Governors

Federation of Boldmere Schools Governing Body

 

Mrs Tonita Whittier-Turlunch - Chair of Governors

As, recently appointed, Chair of Governors alongside being the Mental Health & Wellbeing Link Governor, I am committed to supporting a school environment where every child can flourish. I have three boys who have either attended or are currently at the school, giving me a strong personal connection to our community. Professionally, I have worked in the NHS and social care for over 20 years and now serve as a senior leader in the NHS. I am passionate about helping children thrive and about fostering a compassionate, inclusive, and supportive school community for all.

 

Ms Natalie Justice-Dearn – Vice Chair of Governors

I started as parent Governor in Autumn 2022 and I sit on the Finance and Facilities Committee. My background is working for Sports National Governing Bodies  and I am currently the CEO of Rounders England having worked previously for the FA, British Cycling and British Triathlon. I have recently taken on a link role for PE and Sport and I love to see how Boldmere sees PE and Sport as a key part of the school experience. I am a Mum to 3 boys, 2 of which are currently at Boldmere.

 

Mrs Samantha Kenny – Head of Infant and Nursery School

The Governing Body are an amazing group of volunteers who provide advice, support and of course challenge to the Senior Leadership Teams at both the Infant and Junior school. As the previous Head of School, and now newly appointed Headteacher at  Boldmere Infant School,  I am proud of the team that we have created. Children are at the heart of everything we do, and we have a responsibility to ensure that these first experiences of school life are positive, enjoyable and foster a love of learning  for all children. The Governing Board works with Senior Leaders and staff to achieve this. We are a hard working team that strive to provide a safe space for children to learn and grow and achieve their best. In addition, we are also a team that looks out for each other and supports the wellbeing of staff as well as children.

 

Mr Matt Sadler - Head of Junior School

It is a privilege to serve and represent the community of Boldmere in my role as head teacher, a position I took up in September 2025 having served for three years prior to that as head of school.   I understand fully that children get only one shot at their education and that it's the 'what we do now' that will play a huge role in their future success. The school's vision statement could not resonate with me any truer which is why my col-leaders and staff work relentlessly to ensure we do our upmost to empower ALL children to achieve their best, not only academically but also emotionally, physically and socially too. I am also a firm believer that the best outcomes for children are achieved through mutual respect and collaboration with all stakeholders. This naturally includes parents but also the Governing body where collectively we will work to ensure the ethos and strategic direction of the school is befitting for the families we serve.

 

Mrs Karen Welch – Assistant Head Teacher of Junior School

I am extremely proud to be an Assistant Head Teacher for Boldmere Junior School.  It is a privilege to be part of the Governing board and work with committed and supportive individuals who care about our pupils and the school community. I have been a part of the Junior school teaching staff for a considerable amount of time and I continue to be passionate about ensuring that each child receives the best possible education; leaving our school ready for the next part of their learning journey. I continue to embrace the opportunity to be part of a school in which the children are at the heart of the decisions we make.

 

Ms Amy Bryan 

It fills me with great pride to have been appointed as staff governor for the Boldmere schools. I have been part of the Boldmere family as a parent since 2016 and as a member of the Infant school teaching staff since 2019. One of my daughters has completed her journey at Boldmere and is now at secondary school, my two other daughters currently attend both the Infant and Junior schools. I aim to bring a wealth of educational knowledge and experience to my role. I have a passion for teaching and learning and I am continually striving to deepen my knowledge into how children learn. I value the importance of a broad and balanced curriculum putting the wellbeing of our children at the heart of everything we do.

 

Mrs Anja Pawson 

I joined as an Associate Governor in July 2023 and became a Co-opted Governor in Summer 2025. Throughout this time, I have served as the EYFS Link Governor and was recently honoured to become Chair of the Education and Standards Committee. I am passionate about securing the best possible outcomes for all pupils, ensuring that every child - regardless of background, ability, or language - has the support and opportunities they need to thrive. I believe excellence in education is built on strong partnerships with parents, fellow governors, outside agencies, and the wider community. As a primary teacher and subject leader at a large school, I also support other schools and bring 13 years’ experience across EYFS, KS1, and KS2. My knowledge of curriculum, pedagogy, and school improvement informs my contributions. As a parent of two children at Boldmere Infant and Nursery School, I am personally invested in its success. I am currently completing a Senior Level Apprenticeship at the University of Birmingham and serve as Vice-Chair of Friends of Boldmere Spinney.

 

Lindsay Ryan

I joined the governing board in May 2024 when my youngest son started at Boldmere School and have recently become a co-opted member and Vice Chair of the Finance Committee. I bring over 15 years of experience in the financial services sector and my aim is to seek financial improvement and efficiency across both schools to ease pressures and provide the best facilities and services for all of the children at Boldmere. 

One of my proudest achievements so far was securing a grant from my employer for almost £7000 which was presented to the school in July 2025 and which will fund the Inspire passport scheme for every single child in Boldmere from the Nursery, BIB and Juniors. 

I am equally passionate about student and staff well -being and am keen to make a big impact in this area providing both children and staff with as many avenues as possible to improve mental and physical well -being to promote higher job satisfaction, retention and higher attainment levels for all children. 

As a single parent to 3 children (2 of which are now at secondary school) I bring much experience to the role, both from a parent’s perspective and that of a financial professional to drive the school forward and bring the best possible outcomes for the all children, parents and staff. 

 

Haroon Ibrahim

I joined the governing board as a Co-opted Governor in July 2024 and became Chair of the Finance Committee in September 2024. I am a Chartered Accountant with many years’ experience helping organisations make the most of their resources, and I am passionate about using these skills to support the school’s success. Having grown up in Birmingham and now living in Sutton Coldfield, I am proud to give back to the local community. With a child currently attending Boldmere School, I have a personal connection and strong motivation to help ensure that all pupils have the best possible opportunities to learn and thrive.

 

 

Our School