Meet the Governors

 Jeremy Warrillow

Chair of Governors

I have lived in Acton for the last 11 years starting off in Shakespeare Rd before moving to Hereford road as my family grew. We love Acton and cherish the community spirit which has supported us over the last decade.  Our whole family has made some life long friends from people we met when we first started at Maples.

Sam, my youngest left Maples this summer, bringing an end to 10 years as a Maples parent. In lieu of having another child to send to Maples (something which my wife has outlawed!) I am delighted to be able to continue my connection with Maples as Chair of Governors.

Maples is a wonderful, exciting place for children to take those first steps away from home. The child centred approach to learning allows the children to develop at a more natural pace while learning about the fascinating world around them. Starting school and nursery are one of the most anxious times in most parents and children’s lives and the staff at Maples make that transition as easy and natural as it can be.  Many of the staff, who greeted my daughter 10 years ago when she first started, are still there, a testament to the love and care shown by all who are part of the Maples family.

The Maples building and its beautiful, wild garden provide the background for adventure and exploration, with the support and encouragement from the team.

My main role as Chair of Governors is to support the Head as best I can. To be a conduit and sounding board for the governors, and to help deal with the odd curve ball as well as bringing to the table my professional experience.

Having spent a career in the catering trade, I now work in a business development role at the Institute of Directors on Pall Mall.

I hope you will enjoy Maples as much as my family and I have, both as a parent and in a professional capacity. I am at Maples regularly and always at the Gardening days…another passion of mine!

Clare O’Riordan

Vice Chair and Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Acton for over 30 years and got to know Maples when I worked as a health visitor in the area; I even remember when it was based in the High Street!

I am now retired but have worked in a variety of roles in the NHS, working mostly in Children’s Community Services. I know how important the early years of a child’s life are to their future well-being and development and how essential it is to work together with families, to support them at this key time. I believe that Maples provides a caring and inclusive environment in which children learn, as well as having fun and as a result I have now been a governor for over 15 years

As a governor, I work with the other governors to review how Maples is progressing and contribute to our discussions on any service development.

Morgan Hurley

Parent Governor since November 2020

I am currently Chair of Finance Committee.  In addition, I take an active part in formalising business strategy for Maples (supporting the Head Teacher) and fund raising.

I have a financial background, having worked in banking for 20 years plus.  I am currently head of restructuring and turnaround strategy for distressed medium and SME businesses at Allied Irish Bank (GB).

I have had 3 children spend at least two years at Maples and I have always loved the caring, nurturing environment as well as the progress that my wife and I have seen in our children from an educational and developmental perspective.  My youngest son, Ali (4) attended Maples where he thrived and was perfectly prepared to start primary school in September 2022.

Living locally in Acton, I saw the Parent Governor role as an opportunity to give something back to the local community and to also safeguard and promote Maples’ reputation as the best choice for pre-school education in W3.

Yasmin Faroun  

Staff Governor   

My name is Yasmin Faroun I am originally from Palestine, I came to study my master’s degree in Reproductive and Sexual Health Research.

I have three children the youngest is 12 years old.

I have been living in Acton since 2002.

I love to work with women and families, support them and give advice whenever I have the opportunity.

I used to work as a midwife in Palestine but when I came to London, I had to change my career to be able to look after my children.

I worked in the community for a few years helping women in an antenatal and postnatal capacity. Also we helped abused women and support them by referring them to the appropriate agencies.

I studied childcare Level 3 in 2017 and had my work placement at Maples Nursery where the team are outstanding.

I joined Maples Nursery team officially in 2018 to support children during lunch time, then had the opportunity to work more closely with children between the ages of two and four. I now mainly work in the Toddler room with children and support their needs and follow their interests.

I joined the governor team as a staff governor which is a new experience for me and I hope to be helpful and learn new skills.