Our Governors

Governor Pen Portraits

Anna Dalton

I am a parent governor and a mum to three children, two of which are currently at Westacres. As a primary trained teacher and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, I have a strong belief that all children should be able to access an inclusive education, enabling every child to learn, grow and reach their full potential. I am keen to contribute to the future of the school, support staff and represent views of parents. I look forward to being part of supporting Westacre School to continue to provide a high level of education to our children.

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Bhavisha Patel

It’s important for me, not just as a parent, but a person living within our community, to ensure that our children are safe, happy and have the confidence to grow and have the best start to their lives. Every child should be made to feel as equal as the child sat next to them. No child should feel excluded and it’s up to us, to help make this happen. Therefore, I’m privileged to have been selected as a co-opted governor for Westacre Infant School where I can contribute to shaping the educational lives of our children. I’m a Senior Business Analyst by profession, working on Change and Transformation programmes within different sectors. I’m motivated and passionate by changes that have a positive impact to all aspects of life, especially children, so I look forward to the journey in shaping our school.

 

Ajay Patel

I believe education of our children is a vital key to their positive development and growth, and in turn this is reflected on to society and the environment we create for their wellbeing. The importance of these formative years that the children go through cannot be underestimated, therefore the progression and development of the school is paramount to the positive growth of the children.

 

It is a privilege to have been selected a parent governor, and to fulfil a position where I can have a positive influence and allow me to make a difference. It allows me to give back to the community what a good education has taught and provided me with. I'm a construction professional by trade, responsible for the estimation and management of costs on projects in the preconstruction phase up to financial close.

 

Education is a cornerstone in the foundations of life, and to be able to contribute to this and help shape children’s futures at Westacre Infant School is a journey I look forward to being a part of.

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Cassie McCalliog 

I joined the Westacre governing board in September 2022 as a co-opted governor. I am a teacher in a local primary school and lead the Early Years Foundation Stage.  I am a specialist in early years and also a moderator and have worked supporting other local schools.  I believe a child’s early years are the foundation for his or her future development, providing a strong base for a lifelong love of learning. I hope my skill-set and experience in early years can bring something valuable to the board here at Westacre.   I am a mom of two daughters.  My youngest has just started college and my eldest is at university in New York.  I believe strongly in the core ethos of Westacre Infant School and I am committed to supporting it to provide the best possible experience for all its pupils and staff. 

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Emma Guest

I am the Deputy Headteacher and Year 1 teacher at Westacre Infants and have been a Primary Teacher for over 30 years! I am married and am a Mum to twins – Luke and Adam. I am very proud of both them and their achievements. Luke is a Vet (very useful when our cat is sick!) and Adam is an Engineer.

I am passionate about ensuring that our school is fun and exciting place to be – where everyone feels happy, safe, valued and respected and we can ‘learn and grow together’. I lead on Maths and Pupil Premium within school as well as being the Curriculum Leader and part of our Governing Board. It is a privilege to come to work each day and have the opportunity to be part of the Westacre team. At Westacre, we strive to ensure that everyone has the opportunities, experiences, support and drive to be the best that they can be.

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Poonam Panesar

I am a co-opted Parent and a mum to two young boys one of which is currently at Westacre. A good education is the foundation for a better future and planting the seed for learning is key. School days should be remembered for some of the best days of your life. I am passionate about learning and encouraging children to want to learn, be curious whilst having fun, and equipping them with the support to reach their full potential.

I am pleased to be part of the Westacre School Governors, to extend this passion in supporting the school and it's community to grow and shape its capabilities, to achieve the best outcomes for both the school, staff, and more importantly the children. By profession work in the NHS in programme manager leading on digital transformation.

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Link Governor Roles 

We have each been appointed a Link Governor role for this academic year which will help us to plan and focus our school visits on certain areas. The Link Governors for this year are:

 

Safeguarding/Child Protection: Anna Dalton, Bhavisha Patel and Poonam Panesar

SEND: Anna Dalton

Writing: Cassie McCalliog and Claire Tilt

Health & Safety: Claire Tilt

Pupil Premium: Ajay Patel and Anna Dalton

Attendance and Wellbeing: Poonam Panesar and Bhavisha Patel

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