GOVERNORS STATEMENTS

The School Governing Body are a group of people who have agreed on a voluntary basis to support every aspect of the work of the school community. We ensure that everything is place correctly and professionally by constant monitoring and evaluation, in partnership with the Head and her team. All schools in the UK have a Governing Body.

JOINT CHAIR OF GOVERNORS: MRS NIRMAL BASSON

Associate Member

Appointed: 9th January 2017

Appointment Reconfirmed: 9th January 2021

Appointment ceases: 8th January 2025

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: None

Committees: Resources (Chair)

I have been the Head teacher of Catherine Infant School for the last 14 years and took retirement in September 2016. I was honoured to be asked to be a member of the Governing Body to continue to support them and the school.

I have had the privilege of working with many governors over the last few years who have dedicated their time and commitment to support the school in maintaining high standards and now look forward to continue working with them to achieve the school vision.

The achievements and progress made by all pupils has been my particularly interest, with a focus on the needs of the more able pupils. So I would welcome the opportunity to work with and monitor the progress of this group of pupils to see if they have reached their potential by the time they leave the school.

Most of all, I would like to work with and support all the staff in school, to reach their full potential, so that they are able to ensure all around development and outstanding education for every pupil.

HEAD TEACHER AND GOVERNOR: MR MITESH MADHAW

Appointed: 8th April 2024

Appointment ceases: 7th April 2028

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: I am the local authority governor at Mellor Community Primary School.

Committees:

I am the Headteacher at Catherine Infant school. I joined the school as Deputy Headteacher and SENDCo in 2016. I am extremely proud to lead Catherine Infant School and to be part of our dedicated and committed school community. As a school leader, I am passionate about developing others in school to provide the highest standards of teaching and learning.

CO-OPTED GOVERNOR: MRS JILL HARROLD

Appointed: 22nd April 2024

Appointment ceases: 21th April 2028

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: Director of Leicester Primary Partnerships, Governor at Catherine Junior School.

Committees: Resources & Performance and Standards

My name is Jill Harrold. I was Head teacher of Catherine Infant School for 8 years from September 2016. My aim is to help every child to develop and reach their full potential whilst they are a pupil at our school. I want all our children to be excited and challenged by their every day learning and for learning to be fun for pupils, teachers and parents alike. I am also pleased to be a governor at Catherine Junior School enabling the two schools to work together even more effectively by further cementing the links that already exist. 

CO-OPTED GOVERNOR: DR JOANNE BADGE

Appointed: 4th February 2021

Appointment ceases: 3rd February 2025

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: Headteacher Catherine Junior School, Governor Catherine Infant School, Governor at Heatherbrook Primary Academy, Husband Richard Badge works at university of Leicester (has provided science workshops as part of outreach activities), Director of Leicester Primary Partnerships and Trustee to the Space Centre.

Committees: Resources

My name is Jo Badge. I am the Headteacher at Catherine Junior School. The reason I became a governor at Catherine Infants is to ensure that we continue to have a close working relationship between our two schools. I am passionate about using technology in the classroom and at home as I believe these are skills that will prepare our children to have a bright future ahead of them.

CO-OPTED GOVERNOR: MR KAMLESH PUROHIT

Associate Member

Appointed: 28th September 2016

Appointment Reconfirmed: 28th September 2020

Appointment ceases: 27th September 2024

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: Senior Manager at BBC

Committees: Performance and Standards

My name is Kamlesh Purohit, and I am Deputy Managing Editor at BBC Radio Leicester, a role I took up in 2014. And was the Acting Managing Editor of the station throughout the Covid Pandemic. I am an experienced senior broadcaster, with experience in national and regional Radio and Television outputs. I was a key member of the management team that developed BBC Asian Network from a local service to a national Radio station. And my previous roles have included Planning News Editor in the BBC’s News operation at New Broadcasting House; TV Newsreader on BBC East Midlands Today; Broadcast Journalist at Radio Five Live; and Cricket Commentator with BBC Sport.

I moved to Leicester from Kenya in the 1970s, as a young child with my family. I went to school in the city, and studied BSc.(HONS) Electronic Engineering at De Montfort University, and after graduation began working locally as a Systems Engineer with GEC plc. before switching careers to enter the world of broadcasting.

