Membership Information

Gary Robinson – Chair of Governors

I joined as a co-opted governor in February 2024 with two children at the school, in Year 2 and Foundation 2. I grew up locally, with lots of family in the town and surrounding villages and moved back to Wokingham in 2015, after a few years away.

I was brought up in and around schools with my granny, mum, aunt, and sister all being headteachers, deputy heads and teachers so have always hoped to be able to get involved too, despite my lack of teaching prowess!

I’m an Associate of the Royal College of Science, a Fellow Chartered Accountant and have been running an accountancy practice for more than 14 years. I work with a large variety of businesses, charities and other not-for-profits which has given me a lot of experience that I look forward to using to support the school.

To relax I like to spend time with family and friends, travel, and am a keen swimmer.

Ghislene Lokuciewski 

I Joined the governing body when my daughter was in Year 2 at Walter Infant School – that was all the way back in 2012.

Since then I had the opportunity to lead various committees and took the role of Chair of Governors in 2018

I have grown up in a teaching environment as both by parents were teachers and university lecturers. 

I am forever amazed and humbled at the work our teachers do. Their commitment to creating the best environment for the children to learn.

I am committed to ensuring that the governing body provides real support to the headteacher and all the staff, as well as being ambitious as to what Walter Infant School and nursery strives for the achieve for every child it has the privilege to have as pupil in school.

Vicky Howard – Chair of Teaching & Learning Committee

My name is Vicky Howard and I have been parent governor at Walter since February 2018. My oldest daughter encouraged me to put myself forward as a governor when she became a school councillor at the start of Year 1– she was so excited to be involved and take on extra responsibilities that I decided I would follow in her footsteps! 

I have worked in the Higher Education sector since 2006 and in university academic quality assurance since 2010 – in particular, I work on Teaching and Learning policy development and collaborations with other institutions, both in the UK and overseas. In my governor role, I am chair of the Teaching and Learning Committee and I have particular responsibility for the curriculum. I hope to draw upon experience from my ‘day job’ to be a critical friend to Walter in all aspects of its curriculum. I am very proud to be a governor at Walter and to be part of this amazing community.

My hobbies include languages, foreign travel, listening to podcasts and spinning.

Stephanie Bell

My name is Stephanie Bell and I am the Deputy Head Teacher of Walter Infant School & Nursery. I joined the Governing body in July 2018.  I began working at the school in April 2017. I originally joined Walter as the Year 1 Lead and class teacher.   I am passionate about the well-being of our whole school community and love that I work in a school where the children’s well-being and happiness is a priority. 

Before working at Walter Infant School and Nursery, I lived in Manchester and worked at a Primary School in Wigan. During this time, I had the opportunity to teach year 1 and year 2 as well as lead the curriculum across the school.

I gained a BA Hons in Primary Education with QTS from Brunel University and have recently obtained my NPQH (National Professional Qualification of Headteachers) in December 2023.

Outside of school, I am Mummy to my little girl Pippa and a huge animal lover. I adore my cat Leonard! When I’m not working I take every opportunity to go to the theatre, spend time with my family and enjoy cooking and entertaining.

Jessica Bennette

My name is Jessica Bennette and I have been a staff governor since November 2022. I joined the school as Foundation Stage Lead and class teacher in September 2019 and have also been a parent at the school as both my daughters have attended. 

I am passionate about Early Years and the importance of learning through play and real life experiences. I am proud to work in a school that places the children at the centre of all they do and it is wonderful to see the care, time, thought and effort that goes into making sure the children in the school have the best possible start to their journey in education.

Since qualifying as a teacher at Reading University I have gained knowledge and experience teaching in both Nursery (F1) and Reception (F2). I thoroughly enjoy teaching this age range - no two days are the same! 

Outside of work I enjoy spending time with my family, walking our dog, cooking and shopping. 

Lara Panesar Beavis

My name is Lara and I’ve been a parent governor since November 2020. I’ve got two girls, one who is in F2 and another in year 3.

I’ve lived in Wokingham for over 10 years and am currently taking some time out from my career to focus on the girls while they are young and to have a chance to be more involved with their education and the wider community.

I’m a Chartered Accountant by background and have worked with a large range of businesses as well as some educational charities. I look forward to offering some useful financial insight to the school as well as supporting in any other way needed.

Justin Williamson

My name is Justin Williamson and I am a governor at Walter Infant School joining in September 2021.

Education has always been an important part of my life, I very much enjoyed my time at school and I hope to use this opportunity to help the leadership team and staff at Walter Infant School provide the best education opportunity for pupils. 

I work for a major multi-national technology company based in Reading where I manage a team of project managers in a consulting team and will bring 14 years of business experience to the benefit of the Walter Infant School, its pupils, parents and staff. 

Outside of work I enjoy holidays by the sea, weightlifting and science-fiction.

Register of Interests for Governors (including if a governor at another school or related to a staff member)

This form outlines below the business interest of Governors of Walter Infant School and outlines if they are a governor at another school or are related to a member of staff within the School.  If this does not apply to a specific governor a nil return is recorded.

This form is shown on the school website.