Meet our Governors
Current Governors
Dr Melvyn Tatters
Chair of Governors
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
11th June 2019 |
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Term of Office expires |
10th June 2023 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
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Professional Background |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
Head Teacher, Westbrook Primary School, Hounslow |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Kamran Asghar
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
2nd March 2021 |
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Term of Office expires |
1st March 2025 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
Awaiting Information |
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Professional Background |
Metropolitan Police |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
Awaiting Information |
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Chad LeVel
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
28th February 2023 |
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Term of Office expires |
27th February 2027 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
My reason for wanting to become a School Governor is, amongst other things, to be able to support the children and young people in my community, as also to develop my professional skills and experience ,such as strategic planning , chairing, financial planning , as well as team working. To help me in the relationship building and networking in my local area all of which can and will assist in my general career development. |
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Professional Background |
SEN TA SEN Educational Experience |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Sabina Rajput
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
28th February 2023 |
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Term of Office expires |
27th February 2027 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
I feel by becoming a Governor I will be able to contribute to the school in a positive way. Being a parent of a child with special needs puts me in a unique position for this role. I have first-hand knowledge and experience. |
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Professional Background |
Finance & Accounting |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
Organisational skills Good communication skills Reliable |
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Susan Ferry
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
28th February 2023 |
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Term of Office expires |
27th February 2027 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
I’m firmly committed to Diversity and Inclusion in all its forms, but especially when it comes to those who are less able to advocate for themselves. I have spent the last 11 years advocating for my daughter (with SEN needs) to have equal access to education, healthcare and opportunity in life and would very much like to be able to contribute on a broader scale by supporting Oaklands as a parent governor. In the early years of daughter's life, I was very heavily dependent on the voluntary sector for emotional and practical support and would like to “pay this forwards” now that I have the time and bandwidth to do so. Finally, I was truly captivated by the quote on the wall in the Oaklands school reception and I would be delighted to help the leadership, staff and pupils at Oaklands to deliver on this powerful ambition. |
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Professional Background |
Strategy Advisor |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
Highly analytical and able to evaluate complex and incomplete information, before making considered and timely recommendations. An excellent communicator who creates compelling narratives from complex data and delivers accordingly.
An experienced team player with a proven ability to build effective relationships with senior stakeholders.
Confident and secure in engaging respectfully in difficult conversations to build trust.
A demonstrable ability to influence without formal authority, working collaboratively.
Excels at identifying gaps and opportunities, with a practical and pragmatic approach to problem solving and delivery.
Manages uncertainty well and embraces new challenges with a learner mindset |
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Ranujan Ravidran
Co-opted Governor
Awaiting image
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Alok Dubey
Co-opted Governor
Awaiting image
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Harry Thomas
Co-opted Governor
Awaiting image
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Abhey Prabhakar
Parent Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
10th November 2020 |
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Term of Office expires |
9th November 2024 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
I have had a long-standing desire to support Oaklands school and have always got a lot of comfort and satisfaction when I have previously visited the school and seen how happy the children are there and how they are being supported to maximise their potential. My son is a student at Oaklands and so I have a personal connection to the school, and want to support the school further in any way that I can. I believe being a governor at the school will allow me to make a tangible difference to the school. |
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Professional Background |
I am a qualified accountant with over 25 years of experience gained in a number of businesses and industries. |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
As an accountant I bring financial management and business skills, project management capabilities, and a drive to deliver results and successful outcomes |
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None. |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Talia Wilmot
Staff Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
7th November 2023 |
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Term of Office expires |
7th November 2027 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
I was first introduced to Oaklands School as an occupational therapist through the NHS, and applied for my permanent role after seeing their care and approach to the students. I wanted to become a Governor so that I could continue to contribute to the school’s vision, using my skills as an occupational therapist to further benefit our students, staff, and parents. I would also like to gain further insight into the school so to allow our therapy team to continue to support the school to the best of our abilities. |
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Professional Background |
Specialist Occupational Therapist, SI Qualification Oaklands Therapy Team Coordinator |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
I am passionate about helping students with additional needs and believe that all our students have the right to be treated with dignity and respect. From the time I first started working at Oaklands School as an NHS occupational therapist, I loved their approach to increasing their student’s independence, as well as their views that all students needed to be treated as unique individuals. As one of the first in-house therapists within the school, I assisted in establishing the current therapy team and was appointed as the therapy team coordinator at the beginning of 2023. I bring skills as both an occupational therapist and therapy team coordinator. These include:
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Florence Hitchcock
Awaiting Image
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
7th November 2023 |
