New Parent Governors

Congratulations to our two new Parents Governors Michelle Simmons-Safo and Emma Jay on their recent appointments. See below for a reminder of their personal statements. Thank you to all the parents and carers who stood for election and to all the families who took the time to vote.

Emma Jay

I’m a mum of twins in year 8, and work as a documentary maker. I have been a governor of Brookfield Primary School for six years, four of which I spent as the SEND link governor and two as the Chair of Governors. My kids have SEND, and I became interested in this area when I wanted to learn how to best support them, but it quickly became a passion for me to make education inclusive and accessible for everyone.

I’m also a trustee of Highgate Newtown Community Partners, the charity behind the new community centre and several outreach programmes across Camden. I feel so lucky to live in such a vibrant and diverse community, and I want to feel like I’m doing my part to make it a better place. I will be stepping down as governor of Brookfield this year, and I would like to be able to put the knowledge I’ve gained about education, governorship, strategic leadership, and community development into action in Acland Burghley and continue to help it thrive.

Michelle Simmons-Safo

I am very aware of the challenges of inner-city urban living. I was born and raised in the inner city. Early in my career I worked for play services for many years. I have a rich understanding of urban living. I have been a social worker for over 30 years, specialising in managing mental health services. I have managed Child and Adolescent Mental Health services for several years. I am very active in the education of children and young people, professionally and personally. I have four children ages 33, 19, 16 and 12, and granddaughters. One of my children has Autism and attended mainstream education, which made me pioneer for inclusion, accessibility and improving outcomes for Children with Disabilities. I am passionate promoting cultural awareness especially in regard to challenging systemic racism and changing the narrative for Black people globally.

I served as a Governor at Mount Carmel School for Girls, Our Ladies Convent School, and Springfield Community School, where my children were pupils; so very familiar with the requirements of a Governor. I have created a Parental support advice network, where parents are able to physically meet regularly to exchange knowledge and provide support to each other. This was instrumental in working more collaboratively together. Our Network was very useful during the Pandemic.

I am excellent at building rapport with others, I am a brilliant networker. I can build confidence in others by relating and bring out the best in all. I will be privileged to be a parent governor.