Governors
School governors are volunteers who help to run the school. Most schools work with a group of school governors – together they’re called the ‘governing body‘. They’re involved in decisions about all aspects of managing the school – such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff and setting standards of school discipline.
We are looking for some parents to join our governing body. If you are interested and would like to know more, please email the school office (office@elmgrove.harrow.sch.uk).
Misha Upadhyaya
Chair of Governors
Governor Type: Co-opted
Appointing Body: Elmgrove Primary school
Term of Office: Appointed 17/09/18 term expires 25/03/26
Committees: Headteachers Performance Management
Responsibilities: Chair of the panel and Safeguarding
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: 7/8
Children at Elmgrove: No
I joined as a Governor because I wanted to volunteer in my local community and give my time to a cause that was important to me. What I loved about Elmgrove was that, alongside ensuring all the pupils received an education, they are also nurtured to develop skills, emotions and an understanding of how they can be the best in society. Giving my time to such a worthy cause is very empowering, and I have learnt so much since being a Governor. As Chair of Governors, I am incredibly privileged to lead the school and support the headteacher to make the right choices for the pupils, staff and the wider community.
Ruby Rai
Governor Type: Co-opted Governors
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Term of Office: 13/11/2023 to 13/11/2026
Committees:
Responsibilities:
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: 5/7
Children at Elmgrove: No
I have over 14 years of experience working in health and social care, more recently with care organisations that have been placed under 'special measures' by CQC and LA. My role involves assisting them in bouncing back as a safe and high-quality care provider and employer, leading to an organic improvement in their rating. With experience in mental health, trauma care, palliative, and end-of-life care, I come with skills to pivot and ameliorate even where everything is high-stakes. Natural progression in my career has been providing consultation, coaching, and training in areas such as improving strategies and the workforce, mental and emotional wellbeing, emotional intelligence, and values-based leadership (John Maxwell Certified). I am also a Civil & Commercial Mediator. A new string in my bow that gets me excited on Sunday evenings is teaching my amazing adults with SEN.
As a parent, professional, and someone with a dream and commitment to building a better future for all, I understand the significance and impact of early years and education. In my role as one of the governors of Elmgrove, I aspire to contribute to the team's efforts in improving the experiences and outcomes of pupils (and their families) and the staff.
Sarah Neary
Headteacher
Governor Type: Headteacher
Appointing body: N/A
Term of Office: Permanent
Committees: Headteacher Performance Management
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: 8/8
Children at Elmgrove: No
I attend all the Governor Committee meetings and enjoy working with fellow governors who bring a wide range of different skills and expertise to the groups.
Sneha Jain
Vice Chair * elected September 2023
Governor Type: Local Authority Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 06/03/2023 to 06/03/2026
Committees: Pay & Appeals
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: No
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: 7/8
Children at Elmgrove: No
As an Elmgrove governor, I aim to empower young children with the opportunities and skills that they can leverage for many decades ahead, as I believe that a well-balanced education is one of the most empowering assets that children can grow up with. I am keen to contribute to the community with my skills as a strategic consultant and hope to have a positive impact on the students and wider community at Elmgrove.
Justine Ball
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by the Governing Body
Term of Office: 23/09/2019-23/09/2023
Committees: N/A
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: 6/8
Children at Elmgrove: No
I completed my PGCE in Primary Education in 2012 and started my career teaching in schools in Hillingdon. I have been a teacher at Elmgrove Primary School and Nursery for four years now, and I love working here. I am passionate about inclusion and diversity, and ensuring high standards to allow children to have the fullest life. My three years as a governor have been enjoyable as I am able to contribute to the running of the school, and participate in discussions that impact both pupils and staff. I look forward to continuing supporting Elmgrove to create memorable educational experiences that nurture a lifelong love of learning.