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Term of Office expires |
7th November 2027 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
I have a personal connection to the school through a friend's daughter who attends Oaklands. I have a professional connection as I wish to deepen and advance my knowledge and skills as an SEN Teacher. |
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Professional Background |
Hospital Teacher (SEN) |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
Academic Knowledge (MSC in Child Development) SEND Teaching |
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Committee Membership |
Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Committee |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Rebecca Varlet-Mathon
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
7th November 2023 |
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Term of Office expires |
7th November 2027 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
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Professional Background |
Prior to my teaching career I worked in finance in the city, I did this for seven years before embarking on my teaching journey. I began my teaching career almost ten years ago in a mainstream setting but soon found my passion for SEN. I am now in my sixth year working at New oaks as a class teacher and have led the creative curriculum team for three years. |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
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Committee Membership |
Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Committee |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Previous Governors
Manav Arora
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
8th November 2022 |
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Term of Office expires |
7th November 2026 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
Being settled in UK for past 12 years and parenting my own children aged 5 and 11 year old, I think it is right time to contribute towards the community and volunteer myself for some social work which would give me immense pleasure and satisfaction as I think I can nurture the growth and development of our younger generation. |
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Professional Background |
IT |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
Being working as a senior consultant in IT industry for more than 15 years, I can contribute towards the development of the school by using my interpersonal skills, team management and focus on the new technology which might be great interest for our children’s growth. I am a quick learner and can therefore fit myself in this position which has interested me a lot. |
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Fadeel Corenelius
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
9th June 2015 |
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Term of Office expires |
4th November 2023 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
Employed at Oaklands |
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Professional Background |
School Site Manager for the past 10 years |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
Excellent DIY skills and site maintenance |
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Mark Williams
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed |
2nd March 2021 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
Awaiting information |
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Professional Background |
Awaiting information |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
Awaiting information |
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
Awaiting information |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
July 2019 |
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Term of Office expires |
10th June 2023 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
I am able to commit to this role, my children have grown and no longer need my input, I have an interest in children with any special educational need or disability for my own experience as I have a nephew who was born at 24 weeks gestation and had global delay and autism – with this experience came the palpable understanding of parents needs and care also being a sensitive but high priority. |
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Professional Background |
RSCN/RGN Registered Children's Nurse |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Jack Talman
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
5th March 2019 |
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Term of Office expires |
4th March 2023 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
I visited the school and was so impressed by everything that everyone does here. The school is such an inspirational place with such great facilities and management that so clearly care about the welfare and education of the students in their care. I quickly felt that this was somewhere that I wanted to also devote my time to in order to do what I could to also contribute to the lives of these young people. |
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Professional Background |
I have been a teacher since 2007 and have become a pastoral leader in the school where I now work. This means that I focus my time on the welfare and wellbeing of the students in my care. I have become a practising Mindfulness teacher and am the Head of PSHE and ESafety Officer in the school where I work. |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
I care passionately about the safety and welfare of the young people in my care. I am empathetic and sympathetic and always willing to listen and do whatever I can to help. I have a good understanding of PSHE and the issues facing young people today around areas such as online safety and mental health. I am keen to try to use the knowledge and skills that I have developed around these areas to help the students at Oaklands and look forward to learning more while a governor here. |
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Committee Membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None. |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Nina Atwal
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
2nd March 2021 |
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Term of Office expires |
11th October 2022 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
I wanted to undertake some volunteer work that would allow me to put to practice my skills and experience, in order to give back in a meaningful way. With my experience consulting in governance, I felt that I could add value to a Governing Body. I was interested in volunteering to be a Governor of a school because I believe it is fundamental to get things right at this stage of a child’s education and that this is even more critical for a special school, as education provision in this setting comes with a unique set of challenges. Above all, I was thrilled at the opportunity to become a Governor at Oaklands School because it is an exemplary institution that has been recognised by Ofsted as Outstanding. Additionally, it was acknowledged that there was "no complacency in Leaders' and Governors' work", and it is that drive and passion from both the Governing Body and the Leadership team that make me feel both proud and privileged to be a Governor at Oaklands School. |
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Professional Background |
Currently, a Strategy Consultant |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
