Governor Profiles

Photo

Statement

Geraldine Ross - Headteacher

Ex-Officio Staff Governor

I am the Headteacher at Westwood Farm and I am very proud of our schools. I have worked at Westwood Farm since 2013 and seen many changes over that time. In September 2021 I took over the running of both schools with the retirement of our Executive Headteacher. Prior to that, I have worked in West Berkshire schools since 2007. Originally from Cheshire, as a family we relocated to Basingstoke, and I began a career change from a financial background to teaching.

Mike Starnes - Co-opted Governor

(appointed by GB)

Chair of Governors

Term of office:

23.11.2022-22.11.2026 (4 years)

Committees: FGB/FRP

Subjects:

As a parent of two students at Westwood Farm – one in infants and one in her final year of Juniors – I've always been impressed by the school's dedication to student wellbeing and educational progress. My girls are thriving here, and it's been wonderful to see.

As a new member of the governing board, I'm eager to contribute positively, providing support and thoughtful input to decisions that enhance the school experience for everyone and benefit our wider community.

In my professional life, I currently serve as the Director of a specialist technology business, with a background in managing small to medium-sized enterprises in this sector. My role involves setting our commercial strategy and ensuring our business plan comes to fruition, which means I spend most of my time working with, presenting to or coaching people.

When I'm not at work, I'm enjoying time with my kids, staying active, indulging my love for sports (both as a spectator and occasional player), and listening to live music. Now that my playing days are (mostly) behind me, I also coach a local Youth football team.

Wendy Binstead - Co-opted Governor (appointed by GB)

Term of office:

01.02.2023-31.01.2027 (4 Years)

Committee: FGB/FRP

Subjects:

I am a mum of two boys, aged 7 and 4 and I have lived in Reading for 20 years with the last 10 of those being in Tilehurst. I am a co-opted governor though my eldest son is currently in the infants at Westwood Farm.

I have worked in buying and merchandising for my entire career and I’m currently the general manager for the French and UK Baby store at Amazon. The role consists of leading the strategy for the Baby department in UK and France, and leading the team of buyers in both those countries. I am responsible for delivering the P&L for this department across both countries, in terms of both revenue and profit. I believe my role brings many skills that will be useful to the governing role, including P&L management, negotiation skills, and various HR expertise, including training, people development, diversity, mental health and well-being.

I want to make a positive difference to the lives of all the children at the school, and believe that I have many skills to offer that would benefit the school, which I have learned over my time in my career. I also think it’s a great opportunity for me to learn new skills and contribute positively to the school and wider Tilehurst community.

Becky Stone - Staff Gov

(appointed by staff)

Term of Office:

06.09.2023-05.09.2027 (4 Years)

(2nd term of Office)

Committee: FGB

Subjects: RE & Early Years

I am a teacher in Year 1 and I have been at Westwood Farm since 2016, joining as a Foundation Stage teacher. I firmly believe that the experience children have at school paves the way for their future, so I am keen to support that in any way I can.

I have two grown up boys and two teenage step daughters – diplomacy and negotiation are two well-honed skills that I have and I also like to think I keep the children at the heart of what I am trying to do, both on a day-to-day basis and for longer set challenges and tasks.

I find being a Staff Governor a rewarding role, it helps broaden my understanding of our education system as a whole and allows me to bring a different viewpoint to the discussion table.

Baqir Rizvi - Co-opted Governor

(appointed by GB)

Term of Office:

07.11.2021-06.11.2025 (4 Years)

Committee: FGB/FRP

I have been on the governing board at Westwood Farm Federated Schools since November 2017 as a co-opted governer. I am mostly involved in the Finance Committee where I use my professional experience to challenge ourselves to get the most value for our school. It has been a really rewarding task and I have learnt so much about the world of primary education and how education funding works.

I am a qualified chartered accountant by profession, with a degree in accounting. I work for one of the Big4 auditing firms as a senior manager and that enables me to leverage my knowledge and experience in the real world.

Lee Cham Wan- Co-opted Governor

(appointed by GB)

Term of Office: 01.02.2024-31.1.2028

(4 Years)

Committee: FGB/FRP

Subjects:

I was born in Hong Kong and lived in HK for more than 60 years. My family and I have relocated to UK in 2021 and have been settled in Reading for three years. I am a Christian and were baptized in HK in 1998. I have two daughters who graduated in UK and are now working full time in London.

I graduated from the Hong Kong Baptist College in 1983 with the Diploma in Accounting and received a Master degree in Information Technology from the UK Coventry Polytechnic in 1988. I was a fellow member of the Association of Certified Accountants and was retired from the membership in 2020. Prior to my retirement, I worked as a finance director and chief financial officer in a HK listed company. In addition to that, I was also working in International Christian School (HK) for 10 years as the Finance & Administration Director.

Dr. Andrew Kirk - Co-opted Governor

(appointed by GB)

Term of office: 27.11.2023-26.11.2027 (4 years)

Committee: FGB/FRP

Subjects:

Mr Richard Bown - Parent Governor

(Appointed by parents)

Term of office: 08.11.2024-07.11.2028

Committee: FGB

Subjects:

Since our first association with Westwood Farm schools in 2020, we have always been impressed and appreciative of the care and support shown to our young people.

As a parent governor, I am very happy to support the school and all of its dedicated staff who work so hard to keep Westwood Farm running so smoothly.

Originally from Wiltshire, I have lived in Reading for over 20 years and have previously worked for a large independent school within the technical service and IT departments.

Mr Jack Taylor-Collins - Parent Governor

(Appointed by parents)

Term of office: 16.12.2024-15.12.2028 (4 years)

Committee: FGB

Subjects:

LA Governor

(position vacant)

Dawn Finn - Clerk to the GB

I was appointed Clerk to the Governing Board in September 2010. During my time at 'The Farm', there have been many significant changes, including Federation of both Westwood Farm Infant and Junior Schools and three Ofsted inspections.

I also work in the school office as PA to Geraldine Ross, our Headteacher.

Prior to working at Westwood Farm Schools, I was a PA at Foster Wheeler, Petrochemical and Pharmaceutical Engineering Company in Reading for 15 Years. I have three children; my eldest son is a Royal Marine, youngest son is a Year 4 Teacher and my daughter is in her last year at University studying Marketing.

I am also the owner of a First Aid Training Company and teach Paediatric First Aid Courses in settings around West Berkshire in my spare time.

I also actively play netball every week for a local league.