Members of Governing Body

Havering Governing Services - Clerk 

Louise Dorling

Foundation Governor

Chair of Governors, Chair of Education committee & Safeguarding Governor

Term of office: 31.08.2021 - 31.08.2025

Having taught at Clore Tikva School, as well as being the Staff Governor, I was honoured to be appointed as a Foundation Governor in September 2017 and then as Chair in December 2019. Clore Tikva’s unique ethos and the very special sensation that comes with being involved in the school community is something I am passionate about and hopefully this will continue for many years ahead. Qualifying as a teacher in the 1970s, I have always had a passion for maths and ensuring that young children have an in-depth understanding and love for this important subject, which forms a valuable and necessary part of everyone’s lives at all levels and at all ages. I also firmly believe that education is more than just academia and at Clore Tikva we pride ourselves on ensuring that every pupil who comes to our school, leaves not only with a good education, but as an upright individual ready to go out and face the world. When I joined Clore Tikva School as a staff member, I felt as if I was coming home after many years working in secular schools, although previously I have worked within the Jewish Community, albeit in an informal education role. Being a Governor allows me to continue to share and involve myself in school life, but also, more significantly to give back something and hopefully, contribute towards the successful future, both of the school and of the many pupils within it.   

Joanne Stanley

Co-opted Governor

Governor for SEND

Term of office: 19.03.2021 - 18.03.2025

Governor for SEND (Parent Governor) Term of Office: 01.01.2017 – 31.12.2021

I have been a parent at Clore Tikva for 6 years, and currently have two children in Key Stage  

2. Before becoming a Governor I was an active member of the parent fundraising committee. It's important to me that I am involved in my children’s education and school life, and now as a governor I have a much greater understanding of how our school works, and where I can add value and support the school further. In my 'day job' I work in my families Optician practice in Woodford and am currently in my third year of studying to qualify as Dispensing Optician.

Jonathan Sheril

Foundation Governor 

Term of office: 01.05.2018 - 31.05.2026

My interest in Clore Tikva started when my son joined its Nursery in 2016 before graduating through Reception to currently Year 1. The reason why Clore Tikva was my first choice was down to the Jewish and cultural foundation my son would receive, in what I could see is a happy and safe school environment. I am a corporate and finance lawyer, working in city law firms for most of my career to date. I use my skills to help businesses to grow and succeed. I am keen to use those skills and my experience to make a real contribution to the school and to see Clore Tikva and its pupils flourish.  

Jemma Helfman

Foundation Governor

Term of office: 01.01.23 - 31.12.26

I am a clinical psychologist who works with children and families.  I started my career working in the NHS and now have my own private practice. I have worked with multiple schools, Sure Starts, and Children’s Centres over the years in my capacity as a clinical psychologist. 

My family and I moved (back for me) to London at the end of 2021 from Toronto, Canada and my 4 children started at the school.

I joined Clore Tikva as a Foundation Governor in 2023. I am excited to get more involved in the inner workings of the school. I want to ensure that all children at Clore Tikva have a positive school experience and that Clore continues to strive for excellence in all areas.

Leigh Wertheim

Staff Governor

Term of office: 01.11.2022 - 31.10.2026

My association with Clore Tikva began when my husband and I were looking for a pluralistic Jewish School for our daughter to attend. Pulling up outside the school gate when coming for our initial visit to the school, I turned to my husband and said, ‘This is the school I want her to attend.’ This was before we even stepped inside the building. I am so glad that we both agreed! I have been a staff member at Clore Tikva since September 2002 and my daughter and I joined the school together in the Reception Year group. Me as a teacher in Kita Eshel and my daughter as a pupil in Kita Alon.

Over the years, I changed classes and year groups and in 2014, I took on the role of SENDCO. I was appointed Deputy headteacher in 2015. I am proud to be a member of staff at Clore Tikva and to now have the opportunity to serve as the Staff Governor.  

I am passionate about inclusion and make sure that everything we do, is in the best interest of the children. My key responsibilities as Deputy Headteacher and SENCO necessitate me to work in collaboration with the Headteacher, school governors, parents and staff. I have spent many happy years at Clore Tikva, both as a staff member and a parent and I will strive to ensure that the ethos of our school is upheld.

“Clore Tikva School nurtures a love for learning where Jewish values and respect for others and ourselves are at the heart of a warm caring environment and to love your neighbour as yourself.”   

I have high aspirations and ambitions for all our children and believe that no child should be left behind. I strongly believe that it is not about where you come from but your passion and thirst for knowledge, and your dedication and commitment to learning that make the difference between success and failure, and I am determined to ensure that our children are given every chance to realise their full potential. My door is always open, so please feel free to come and see me!

Jonathan Bloom 

Foundation Governor

Equalities Governor

Term of office:  - 31.10.2023 - 30/10/2027

I am a public affairs and external relations professional with experience in relationship management with key stakeholders in Government, FTSE 100 and SME board level executives. I’m skilled in developing, implementing and selling high-level strategies and projects. My job focuses on understanding the key risks impacting business and finding strategic ways to mitigate that risk.   

I have spent the last year working to build relationships between the school and the local Jewish community and am working to put Clore Tikva at the heart of the local Essex Jewish Community.   

I live locally to the school with my wife and two young daughters and regularly attend Loughton Synagogue. My eldest daughter is currently at the school.  

