Our Governors
Membership, Tenure & Attendance
School Governors are members of a school’s Governing Board; they have responsibility for raising school standards through their three key roles of setting strategic direction, ensuring accountability and acting as a critical friend.
Here at Sparrow Farm Primary School the Governing Board consists of governors from differing areas,
- Parents – elected by other parents.
- Staff – elected by other members of staff.
- Co-opted – appointed by the governing body.
Whether appointed or elected each governor has a term of office, which is a maximum of four years before they have to seek re-election/re-appointment.
All Governors are appointed or elected in accordance with the Instrument of Government and under the guidance of the Local Authority representative. All appointments are recorded in the Full
Governing Board Minutes.
Being a Governor is voluntary and as such, Governors do not receive any payment for their work. Training is given for every aspect of the role and is delivered locally by the local authority, through specialist on-line training packages and through national organisations.
The Governing Board meet termly. Governors reviewed their Committee structure in January 2023 and moved to a flat structure with only a Pay Committee. The Governing Board agree Terms of Reference for the full Governing Board and Pay Committee each year.
Current members of the Governing Board are:
Mrs A Cella
APPOINTED BY: Ex officio – Headteacher
DATES: 29/01/2021
RECORDED DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None
STATEMENT: As the proud Headteacher and Governor of Sparrow Farm Primary School, I have had the privilege of working within this community for 14 years, seeing it grow and evolve into the wonderful primary school it is today. My passion for teaching lies in preparing children to thrive in a complex and challenging world, equipping them with the skills and confidence they need for the future. I bring experience, dedication, and a focus on continuous improvement for the school.
Personally, I enjoy spending time outdoors, and I’m also delighted to care for our school's wellbeing dog, promoting a positive and nurturing environment for both staff and children.
Michelle keene
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Chair of Governing Board; Safeguarding; Child Protection; LAC
APPOINTED BY: Governing Board
DATES: 29/01/2021
RECORDED DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Employed at Atlas Cleaning
STATEMENT: I have been a Governor and Chair since 2014 when my daughter was a pupil at Sparrow Farm. I wanted to give back to the school to show my appreciation for how much Sparrow Farm helped my daughter. I bring the knowledge and experience I have gained in my working life (Customer Service and Administration), as well as that gained in my family life, to my governor role.
I am completely dedicated to Sparrow Farm Primary School and to all of the children, staff and parent, and I thoroughly enjoy being able to see the children at the beginning of their journey until they leave us to continue their secondary education. I am always happiest when I am in school, seeing and hearing the children.
miranda brennan
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Vice Chair of Governing Body; Sport Premium; Well Being
APPOINTED BY: Local Authority
DATES: 29/01/2021
RECORDED DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: Sole Trader – Miranda Therapies
STATEMENT: I have been a governor since my child first attended Sparrow Farm in 2014.
I am passionate about helping my local community and supporting the school in shaping a brighter future for all the children that come to Sparrow Farm.
My career has focussed on Business Change, workflow improvement and data management and I bring a wealth of governance experience from my time in the Banking industry.
My hobbies include DIY, gardening, crafting and spending time with loved ones. Also Cats. I love cats, all cats!
Salome Alavidze-Brekashvili
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Safeguarding/Child Protection; LAC; PE & Sports Premium
APPOINTED BY: Parents
DATES: 20/03/2025
RECORDED DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None
STATEMENT: As a qualified accountant with extensive experience in the education sector, I am excited to serve as a governor at Sparrow Farm School. This role provides me with the opportunity to contribute my skills to the community I deeply care about. With two boys currently attending the school, I am especially passionate about supporting its mission and ensuring a bright future, not just for my own children, but for all students. I look forward to working closely with staff, governors, and parents to create an enriching learning environment where every student can thrive.
olena ganchenko
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: SEND; Pupil Premium
APPOINTED BY: Parents
DATES: 20/03/2025
RECORDED DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None
STATEMENT: I'm completely dedicated to Sparrow Farm Primary school and I take immense pride in this school, celebrating their constant achievements and great academic results. As a parent governer, I would offer an insightful perspective shaped by my experiences, first of all as a teacher by profession. In 2014, I graduated with a degree in Pedagogy. And I believe that this will help me enormously to do my best for Sparrow Farm school and the community in this role of a Parent Governer.
I look forward to working closely with governers, staff and parents to make sure that Sparrow Farm school continues being one of the best schools in our Borough.
Miss K kennedy
AREA OF RESPONSIBILITY: Sustainability
APPOINTED BY: Staff
DATES: 20/03/2021
RECORDED DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None
sarah macrae
APPOINTED BY: Governing Board
Dates: 29/01/2021
RECORDED DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: School Business Manager
STATEMENT: I started working at Sparrow Farm in September 2010, following a career as Departmental Manager of the Community Programmes Unit at the BBC and then as a Postnatal Leader for the National Childbirth Trust (NCT). After my two children began full-time education, I re-trained as a School Business Manager. My experience at both the BBC and the NCT allowed me to work with people from diverse backgrounds, and my passion has always been in supporting families.
Outside of work, I sing with the national Rock Choir and love taking part in the many performances. I've had the privilege of singing alongside Aled Jones and Russell Watson on a West End stage, as well as performing for the King's Foundation Inaugural Awards at St. James' Palace.
abhaya shetty
AREAS OF RESPONSIBILITY: Chair of Pay Committee; Pupil Premium; SEND
APPOINTED BY: Governing Board
DATES: 29/01/2021
RECORDED DECLARATIONS OF INTEREST: None