My role for the past five years has been as a Consultant for an organisation which specialises in public sector governance. Therefore, I have spent a significant amount of time advising Governing Bodies from across the health sector, higher education and the third sector on improving the effectiveness of their governance arrangements. My work in this area has exposed me to a wide range of institutions and Governing Bodies with varying levels of effectiveness, which in turn has equipped me with an understanding of what good governance looks like, and it is that understanding of best practice which I believe is the value add that I bring to the Governor role. |
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Committee Membership |
Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Committee |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Nancy Beesley
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
10th November 2015 |
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Term of Office expires |
8th Noevmber 2022 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor |
I have worked as a Teaching Assistant at Oaklands School for 5 years and I love my job! I feel it is very important that the teaching support staff have a voice on the governing body as we work most closely with the students on a day to day basis and we can always offer a useful, informed and practical perspective on key issues. I also believe that support staff are the lynchpins of the school and it is important for them to know that their views are represented and valued. |
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What is your professional background |
I first came to the school on an agency contract, having worked in several other schools in the area. At the time I was returning to work after a career break to raise my own two young children. I knew I wanted to work in education, but I wasn’t sure in what capacity. From the start Oaklands was the perfect fit for me, and I didn’t want to leave. Happily I was able to secure a permanent contract and I’ve been here ever since. When I left university I worked in the newsrooms of several local radio stations in the West Country before moving to London as a researcher for the BBC’s Disability Programmes Unit. Latterly I became an Assistant Director responsible for filming on location. My time in the media was very exciting, but I find my job now much more rewarding. |
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What skills do you bring to the role |
I have taken advantage of training opportunities offered by the school. I am a manual handling trainer. Together with another colleague I’m responsible for all the student moving and handling plans within the school. We also deliver staff training throughout the school. I have completed a course for therapist assistants in speech and language and occupational therapy. I work with every class at Oaklands, but I have a particular interest in profound, multiple learning disabilities (PMLD). |
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Committee membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Dalia Paulauskaite
Parent Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
10th November 2015 |
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Term of Office expires |
8th November 2022 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor |
My son is attending this school and I am very keen to contribute to the great achievements for this school using my experience and skills I acquired during my career. I have previous Governor experience |
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What is your professional background |
Recruitment related positions in various companies (recruiting for science, sales positions from senior to mid - level) |
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What skills do you bring to the role |
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Committee membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Nina Kresnik
Staff Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
15th June 2021 |
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Term of Office expires |
13th June 2023 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor at Oaklands School? |
I joined as a Teacher Governor in September 2021, as I wanted to broaden my understanding of how strategic direction of our school is formed in order to further develop my curriculum area as well as to support our younger Teachers with understanding what is required when creating whole school planning and events. I would like to use my skills to support the school’s vision and to enable our students to achieve their full potential. |
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Professional Background |
SEN Teaching |
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What skills do you bring to the role? |
I joined Oaklands as a new Teacher in 2017. Since then my role has developed into Senior Middle Leader. I am in charge of Independence Curriculum Team where the main focus is preparing our young people for adulthood through developing a broad Life Skills and Vocational Curriculum. Within this role I have developed two Life Skills rooms which are now used by our students to learn practical skills they will need for life beyond Oaklands. I have been developing the use of Food Technology Room in order to ensure our students learn the basic skills required for preparing food. I am one of the establishing members of Oaklands Training Team, aimed at developing and delivering a variety of trainings to support schools in the local area as well as developing bespoke in-house trainings for our school. I am passionate about sharing knowledge amongst each other in order to ensure our students thrive at and beyond Oaklands. |
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Committee Membership |
Teaching, Learning and Curriculum Committee |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
None |
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Attendance at meetings |
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Ann Neath
Co-opted Governor
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Date Appointed by Governing Body |
6th November 2018 |
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Term of Office expires |
19th January 2023 |
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Why did you want to become a Governor |
Maximizing learning opportunities and educational experience for all children and young people with SEN or disability, has been at the heart of my professional life. Becoming a governor at Oaklands is an opportunity to continue making a small contribution to this end. Further, it is an opportunity for me to learn and develop skills in the area of governance and widen my perspective of schools. |
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What is your professional background |
I am an educational psychologist, now retired. Before my professional training (M.Sc 1981-82) I had been a primary school teacher for several years. I have worked as an E.P for the boroughs of Richmond and Ealing, and as an independent E.P. Part of my work included special schools, notably Clarendon and Strathmore schools in Richmond, and John Chilton school in Ealing. |
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What skills do you bring to the role |
My Career as an E.P has enabled me to gain good understanding of the stresses and difficulties teachers and parents face. Although I have learned the need for rigorous enquiry I am sympathetic, non-judgemental, work effectively as part of a team and am very supportive of the school. I am very much a 'people' person and much look forward to getting to know the school and it's staff well. |
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Committee membership |
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Declared financial / business / material interests |
Personal friendships with two members of staff. |
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Attendance at meetings |
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