Chair of Governing Board
Mr Pete Bainbridge

Why did you decide to become a Governor at Acton Gardens Primary School?
I have been involved with the school board of governors for 4 years before becoming chair in October 2024. I wanted to contribute to the school and local community. I became a parent governor in 2020 as I wanted to support the school in being the best it can be and supporting our children to achieve their potential.

What do you think that Governors can bring to Acton Gardens Primary School?
I come from a family of teachers (mother, father, sister, sister-in-law, uncle and aunt) so I strongly believe It is important to create an environment where each child is valued and develops their confidence and life skills, so they can excel in life academically, socially and creatively.

Brief history of your career, life and background
I bring experience from my professional life in management consultancy, which includes organisational governance and reporting, alongside managing relationships with stakeholders and communities. I have lived locally for over 15 years, and I am married with two young children.

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Local Authority Governor
Mr Andrew Dodge

Why did you decide to become a Governor at Acton Gardens Primary School?
After 8 years chairing the governing board of a brand-new secondary school, I wanted to be a governor at a local primary school. Acton Gardens was the perfect choice, promising an exciting future as an all-through primary under a new, ambitious headteacher.

What do you think that Governors can bring to Acton Gardens Primary School?
Governors oversee the strategic direction of the school and ensure the pupils receive the very best education. They bring a wide range of experience both within and outside education, with parents and staff contributing their perspectives.

What are your interests in education?
Music and other creative subjects, foreign languages, reading and sport, also pupil and staff well-being.

Brief history of your career, life and background
I worked as a composer for theatre, BBC TV & radio for over 40 years, including many collaborations with Julia Donaldson of The Gruffalo fame! I now train school governors and chairs for eight London local authorities, including Ealing. I practice the piano every day and enjoy playing tennis, jogging and reading.

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Staff Governor
Ms Yvonne Kisiedu

Why did you decide to become a Governor at Acton Gardens Primary School?
As a Staff governor I wanted to represent my colleagues on the Governing Body. Where appropriate I am able to share in the vision of the school and with staff and the rest of the governing body.

What do you think that Governors can bring to Acton Gardens Primary School?
The Governing Body is elected to support the aims of the school and drive up standards. The GB provide challenge and act as a critical friend, through their wealth of knowledge, skills and experience. Training is provided to ensure governors are continually updated on all aspects necessary for the role.

What are your interests in education?
I am a primary school teacher and enjoy reading and talking about all things education related!

Brief history of your career, life and background
I have been a teacher for over 10 years. I have experience teaching in EYFS and Y1 and am currently a Y2 teacher. I am also the Phonics and Early Reading Lead and the Phase 2 Lead, supporting children and colleagues in Y2, Y3 and Y4. I have also led on subjects including PSHE, Maths, DT and PE. It is my pleasure to work with and support this school and the wider community. As a Staff governor, I wanted to represent my colleagues in the Governing Body. Where appropriate I am able to share the vision of the school with staff and the rest of the
governing body.

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Co-opted Governor
Ms Catherine Dinsdale

Why did you decide to become a Governor at Acton Gardens Primary School?
I was a teacher years ago and enjoyed many aspects of that role. I have since gained skills and experience in a different career and can now see an opportunity to develop and apply these in an educational environment. I wanted to be a governor in a primary school and live near Acton Gardens Primary School, so it seems a good fit.

What do you think that Governors can bring to Acton Gardens Primary School?
A desire to support the school in its growth and play a part in its journey. A different perspective and skills drawn from a long career in the private sector. Objectivity and an interest in learning how to best work with and support the school with its challenges, whilst embracing the opportunities that are there too.

What are your interests in education
A general interest in education and the ability of a good education to change children’s lives.

Brief history of your career, life and background
I was born in Sheffield and went to a local comprehensive and then on to Nottingham University. I then did a PGCE specialising in infant school teaching and taught in both Nottingham and London. Post travelling I joined a bank and soon moved into working where I stayed for 23 years. In 2012 I moved to a different UK bank and had a very happy marketing career there. I retired on the 31 December 2025, with a desire to do more travelling, do some voluntary work and generally enjoy life. I live in Chiswick with my husband and have a grown-up stepdaughter and a 22 year old daughter.

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Co-opted Governor
Mrs Tracey Brosnan

What do you think that Governors can bring to Acton Gardens Primary School?
I am very interested in supporting another school as a Governor to provide some experience and context around teaching and learning.

Brief history of your career, life and background
I have been in teaching for 28 years, having started my working career in industry as a PR officer. I have been in headship for over 10 years and this is my second headship in Ealing. I am currently the Head at St Raphael’s Catholic Primary school in Northolt and have overseen the restructuring of the school and the reduction from a 3 forms of entry to a 2 forms of entry school. I am the Designated Safeguarding Lead at St Raphael’s and the co-chair of the Ealing Learning Partnership Safeguarding Committee. I also sit on the Ealing Safeguarding Board as the Primary School Headteacher representative. I also sit on several committees for Mental Health and Children and Young People as an education representative with other Agencies. I am a strong advocate for Ealing Schools working together to support each other and have supported new Headteachers as a mentor.

