| Kingsgate Primary School governing body |
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Ian Whittaker - Chair of governors - Co-opted governor
Hello. My name is Ian Whittaker and I have been a governor at Kingsgate Primary School since March 2012. I was elected as Chair of Governors in September 2019. I am an advisor and consultant having worked as an Equities Analyst in the financial markets for 20 years. I bring to the governing body the analytical and financial skills I use in my job looking at companies and how they operate. One of my roles at Kingsgate Primary School is as the designated governor for Safeguarding. For me, what is most impressive is how Kingsgate Primary School delivers outstanding results and the dedication of its staff. I enjoy being involved in working with the Headteacher and the leadership team to make sure that we continue to develop. |
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Meg Jones - Headteacher
As the headteacher of Kingsgate Primary School, I am responsible for the day-to-day management, organisation and control of the school, and I work closely with my leadership team to make sure that the school runs smoothly. I also work closely with the governing body who have an important strategic role, looking at the bigger picture and helping make decisions about how the school makes best use of its financial resources.
Our aim always is to make sure that all our pupils achieve high academic standards. |
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Aude-Marie Auphan - Co-opted governor
My name is Aude-Marie Auphan and I have been a co-opted governor at Kingsgate Primary School since May 2016. I am both thrilled and proud to join the school's governing body.
My background is in the performing arts. Following a career as a professional cellist, I now work as manager to artists, developing and managing the careers of international soloists in the field of classical music. Passionate about education, I believe that art subjects help children unlock their potential and develop to the best of their abilities. I aim to bring my insight to the school and to contribute to Kingsgate Primary remaining a school not only of outstanding academic achievement but also one that provides an environment for each child to thrive in. |
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Mike Ford - Staff governor
Hello. My name is Mike Ford and I am a Key Stage 2 class teacher and the Key Stage 2 computing lead at Kingsgate Primary School. I have been a primary school teacher for over 7 years and have worked at schools in Camden, Islington and Hong Kong. I can bring the perspective of the staff to meetings and I can offer my professional experience and knowledge when we discuss and make decisions about how to maintain high standards at Kingsgate. |
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Gideon Gild - Local authority
My name is Gideon Gild and I would like to introduce myself as LA governor. I am the treasurer of the Hampstead and Belsize Labour branch of Hampstead and Highgate CLP and I also run their CLP 100 Club. I have been working in IT for over 35 years, working in a variety of different sectors including: - Debt Collection, General Finance, Agriculture and Membership Services. I currently work for one of the largest unions in the UK. I also do volunteering work for Tinnitus UK. |
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Sunayana Goswami - Parent governor
My name is Sunayana Goswami.
I am a textile designer-maker and I own an interior and textile-design business.
I am also an Associate Lecturer at the University of the Arts London and a member of the
Southwark Cathedral Guild of Embroiderers, where I met the late Queen Elizabeth II, on a
project which was commissioned by her for Jubilee celebrations.
I hold a Bachelor's degree with Honours in Commerce and a Bachelor's degree with Honours in
Textile Designing.
Education has always played a pivotal role in my life. As a design student at the university, I
have volunteered as a visiting faculty for a charity and non-profit organisation, where I taught
hand embroidery to underprivileged families with children and help to develop new practical
skills for earning a livelihood.
I am very pleased to observe the passion, sincerety and dedication that the Headteacher and
members of staff have towards working with students, which is placing the needs of the students
first as well as consistently delivering outstanding results over the years.
I believe my experience as a tutor and a business owner transfers well into my role as a parent
governor.
I am looking forward to contribute towards the overall growth and development of the students
and the school. |
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Paul Manson - Co-opted governor
I would like to introduce myself as a co-opted governor, taking up the position in September 2021. I have over 30 year's experience working with software and data for the financial sector across Europe and the Middle East, which has given me an understanding of the challenges of a multi-cultural environment.
My educational background is Engineering and Computer science, which have been critical to my own personal development and I would like do what I can to give others the opportunities that education can deliver.
I am looking forward to supporting Kingsgate Primary School in the coming years. |
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Dayo Okunlola - Co-opted governor
My name is Dayo Okunlola and I have had the privilege to be a co-opted governor at Kingsgate Primary School since September 2018. I have an extensive educational background spanning 42 years, in the UK and overseas, and am currently Executive Headteacher of the Southover Partnership, a charity providing education and support for young people aged 9 - 19.
In my spare time I am a published writer (fiction and scientific) and have written and directed stage plays performed in the UK and the Caribbean. I have also been a newspaper editor, written for CBBC, and am involved with Mantra Lingua in the production of bilingual books for young learners.
I am passionate about the inclusion of pupils with special educational needs and disabilities and hope to contribute my experience and commitment towards continuing the outstanding outcomes being delivered by Kingsgate Primary School for its pupils. |
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Paul Ratner - Co-opted governor
My name is Paul Ratner and I have been a co-opted governor at Kingsgate Primary School since 2010.
In my capacity as a school governor, I have regularly attended meetings, governor open days and training courses.
I currently run my own private sector company and I believe that, working outside of education, I bring a fresh perspective to the team.
I also feel that, as someone who has been involved in local political campaigns, I have a feel for the wider community's aspirations for schools in the area.
A great primary school education is the first building block in ensuring that children will be both happy and successful in their secondary school and then go on to achieve great things later in life.
I am therefore proud that Kingsgate School is rated Ofsted outstanding and long may the school continue to maintain high academic standards. |
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Ahmed Saad - Parent governor
Hello. I am Ahmed Saad and I have been a governor at Kingsgate Primary School since 2010. I am a parent governor.
My background is education; I have a Master's Degree in general education and I am currently teaching the Arabic language in Camden Supplementary Schools.
The governors work closely with the School Leadership Team and other members of the school community including pupils, parents and staff.
Working with the headteacher and with the leadership team we aim to make sure that all children have the best possible education in a safe and fun environment. |
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Simon Vear - Co-opted governor
I would like to introduce myself as a co-opted governor. I was delighted to take up the position in February 2019. Professionally I am a business consultant who helps organisations in the endless drive to improve quality while reducing cost. I have supported both publicly and privately-owned organisations across the world.
I believe the start someone receives in life is vitally important to the quality of life that they end up having. To that end, as a governor, I hope to bring the insights I have in delivering successfully in financially constrained environments, to supporting the Head, and whole school, in providing the children of Kingsgate a key element to that start in life. |
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Shelley Dunbar -
School business manager -
Co-opted governor
My name is Shelley Dunbar and I have been the school's business manager since November 2011. I have worked in Camden primary schools since 1998. My background is in banking and I can bring my financial expertise not only to my role in school and also to my role as a co-opted governor where I discuss financial matters with governors and give them the information they need in order to have a strategic overview of the school. I can also bring my knowledge of human resources, health and safety and premises management to the table at governing body meetings. |
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