Scholes Village Primary School

Tasnim Ali, Vice Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Scholes for over 20 years and have had a number of my children attend Scholes Village school. I feel very privileged to be working with the team of Governors on issues that impact on the children and supporting the staff to help them do their jobs. I have worked in the NHS for over 25 years as a nurse and manager and have a wealth of experience in managing clinical and managerial elements of delivering services to patients. I have also worked on management committees of voluntary sector organisations in the Leeds area.

I currently work for Yorkshire Ambulance Service. I bring a lot of experience on how systems and processes can be set up, reviewed and used for demonstrating a quality service.  I am passionate about developing and helping people.

Helen Berry, Vice Chair of Governors, Parent Governor

I have lived in Scholes for several years having moved here from Queensbury, but before that I moved around the country a fair bit.  Both my girls attend or used to attend Scholes Village Primary School and are both thriving and very happy here.  I wanted to become a governor at Scholes as I believe that there is no such thing as a silly question and am not afraid to ask.

In my “other” life I am a scientist and passionate about it being something that anyone can try. I enjoy reading and love trying new books that I would usually pick up and then think no….never judge a book by its cover!

Mark Buckingham, Parent Governor

I have lived in Scholes since 2013 and have lived in different parts of West Yorkshire since graduating from university more than half a lifetime ago! I have worked as a sports journalist throughout my working career and I am currently an editor for a football website. I have one son who attends Scholes Village Primary School and another son who recently left to go to high school.

Outside of work, I coach my youngest son's junior football team, I'm a member of Northowram Pumas running club and also play tennis regularly. I also enjoy reading and cooking (especially eating what has been cooked!).

Helen Cassidy, Co-opted Governor

I am a retired Nurse/Midwife.  I worked in the NHS for over 30 years and gained a vast amount of experience in safeguarding children and clinical governance. I have lots of management experience involving developing policies and procedures and change management.

I have two children at Scholes Village primary, who are very happy and feel safe and secure in their learning environment.

I have a special interest in the process of ensuring looked after children, and children with additional needs, are given the opportunity and support to reach their full potential, within a safe, happy and  encouraging environment.  

I have been so delighted with the ethos and vision of Scholes Village Primary and am keen to offer my support, and professional and life experience, to help Scholes to continue offering the best possible education to the children of our community.

Eric Fairchild, Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Scholes since moving from Bradford in 1992.  Before my retirement, I was professionally involved with schools for many years through my employment with Bradford Council's Human Resources department. In this role I provided HR support directly to Headteachers and governing bodies across a wide range of HR issues.  I have also been a school governor continuously since 1987 and I am a Local Leader of Governance in Bradford which gives me the opportunity to help other governing bodies achieve their aims.

I have greatly benefited from my own education and I know that it enriches lives and prosperity and contributes to a healthy society.  I have a strong commitment to ensuring that our children get a good standard of education so that they can lead successful and fulfilling lives.

I hope to make a useful contribution as a governor at Scholes Village Primary School

Bev Firth, Co=opted Governor

I live in Scholes and worked as a teacher at Scholes Village Primary for several years.  I enjoyed my job, and feel that teaching children is a privilege.  When I retired I joined the governing body, took a break and I have now returned to the post.  I feel that my experience as a teacher is useful in my role as a school governor. Both my grandsons are, or have been, pupils at the school where they have received a truly excellent education and have been very happy.

I am busy in retirement and enjoy spending time with my family and friends. When I can find the time I enjoy reading, visiting historic houses and researching my family tree.

Rosemary Hartley, LA Governor

My son attended the school. I have two granddaughters. My working life has been in Banking.

I have served as a Governor since 2015 and supported on our most recent Ofsted visit.  I have been on Governor training courses to further my knowledge.

I am very passionate about children's education, and their safety.

My hobby is gardening, which has helped recently supporting school re-invent their raised growing beds. 

I offer to the school not only my time but enthusiasm to support the pupils and staff to succeed in their endeavours.  I am willing to take on board tasks which will ensure the school continues to improve and become more successful.

Paul Newton, Co-opted Governor

My daughter has been at Scholes Village Primary School since nursery and continues to enjoy her time here. She particularly enjoys the after-school events including sports, choir and forest club.

I have been a teacher for over 20 years in secondary schools and most recently further education colleges working in Nottinghamshire and West Yorkshire, however, I also have a background in finance.

Gemma Ward, Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Scholes for the past 10 years, having previously lived in Cleckheaton.

In what now feels like a past life I attended Manchester University and also spent some time living in America.

My daughter attends Scholes Village Primary School and when I am not busy being a mum, I have gained 18 years of Management Experience in both Corporate and Manufacturing.

Out of work I enjoy socialising, holidays, running and long walks.

Karen Burman, Headteacher

Alex Meakin, Assistant Head teacher, Associate Governor

Sarah Dearlove, Assistant Head teacher, SENCO, Associate Governor

Caroline Holt, Staff Governor