Margot Buller

Head Teacher

Term of office: 01.09.2019

Mrs Buller is an experienced Head Teacher who,  in recent retirement, has taken up a number of interim roles specialising in helping schools to improve in all areas. Mrs Buller has always taught in faith schools and is committed to ensuring that our school ethos is maintained to an extremely high standard, working with the children, staff, parents and governors to develop our unique and vibrant community. Mrs Buller will continue to build and develop every aspect of our school, and work to ensure that each and every one of our pupils receives the best education possible, and is helped to reach their potential in a safe and caring environment.   

Sapna Desai

Local Authority Governor 

Term of office: 07.05.2020 - 06.05.2024

I applied to be a Governor to give back to the local community I grew up in. I have worked and volunteered in various education practices and feel strongly about the value of education provided to children of all ages. I would like a greater understanding on how primary schools are run and what can be done to continue to improve a pupil’s experience at this critical stage in their education.  I am currently working in the public sector in the Project Management team and come from a Legal background. I have recently enrolled in a Project Management Apprenticeship through my job. 

James Zealander

Parent Governor

Term of office: 14.05.2021 - 13.05.2025

I have worked within the Financial Services industry for over 20 years, both as a Senior Leader within Operations later moving to Relationship and Sales, with detailed Fund Administration knowledge plus a proven ability to manage senior relationships. James recently has been leading the relationship for one of the largest Local Government Pension Schemes with over £40bn of AUM and previously had sole responsibility with one of the largest US Asset Managers with over £80b of AUM. I am also a member of the Chartered Institute for Securities & Investment.

As newly elected Parent Governor at Clore Tikva, I am very much looking forward to working with the wider governance team and have very close ties with the school, being that my wife has spent over 18 years working as a teacher and both our children coming through the school whereby one is currently in year 5.

I will work hard as Parent Governor to ensure Clore Tikva delivers an exciting and challenging curriculum for all its pupils. I live locally to the school and regularly attend either Chigwell & Hainault or Chabad Buckhurst Hill Synagogues along with my family. I am passionate about helping Clore Tikva deliver a top-class academic syllabus.

I want to ensure the students not only get a first-class education but an enjoyable experience as well so that when they leave Clore Tikva they are well equipped to be able to deal with all aspects of our community and ready for the huge step which will be taken going into further education.

I strongly believe primary education is the foundation of any successful society and that the team works tirelessly to achieve this. As a Parent School Governor, I wanted to be able to make a strong contribution to my local community and help every child secure a brighter and prosperous future.

Simon Block

Parent Governor

Term of office: 14.05.2021 - 13.05.2025

I am proud to be serving as a Parent-Governor for the next four years. A lifelong resident in the borough, my family and I have been active members of the local Jewish community for many years. As of September 2021, I will have three children at Clore Tikva.

I work as a Senior Policy Advisor for a large government department, providing strategic analysis and advice to Ministers. Having previously worked as a British Diplomat for over 10 years, I am skilled in seeing the “bigger picture” and reaching consensus with a diverse range of contacts.

I look forward to serving the needs of the school to the best of my abilities in the coming years.

Rabbi Lev Taylor

Foundation Governor

Term of office: 01.03.2023 - 29.02.2027

I have been part of the rabbinic team at South West Essex and Settlement Reform Synagogue since July 2022. I came to the synagogue on placement when I was studying for the rabbinate at Leo Baeck College. Before becoming a rabbi, I worked as a campaigner in the charity sector.

I live in Collier Row and want to do all I can to build up Jewish life in this area. I teach an after-school club for Years 5 and 6 to help them prepare for the bnei mitzvah.

I truly believe in the school’s vision of being pluralistic and inclusive, so that young people see Jewish values as integral to how they go through the world. As the Prophet Isaiah teaches: “When all children learn the ways of God, then there will be great happiness for the children.”

Emma Healy

Foundation Governor

Term of office: 02.02.2024 - 01.02.2028

I have worked in the Financial Services industry for the last 15 years running Training and Events for Investment Management firms and FinTech providers and am keen to use my skill set to contribute to the success of Clore Tikva. 

I am passionate about my children’s education, both of whom attend the school. I felt myself wanting to get more involved with the inner workings of the school in order to continue to drive the school forward and make it a truly remarkable foundation for our children and future generations.

Natalie Berg

Foundation Governor

Term of office: 02.04.2024 - 01.04.2028

I am a non-practising commercial property solicitor, having worked in law for over 11 years (both in the City and the West End). 

Since 2021, I have been a self-employed recruitment consultant, headhunting lawyers and teams of lawyers in London and the regions.  

I am hoping to put my legal knowledge, public speaking, and communication skills to good use as Governor during my four year tenure with Clore Tikva. 

Currently, I have a child in Year 1 and another in Nursery.  I have a deep connection to the school and a desire to do whatever I can to contribute to the strong foundation Clore Tikva plays in our children's lives. 

Adam Stone - Resigned

Foundation Governor

Vice-Chair of Governors, Chair of Finance  & General Purposes

Term of office: 01.01.2021 - 31.12.2024

Resigned: November 2023

Rabbi Richard Jacobi - Resigned

Foundation Governor

Term of office: 01.08.2020 - 31.07.2024

Resigned: May 2023

Paul Bourne

Foundation Governor

Term of office: 08.12.2020 - 07.12.2024

Resigned: May 2023

Samantha Bendon

Staff Governor

Term of office: Oct.2018 - End of term of office

Rabbi Irit Shillor - Resigned

Foundation Governor

Term of office: 14.06.2021 - 13.05.2025

If you wish to contact one of the governors please email

governors@cloretikva.redbridge.sch.uk