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Co-opted Governor
Name: Emily Chalk

Why did you decide to become a Governor at Acton Gardens Primary School?
I am passionate about education, especially Primary School education and have wanted to use my professional skills to assist a school for many years. It is also an exciting time in the life of Acton Gardens Primary School.

What do you think that Governors can bring to Acton Gardens Primary School?
At one end of the spectrum – a deep familiarity with, and love for the school and its community. At the other end, an outsider’s perspective and other professional and personal skillsets.

What are your interests in education?
Disabled students/students with disabilities – both my brother and I are deaf, and education (appropriately adapted) enabled us to achieve our personal and professional potential.
Extracurricular and Cocurricular activities, especially sport and debating. I was involved in organising school children’s debating competitions and training in Australia for almost a decade and sat on the Governing Body Board.

Brief history of your career, life and background
I was born, and grew up, in Brisbane (Australia). My parents were both doctors and valued my, and my siblings’, education highly. I attended our local “public” (state-funded) primary school and a further-away private (parent and state funded) secondary school. I completed my undergraduate studies (in law, political science and economics) and initial postgraduate studies (again in law) in Australia, I was admitted as a solicitor in 2015. I have practised as a solicitor for a decade – first in Australia and then in the UK -specialising in disputes. I have also completed subsequent postgraduate studies (still in law) in the UK. I live in West Hampstead with my husband and our two daughters.

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Co-opted Governor
Mr Bharati Chandrashekar

Why did you decide to become a Governor at Acton Gardens Primary School?
As a parent I have seen the important role schools play in shaping children’s confidence, aspirations, and future opportunities. I would like to contribute my skills and experience to furthering this for children in this community.

What do you think that Governors can bring to Acton Gardens Primary School?
Governors can provide strategic oversight, support, and constructive challenge in helping achieve the school’s objectives. Governors bring a range of professional experiences and perspectives to improve accountability

What are your interests in education?
I am interested in helping young people build confidence and skills they need for the future.

Brief history of your career, life and background
I have over 20 years of experience in Governance, risk management, and compliance having held senior roles in the banking sector. I live in Ealing Common with my husband and 14 year old daughter.

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Parent Governor
Ms Cristina Dimetto

Why did you decide to become a Parent Governor at Acton Gardens Primary School?
As a resident of Acton Gardens since 2017 and mum of Sophie, who started reception at Acton Gardens Primary in 2023, I wanted to take an active role in supporting the school. My main motivation is to help ensure that our children receive an excellent education, with a focus on well-being and happiness, both for children and the school staff. As Parent Governor I represent the views of parents and act as a bridge between the parent community and the school’s leadership.

What do you think that Governors can bring to Acton Gardens Primary School?
Governors contribute by helping to set the strategic direction of the school and supporting the headteacher in maintaining a high standard of education. As a Parent Governor, I can offer a parental perspective while also contributing to decisions that benefit the whole school. I’m keen to ensure that decisions taken by the governing body take into account the best interests of all children and staff.

What are your interests in education?
I am passionate about ensuring that education supports not only academic achievement but also the well-being of students. I believe it’s important to offer a balanced and nurturing environment, and I’m committed to working with the school to enhance opportunities for all children.

Brief history of your career, life, and background
I am the managing director of a not-for-profit marketing agency and consumer association (community interest company) focused on sustainability. My professional background includes managing financials, marketing, fundraising, and governance. Personally, I love spending time with my family at local parks, cooking new dishes, and volunteering whenever possible.

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Parent Governor
Eleanor Nwachukwu

Why did you decide to become a Governor at Acton Gardens Primary School?
I decided to become a Governor at Acton Gardens Primary School because I am deeply committed to supporting the development and success of young learners in our community. My first daughter was one of the alumni when it used to be called Berrymede Junior School. I watched her grow into a beautiful young lady, and it gives me immense joy to be able to give back to the school that played a crucial role in shaping the future of her and other students. I am inspired by the school’s vision of fostering a nurturing and inclusive environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. Strong governance is essential for ensuring that the school continues to provide high-quality education and opportunities for all its pupils. I am particularly motivated by the opportunity to collaborate with other Governors, staff, and parents to create a positive and inspiring learning environment.

What do you think that Governors can bring to Acton Gardens Primary School?
Governors play a vital role in the success of any school, and at Acton Gardens Primary School, they can bring a wealth of expertise, perspective, and support. Governors provide strategic leadership and accountability, ensuring the school’s vision and values are upheld while driving continuous improvement.

What are your interests in education
Education is essential for personal growth, social mobility, and community development. I am dedicated to ensuring every child has access to quality education, regardless of background. Promoting equity and inclusion in education is important to me.

Brief history of your career, life and background
I have lived in other parts of London, but South Acton has been home for me and my children for almost 17 years. I am a filmmaker with acting background and throughout my professional journey, I have cultivated a special mix of creative and analytical skills that I am excited to bring to the role of governor. Working in the film industry has not only strengthened my project management abilities but has also highlighted the value of paying attention to detail and collaborating with a wide range of talented teams. These experiences have sharpened my problem-solving skills and deepened my appreciation for the power of storytelling and effective communication to engage and inspire everyone around me.