Katrina Vessey
Governor Type: Staff Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by staff
Term of Office: 22/01/2024-22/01/2026
Committees: None
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: 4/5
Children at Elmgrove: No
I started teaching in 2011 and gained most of my experience of teaching in Barnet. I have really enjoyed working with different families and children from around the world and ensuring that all children are seen, heard and supported in school, giving them a start in life where they are curious about the world, aware of themselves and being the best they can be to feel fulfilled and lead happy and successful lives. I started working at Elmgrove this year and have enjoyed the nurturing, fun and inspiring ways of teaching here that are instilled in the children. I look forward to being able to support Elmgrove as a governor and contribute towards its future achievements.
Toby Bownass
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 13/11/2023 to 13/11/2026
Committees: Headteacher Performance Management
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: 5/7
Children at Elmgrove: No
I have joined Elmgrove as co-opted governor, having just moved to Harrow. As a teacher and having worked in schools in a number of roles for ten years, I am a firm believer in the good primary education can do for young people and their communities. I am looking forward to using my knowledge and skills in education to help Elmgrove continue to flourish as a school.
Rohini Shah
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 15/11/2021 to 14/11/2025
Committees:
Responsibilities: Pay Committee
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: 7/8
Children at Elmgrove: Yes
I have joined Elmgrove as Parent Governor and glad for the opportunity given to me. I have more than ten years’ experience working in the general insurance industry. I was also elected as a Co-opted Governor of another primary school in Ealing for 2 years. As a parent Governor, I am looking forward to contributing and supporting the school and community as I think there are continuous opportunities for growth and development in the Education sector.
Ankita Saini
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 11/11/2024-13/11/2026
Committees:
Responsibilities: SEND
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: n/a
Children at Elmgrove: Yes
I am honoured to have been selected as a Parent Governor at Elmgrove Primary School and Nursery. With 10 years of experience as a teacher, as well as my time volunteering and working as a SMSA at the school, I am excited to contribute to the school's continued success. This opportunity allows me to deepen my understanding of the education system while working collaboratively with parents, staff, and governors to support the school community. I look forward to playing an active role in ensuring the best possible outcomes for all students at Elmgrove Primary.
Trupti Patel
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 11/11/2024-13/11/2026
Committees:
Responsibilities: Health and Safety
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: n/a
Children at Elmgrove: Yes
My name is Trupti Patel, and I am the mother of two children. My daughter is in Year 4 at Elmgrove School, and my son is in Year 8. Professionally, I work as a Test Engineer, where I am involved in the software development process. As a Parent Governor, I am committed to supporting the school’s mission and vision, ensuring that all students have the opportunity to reach their full potential in a safe and nurturing environment. I am excited to contribute to the school’s continued development and success in this important role. I hope to bring a parent-focused perspective to the governing body and work collaboratively with staff to achieve the school’s goals.
Rohini Jaswal
Governor Type: Observer
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 11/11/2024-13/11/2026
Committees:
Responsibilities:
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: n/a
Children at Elmgrove: None
Governors Resigned:
Seena Samani (Resigned October 2024)
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 13/11/2023-13/10/2024
Committees:
Responsibilities: TBC
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2023-2024: 5/9
Children at Elmgrove: No
Jamie Shah (Resigned September 2024)
Governor Type: Co-opted Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 17/05/2021 to 16/09/2024
Committees: Appeals and Pay Committee
Responsibilities: None
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: Yes
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 4/9
Children at Elmgrove: No
Simone Godfrey (Resigned August 2024)
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 05/06/2023 to 06/08/2024
Committees:
Responsibilities:
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: 2/2
Children at Elmgrove: Yes
Vanessa Ojapah (Resigned June 2024)
Governor Type: Parent Governor
Appointing Body: Elected by Governing Body
Term of Office: 07/06/2023-07/06/2024
Committees:
Responsibilities: Pay Committee
Declared Interests: None
Governance Roles in Other Schools: None
Attendance at Meetings 2022-2023: n/a
Children at Elmgrove: Yes