Valerie Daniel - Head teacher

As head teacher of Washwood Heath Nursery School, my key priorities are to ensure that the children entrusted to our care are enjoying a comprehensive and stimulating curriculum. As a part of the governance of the school I am focused on school improvement and school effectiveness and continually building on our best. In the last ten years we have attained and maintained an outstanding Ofsted status and we hope with the support of our critical friends and rigorous governance, to continue to be an outstanding Nursery school.

Dr Islam Afzal - Co-opted Governor

I have extensive experience working with leaders and organisations, across public and private sectors, both in the UK and internationally, to bring about change.

I have previously held a number of executive level roles focusing on leading complex workforce and culture change. I am currently a clinical lecturer at Aston University in the School of Medicine.

My role as parent governor allows me to provide a challenging and community-based approach to Washwood Heath Nursery. I have served as a governor at another school in Birmingham and have experience in challenging key decisions being made at the executive level. I am open to listen to parental and staff concerns and raise such issues on their behalf. I currently serve on the general purposes and curriculum board to ensure the best strategies are adopted for the benefit of children, staff and the community.

Sanam Parveen - Staff Governor

I am a teacher at Washwood Heath Nursery School, my teaching career has given me more than 10 years’ experience of working within early years. I value the immeasurable impact of an outstanding early year’s education in facilitating children to build a secure foundation at an early stage.

As a staff governor I play a role in the governors’ curriculum committee, offering a unique insight that reflects on teaching and learning and promotes a link between practice and theory. I also have links with the local community and combined with the valuable insight to the school life as a governor, I can ensure approaches in supporting the community to prosper. I enjoy and thrive on the challenges that come with every aspect of school life and am passionate about high quality education to ensure every child fulfils their potential whilst on their journey within our school.

Sadia Akhtar Associate Governor

I am the Nursery One Manager at Washwood Health Nursery School. Nursery One caters to children from 3 months to 5 years old, providing flexible provision throughout the year.

I have 10 years’ experience in Early Years Management, a BA Hons in Early Childhood Studies and Early Years Professional Status, Driving growth and development in the Nursery is vital to provide high quality education for children. As a member of the Senior Leadership team, we work closely together as a team to further raise standards.

My role encompasses supporting teaching, learning and the wellbeing of children who attend the Nursery One. I also undertake the SENCO role and oversee the daily operations.

I have been an Associate Governor since 2013. As a member of the Governing Body, I enjoy contributing to the outstanding practice that Washwood Health Nursery delivers to the local community.

Jatinder Kaur Associate Governor

I am the Deputy head and SENCo at Washwood Heath Nursery School. I have been working in Early Years for over fifteen years. I am passionate about my role and strive to help nurture and develop the knowledge, abilities, and social skills of children in order to  give them the best possible start to their education.

As a member of the Senior Leadership Team, I am involved in the daily management and planning of the school, leading, monitoring and developing teaching and learning. 

Since starting at the school I have developed my role as Senco and work closely with parents, staff, pupils and other agencies to ensure they receive best possible outcomes whilst attending the setting and planning smooth transitions.

I am an associate governor on the FGB even though I am a non-voting member. My role includes giving feedback about SEND, pupil progress and achievement a being involved in the strategic management of the school.

Aaron Bradbury - Chair of Governors

I have been working in Early Years and Childhood since I left formal Education. I qualified as  Nursery Nurse completing my Btec National Diploma in Early Years and Education. I completed Higher Education and completed a teaching qualification and PGCE. Since graduating I have been heavily involved in the Early Years and I have worked in Early Years for the majority of my career. I have also taught in FE teaching Early Years and Care. I have been fortunate to work and lead a large team in Sure Start and Short Breaks for Children with Disabilities. I have also been a Children's Commissioner for Public Health and Social Care. My current role at Nottingham Trent Institute of Education is Principal Lecturer for Early Years and Childhood. As your Chair of Governors, my role is to work with the school community to reach its full potential. I am working hard to maintain the outstanding efforts of the current staff team and will continue to be the voice, challenge and work tirelessly for the children, staff and families at Washwood Heath Nursery School. 

If you wish to speak to me, the school office is your first port of call and they will pass on your details.

Caroline Prior - Co-opted Governor

Associate Professor Early Years Education and Senior Lecturer at University College Birmingham (UCB). Caroline is the Programme Lead for both the BA (Hons) Early Childhood Studies (Graduate Practitioner) and BA (Hons) Childhood and Education Studies (online) provision at UCB. A strong advocate for early childhood with a real passion and drive for securing better outcomes for both children and families. Member of the Early Childhood Studies Degree Network (ECSDN) Strategy Group.

Stella Smith - Local Authority Governor.

I am currently a course leader for Early Years BA (Hons) Degree and Placement Co-ordinator at Nottingham Trent University and have worked in the Early Childhood sector for the last 10 years. I began my career as an Early Years teacher in private day nurseries then transitioning into further, then higher education delivering courses in Early Years and Supporting Teaching and Learning in schools in the local community. I In recent years, I have developed a passion for promoting positive attachments for Children in Early Childhood Education and Care.