The Local Governing Body (LGB)

Our Local Governing Body is one that is shared with Caldmore Primary Academy

In order to understand the role and responsibilities of the local governing body within North Walsall Primary Academy it is important to recognise that the governing body of a school that is part of a multi-academy trust, such as this one is, is very different from that of a single academy school or a community school.

The main difference is that the trust is the accountable body and ultimate decision-making body and not the local governors, or local governance tier as they are known, and it is the trustees who decide how governance works at individual academy level and what responsibilities are delegated to the local tier.  The trust board can, at any time choose to remove those delegated responsibilities or change the committee structure.

So, in a nutshell the local governing body is a committee of, and dependent on, the trust board for any decision-making powers.

So, what is the role of the local governing body at North Walsall Primary Academy?

The local governing body is an informed local community resource with a unique local perspective and a delegated responsibility to provide challenge and support to the academy and the Trust.  Local governors are the “eyes and ears” of the trustees in the local community.

In line with the trust’s Scheme of Delegation, local governors are responsible for supporting academy improvement and engaging with academy leaders and the community in order to ensure that all students reach their full potential, regardless of background or level of ability.

This academy is part of a local cluster.  This means that the governing bodies of two or more academies come together to form one local governing body.

Fully supported by the Trust’s Governance Team and the Chair, local governors of North Walsall Primary Academy are responsible for:

  1. Knowing, understanding and challenging pupils’ overall progress and attainment. This means being clear about where the attainment gaps are, what provisions are in place to close those gaps and the impact of those provisions.
  2. Monitoring child protection and welfare in the academy including attendance, behaviour, suspensions and permanent exclusions.
  3. Receiving and noting summary management accounts and risk registers provided by the academy.
  4. Hearing any appeals as part of the complaints process and sitting on discipline panels in relation to suspensions and permanent exclusions.
  5. Evaluating their own effectiveness through the local governing body action plan, skills audit and clerk-led self-evaluation.

School visits help governors to understand more about their academy and the reality of school life.  We encourage governors to take on specific roles, dependent upon their interests and visit their academy.

Being a governor is a very rewarding experience.  You will be part of a team who is working to improve the life chances of children, some of whom come from very challenging backgrounds.  You will learn new skills whilst giving something back to the community you live and work in.  Our local Governors are committed to Transforming Lives, they give their time and energy to oversee the academy and take on a lot of responsibility.  Governance is enhanced by a team from a diverse range of professional, social and cultural backgrounds, if you are interested in becoming a local community governor please get in touch with us.

Contact the Governors

The Governance Team

If you have feedback, or need support with a concern, our Governance Team are here to help.  Michelle, our Head of Governance, along with Amber, Jo and Jess, our Governance Clerks, all work closely together and will ensure any communications regarding your academy get to the correct person for response and will support you in the process.  The team would also be delighted to hear from you if you are considering becoming a governor yourself and would like some information about it.  They can be found via the following:

 

  • Email: governance@attrust.org.uk
  • Telephone: Leave a message via 01922 720822
  • Address: FAO Clerk to the Governors, North Walsall Primary Academy, Derby Street, Walsall.  WS2 7BH

Meet Our Governors

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Rachel Paskin, Chair of Governors, Community

Term of Office: 03/07/2024 – 02/07/2028 –  appointed by Trustees
Leadership and Management Link Governor

I’m Walsall born and bred and have worked in the Higher Education sector for over 30 years.  I’ve held numerous positions at the University of Wolverhampton and Birmingham City University, with the majority of that time spent in Academic Standards, Governance and Quality Assurance.

Leaving school with no qualifications to speak of, I worked my way up the career ladder the hard way, starting on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) back in the 1980’s and went on to obtain various professional qualifications, not least BSc (Hons) and MSc degrees in Psychology and Psychotherapy as a part-time student whilst working full time.  Leading me to also work as a counsellor in the voluntary and private sector.

My journey has taught me that education is critical to success in the workplace and wider world.  It has not only given me knowledge, it has expanded my view of the world, shaped my values to be inclusive and embrace diversity, as well as improving my confidence.  

I am keen to share my experiences and knowledge to encourage and support the younger generation in their own educational journey.  I’m very excited to begin my next venture as part of the Academy Transformation Trust

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Tarra Simmons, Vice Chair, Local Community Governor

Term of Office:24/10/2022 to 31/12/2026 appointed by the Local Governing Body 
Pupil Premium Link Governor

I am a senior business leader bringing over 35 years’ experience with a passion to ensure young people’s needs and aspirations are a clear consideration and focus of both responsible businesses and community development strategies. My career has been formed around business, people, and community development.

