Parent Governor Election 2025
Only one nomination was received from Children’s House Nursery. This was from Mr Arvind Sharma. As there were no other nominations, Mr Sharma will be appointed as a Parent Governor.
Old Palace Nominations
We have received 7 nominations
As there are only two posts available, an election will be held on Wednesday 12th November 2025. The nominees have been invited to a special Coffee Morning, which will be held on Tuesday 11th November from 9.15am. At the meeting, each nominee will have the opportunity to introduce themselves and to say a few words about why they believe they should be chosen as a Parent Governor. We hope that as many parents as possible will be able to attend.
Details of the nominees can be found below:
Mrs Afroza Zaman
mother of Nafees 4M and Nahyaan in 1C
Statement details:
Currently I have two boys in Old Palace Primary School in year 4 and in year 1 group; while my daughter is in secondary school who also was in Old Palace . Since my children entered the school, I have been incredibly impressed with the care and support they have received , I am extremely keen to give something back to the school and put myself forward as Parent Governor as I want to support Old Palace in continuing to Strive as outstanding in all aspects . I feel , I can bring a number of aspects and ideas to the Governing Body and I am passionate about continuing to improve the education and life skills of our young children. My children’s future is of the utmost importance to me and these are my priorities . Therefore , I would be delighted to be given the opportunity in also making a difference in the education of not just my children but to the school as a whole.
Mr Andy Jelfs
father of Charis 4O in and Luke in 1C
Statement details:
My name is Andy, I’m married to Lizzie and we have three children in the school federation – Charis (Year 4) and Luke (year 1) at Old Palace and Anna at Children’s House. My family has lived in Bow for 15 years and we love living in the East End. My dad was a maths teacher, so I have great respect for the hard work of those who work in schools and what a difference it makes. I want Old Palace Children’s House Federation to be a place where everyone is valued and where each child is able to aspire, grow and flourish. In particular I would love to see the Federation build on and consolidate the great work it provides in: -Helping children develop, especially in areas they’re talented in; -Supporting children with special educational needs; -Providing extra-curricular activities and opportunities for learning; -Encouraging parent voice and making use of parent volunteering; -Encouraging teacher / parent engagement beyond the parent consultations; -Reaching out to the community to sell the benefits of the school, respond to the needs of families, and seek to attract a sustainable intake. I’ve already sought to support the Federation where I can. I’ve been a Parent Councillor, have helped fix the bikes at Children’s House and have provided input to R.E. lessons. I would love this opportunity to help further as a governor. I currently work part time at a local church (Bow Baptist) and part time in the civil service. In my civil service job, I have experience of working with a wide variety of people to improve the way things work. And as an Associate of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Development, I have experience of helping get the best out of people. If you want to ask me any questions please feel free to speak to me when I’m dropping off or picking up the children. Andy
Mr Azmol Hossain
father of Safa in RN
Statement details:
I am expressing my desire to be nominated as a Parent Governor at Old Palace through this platform. I am a dedicated parent who recognizes the significance of quality education and a supportive school environment, and I am committed to donating my time, skills, and experience to assist the school in its continued growth. My professional experience includes a law degree and experience in management and community work, or volunteering. All of which I think can make a positive contribution to school governance, decision-making, and long-term planning. I would be honoured to support the school’s vision and help maintain standards of teaching, safety, and community spirit. If I get opportunities to learning more about school governance and working with staff, governors, and families to ensure the best outcomes for all children at Old Palace.
Mrs Nazma Ali
mother of Maryam 5H
Statement details:
I am enthusiastic about the opportunity to serve as a parent governor at Old Palace. As a parent of a student at the school, I am deeply invested in its continued success and the wellbeing of all its pupils. I believe my passion for education, combined with my professional experience, equips me well to contribute meaningfully to the school’s development. Being part of the Old Palace community, I am committed to supporting the school in achieving its goals. I understand the importance of bringing a parent’s perspective to the governing body and am confident that my insights will help ensure that decisions reflect the needs and aspirations of our children and families. Professionally, I have a background in IT, Knowledge Management, and Digital Collaboration. These areas have helped me develop strong interpersonal, project management, and strategic planning skills. I take a pragmatic approach to problem-solving and am comfortable working collaboratively to achieve shared objectives. I am excited about the possibility of working alongside the school leadership and fellow governors to positively impact the educational experience of our students. I am ready to listen, learn, and contribute to making Old Palace an even better place for our children to thrive.
Mrs Noorjahan Begum
mother of Manha in 6K and Yamna in 2S
Statement details:
I am interested in becoming a Parent Governor at Old palace primary school. As a dedicated parent and active member of the school community, I am passionate about contributing to the continued success and development of the school, ensuring it remains a nurturing, inclusive, and high-quality learning environment for all students. I have a strong understanding of the importance of education in shaping a child’s future, not only in terms of academic achievements but also in fostering emotional and social development. I believe that the role of a Parent Governor is key in bridging the gap between the school, parents, and the wider community. Through collaboration and communication, I am eager to help steer the school toward its long-term goals while maintaining a strong connection with families. In my current role as a senior practice nurse, I have gained valuable skills in problem-solving, communication and leadership which I believe will be beneficial in the role of Parent Governor. I am a strong advocate for transparency and accountability, and I understand the importance of working within a team to make informed decisions that are in the best interest of students, staff, and the wider community As a parent, I am committed to being a voice for families, ensuring that their concerns and ideas are heard and acted upon. I also understand the importance of supporting the school leadership team, offering constructive feedback, and helping the school navigate any challenges it may face. I am confident that my experience, dedication, and passion for supporting both my child and others in the school community make me a suitable candidate for the role of Parent Governor. I would be honored to contribute to the school’s continued success and would relish the opportunity to work alongside fellow governors, staff, and parents to make a positive difference.
Mr Pavel Younus
father of Dlovan in 1B
Statement details:
As a dedicated parent with a strong interest in education and community development, I am keen to contribute to Old Palace Primary School as a Parent Governor. I believe every child deserves the best possible start in life, and I am committed to supporting the school’s vision of providing high-quality learning in a safe and nurturing environment. With my background in project management and experience working with diverse teams, I bring strong organisational, communication, and problem-solving skills. I am eager to work collaboratively with staff, parents, and the wider community to help the school continue to thrive and ensure that all pupils reach their full potential.
Mrs Warda Abdullahi
mother of Rumaisa in 2S and Sumaiya in RN
Statement details:
My name is Warda, and I am a proud mother of three children, two of whom currently attend Old Palace Primary School. I work in an acute mental health ward, where I support patients who are struggling with their mental health and provide compassion and dedication every day to support them get better. I am deeply passionate about both education and mental health. I believe every child deserves a nurturing and supportive start in life, and school plays a vital role in shaping that journey. I strongly value the partnership between parents, teachers, and the wider school community, as working together helps every child reach their full potential and ensures the school continues to thrive. I would be honoured to serve as a school governor at Old Palace Primary School. I am eager to contribute to the school’s development plans and to support policies that continue to improve outcomes for all pupils. Through my work in mental health, I have developed strong decision-making skills, empathy, and the ability to work collaboratively with others — qualities I believe are essential in helping the school grow and succeed.