming.julia.maguire@solamat.co.uk
Miss Sindhu Maripi - Co-opted Governor (Maths)
My name is Sindhu Maripi and I joined as a Governor in February 2022. I am thrilled to be part of the DWJS Governing Body to support students in developing to their full potential and enabling an initial positive education experience.
My professional background is primarily in Financial Analysis roles within Banking. More recently, I changed careers to work on Analytics and Insights consultancy in the Gaming & Entertainment sector. I am also currently acting as a Trustee for Citizens Advice Bromley and appreciate the ability to get more involved in community-based projects. I am a travel/hiking enthusiast, enjoy staying active running, playing racquet sports and practising yoga.
Mrs Lakshmi Wildman - Co-opted Governor
As a firm believer in the potential of education to transform and enrich lives, I am proud to be part of the Governing Body at Darrick Wood Junior School.
My academic background is in Computer Science and Engineering, with a brief stint as an undergraduate teaching assistant. I now work as an Equities Trader, with 10 years of experience in Investment Banking, spanning across Singapore, Hong Kong and London. I frequently represent my organisation on recruitment panels and career days, and mentor young adults in our community to help achieve their professional goals. I hope to bring a fresh perspective to the governance of the school and use my diverse set of skills to help every student at Darrick Wood Junior School get access to high quality education that sets them on a path for a happy and successful future.
lakshmi.haridas@solamat.co.uk