I believe every person should have the opportunity to be the best they want to be and, that every member of the community plays a role in achieving that.  I have previous experience as a school governor and understand the positive difference a strong governing body can make to the success of the school they support.  On a personal level, I’m a mother, gardener, and keen traveller.

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Anna Webster. Local Parent Governor

Term of Office: 20/03/2023 – 19/03/2027 appointed by Caldmore Academy Parents
Quality of the Education Link Governor

I am Parent Governor at North Walsall Primary Academy and Caldmore. I am also a Project Manager at Caldmore Community Garden, an outdoor education and recreation space next to the school. I have lived and worked in the local area for more than 10 years now and am committed to building strong relationships between the communities, celebrating their diverse heritage, and ensuring their wellbeing. As a parent, I would like to see the Primary Academy flourish as an educational institution, support development of our children, and be at the heart of the local community.

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Georgia Sims, Local Staff Governor

Term of Office: 09/12/2021 – 31/12/2026, Appointed by North Walsall Academy Staff
EDI and Staff Wellbeing Link Governor

I went to University College Birmingham in 2012 and I have got a Bachelor’s Degree in Childhood studies. I have worked in all sectors of education working with children from 0 to 18 and working as a support worker for children and young people.  I specialise working with SEND pupils and put my own experience and knowledge of sign language and Picture Exchange Communication to help pupils with their communication and learning. I am very passionate for helping children with SEND needs as I myself have Autism and additional needs and I can understand and empathise with our children who may be finding it difficult in some situations and explain to staff who may not be able to understand fully on what may be happening.

I started working at North Walsall Primary Academy in February 2018, first volunteering in the nurture room and with our SEND pupils. In September 2018 I got the opportunity to work as a lunchtime supervisor from which I did for around 2 years. I was given another opportunity to work part time with a child who came into our school for the morning and continued with lunchtime supervising and continued to volunteer for the rest of the day.  The following September I was asked to continue to work full time and I am now a SEND Teaching assistant now in nurture and in year 1.  I am proud to be a staff governor as it provides me with opportunities to work closely with staff, families, and our community where we can reach the full protentional for our children.

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Dilveer Rai, Local Staff Governor

Term of Office: 01/09/2024 – 31/08/2028 appointed by Caldmore Academy Staff
Staff Voice Link Governor

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Nadira Begum, Local Parent Governor

Term of Office: 01/09/2020 – 31/12/2026 appointed by North Walsall Academy Parents
SEND and Safeguarding (including LAC) Link Governor

My name is Nadira Begum, like many parents I want the best for my children I have a great interest in my Childs education and it is important for children to get the best out of school, making friends, and creating memories of fun and learning. I wanted to become a parent governor as my son attends the school and believe parent governors have  a special role and should always try to assess issues and decisions from the point of view of parents/carers and families.

I love to get to know the school community parents, pupils, and staff and believe that I have gained skills in my personal and professional working life. I like to work in a challenging but rewarding environment as my current role is working in Supported living supporting homeless individuals and trying to support them with the challenges they have faced or are facing.

Being a parent governor is very rewarding and as a parent I expect high standards from a school which I believe NWPA follow and by becoming a governor I would like to help with the progression of the school and support the parents and families of North Walsall Primary Academy.

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Nailah Kausar, Local Community Governor

Term of Office: 03/07/2024 to 02/07/2028 appointed by the Local Governing Body 

I am a Family Solicitor, I qualified in 2016 and currently work for a children’s rights charity, NYAS, representing children in private law Court proceedings. I have extensive experience of child protection laws.

Born and bred in Walsall, I have attended schools in the area and am in fact a former pupil of North Walsall Primary Academy.  I therefore have strong ties to the area and good connections with the local community.

I have held / hold a number of voluntary roles and would refer you to my LinkedIn profile for full details https://uk.linkedin.com/in/nailah-kausar-ba0a3a175

Specifically, I was previously a member of Bristol City Council’s school appeals panel (2017-2020).

It is a privilege to act as Governor for North Walsall and Caldmore primary academies and to be able to give something back to the community.  I hope to make a positive difference to the lives of both pupils and staff during my appointment term.

Outside of work, I love travelling, socialising and DSLR photography.  I am passionate about my faith and enjoy studying Islamic theology and poetry – Rumi is a favourite.  I also enjoy spending time with my twin nephews (primary school age) and actively assist in their upbringing.