As a parent of two children, I know just how important having the right start in a child’s educational life is, and a solid foundation within a school environment where the child feels motivated and safe, is key. It was, therefore, an honour to be asked to join Catherine Infants School’s Board of Governors. As link Governor for areas such as Music, Science and Eco-School, I am able to support the teaching staff in their work whilst ensuring the pupils are getting high standards of learning experiences.

CO-OPTED GOVERNOR: MS JADE POPE

Appointed: 14th February 2023

Appointment ceases: 13th February 2027

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: Governor at Mellor Primary School

Committees: Performance and Standards

My name is Jade Pope. I have been a teacher at Mellor Community Primary School for 16 years, currently teaching in Nursery. I am also the Early Years Assistant Head and in this role, I thoroughly enjoying working as part of a team to provide a secure and caring environment for children as they start on their school journey. I have heard many fantastic things about Catherine Infants and I am excited to undertake my first role as a governor at here, supporting this fantastic school.

CO-OPTED GOVERNOR: MS JULIE CHAPANERI

Appointed: 21st May 2024

Appointment ceases: 20th May 2028

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: 

Committees: 

As a school Governor, I bring over 20 years of experience working closely with schools and children’s social care, allowing me to understand the complex dynamics that shape a successful learning environment. My background has equipped me with a deep appreciation for the diverse needs of both students and staff. I believe that effective governance is rooted in strong communication, empathy, and collaboration, and I am committed to contributing positively to the school's development.

Having worked with schools for over two decades, I have developed a deep understanding of the educational landscape, including the challenges and opportunities that schools face today. This experience allows me to bring a strategic perspective to the role, balancing short term needs with long-term goals. I am committed to ensuring that all decisions made at the governing level are in the best interest of students academic and personal development.

Empathy is another cornerstone of my governance style. I have worked extensively with both adults and children, recognising the importance of understanding different perspectives and fostering a supportive environment. Ultimately, my goal as a school Governor is to help create an environment where every child and adult feels valued, supported, and empowered to reach their full potential.

On a personal level, I am a proud mother of a wonderful 6 year old girl who attends a primary school in Leicester. I understand firsthand the challenges that single parents face when striving to balance their commitment to their children with the demands of work. It isn't always easy to find that balance, but it's a journey I embrace every day. I am a creative individual who enjoys crafting and has a passion for reading - something I now share with my daughter. I also have a love for travel and seize the opportunity to explore new places whenever I can.

CLERK (NON VOTING): MRS ANN SHAW

Appointed: 6th February 2024

JOINT CHAIR OF GOVERNORS: MRS CHRISTINE TURNER

Appointed: 23rd May 2022

Appointment ceases: 22nd May 2026

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: School Improvement Adviser to a Doncaster and Leicester school – Caldecote, Director of Peak Education Consultancy Ltd.

Committees: Performance and Standards (Chair)

My name is Christine Turner.

I have worked with Catherine Infant school since 2008 as a Leicester City Local Authority and as an independent school improvement adviser until July 2022.

Until I moved from Yorkshire to Warwickshire in December 2020 I was an Ofsted inspector in the North East, Yorkshire and Humber area.

Having worked with the school as an adviser for 14 years I am delighted now to be able to continue to support the school as a co-opted Governor from May 2022.

STAFF GOVERNOR: MRS BHAVEETA SHEMAR

Appointment Reconfirmed: 11th March 2024

Appointment ceases: 10th March 2028

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: None

Committees: 

I started my career as a teacher in London, in 2012. I then moved to Leicester and have worked at Catherine Infant School since 2016. I have gone from leading RE, to being a middle Leader in Maths and then later becoming Head of Year One. I have more recently been appointed as the Assistant Headteacher of Catherine Infant School, whilst leading the EYFS and Maths; I am also a Deputy Designated Safeguarding Lead. I have always shown my commitment and dedication to the school and feel very proud to be a part of this experience to continue to support our parents, pupils and colleagues. I have a combination of knowledge, experience and personal attributes which will enable me to drive the school objectives and ensure pupils remain at the heart of what we do every day.

