Governor Details - Fairfield School

Yasin Lorgat

Chair of Governors

I live local to Fairfield School and I am delighted and privileged to be a governor here. I have worked with children and families over a number of years within the voluntary sector, youth service, careers service and the education service.

I am currently employed by the education safeguarding service working with schools and out of school settings. I aim to bring some of my knowledge and understanding of the current demands in education to support the staff and students at Fairfield School to ensure the best possible outcomes for all.

I am currently Chair of the Finance & Resources Committee

Clare Blackburn

Headteacher

I'm really proud to be the Headteacher at Fairfield School. I have experience of working as part of the senior leadership team in special schools in West Yorkshire for 18 years, and working with governing boards in a range of roles including safeguarding, personal development and leadership and management.

I am dedicated to working in partnership to ensure that Fairfield is an inspirational and forward-thinking place for our pupils to learn and thrive in a safe and stimulating environment.

Stella Murwisi

Teacher Governor

Before joining Fairfield School, I worked as a primary school teacher in a mainstream school in Zimbabwe. I developed good knowledge, practice and working habits from this experience. After moving to the UK in 2000. I worked in different schools before I joined Fairfield School as a supply teacher in 2013. I loved the school and I have never looked back from then on.

I have recently been elected to the Teacher Governor role at Fairfield School in December 2022. I am a PMLD Teacher and I have gained valuable skills, confidence and experience teaching at Fairfield school over the past ten years. I have also been recently successfully appointed the role as Physical Provision Leader in January 2023.

As a teacher, I am particularly keen to ensure that all children reach their full potential whatever their background, special educational needs or disabilities. I also believe that as a teacher it is my duty to empower and enable every child to be the best that they can and be as independent as they can be. I take great pride in leading the MOVE Program in school which focuses on giving pupils with physical learning disabilities movement opportunities via education.

Outside work, I am a wife and a mother of four beautiful children. I am also an auntie to a couple of dozen nephews and nieces.

Leann Beevers

Parent Governor

As a parent to one of the youngest students at Fairfield School, I am pleased to take the opportunity of becoming a parent governor. Experiencing first hand the incredible work the school does for the students, I am excited to learn more about the school and hopefully play a valuable part of its future.
As well as a full time parent, I work for an outdoor event company. Its a small family run business, but one of the largest providers in the UK. I am responsible for all of the operations of staff & vehicles within the fleet, the maintenance schedules and drivers compliance. I also do all of the social media and marketing. With my role I am a well organised and practical person, able to find solutions to problems that occur in quick effect. I am hoping that being a parent myself alongside a governor, I can help to build relations with other parents in the hope of becoming a voice to the school of other ideas and potential developments, all of which will help build the future path of students.

Mike Neild

Health & Safety and Wellbeing

I first joined the Fairfield School Governing Body in 2002 as a Parent Governor when my son first went into the early years department. He has since left but remain committed as I was on day one to challenge and question the Senior Leadership Team. My background as an Insurance Claims Investigator has been useful to enable me to act as a Critical Friend. I remain an active member of the Resources Committee providing input into both Finance and Health and Safety Issues.

I was involved in the selection process of the last two Headteachers. My priority when making key decisions has always been to ensure that we offer the best environment we can for students to fulfil their potential. I will always encourage any student, parent/carer or staff member to raise any concerns/suggestions with the overall aim to continually strive to produce the most effective learning environment that we can. I was elected Chair of Governors when we moved to the new school site however, I stepped down from the position in 2011 following a period of ill health.

I have recently enrolled onto a NEBOSH (National Examination Board of Occupational Health and Safety) to study towards a Level 6 Diploma in Occupational Health and Safety and plan to use this knowledge to evaluate and further improve site safety where possible.

Lisa Hall

Support Staff Governor

I have worked at Fairfield School for the past nine years as an Intervenor, supporting a student who is deaf and blind and as an ETA. In September 2017 I was successfully appointed as the role of Multi-Sensory Impairment Champion. I continue to be an active member of the Health and Safety team.

I have previously worked with adults with learning disabilities for the past ten years within Kirklees Day Services and Private Sector and have also worked within a Private Day Nursery.

Kirstie Womack

Parent Governor

I have recently been appointed as Parent Governor. My son joined Fairfield in 2013 when we moved to Yorkshire. I initially worked work as a lunchtime supervisor and now work as part of the administration team.

My previous roles since leaving school have included being a secretary of a private school in Oldham for 16 years. After this, I left to run my own Gentleman's Outfitting Business.

My spare time continues to be taken up by caring for my adult son. I also enjoy gardening, cooking and holidays and weekends in our motorhome.

Leanne Watts

Parent Governor Post 16/Careers Link

I am a full time mum and I also have two part time jobs. In one job I work in accounts and in the other I am a Lunchtime Supervisor at my local school. I have recently become a parent governor here at Fairfield School. My daughter attends Fairfield School and her progress is excellent. I consider myself to be a kind, caring person. I am a good listener and always look for the best in others.

Nisar Bangali

Trust Governor

I am a local lad having lived here in the Batley area for around 50 years.

I am new to Fairfield School as a Governor, however, I have been associated with the school previously on its old site. I have had previous experience as a Governor at my daughter’s school in Dewsbury.

I am a successful businessman running my own family orientated Transport Company and I have specialised in the daily transportation of disabled students for the past 15 years. I also work alongside corporate guests and private clientele.

In my personal life I assist with the Down Syndrome Group and have fundraised for many disabled organisations and sporting events including the local cricket teams.

Community inclusion is a very important part of my life and I will continue to strive to encourage disabled children to have a rich and fulfilled life.

Kate Bottomley

Governor (Pre-Formal Link)

I am currently employed by Locala as an occupational therapist working closely in the local community in supporting the diverse needs of children with SEND.

Peter Learmonth

Governor

I am very pleased to be appointed as a Governor at Fairfield and really excited to work with the school to support all the children and young people to learn and achieve.
I am a registered nurse in both Learning Disabilities and Children's nursing. I have worked in day and residential specialist schools and colleges throughout my career, and have spent many years working in Child Development Services in London and Bradford.
I spent some time working in Kirklees as the designated clinical officer (DCO) for SEND and in the children's continuing healthcare service and I'm now a specialist nurse with the Paediatric Neuromuscular team at the Leeds Children’s Hospital
Throughout my career I have worked very closely with health, education and social care services to try and provide the best possible support for young people with a variety of complex needs. I have hugely enjoyed coming to Fairfield in a professional capacity in the past and hope to continue a close association with the school through being part of the governing body.
Outside of work although being a soft southerner I enjoy getting out and about in the Yorkshire countryside and enjoying all this great county has to offer.