Governance

Catherine has worked extensively with vulnerable children including those with SEND and EAL. She has managed and led on inclusion and safeguarding in numerous educational settings. Catherine currently volunteers at Samaritans and is undertaking a PhD in education.

Pedram Bani Asadi is an award winning leader and law masters graduate with years of experience in positions of teamwork, leadership and management.

Presently, he sits on the Student Advisory Group of the UK Council for International Student Affairs and works as the Co-president of the University of Law Students’ Union. Handling all matters related to the student experience, ensuring that issues are addressed, students are heard and understood and that there is strong, bold and daring student representation that holds the University into account. Pedram wanted to bring that experience and energy into a different role that would allow him to give back to the community and create a better future for the younger generation.

Sameeha was a lecturer in Economics and Business within the FE facility before taking time out to raise 3 children. Two of which are currently at Ark Tindal Primary. With her previous experience in the education system she wants to support the governing body in ensuring every child has the warm and happy environment they need to thrive at school. She has been part of the Ark and Balsall Heath community for over 10 years supporting parents whose first language is not English. With this experience and skills set she wants to grow our sense of community, strengthening children’s creativity and forming strong school-parent partnerships. Like many parents she has an interest in the schools development and getting involved in school events. The role of a parent governor sounds rewarding and valuable in terms of learning about how the school works and being able to assist in its progression. 

I qualified as a teacher in 1988 and came to work at St. Paul’s Community Development Trust in Balsall Heath, I was initially employed to develop educational activities on our lovely city farm for all the schools in the local community. I soon got involved with all the amazing community events and holiday playschemes for the local children and families. I have had experience of deputising for the children’s centre manager which has enabled me to learn all about supporting families with children under 5, I have managed the volunteer scheme, helping many adults into work as a result and thoroughly enjoyed raising money to ensure children’s play remains in the heart of what we do in Balsall Heath.

I am now a senior manager for the out of school services and for the well-being services for adults in the community, as well as being the lead for safeguarding across the Trust and delivering training creating new DSLs and making sure all the teams are fully aware of current changes in child protection. I am passionate about children having fun, learning to the best of their abilities, having choices in life and growing up to have great self-esteem, to recognise their individual talents and to have equal opportunities; they can achieve all this when they feel safe and are supported by us all.

Kallam is a recent graduate, keen to support future generations through their educational journey. Previously, Kallam has undertaken the roles of a Progression Mentor, voluntary Schools Programme Creator with the United Nations and Treasurer of a university society, which has expanded her knowledge on important topics from safeguarding, wellbeing, effective budgeting and how to create and implement resources adopting effective learning methods for the learning environment. Kallam strives to perform this governor role to the highest professional standard and collaborate with responsible adults to assist younger generations to thrive and have the belief and means to achieve their full potential.