Our School Governing Board:

Governors are volunteers who work alongside the head teacher.

They play an important strategic role in the school and set the aims and objectives for the school;
set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives;
set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives;
monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives;
are a source of challenge and support to the head teacher (a critical friend).

Ben Gibbes - Chair of Governors

I am recently retired from a career working in sales and marketing positions across multiple large and small businesses.

From those roles I have vast experience in dealing with people, and communicating at all levels. I have put together plans and communicated plans to a wider audience, I have experience in recruitment, I have experience in prioritisation in cases where there is competition for resources, and I have provided guidance in important decision making processes.

I also support the Ealing Youth Justice Service as one of the volunteers that supports young offenders - offering guidance and support to help prevent them from offending or reoffending.

I also have a lot of experience in other voluntary roles in sports clubs and societies, running teams and performing management/committe roles. I am a life long resident of Ealing borough, and I have seen my three children through the state school system here in Ealing.

Toby Coaker

Co-opted governor

I love living in Ealing and being a school governor is a great way to put my skills to use driving improvements to the lives of young people in the borough.

I am a chartered accountant, with experience auditing financial statements and business cases, which puts me in a good position to support the team of governors and the wider school on any financial challenges it faces. In recent years I have worked in public policy within Parliament, central government, and now industry.

In my time working for Parliament’s Treasury Select Committee, I advised the Chair and other MPs on the Committee on the right questions to ask senior public officials and business leaders regarding the management of their organisations.

This was part of playing a critical role in holding these individuals to account for how they were spending taxpayer’s money and required effective delivery of good governance.

I have found Dairy Meadow to be an excellent environment, with determined leadership, high standards and ambition, and look forward to contributing to the life of the school in the coming years!

Andy Storr

Co-opted governor

I became a Governor at Dairy Meadow in 2006 when I was the Police Sergeant on the local Norwood Green Safer Neighbourhoods Team and although I've long since ceased to be part of the local policing team, I've maintained my link with Dairy Meadow out of a deep affection for the school, the staff and fellow governors.

As you may expect from someone with a policing background I also have a strong interest in Safeguarding matters. I am immensely proud to be part of the Dairy Meadow Governing Body and throughout my many years at the school I have never ceased to be hugely impressed by the conduct and achievement of the pupils.

Isha Abdulkadir

Parent Governor

I am a mother of two and PhD student, I have lived in Southall since 2009. I work as support worker.

Irum Chaudhry

Parent Governor

I have over 15 years of experience in leadership and management, I have a keen interest in staff development, motivation, and wellbeing. I currently work as a Medical Secretary/PA for the Women’s Forensic Services at St. Bernard’s Hospital in Ealing.

I have first-hand experience with the Dairy Meadow setting as my two children currently attend the school and have been there since Nursery.

As a mother, I am heavily invested in my children’s education and appreciate the opportunity to serve as a Parent Governor to help drive the school's development and raise its standards.

Dairy Meadow is a fantastic school, providing excellent education. I see the school’s ethos shining through my daughters every day.

Aran Ali

Co-opted Governor

I’m a Project Manager and have lived in the local area for most of my life. I’ve always felt strongly about giving back to the community, and I see children as the heart of our future.

Their development is essential to building a better society, which is why I chose to become a school governor.

I’m particularly passionate about finding ways to motivate our young learners to enjoy school and helping our teachers embrace continuous learning in their own professional journeys. I hope to contribute to making our school one of the best in the borough—for both students and staff.

Meena Shah

Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Ealing most of my life and am passionate about how a good education can improve life outcomes.

I have worked in IT for over 30 years, predominantly in financial services, and have held various roles focusing on Risk and Regulatory Compliance, across a variety of organisations, including Bank of England, Reuters, holding senior leadership roles in Royal Bank of Scotland and MS Amlin.

I hope to use my varied experience to benefit Dairy Meadow by supporting staff, parents and children in achieving the school's objectives.

Fernando De Freitas

Co-opted Governor

I work in aviation primarily in the allocation of airport slots (landing and take-off times) at major airports worldwide, including Heathrow Airport.

I look forward to being a school governor at Dairy Meadow School because I believe my professional experience has equipped me with strong analytical, organisational and decision-making skills that are directly transferable to the role.

Working in a highly regulated, safety-critical environment has taught me the importance of accountability, collaboration and long-term planning — all of which are essential to effective school governance.

I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to support the strategic direction of the school as well as helping to ensure that every child is given the best possible chance to thrive.

Aishah Mughai

Parent Governor

My name is Aishah, and I am a work from home parent to two lovely children who attend Dairy Meadow Primary School

Having been born and raised in Ealing, I am passionate about the community

As a prior student who loved this school, my goal is to show the children who attend, the parents who trust, and the community who support the school why Dairy Meadow Primary is such an exemplary place of education and help young minds as much as possible.

Amarvir Chana

Parent Governor

I have lived in Southall all my life and am a proud father of two children currently attending the school.

I hold a degree in Computer Science from Brunel University and have worked in the IT sector for the past 25 years. Some of the most memorable projects in my career include introducing smart cards for the NHS, commissioning a biometric methadone system across all HMP prisons, and working on major technology initiatives at the Houses of Parliament and The O2.

In my spare time, I enjoy playing the Indian tabla as part of my local congregation.

Alison Reed

Headteacher Governor

Register of Governors Interests

Governors Declaration Register

To contact the school governors, please email the Clerk to Governors at clerk@dairy-meadow.ealing.sch.uk

Further information on our school governance is available to view here