We wrote to you all on 29th September to invite nominations for the vacancies for parent governors. We are delighted to say that there has been a good response and there are four candidates for the two vacancies. This means we must now hold a ballot.
The candidates are: Dan Shotter (parent of Albie in Mull Class), Emma Stockton (parent of Charlotte in Jamaica and Finlay in Lindisfarne), Muhammad Abu Naser (parent of Amina in Lundy) and Tamera Jamal (parent of Ziyad in Jamaica).
You may vote for up to two of the candidates. Each family can submit one ballot paper, regardless of the number of pupils you have attending the school. As indicated on the ballot paper you should vote by marking an X alongside the name(s) of the parent(s) you wish to support.
Once you have marked the ballot paper you should fold it up or seal it in an envelope. This should then be put in the ballot box, which can be found at the desk in school office, by 12 noon on Friday 6th November. If it is not possible for you to vote in person, please return the ballot paper to me at the address at the top of this letter. The election will be decided by a simple majority of votes cast. In the event of a tie, lots will be drawn. When the election has been completed I will let you know the outcome. If in the meantime you have any queries, please ask Marianne.
Candidates’ personal statements
Dan Shotter
My son moved into Year 1 in September and now that he and I are settled into life at Brecknock, I would like to play a more active role in the school’s development. Having worked previously for a children’s charity. I now work in central government at the Youth Justice Board (YJB). As head of commissioning, I have had responsibility for a number of projects to improve services to young people in prison. These have included construction of a unit for young mothers and their babies, development of behaviour management training for staff and improved education in prison. All have required a collaborative approach, bringing together multiple agencies including local authorities, NHS England and children’s charities.
In terms of the functions of the governing body I have relevant experience as follows:
- Clarity of vision – this underpins my role at the YJB, enabling those providing services to young people to understand how they can have most impact.
- Holding to account – this has been central to my work with the prison service, offering both ‘challenge’ and ‘support’ to prison governors and senior managers.
- Financial performance – I have managed large budgets on a number of investment projects and demonstrated value for money.
I am fortunate to have the ability to work flexibly, which would enable me to dedicate significant time and commitment to the role of governor. I would welcome the opportunity to work in partnership and ensure ‘Brilliant Brecknock’ continues to thrive.
Emma Stockton
Brecknock has a thriving and diverse community of children, teachers and parents. I have been a governor for the last 4 years and have enjoyed seeing the school go from strength to strength. I now have 2 children at the school and another who will join in September.
My normal job is as a paediatric anaesthetist. I am used to working in an environment that requires high standards. I hope that my experience of governance in the health service enables me to question, challenge and support the decisions made by the Brecknock leadership team in a way that maximally benefits the children.
Moving forward I want to see the school consolidate its position as a school where the highest standards are reached by ALL children.
Muhammad Abu Naser
I am nominating myself for the post of parent governor as I would like to play a role in shaping and running of the school which my daughter attends. I am a secondary school teacher by profession and have over 13 years teaching experience. I want to make a difference at Brecknock Primary School by ensuring the school is performing its best and providing outstanding education to our children. I am aware of what parents want from school and I want to represent them as one of the main stakeholders. I want to make sure parents’ voice are heard and actioned accordingly and then play a great role in the running of the school.
I also have a number of years experience in representing the community as I am the elected chairperson of our Resident Tenant Association (TRA). I was also the treasurer of Regents Park Gardening Club which is an allotment project for the local residents of Regents Park Estates. This means I am able to represent the parents and the local community and will strive to serve them well.
I have always been passionate about teaching and helping youngsters to shape their lives academically as well as socially and really wish to continue in this path for many years to come. I also enjoy working with ethnically diverse community and want to improve schools’ performance and helping students to succeed in their lives and build a better cohesive community.
Tamera Jamal
I would like to become a parent governor because I am already involved in school life having served as the Treasurer of the PTA. I would like to do more to support the school and staff as they work hard to give all our children a great educational start in life. My son, Ziyad, started at Brecknock Primary in April 2013 and he is now in Year 5.
I have a degree in Mathematics from the University of Manchester. I have been working in the financial industry for many years.
Past 9 years I have been volunteering with Camden Baby feeding service, providing help and support to new mothers on the wards at The Royal Free Hospital or visiting new mothers at home. I also volunteer at Noah’s Ark in a family support outreach role and with Home Start as a family support worker. I believe it’s important to give back to one’s community when I am able to.
I am always happy to speak to anyone so if you see me around and want to ask me any questions prior to the election, please do so.
