Meet our Governors

Mrs. R Shirazi- Co-opted Governor -Chair of Governors

Responsibilities: Safeguarding, Looked After Children, Data/Standards, Behaviour and Pupil Premium, Curriculum/Standards

My name is Roza Shirazi and I am a mom of Zafir who is currently in year 6. I also have a little girl Kalina who is in Year 1. I became a parent governor in the spring of 2019 and now continue this exciting role as a co-opted governor. I have been chosen to lead our Governing Body in February 2023 as a Chair. I have a PhD in Photonics Engineering and MSc in Electrical Engineering. I have worked for a few years as an engineer and then technical manager but, since I discovered teaching, it has become my passion and my job. I am a secondary school teacher and pass my love for Physics to GCSE and A-level students at Robert Clack School. As a Governor I help shape the future of our children, by supporting the amazing staff of Grafton to provide the best possible education and make sure that they are safe to progress, achieve and become all-rounded and valued citizens of our community.

Mr. K. Rajaram - Vice Chair of Governors

Responsibilities: Finance, Fundraising and Resources

My name is Kamesh Rajaram and I have been a co-opted Governor at Grafton Primary School since May 2019. I have over 20 years’ experience in IT & Business Consulting within the Insurance Industry and Accounting & Finance. I strongly believe quality education is the bedrock of the future generations and I am very much looking to contribute in this role to enable maintaining the ‘Outstanding’ status. As part of my role as Governor, I am the Vice-Chair and responsible for Link Governor for Fundraising, Finance and Resources.

Mr. N. Hussain - Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities: Inclusion, SEND and ARP (The Ark & The Nest)

I became a governor for the first time in March 2019 when I was placed by ‘Governors for School’ at Grafton Primary School. Becoming a school governor is a great opportunity to give back to the education system from which we all benefit.

In my day job I work for an Investment Bank (UBS) and I also volunteer as a Treasure for Victory Park Community Cricket League. I bring to Grafton my commitments, knowledge and skills from my professional background, as a parent and a member of the local community. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, gardening and spending time with family and friends. I play league cricket during the summer, badminton and football through winter.

Cllr S. Ghani -   Local Authority Governor

Responsibilities: Rights Respecting, GDPR and Attendance

Councillor Syed Ghani has been a Cabinet Member for Public Realm since May 2018 and has represented Valance Ward since 2014. Since 2014, Cllr Ghani was elected Chair of Assembly twice in 2017 and 2018; held the position of Deputy Chair of the Ceremonial Council from 2016-2018; has been a member of the Living and Working Select Committee; sat on the Children Services Select Committee and the Development Control Board. He also serves the borough as an advisor to the Adult College of Barking and Dagenham and as a school governor at Grafton Primary School in his own ward. Syed is also a Trustee of Barking & Dagenham Council for Voluntary Services (BDCVS). Syed Ghani’s regional responsibilities include membership of: Thames Regional Flood and Coastal Committee; London Councils Transport and Environment Committee, East London Waste Authority. Syed is also an Associate member at Chartered Institute of Legal Executive (ACILEx), a member of Unite Trade Union, a member of Amnesty International, a member of The Fabian Society and a professional member of the Institute of Leadership Management UK. He has also previously held positions in local government, including as a Members Services Officer. Councillor Ghani holds an MA in Marketing and an LLB (Hons) degree. Syed lives in Barking with his wife and two children. As a resident of the borough, giving something back to his community is extremely important to him. His main goal is to represent everyone’s interests and make sure residents are treated fairly irrespective of their gender, race or culture.

Ms. S. King - Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities: Pastoral Care and Personal Development

My name is Siobhan King. I started at Grafton Primary School as a Teaching Assistant in  2013 and progressed to Learning Mentor in 2015. I became a Staff School Governor in 2018. My role in the school allows me to provide a wide perspective of school life to the governing body discussions, furthermore, I am able to provide a voice for the children, staff and parents/carers of our school. I was immensely proud to be part of the governing body when we were awarded Outstanding by Ofsted. I am proud to be part of the Grafton family and the wider community.

Ms. H. Cover-Kus - Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities:  the Arts, Curriculum/Standards Race & Social Justice

As the proud parent of Sebastian and Alexander, students at Grafton Primary School, I am honoured to serve the school as a co-opted Governor. I am a public policy specialist with over ten years’ experience working in the public sector at the local, national, and international levels.  I currently work for an intergovernmental organisation where I support developing countries to address their economic development challenges. I bring my experience, skills, and passion for the school and community to the Governor role. I enjoy baking, jogging, and word puzzles in my spare time.

Mr. A. Ali - Parent Governor

Responsibilities: Finance,Fundraisisng, Resources, Standards and Curriculum

I am Parent Governor and a proud parent to two students at Grafton, Ibrahim and Lana. I am a Chartered Accountant/Auditor and have a wide variety of experiences working with large household name companies, public sector and not-for-profit organisations with their financial, risk and governance needs. As someone who grew up in similar surroundings and circumstances to a lot of our students and parents; I value how important education is to us all. I want to use my skills, experiences and knowledge to work with parents, the school leadership team (and the amazing staff!) and the wider community so all our children can have the best access to education and support to develop and grow that will help them later in their life. In my spare time, you may see me out jogging past the school; or riding my motorbike; or relaxing by working in the garden and greenhouse. I recently joined St John Ambulance as a Community First Responder.

Ms. C. Dellow-Associate Member

My name is Claire, I currently work for the NHS within the community. My background is in Child Development. I have a BA degree in Early Childhood studies and also have Early Years Professional Status. Although my current work is based in the 0-19 health service carrying out developmental reviews and health promotion mainly with 0-5’s. I used to attend Grafton primary school myself and currently am a parent to three children within the school in years 1, 3 and 4. 

Mrs. M. Miller - Staff Governor

My name is Michelle Miller and I am a staff governor at Grafton Primary School. I also have three children, Jacob who is in year 2 and two older children who also attended Grafton. I work in the Nest, which is an in school provision (ISP) for children with additional needs. I feel that being a Governor, I can provide both staff & parent views regarding discussions on improving areas and continuing our practice as an ‘outstanding’ school.

Miss. M. Thomas

Hi, my name is Melissa but many of our pupils will know me as Miss Thomas. 

Before becoming a teacher, I was an e-Commerce and Marketing Manager for an online fashion retailer but later found my love for teaching. I have been teaching at Grafton for over 7 years and can honestly say I have never looked back. 

Several years ago, I was appointed KS2 Reading Lead where my role entails monitoring and improving reading across the school as well as implementing new ways to foster a love of reading. I am also part of the RSJ Team ( Race and Social Justice Team) where I am responsible for ensuring that our curriculum and practices reflect our diverse community. I became a co-opted Governor in December 2022 making me the newest member of a committed board. I look forward to bringing my experience of teaching and love of reading to serve our school and community as best as I can. In my spare time I enjoy cooking, travelling, visiting galleries, reading and playing basketball during the warmer months.