Dear parent,
The number of nominations for the position of Parent Governor has exceeded the number of vacant positions. Therefore, it is necessary to hold an election.
All parents of registered pupils at the school, (or an individual who has parental responsibility for, or cares for a registered pupil at the school), are entitled to vote.
You are asked to vote for one candidate from the list below – their parental statements are submitted for information.
Every parent can submit one email, regardless of the number of children you have attending the school. You may not vote on someone else’s behalf.
The Headteacher will act as returning officer and count the votes at the end of the voting period. All submitted votes will be confidential. The successful candidate will have the greater number of votes.
In the event of a tie, a recount of votes will be done. If the votes are still equal, the decision as to who is to be elected as a governor will be made by the Chair of Governors.
All parents will be notified of the result by school communications.
The successful candidate will be subject to a satisfactory Disclosure and Barring check.
The closing date and time for receipt of your vote will be by the end of the school day on Monday 19th April 2021.
To vote, please email your full name, the name of your child and their year group along with the name of your chosen candidate to grindon.infant@schools.sunderland.gov.uk If you wish, you may vote in writing. To do so, please ensure your vote is received by the deadline above; please send your written vote to the school addressed to Mrs A Charlton.
Adele Dixon
I am a mother to 4 children, aged 22, 13 and 5-year-old twins.
I have been employed by Barnes Infant Academy since September 2000. I started as a NNEB Nursery Nurse Student where I was offered a full-time job once qualified.
In October 2014 I went on to train as a HLTA .This is my current job role at the school, working in a nursery setting.
I am very committed to my job, working to my best ability. I have first hand experiences of the education system, especially early years. I believe that all children should be provided with a rich and exciting environment and curriculum to help them learn. I am very passionate about my job and believe all children should
get the best start in life to help reach their full potential. I will bring the same approach and attitude to my role as a Parent Governor.
I have also completed a training course allowing me to run parenting classes to help support parents and families with their child’s learning at home. I regularly attend training sessions to keep updated with changes within education and to gain more knowledge and understanding to support my job role.
In my spare time I am a dedicated mother to my children. We love exploring in the outdoors and genuinely just having fun!
I feel I have the experience and expertise to enhance your Governing Board.
Samantha Turner
My name is Samantha Turner and my son attends Grindon Infant’s Reception.
He has Special Educational Needs and since his diagnosis of Autism Spectrum Disorder in 2019, I have developed an interest in advocating for children with SEN by encouraging awareness of the mutual benefits of inclusion.
My occupation is within the optical health industry, where I have developed my career within a well-known opticians for 11 years. I have progressed through various management roles including; Supervisor, Assistant Manager and Practice Manager. I have extensive experience as working part of a team, interpersonal skills and understanding the importance of confidentiality. I believe these skills will transfer well to the role of school governance, assisting the school to analyse the attainment gaps between groups of pupils and pinpoint where the school may need improvement for our children.
Although I have no experience of school governance specifically, I am due to complete a Diploma in Specialist Teaching and Learning in schools to become a Teaching Assistant this summer, which demonstrates my understanding and knowledge of education, the curriculum, special educational needs and safeguarding children. I am particularly keen to ensure that all children are safeguarded well and can fulfil their full potential whatever their background, special educational needs or disabilities.
I am not afraid to ask difficult questions if necessary on behalf of all the children this school serves. I am also keen to support the school and all of its dedicated staff who work so hard to keep this place running smoothly.