Birkby Junior School

I retired from my role as a senior officer for Primary School Improvement with Kirklees Council. I have worked in education for 36 years with previous roles as teacher as and head teacher.

I have been closely linked to Birkby Juniors for the last 14 years as an advisor and supporter of the school.

I see my role as governor at Birkby Juniors as a wonderful opportunity to serve the school and the wider community. 

Committees: Standard & Effectiveness Committee, Strategic Resources Committee, Performance Management Committee, Governor Training Governor, Safeguarding/Child Protection Governor

Length of Service: 8 Years

I am a former police inspector with over 30 years experience policing in Birkby and the wider community which has allowed me to foster good relationships with a wide range of stakeholders. I am currently an active member of the local community which enables me to support school in a range of ways.

Committees: Standards and Effectiveness, Performance Management, Complaints, Staff Dismissal, Pupil Discipline.

Length of service:  3 Years

I have a wide experience of involvement in the community. I am the founder member of Sadeh Lok Housing Association, HUDAWI Cultural centre and Reach Performing Arts. I have a background in Law and Education, teaching at Birkby Junior School as well as others while on supply. Other areas I have worked in include Community Development Officer for Leeds City Council, Co-ordinator of Afiya Trust (North West), working with a local solicitor, Non-Executive Director of Huddersfield and Calderdale Health Authority, Non-Executive Director of Connexions and the Development Office at Cloverleaf Advocacy.

My son and daughter attended Birkby Junior School and, as an advocate of involvement in their education, I continued, even after they had left. I love the diversity of Birkby Junior School as well as the happy atmosphere created by the staff and children. I continue to talk about Birkby as one of the best schools in the area.

Committees: Strategic Resources Committee, Appeals Committee, Pupil Discipline Committee, Pay Committee

Length of service: 17 years

I graduated from University in communication and cultural studies which has assisted me in knowing all about equality and diversity.

Committees: Performance Management, Equality and Diversity, Strategic Resources, Staff Dismissal

Length of service: 14 years

I have been teaching for 13 years in Key Stage 2 and specialise in Special Educational Needs, Wellbeing and Inclusion. My experience within school as a classteacher brings a wealth of knowledge to governing body meetings about the curriculum and learning within school.  My role as SENDCO in school allows me to work across all year groups, with both parents and outside agencies to ensure that the children in our school are supported as well as they can be. 

Committees: Standards and Effectiveness, Strategic Resources, Health and Safety, Pupil Discipline

Length of service:  2 Years

I have taught Modern Foreign Languages and other subjects in Kirklees High, Middle and Junior schools for 34 years. I was a Local Authority Inclusion Consultant for 2 years and currently work as an Outreach Teacher for the Kirklees Primary Pupil Referral Service, supporting schools in developing provision for children with Social, Emotional and Mental Health difficulties.

I had contact with the school in my professional capacity as Inclusion Consultant and was involved in a project developing inclusive classroom practice some years ago. I have also worked with the school in my current role.

Committees: Standards and Effectiveness, Appeals, Pupil Discipline, SEND, Pay Committee 

Length of service: 14 years

I have over 28 year’s wealth of experience working in safeguarding with the most vulnerable in society, children, young people and adults and in particular the role of Early Intervention and Prevention delivering family support work and Prevent.

I am an accredited programme facilitator, delivering to children, young people, parents, carers and professionals to raise awareness and empower all to prevent serious harm being caused to children, young people and adults in areas of Domestic violence, Forced marriages, Honour based violence, Human trafficking, Modern Day child and adult slavery, Child sexual exploitation. Child abuse, neglect, mental health, wellbeing, radicalisation, extremism, terrorism, hate crime, gangs, youth violence, healthy relationships, digital resilience literacy and British Fundamental Values. 

My work over the years has been recognised in the Daily Times, BBC Look North/Radio, social work best practice model and Home office training packages, videos, sharing best practice models.

I have in a voluntary capacity also supported many local, national and global charitable causes and reguraly volunteer for local causes and charities.

I am co- founder for SafetyInmusic which works with global artists to reduce serious organised crime and criminal expolitation through Arts, Music and video production.

I am a local parent and I have  grown up in the Birkby area. I was a former pupil at Birkby infants and nursery school, Birkby Junior School and Fartown high school - Huddersfield North Trust School. I have 4 children who attended local schools.

I know the Birkby community well and have many local connections with families, parents, carers, children and young people. Therefore, in the role as a governor I will represent voices of children, parents and carers, to ensure school leaderships and teachers are working to meet the learning needs of every child within the school irrespective of what the child’s and young person’s abilities are and in partnership with parents, carers ,  schools and the local community.

Committees: Strategic Resources Committee, Health & Safety Committee, Staff Dismissal Committee, Pupil Discipline Committee, Health & Safety Governor

Length of Service: 6 Years

I manage the Pennine Sports Partnership and work across 67 schools helping with PE and physical activity. I have years of experience working in the school and community setting and have volunteered at numerous community sport clubs over the years.

I’ve loved working with Birkby Junior school over the years, getting to know the staff, children and families involved with the school and the community.

Committees: Standards & Effectiveness, Complaints, Appeals 

Length of Service: 3 Years 

I have been a teacher at Birkby Junior School since 2013 and been a member of the Senior Leadership team for 8 years, leading both Science and PE within school.  

Committees: Strategic Resources Committee

Length of Service: 3 Years

I have been Head Teacher at North Huddersfield Trust School since April 2019.  As a member of the Governing Body I support the transition of Birkby Junior School pupils to North Huddersfield Trust School. My role has supported the progression of the school's curriculum and progression from key stage 2 to 3, so that pupils are ready for their next stage of learning.

Committees: Standards & Effectiveness Committee, Complaints Committee, Staff Dismissal Committee, Pupil Discipline Committee, Pay Committee

Length of Service: 4 years

I have 13 years experience of supporting and developing school IT systems and the curriculum. My current role involves improving school IT systems in another local authority, which allows be to bring my knowledge and expertise to Birkby Junior School.

Committees: Strategic Resources Committee, Complaints Committee, Staff Dismissal Committee

Length of Service: 3 years