Our Governors

The Role of the Governing Body

Being a Governor is a voluntary role and we work together as a team to set the strategic direction of the school. We are responsible for overseeing the financial performance of the school and ensuring we get best value for money and hold the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the pupils and performance of staff. We each bring our own set of skills and experiences which help us to make informed decisions which we feel are in the best interests of the school, its pupils and staff.

If you would like to contact Mrs Dalton, Chair of the Local Governing Board (LGB), please do so through the school; call (01902 558532), write to the school or send a message. The Clerk to the LGB is Ms Caitlyn Lloyd, SIPS Education

To find out more about the Governing trust please go to Trust Governance Information and Trust Audited Accounts & Annual Report

Governor Pen Portraits

Anna Dalton

I am a parent governor and a mum to three children, two of which are currently at Westacres. As a primary trained teacher and Special Educational Needs Co-ordinator, I have a strong belief that all children should be able to access an inclusive education, enabling every child to learn, grow and reach their full potential. I am keen to contribute to the future of the school, support staff and represent views of parents. I look forward to being part of supporting Westacre School to continue to provide a high level of education to our children.

Bhavisha Patel

It’s important for me, not just as a parent, but a person living within our community, to ensure that our children are safe, happy and have the confidence to grow and have the best start to their lives. Every child should be made to feel as equal as the child sat next to them. No child should feel excluded and it’s up to us, to help make this happen. Therefore, I’m privileged to have been selected as a co-opted governor for Westacre Infant School where I can contribute to shaping the educational lives of our children. I’m a Senior Business Analyst by profession, working on Change and Transformation programmes within different sectors. I’m motivated and passionate by changes that have a positive impact to all aspects of life, especially children, so I look forward to the journey in shaping our school.

Ajay Patel

I believe education of our children is a vital key to their positive development and growth, and in turn this is reflected on to society and the environment we create for their wellbeing. The importance of these formative years that the children go through cannot be underestimated, therefore the progression and development of the school is paramount to the positive growth of the children.

It is a privilege to have been selected a parent governor, and to fulfil a position where I can have a positive influence and allow me to make a difference. It allows me to give back to the community what a good education has taught and provided me with. I'm a construction professional by trade, responsible for the estimation and management of costs on projects in the preconstruction phase up to financial close.

Education is a cornerstone in the foundations of life, and to be able to contribute to this and help shape children’s futures at Westacre Infant School is a journey I look forward to being a part of.

Cassie McCalliog

I joined the Westacre governing board in September 2022 as a co-opted governor. I am a teacher in a local primary school and lead the Early Years Foundation Stage. I am a specialist in early years and also a moderator and have worked supporting other local schools. I believe a child’s early years are the foundation for his or her future development, providing a strong base for a lifelong love of learning. I hope my skill-set and experience in early years can bring something valuable to the board here at Westacre. I am a mom of two daughters. My youngest has just started college and my eldest is at university in New York. I believe strongly in the core ethos of Westacre Infant School and I am committed to supporting it to provide the best possible experience for all its pupils and staff.

Claire Tilt

Education has always played a significant role in my life, with both parents being teachers, and I’ve spent most of my career in Higher Education. Currently, I serve as the Development Director at the City of Birmingham Symphony Orchestra, where I raise £2.4 million in philanthropic income annually. This role allows me to combine my love for music with my passion for enriching lives through musical experiences—something I believe is invaluable for young people.

As a mother of two girls and a parent governor, I am deeply invested in the success and well-being of every child at Westacre's. By working with fellow governors, teachers, and parents, I am committed to tackling challenges, celebrating achievements, and supporting the incredible work happening across the school.

Michael Crockett

Hello, my name is Michael Crockett, and I am Westacre Infant School’s Staff Governor. I have been teaching for 7 years, and I have now been at Westacre for 4 of them. I enjoy working at Westacre and find it a place where children can be themselves, flourish and enjoy their time with us. I am a musician (going through Wolverhampton Music Service) and a member of Wolverhampton Community Brass Band in which I play the tuba. I also volunteer at the Severn Valley Railway (SVR) where I assist maintaining steam locomotives.

These hobbies have allowed me to build relationships with the public, be part of global events and interact with the community around me, which I hope will help me in my new role. I look forward to being a voice for our school and to help make a positive impact for staff and pupils.

Rebecca Dowdeswell

I am proud to be part of the Westacre Local Governing Board as a Parent Governor. As both a parent and an education professional, I care deeply about our school and about supporting every child to feel happy, valued and able to thrive. I have over 12 years’ experience in primary education and currently lead an internal resource base for children with additional needs, where I work closely with staff, families and external professionals to provide tailored support and ensure inclusive, high-quality provision.

This role reflects my strong passion for inclusion and supporting children with a wide range of needs to access learning and reach their full potential. As a parent of children in Reception and Year 2, I am committed to helping ensure that all children at Westacre have the best possible start in life. I strongly believe that building the right foundations in the early years is key to supporting children’s long-term success and wellbeing.

Link Governor Roles

Governors are appointed to a Link Governor role for the academic year. Roles are appointed by and from the Local Governing Board and are in addition to the statutory roles of Safeguarding Link Governor and SEND Link Governor.

Westacre LGB Membership 2025/2026

Name	Position	Term Start	Term End
Anna Dalton (Chair)	Co-opted Governor	01/12/2025	16/10/2027
Luke Darbey	Co-opted Governor	01/12/2025	18/11/2028
Cassie McCalliog	Co-opted Governor	01/12/2025	12/09/2026
Timothy Parry	Co-opted Governor	01/12/2025	18/11/2028
Ajay Patel	Co-opted Governor	01/12/2025	09/09/2028
Bhavisha Patel	Co-opted Governor	01/12/2025	19/05/2029
Claire Tilt	Co-opted Governor	01/12/2025	04/12/2027
Parminder Sandhu	Parent Governor	21/05/2026	20/05/2030
Rebecca Dowdeswell	Parent Governor	21/05/2026	20/05/2030
Michael Crockett	Staff Governor	21/05/2026	20/05/2030

Governor Attendance September 2024 - 2025

GOVERNORS NAME	FULL GOVERNORS MEETING
L Darbey	10.12.24, 11.2.25, 27.3.25, 20.5.25, 8.7.25
S Dulku	11.2.25, 27.3.25, 20.5.25,
T Parry	10.12.24, 11.2.25, 27.3.25, 20.5.25, 8.7.25
A Dalton	10.9.24, 17.10.24, 10.12.24, 11.2.25, 27.3.25, 20.5.25, 8.7.25
A Edmunds	10.9.24, 17.10.24, 10.12.24, 11.2.25, 27.3.25, 20.5.25, 8.7.25
A Patel	10.9.24, 17.10.24, 10.12.24, 20.5.25, 8.7.25
B Patel	10.9.24, 10.12.24, 20.5.25, 8.7.25
C McCalliog	17.10.24, 10.12.24, 11.2.25, 27.3.25
P Panesar	10.9.24, 10.12.24, 27.3.25, 8.7.25
C Tilt	10.9.24, 17.10.24, 11.2.25, 27.3.25, 20.5.25
L Rook	10.9.24, 17.10.24, 10.12.24, 11.2.25, 27.3.25, 20.5.25, 8.7.25
E Guest	10.9.24, 17.10.24, 10.12.24, 11.2.25, 27.3.25, 20.5.25, 8.7.25