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 benefitted 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.

 

My name is Rob Hewston and have recently been appointed as a Co-opted Governor.  My area of responsibility will be supporting the Pastoral Curriculum and Pastoral Care.  I have been working in the caring profession for many years looking after young people.  This has given me a wide understanding and experience of working with children who are in crisis, physically disabled, abused and those who have been in trouble with the police.  For 12 of those years I was a Social Care Inspector working in different regulative bodies and eventually for Ofsted.  This gave me good insight towards inspections, safeguarding complaints and compliance investigations.  I currently work for a private Company as Compliance & Regulation Manager travelling all over the country completing reviews to ensure their schools, children’s homes & fostering service are complying with current practices & regulations.

I have many interests including sport and pets.  Until recently I assisted with the management of local children and adult football teams.  I have also taught two forms of martial arts to children and adults.  My main hobby now is walking my two year old Labrador up over the local hills and parks, in all weathers!  I have been married for over 30 years and have two grown up sons.

I look forward to meeting you all at some of the forthcoming events at Grendon and learning about the schools achievements and future plans.

A personal statement is coming soon!