CO-OPTED GOVERNOR: COUNCILLOR MRS MANJULA SOOD

Associate member

Appointed: 28th September 2016

Appointment Reconfirmed: 28th September 2020

Appointment ceases: 27th September 2024

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: Member of SACRE, City Councillor, Trustee Board member of Bradgate Park and Swithland Woods

Committees: Performance and Standards

“I am very passionate about the education of our children and as a mother and a former Primary school teacher I understand the importance of children being taught in a safe and inspiring environment. I am very proud to be a Governor of Catherine Infant school which serves the diverse communities and children are being taught by skilled teachers, which will help them to achieve their future goals.”

Profile;

First Asian female Lord Mayor of Leicester and in the UK

Local ward Councillor

Assistant Mayor, Community and Equalities

High Bailiff

Chair of Leicester Council of Faith

Member of Bishop’s Faith Forum

Member of Police & Crime Commissioners panel

Member of Police Gold Community Group

Patron for clasp and fibromyalgia 

CO-OPTED GOVERNOR: MS SOPHIE MALTBY

Appointed: 28th November 2023

Appointment ceases: 27th November 2027

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: Director of Education, SDSA, LA governor at Leicester Primary PRU.

Committees: Resources

Hi, My name is Sophie Maltby. I am currently the Director of Education and SEND in Leicester City. I have lived in Leicestershire for most of my life and have worked in Leicester City for 25 years, as a teacher in schools and for the Local Authority in Education and Special Educational Needs and Disabilities division.

I am passionate about ensuring all children in Leicester City achieve the highest quality education and are included in their schools communities to enable them to learn, thrive and achieve.  I was delighted to be asked to join the governing body of a school so committed to inclusion and I am excited to support the school moving forward.

PARENT GOVERNOR: MR TRUSHARKUMAR MISTRY

Appointed: 31st January 2019

Appointment Reconfirmed: 16th May 2023

Appointment ceases: 15th May 2027

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: None

Committees: Resources

My Name is Trusharkumar Mistry, my eldest daughter attended Catherine Infant School and she has nothing but positive comments about her experience. Further hearing about Catherine Infant School and their progress, I am delighted to join the success and help maintain the excellent standards Catherine Infants embraces. I believe I can achieve this as a parent governor to ensure quality education for all.

ASSOCIATE GOVERNOR: MRS ALPA KACHHELA

Appointed: 21th May 2024

Appointment ceases: 20th May 2028

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests:

Committees: 

I am the Deputy Headteacher at Catherine Infant School and have worked here for nine years. I absolutely love my job and am extremely proud to be part of such a hardworking, dedicated and passionate team.

 

I am passionate about education and believe that all children, irrespective of circumstance, have the right to an engaging and aspirational curriculum that prepares them to be successful life long learners in modern day Britain. I care about our pupils personal and educational progression and how they are supported to recognise their individual qualities whilst achieving their best.

 

I have been in the teaching profession for over 20 years starting as a classroom teacher leading many different curriculum areas. I have been fortunate enough to have the experience of teaching pupils throughout the primary phase. My leadership roles have enabled me to contribute to whole school life in different capacities. I have always had high expectations of both myself and the pupils that are in our school. We are a forward thinking school, always striving for excellence.

 

I look forward to continuing working with the school community, staff and Governors to ensure we continue to provide excellence for all.

ASSOCIATE GOVERNOR: MRS MELANIE BADELEK

Appointed: 21th May 2024

Appointment ceases: 20th May 2028

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests:

Committees: 

I am the Business Manager at Catherine Infant School and have been since April 2017. Before moving to the education sector, I worked as a Central Services Director of a Marketing and Communication Agency.  Although the sectors are different the roles are similar.  Both include budgeting, health and safety, human resources, and compliance. My role at School is very broad and there is no such thing as a typical day, and I love my job because of that.  Everyone is aware of how tight school budgets are and it is my job to ensure that School has everything it needs to provide the very best education it can to our children.  This includes everything from staff to glue sticks and everything imaginable in between! 

As a parent of three children, I understand how important it is that parents and carers feel that their children are in a safe and caring environment.  Everyone at Catherine Infant School feels very strongly about the right to an outstanding education as well as having an enjoyable day.

I look forward to many more years working at Catherine Infant School and being part of a truly fantastic team.

CO-OPTED GOVERNOR: MS VIRGINIA URSELL

Appointed: 21st May 2024

Appointment ceases: 20th May 2028

Declaration of business or pecuniary interests: 

Committees: