The Bygrove Governing Body is a board of 7 members who represent different parts of the school community and who all bring different skills to the task of leading this outstanding school forward.
- 2 staff governors, one of whom is the school headteacher. The other staff governor is elected by the school staff team. Staff governors represent the views of staff at Bygrove at governing body meetings.
- 3 community governors who are appointed by the governing body to represent the community. These governors are selected for the skills they bring to the governing body.
- 2 parent governors who are voted onto the governing body by other parents of children who attend the school. Parent governors play an important role in shaping the education and experience of their children at Bygrove.
Should you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, please email admin@bygrove.org.uk
Who are we?
Stuart Poyser - Chair of Governors
I live in Tower Hamlets and became involved with Bygrove in 2009 when I joined the Number Partners scheme. The quality of the teaching and the enthusiasm of the children made me want to get more involved so I became a governor in 2010.
Ramakrishnan Venkatakrishna - Vice Chair of Governors
I work as an Investment manager for Citi Private Bank. I have enjoyed visiting Bygrove every week since 2002 firstly as a Number Partner and then I started the Chess Partners scheme which has been running successfully since 2004. I have been on the Governing Body since 2008.
Rafia Ahmed - Parent Governor
My name is Rafia Ahmed, I have been a parent at Bygrove for over 10 years now. I have 3 children, 2 of which are at Bygrove. I am a Nursery Nurse at a local Nursery School in Stepney Green. I have over 20 years’ experience working in Early Years Education. I am pleased to be able to use my skills and experience to work with parents, governors and staff to make Bygrove an amazing place for our children to learn, have fun and to prepare them for a bright future.
Nafisa Ahmed - Parent Governor
I have a Masters in Genetic Engineering, an MBA and MSc in project management from top ranked universities in London.
I have strong organisational skills as a teacher as well as head of LSW (SEND Department).
Jennifer Grelard - Co-opted Governor
I am a parent of two children at Bygrove and delighted to be a school governor. I have always been impressed by the values, teaching standards and care that the school shows towards the children. With this role I feel I am able to impart my thoughts and experiences as a parent, as well as understand the day-to-day pressure that the school faces. I really encourage all parents to get involved in the school community in any way they can.
Fatima Begum - Co-opted Governor
Education is an integral part of my life as I am an English teacher at a secondary school, with over 12 years of teaching experience in inner city schools. I live in the community and I wish to ensure that the school continues to provide an outstanding education so all pupils are given the opportunity to fulfill thier potential, whatever their background.
I hope that the knowledge and experience I have will be beneficial to the governing body.
Charlotte Littlewood - Staff Governor
I first started at Bygrove as a trainee teacher in 2013, I am now an experienced member of the teaching team and have loved every minute of it! The caring and exciting learning environment which Bygrove shares with its pupils and their community is something I am very proud to be a part of. Within my role of Staff Governor I represent all Bygrove staff and ensure that they are informed on all issues being discussed by Governors.
Chris Lewis - Co-opted
I was Head Teacher of a Tower Hamlets Nursery School for 15 years before retiring in December 2021. Previously I worked in special education. I am a qualified teacher of the deaf. As a head teacher I worked with the LETTA Trust for many years and am delighted to be able to serve as a governor for such an exciting and caring school
Fiona Durnian - Headteacher
I first started at Bygrove in 2015 as the Assistant Headteacher responsible for Inclusion and a class teacher. I became Head of School in March 2020 & I am very proud to work alongside such an inspirational team who always strive to provide the very best education for our children. One of my favourite things about working at Bygrove is our close-knit community & the strong relationships that we have with our parents. I live locally in Bow so I am passionate about local issues & how we can make Tower Hamlets a safe & exciting place for children to grow up.
What do we do?
Our main purpose is to help raise the educational standards and performance of Bygrove by supporting the work of the Head of School and school staff. We ensure that the school runs effectively, that quality teaching and learning is happening across the school.
We make strategic decisions on how the school is run and are answerable to parents, the wider community and most importantly the children who attend Bygrove. We govern rather than manage by giving direction and focus. The management of the school remains the responsibility of the Headteachers. We are responsible for:
- Determining aims and priorities for Bygrove
- Monitoring and evaluating the work of the school and setting targets
- Ensuring high levels of attendance and good standards of pupil behaviour
- Ensuring that all children in the schools have access to a broad and balanced curriculum, suitable to age, aptitude and ability, which prepares them for adult life
- Ensuring the health & safety of pupils and staff
We meet 3 times annually, once a term.
If you are interested in becoming a Governor, please contact the Chair of governors via the school office admin@bygrove.org.uk
Should you wish to contact the Chair of Governors, please email admin@bygrove.org.uk
