Governors
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, Mike Box, 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
Graeme Currie - Co-opted Governor
I was co-opted to the Governing Board in November 2020. I am very proud to be associated with such a wonderful school
I retired from teaching in 2019 after 50 years in various establishments starting at the Moray Outward Bound School through grammar, comprehensive, middle, and primary schools 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 at 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 also witnessed the introduction of the National Curriculum, the raising of the school leaving age, the introduction of SaTs and of OFSTED amongst many other policies. Some of which came and as suddenly went again.
I hold a B.Ed degree in Physical Education and Organisation and Administration of UK Education and a Diploma in Maths Education.
I have particular responsibilities for the present year 2 and will move up with them as they progress through the school and for Teaching and Learning throughout the school.
Imitiaz Kola - Co-opted Governor
I was elected as a governor in early 2021.
Water Mill is very educational & enjoyable hence the reason we have chosen Water Mill for our son who currently attends the school.
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 -
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.
Hina Raza - Parent Governor
As a mother of two children who attend Water Mill, I am passionate about creating opportunity for children in the area to receive excellent education, confidence and wrap-around care.
I was elected as a parent governor in January 2024. I am a stay at home mom but by profession I am a financial consultant and I also worked as a graduate development officer at Ernst and Young. I believe I have so much expertise to offer this wonderful and diverse school by contributing towards the continuing growth and improvement of the school.
I hope to make sure school life gives them great memories and an healthy environment to grow and flourish into wonderful people.
Poppy Buckingham- Parent Governor
My name is Poppy, and I was elected as a parent governor in 2023. We chose Water Mill for our daughter, who currently attends the school and is thriving here. I can see how the whole school staff really is invested in supporting the children to reach their full potential, to feel loved and valued, and to be curious learners. I became parent governor because I wanted to proactively support the school.
I am currently training to become a nurse, although I also have previous experience in safeguarding, education, and special educational needs. I hope to be able to use my knowledge and experience for the benefit of the school community.
Carrie McMahon - Staff Governor
I have been a staff governor at Water Mill Primary since September 2024. I have been a Teaching assistant at Water Mill for ten years. I am currently supporting in Year 4. I also often cover Breakfast club, which I enjoy immensely. I have previous experience working with children who have special needs and have been qualified in Makaton sign language since 2015.
As a mother of two children who have attended Water Mill, and as teaching support, I have always thought of us as a school family. This is because of the lovely, caring attitude and values that I see here every day. The children clearly feel valued, comfortable, and are happy to engage and learn. I see everyday first hand, how the whole school staff are invested in supporting the children to be the best that they can be.
Knowing some of the children since birth, I have built up relationships with them and their families, often still seeing them when they are all grown up and starting their own families- some of whom attend Water Mill now. This in itself shows you how happy the parents must have felt in their own education here, to then choose Water Mill Primary for their own children.
Fiona Ryan - Parent Governor
My name is Fiona, and I was elected as a parent governor in Autumn 2024. I have three children, two of whom currently attend Water Mill. Over the years, I've seen the commitment and enthusiasm to make Water Mill an inclusive, supportive, and welcoming environment for all children who attend. There are so many activities which celebrate the unique diversity of the school and I'm so pleased that my children have been able to join such a wonderful place.
I have worked within the rail industry for around 15 years where I use my data analytical skills to identify trends and support business improvement through driving meaningful change. I've never been afraid to ask the tough questions, and I chose to put myself forward as a governor to help support the continued growth and improvement of this extraordinary school.
Nooreen Khan - Co-Opted Governor
I was elected as Co-opted Governor in September 2024. I have worked within the Education my whole career. Following my undergraduate degree in Psychology I went on to train as a primary school teacher and worked within a Birmingham primary school, prior to completing my training as an Educational Psychologist in 2010. In this role I have worked with a large variety of schools and settings across the West Midlands and have extensive experience of working within the area of Special Educational Needs and Disabilities. Having lived locally for the majority of my life I was keen to contribute and support a school in my local area and when I was invited to learn more about Water Mill Primary School I was encouraged by the strong and collaborative governing board and the wonderful strengths and progress the school has made in recent years, despite facing challenges along the way. I value hiqh quality education, staff well being, working closely with parents and place the social and emotional needs of pupils as paramount. This is my first experience within a governor role and I look forward to supporting the school with future progress and successes whilst contributing to important discussions in relation to the school ethos, practice, accountability and strategic direction, amongst other things.
Syed Naqvi - Co-Opted Governor
I was elected as a Co-Opted Governor in May 2024. As an experienced IT professional with a strong background in network management, cybersecurity, and digital transformation within educational settings, I am eager to contribute my expertise as a school governor. My roles at Aston University Engineering Academy and Cotteridge Junior & Infant School have provided me first hand experience in enhancing IT infrastructure, supporting staff and students, and ensuring compliance with Department for Education regulations.
I am passionate about using technology to improve learning environments, and ensuring schools remain secure, efficient, and forward-thinking. My ability to communicate technical concepts, work collaboratively with senior leadership teams, and strategically manage resources would allow me to make a meaningful impact on governance decisions. Committed to continuous improvement and safeguarding students' digital well-being, I am keen to support the school in achieving its educational goals.
Governors Declaration of Interest and Attendance