My name is Stuart Baker. I am very proud to be a governor, representing the community at Grendon School. It is a privilege to be part of a fantastic team, ensuring children are safe in a positive learning environment.

My grandson attends Grendon School. I wanted to be governor because I was so impressed by the commitment of the staff and the polite, friendly and happy attitude of the children. It is clear everyone is working hard to be the best they can. As governors we will support the staff to make continuous improvement for the school to make it even more rewarding for the children.

I finished work a couple of years ago after a career in chemical engineering, local government and the Environment Agency. I am passionate about the environment, interested in science and technology and a keen gardener. I relax by listening to all sorts of music and reading.

I will use my experience, enthusiasm and commitment to help the school be the best it can. My aim is to provide an environment where children can grow, develop and attain their full potential. To appreciate the community, learn about the wider world and provide a strong foundation for their future.

I was delighted to join Grendon’s Governing Board earlier in 2018.  

My background is as a secondary school teacher in London and Birmingham.  I taught History and other Humanities subjects in east Birmingham for many years.  I became SENCO then Director of Inclusion/Assistant Headteacher.

As well as experience of helping students with special educational needs and/or disabilities to achieve their targets and move onto the next steps, post-16 and beyond, I have worked in the areas of English as an Additional Language (EAL) and with hearing impaired students, as we were fortunate to be able to establish a hearing resource base at school.  I retired in 2017. I am doing a little part-time work at my previous school, but also enjoying the chance to catch up on sewing, gardening, theatre, music and travel, and have started a part-time MA in West Midlands History - so I am a student too!

We have two daughters who have benefited greatly from education in the second city; one is now a physiotherapist and the other teaches at a university.  

Being a governor at Grendon is a chance for me to ‘put something back’ into the Birmingham education community.  I have only been a governor for a short while, but am very impressed with the children’s behaviour and efforts, the staff I’ve met so far and the colourful and positive environment. I want to contribute towards the strong ‘We can’ ethos at Grendon and to help the school, staff and students move forward to even greater achievements.