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Governors

School governors are volunteers who help to run the school. Most schools work with a group of school governors – together they’re called the ‘governing body‘. They’re involved in decisions about all aspects of managing the school – such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff and setting standards of school discipline.

Misha Upadhyaya

Chair of Governors

Governor Type: Co-opted
Appointing Body: Elmgrove Primary school
Term of Office:  Appointed 17/09/18 term expires 25/03/26
Committees:  Headteachers Performance Management
Responsibilities: Chair of the panel and Safeguarding
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 8/9
Children at Elmgrove: No

I joined as a Governor because I wanted to volunteer in my local community and give my time to a cause that was important to me. What I loved about Elmgrove was that alongside ensuring all the pupils received an education they are also nurtured to develop skills, emotions and an understanding of how they can be the best in society. Giving my time to such a worthy cause is very empowering and I have learnt so much since being a Governor. As Chair of Governors, I am incredibly privileged to lead the school and support the headteacher to make the right choices for the pupils, staff and wider community.

Ruby Rai 

Governor Type: Co-opted Governors
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 13/11/2023 to 13/11/2026
Committees: 
Responsibilities:  
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: N/A
Children at Elmgrove: No

I have over 14 years of experience working in health and social care, more recently with care organisations that have been placed under 'special measures' by CQC and LA. My role involves assisting them in bouncing back as a safe and high-quality care provider and employer, leading to an organic improvement in their rating. With experience in mental health, trauma care, palliative, and end-of-life care, I come with skills to pivot and ameliorate even where everything is high-stakes. Natural progression in my career has been providing consultation, coaching, and training in areas such as improving strategies and the workforce, mental and emotional wellbeing, emotional intelligence, and values-based leadership (John Maxwell Certified). I am also a Civil & Commercial Mediator. A new string in my bow that gets me excited on Sunday evenings is teaching my amazing adults with SEN. 

As a parent, professional, and someone with a dream and commitment to building a better future for all, I understand the significance and impact of early years and education. In my role as one of the governors of Elmgrove, I aspire to contribute to the team's efforts in improving the experiences and outcomes of pupils (and their families) and the staff.

Sarah Neary

Headteacher

Governor Type: Headteacher
Appointing body: N/A
Term of Office: Permanent
Committees: Headteacher Performance Management
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 9/9
Children at Elmgrove: No

I attend all the Governor Committee meetings and enjoy working with fellow governors who bring a wide range of different skills and expertise to the groups.

Sneha Jain

Vice Chair * elected September 2023

Governor Type: Local Authority Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 06/03/2023 to 06/03/2026
Committees: Pay & Appeals
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: No
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 4/5
Children at Elmgrove: No

As an Elmgrove governer, I aim to empower young children with the opportunities and skills that they can leverage for many decades ahead as I believe that a well balanced education is one of the most empowering assets that children can grow up with. I am keen to contribute to the community with my skills as a strategy consultant and hope to have a positive impact on the students and wider community at Elmgrove.

Justine Ball 

Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by the Governing Body
Term of Office: 23/09/2019-23/09/2023
Committees: N/A
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2021-2022: 8/9
Children at Elmgrove: No

I completed my PGCE in Primary Education in 2012 and started my career teaching in schools in Hillingdon. I have been a teacher at Elmgrove Primary School and Nursery for four years now and I love working here. I am passionate about inclusion and diversity, and ensuring high standards to allow children to have the fullest life. My three years as a governor have been enjoyable as I am able to contribute to the running of the school, and participate in discussions that impact both pupils and staff. I look forward to continuing supporting Elmgrove to create memorable educational experiences that nurture a lifelong love of learning.

Katrina Vessey

Governor Type: Staff Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by staff
Term of Office: 22/01/2024-22/01/2026
Committees: None
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: n/a
Children at Elmgrove: No

I started teaching in 2011 and gained most of my experience in teaching in Barnet. I have really enjoyed working with different families and children from around the world and ensuring that all children are seen, heard and supported in school giving them a start in life where they are curious about the world, aware of themselves and being the best they can be to feel fulfilled and lead happy and successful lives. I started working at Elmgrove this year and  have enjoyed the nurturing, fun  and inspiring ways of teaching here that are instilled in the children. I look forward to being able to support Elmgrove as a governor and contribute towards its future achievements.

