Shirin Patel - Chair of Governors 

I originally joined the Governing Board as a Parent Governor, and for the past four years I have had the privilege of serving as Chair of Governors. I have three children, all of whom have attended this wonderful school, and I am proud to give something back to the community that has provided them with such a strong start.

With a long career in the Civil Service, I bring experience, commitment and a collaborative approach to my role. I work closely with the Headteacher, staff and fellow Governors to ensure that every child at Chilvers feels valued, supported, and inspired to reach their full potential.

Dan Sanford-Casey - Vice Chair 

I have been a Parent Governor at Chilvers since April 2023. My daughter attended Chilvers until July 2024 and had the most wonderful experience at the school. I wanted to contribute to that experience and offer the school an extra pair of hands. For me, Chilvers is a little haven in the middle of our busy town, where children can truly be themselves while being encouraged and challenged to become the best version of who they are.

I am heavily involved in education, as I am currently an Assistant Headteacher at a secondary school in Coventry, and I am passionate about providing outstanding opportunities for young people. I am a music teacher by background and have previously been Head of Performing Arts and Head of Sixth Form. I am now responsible for teaching and learning, teacher training, teacher development, and in-lesson inclusion for our 1,000 students.

I was delighted to be involved in the recruitment of the wonderful Ms. Hitchcox and to use my educational experience to support the Governing Board in a number of areas.

Amy Shale

 I have been a Co-Opted Governor since 2024. My son attended Chilvers from 2022–2025, and seeing the positive difference the school made to him inspired me to join the Governing Body and play a role in shaping the school for future pupils. I am proud to be part of a strong team who value the wellbeing of both staff and pupils, and who are committed to making a meaningful difference.

In my day-to-day life, I manage the finance and administration for my husband’s gardening business, and I am also a leader at a local Brownie unit.

Sharon Wood

 I am a retired mum of three and grandma of two. My sons attended Chilvers Coton Community Infant School, and my oldest grandson has recently moved up to Queens C of E Junior School. My granddaughter started nursery at Chilvers Coton this September.

Before retiring, I worked as an Early Years Teacher for many years, including as Foundation Stage Co-ordinator and Reception Teacher at Chilvers Coton. I later held roles as Head of School, Designated Safeguarding Lead and SEND Co-ordinator. I feel these experiences are valuable in my current role as a governor, helping the school to continue building and developing its vision and values.

Over the past year, I have built strong relationships with other members of the Governing Body and with the school staff, and I look forward to continuing to develop these. I feel very privileged to be part of the governor team at Chilvers Coton Community Infant School. It is a special place to teach, to attend, and to be part of as a parent community. I plan to support the school as much as I can in delivering the very best educational experience we can offer.

Sara Bhagatte

I am a co-opted governor and have been fortunate to send all of my children to this wonderful school. With a background in early years, I am passionate about supporting every child and helping to ensure the best possible outcomes for all. I truly value working alongside the school’s dedicated staff and my fellow governors to maintain the warm, friendly, and nurturing environment that makes this school so special.

Tanveer Pathan

I am a father of two girls: the elder has recently completed her time at Chilvers, and the younger will soon be starting her journey here.

Professionally, I am a Principal Engineer at WMG, University of Warwick, where I am the technical lead on a collaborative project with an automotive manufacturer. I also lecture on various aspects of Li-ion batteries. My experience in higher education provides valuable insight that supports my contribution to governance at Chilvers. In addition, I am the General Secretary and policy lead for an educational charity, and I bring experience in organisational governance, team management, financial management, reporting, and community relationship building.

We are extremely fortunate to have a strong, skilled governing board whose members act as supportive yet challenging critical friends to the school, while holding leaders to account. Our shared aim is to maintain our high standards as an outstanding provider of a broad and balanced education.

Chilvers is an important part of the community in which we live, and I am committed to contributing to the school and local area to ensure its continued success. As a parent of children at Chilvers, being a governor also carries personal significance in supporting the school to thrive.

Claire Gutteridge

I am currently the Deputy Head at Chilvers Coton, and I am passionate about ensuring that every child gets the very best start in their education and is supported to reach their full potential. I have worked at Chilvers Coton for many years, beginning my career here as a Newly Qualified Teacher. During my time at the school, I have held a variety of roles, including Maths Lead, Geography Lead and Key Stage One Leader, before moving into my current role as Deputy Head. I have had the privilege of working across the whole school and feel deeply committed to our children, our families and our community.

As a governor, I am proud to help shape the strategic direction of our school and to contribute to maintaining the nurturing, inclusive and high-quality education that Chilvers Coton offers.

Debbie Minihan

My name is Debbie Minihan, and I am a co-opted governor.
I am proud to be a member of staff at Chilvers. I am passionate about early years and inclusion, and I strongly believe in the importance of play. I love OPAL and all the happiness it brings to children at lunchtime.

Chilvers is a wonderful community school. We care about one another and always strive for the very best for our children.