Governors at Asquith Primary School
Our Governing Body
In accordance with the Government’s requirements the Governing Board has three core functions for our school, as set out in the 2014 Department for Education’s Handbook:
The Governing Body of Asquith Primary School aims to support the ethos of the school in providing a safe environment where achievement is high and every child is able to develop and thrive within a supportive atmosphere.
We will achieve this through both an active involvement in the daily life of the school, where appropriate, and by working closely with the school’s senior leadership team:
The Governing Body will always act in the best interests of the school and its pupils. We will be prepared to explain clearly our decisions in an open and transparent way to staff, parents, pupils and others in the wider community and listen to their views.
We will be united in a common vision for the school shared by the Head Teacher in promoting the highest possible academic standards.
The Governors will act as a corporate body with integrity, objectivity and honesty in the best interests of the school and its pupils.
If you would like to contact the Governors, we politely ask that you do so by sending an email for our attention via the school office email: admin@asquithprimary.org.
Governing Body Constitution
Chair of Governors
Ms Michelle Robinson
SEND & Complaints
Co-opted Governors
Ms Paulette Bywater
Health & Safety
I have been a Governor at Asquith Primary since 2017, I initially served as a Parent Governor before being co-opted onto the Governing Body in 2021. With over 25 years of experience in local government, including 12 years in senior positions and eight years specialising in education, I bring a wealth of knowledge to my role. Both of my children attended Asquith Primary, and I actively participated in the school community, utilising its wrap-around provisions as a working parent. My background in HR Business specialises in education equips me to provide valuable insight and support to the school. I've witnessed firsthand the transformative power of a nurturing and inclusive educational environment under the former Headteacher and am dedicated to contributing to Asquith Primary's continued success.
Mr Lalit Suryawanshi
My son has finished his primary years at Asquith and now my daughter is at the school. I bring the following skills and experience as a Governor: Bachelor of Computer Engineering from VJTI, Mumbai; MBA from INSEAD; Vice President of Technology and Board member of INSEAD’s UK alumni association; 22 years of Experience working in technology field and the Co-Founder of Itechohealth (Med-Tech Company), speaker in medical technology forums, fund raise for company and managing product and technology team.
I am also a founder of Morley Indians Association; trustee of Leeds Hindu Temple; member of Morley Fairtrade Town comittee and board member of ‘Morley Town Deal board’ of Leeds Council overseeing £24.3 million investment. Chair of communication sub committee and Member of Education, Skills and innovation sub committee.
I am passionate about education and I strongly believe education plays an important role in person’s life. I am actively involved in engaging community in projects in Morley and wider Leeds area.
I am here to contribute to next phase of Asquith’s journey to maintain the excellent standards and makes Asquith the ‘school of choice’ for parents in the area.
Mrs Kathryn Nash
EYFS & Reading
Mrs Helen Peirse
Curriculum
Ms Aisling Warr
Safeguarding, Pupil Premium & LAC
I have worked in education since 2005 and have always appreciated the support that governors have given to schools. I decided to repay that support to a local school and joined the Asquith Governing Board back in February 2023.
One of my areas of specialism is in Safeguarding and Pastoral Care and I am keen to lend my support to the Asquith Community in this realm first and foremost, but in any other way I can be of assistance.
Parent Governors
Mrs Deborah Baxter-Heyes
Vice Chair, Sports Premium Funding & Writing
Ms Sima Patel-Gilpin
Attendance & Behaviour
Staff Governor
Miss Jess Hickling
Training & Development and Wellbeing
I have been a class teacher for the past 9 years working across schools in Leeds and leading EYFS and Early Reading. I love my job, particularly inspiring young minds. I joined Asquith Primary School in September 2023 and enjoy my role as staff governor. It is an exciting opportunity to make an impact on the whole school and be a voice for the staff.