Simone Godfrey 

Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 05/06/2023 to 06/06/2026
Committees: 
Responsibilities: 
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 2/2
Children at Elmgrove: Yes

I currently work as a Senior Campaign Delivery Manager for a large Mobile/Media player within the area of CRM and my main background is CRM/ Database marketing. I have qualifications in Project Management, Management, Marketing and Health & Social Care and have first-hand experience of liaising with multidisciplinary agencies in child services. I spent my early career gaining studying work experience in nurseries, SEN school and a local PRU.

As a parent, special guardian and foster carer, I truly appreciate the importance of the foundations and education and the impact they have in a child’s early life and I am extremely passionate about children and their well-being & development. I have been a resident in Harrow for over 30 years and decided to join the Governor team to contribute, give back to the community, make a difference and help to strengthen the links between parents/ families and the school and personal development.

Jamie Shah

Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 17/05/2021 to 16/05/2025
Committees: Appeals and Pay Committee
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: Yes
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 4/9
Children at Elmgrove: No

I’ve  joined Elmgrove Primary School as a Co-Opted Governor. I am an exam qualified CIPFA Accountant specialising in the public sector and currently work for an inner London Local Authority in Corporate Finance with my area of responsibility being Financial Planning and Monitoring. I’ve had extensive experience with working in Children’s Services Finance in previous roles and mainly working on Early Years, Schools and Children Services Capital projects. I’ve been a resident of Harrow my entire life and decided I want to become a School Governor so that I can give back to the community, develop myself professionally and work towards positive change. I look forward to working with staff and governors in the strategic oversight and management of the school.

Toby Bownass

Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 13/11/2023 to 13/11/2026
Committees: Headteacher Performance Management 
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: N/A
Children at Elmgrove: No

I have joined Elmgrove as co-opted governor, having just moved to Harrow. As a teacher and having worked in schools in a number of roles for ten years, I am a firm believer in the good primary education can do for young people and their communities. I am looking forward to using my knowledge and skills in education to help Elmgrove continue to flourish as a school. 

Rohini Shah

Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 15/11/2021 to 14/11/2025
Committees: 
Responsibilities: Pay Committee 
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 5/9
Children at Elmgrove: Yes

I have joined Elmgrove as Parent Governor and glad for the opportunity given to me. I have more than ten years’ experience working in general insurance industry. I was also elected as a Co-opted Governor with another Primary school in Ealing for 2 years. As a parent Governor, I am looking forward to contributing and support the school and community as I think there are continuous opportunities for growth and development in Education sector.

Vanessa Ojapah

Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 07/06/2023-07/06/2026
Committees: 
Responsibilities: Pay Committee 
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: n/a
Children at Elmgrove: Yes

I am originally from Liverpool and moved to London 10 years ago to study Journalism. After having my daughter, I entered the world of Events Styling and I currently run my own business from my party store in North West London. My business specialises in decorating for children's parties and I have contributed to some events held at Elmgrove. I am extremely passionate about child development including children being able to show their personalities without fear. I really hope that my role as parent governor will allow me to contribute to the growth of Elmgrove on a more logistical level.

Seena Samani 

Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 13/11/2023-13/11/2026
Committees: 
Responsibilities: TBC
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: n/a
Children at Elmgrove: No 

I have over 18 years of experience within banking and more recently media and advertising, primarily within data and analytics. In that time, I have set-up and led multiple teams and programmes to transform how organisations use data and analytics to make better decisions for their business and customers. I am a resident of Harrow, and wanted to become a School Governor to help create an environment at Elmgrove where we can support the children to reach their full potential, as I believe education helps unlock many opportunities through-out our lives.

Governors Resigned:

Neil Sanghrajka (Resigned November 2023)

Governor Type: Co-opted Governors
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 26/09/2022 to 16/09/2025
Committees: Appeals and Headteacher Performance Management
Responsibilities:  Chair of Appeals Committee & ICT
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 6/9
Children at Elmgrove: No

Tom Knight (Resigned November 2023)

Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 17/05/2021 to 16/05/2025
Committees: 
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 6/9
Children at Elmgrove: No

Laura Ndubuisi-Kanu (Resigned September 2023)

Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 20/09/2021- 6/09/ 2023
Committees: None
Responsibilities: Curriculum, Website
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 3/9
Children at Elmgrove: No

Louise Woutersz (Resigned June 2023)

Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 17/06/2019 to 17/06/2023
Committees: None
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 7/9
Children at Elmgrove: Yes