Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

Please find below details of how our Governing board is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

Welcome from the Governing Board of Water Mill Primary School

A warm welcome from the Governing Board

Thank you for visiting us!

As Governors we play a full and active role in the life of the school. We meet regularly to discuss all aspects of the school and to ensure excellent education for its pupils.

In order to make sure we do this effectively, we have three core responsibilities:

• We need to ensure that the school has a clear vision, ethos and strategic direction
• We need to hold the head teacher to account, while supporting and strengthening leadership
• We need to oversee the financial performance of the school, making sure that money is well spent

We want to do the best we can to support children’s learning, development and their environment. We want to ensure the curriculum is rich and varied and want to assure you that every child matters. We are all passionate about ensuring that the provision and education of each and every child is the best it can possibly be.

Correspondence for any of our governors should be sent via our Governance Clerk, Lauren Taylor, through the school enquiry email.

Our Governors:

Ninna Makrinov – Chair of Governors

I was elected as a parent governor in October 2017 and as vice chair of the governing board soon after. When my children left Water Mill, I successfully applied to be the schools' Local Authority (LA) governor. In this time, I have learnt much about the role of governors in ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction to the school, holding the school to account, and overseeing its financial performance. I love my role, as Water Mill is a diverse and welcoming school and I feel I have much to offer to enhance the quality of the education for our children.

I am originally from Chile and a solo mother of two children who joined Water Mill in years 3 and 4; they thrived in the school. I have seen through them some of the things that make Water Mill so special and also some areas for development. I bring my professional skills to my role as a governor; I studied Psychology and have postgraduate qualifications in business, education and occupational health. I have worked in Higher Education for almost 20 years and I am currently a Teaching Fellow at the University of Warwick.

Email contact details: n.makrinov@watermill.bham.sch.uk

N. Robinson - Vice Chair of Governors 

I was co-opted to the Governing Board in August 2020. 

I am currently working in Higher Education and have completed a certificate in teaching at the Staff and Educational Development Association  (SEDA) and am nearing completion of the Academic Professional Apprenticeship/PG Cert in HE.  My specialism is media production and multiplatform teaching.

I was paired with the wonderful Year 5 last year and received emailed letters explaining about their learning which I've found very informative and were lovely to receive. My area of responsibility at Water Mill is Behaviour and Attitudes. In addition to this I attend governor visits to the school and look forward to many more. I am keen to share my skills and knowledge for the benefit of the management and strategic direction of the school so that the children continue to excel and thrive.

Email : n.robinson@watermill.bham.sch.uk

Sarah Ogunsina - Parent Governor

My name is Sarah Ogunsina, I am a parent governor and joined the governing board late September 2019. My daughter attends Water Mill Primary and has always enjoyed going to school hugely.. The school has a personal feel and the staff are very approachable. The class teachers have been easy to warm to and the opportunities within the school are wonderful for the children to access. I am a registered nurse working at a  local hospital, I am married to a teacher in 'A' Level. I feel I can bring my skills in negotiation, safeguarding and my knowledge of wider current events relating to health and well being in adults and children to the governing board. Also to use my skills to benefit the school. I feel it is important to do what you can, when you can and to give your best.

Email contact details: s.ogunsina@watermill.bham.sch.uk

Graeme Currie - Co-opted Governor

I was co-opted to the Governing Board in November 2020.  

I retired from teaching in 2019 after 50 years in various establishments starting at the Moray Outward Bound School through grammar school, comprehensive, middle, and primary school to Newman University where I was a visiting lecturer in Primary and Early Years Mathematics. 

During that time I have had to adapt to changes in teaching as dramatic as any time in history and the resources available. From blackboards and chalk to interactive white boards, from logarithmic tables and abacus (Yes we used them!) to computers and calculators. 

I hold a B.Ed degree in Physical Education and Organisation and Administration of UK Education and a Diploma in Maths Education. 

Though clearly I am the new boy here I am rapidly gaining a huge respect for both the Governing Board and the management and staff at Water Mill. I have been asked to take a particular interest in Year 6 and Teaching and Learning and very much look forward to working with everyone involved with Water Mill. 

Sandra Dean – Staff Governor

I have had the honour and privilege of working at Water Mill for the last 36 years as a member of the teaching staff. Already working at the school I have first hand experience of the education system and knowledge of teaching and learning, and I am committed to ensuring every child receives the best education. I am in a unique position on our governing body, as the role of staff governor offers me an opportunity to make a real contribution to the strategic management of the school, providing an interesting and rewarding dimension to work.

As a member of the governing body, I am passionate about ensuring that the provision and education of each child is the best it can possibly be, working hard to ensure that we achieve high standards of educational achievement allowing every child to reach their full potential whilst at Water Mill. For me, it has always been important that school is more than just a place of learning. It's a community that we can all be part of, support and friendship are key, and are exemplified at Water Mill.

Luke Nugent - Parent Governor (Chair of REST Committee)

I was elected as a parent governor in September 2020. Both of my children attend Water Mill. I am a researcher at the University of Birmingham with a particular interest in STEM outreach and public engagement. As a governor my area of responsibility is Leadership and Management, for which I can draw on skills and experience obtained within my previous role as a team manager at the Royal Bank of Scotland.

I am proud of the way my children have developed during their time at Water Mill and, as a parent, have been pleased with the continuing progress of the school. The rich diversity and friendly, welcoming atmosphere at Water Mill make it a school in which children are able to flourish both educationally and as a person. I aim to contribute towards the continuing improvement of the school without losing sight of what makes Water Mill special.

Imitiaz Kola - Co-opted Governor

I was elected as a governor in early 2021 my daughter attends Water Mill and is in her final year, we have found the knowledge she has gained throughout her time has prepared her for SATs and to ease her move onto secondary school

Water Mill is very educational & enjoyable hence the reason we have chosen Water Mill for our son who will be beginning from the forthcoming academic year

The diverse community, staff & the environment encourage the children to excel & express themselves in all areas of education & real world encounters

I have worked in the property sector & have qualifications in lettings/ property management

I am a managing director of a letting agent which has been running for 10 years and have won Birmingham letting agent of the year 2021

With my knowledge and experience I have gathered working in property, business & finance my aim is to assist the school in areas where my professional skills can be relied upon  

Joy Humes - Parent Governor

I was elected as a parent governor when my child was in Year 6 at Water Mill and chose to continue as a governor after he left because I wanted to continue to support the school. As a parent I have seen the many changes that have taken place at the school over the past few years and the improvements in teaching and learning. Above all Water Mill is a small community with a big heart. It is a diverse community and it is good that our board represents this community in its diversity. 

I work in the NHS and bring my understanding of health and well-being to the board together with managerial skills.

Governors Declaration of Interest and Attendance