Governance

Kate Burton

Kate is the Principal at Alder Tree Primary Academy

Janie Jennings

• Board Appointee
• Link governor for safeguarding
• Term of office: 26/09/2022 - 26/09/2025

Janie Jennings qualified as a Design & Technology teacher specialising in Fashion & Textiles after completing a BSC(Hons) in Textile Technology and a 16-year career working in the Textiles Industry. After completing a PGCE in Design Technology with a specific focus on Textiles, she began teaching at Intake High School in 2002 and on completing her NQT year, she became Assistant Area Leader, primarily focussing on the work-related learning subjects in the faculty. She then became Area Leader for Design Technology & WRL at Leeds West Academy, where she led the department into improving the GCSE A* - C range. Janie became Assistant Principal responsible for Physical, Social, Health, Citizenship & Economic education (PSHCE) and Work-Related Curriculum at the Academy in September 2016, improving the delivery of PSHCE so that all students at Leeds West Academy acquire the knowledge of how to become a well-rounded young person, fully equipped with the skills and qualities needed to have positive relationships, a rewarding career and economic success. In January 2022, Janie made the decision to work part-time and assumed the role of Director of Community Engagement and is now retired.

Agnieszka Brewood (Interim Chair) 

• Board appointee
• Link governor for Quality of Education KS2
• Term of office: 03/03/2023–03/03/2026

Agnieszka has degrees in Pedagogy/Early Childhood Education and in Social Politics. She works for YBS, where she has gained experience in working closely with senior management and Chief Officers on strategy and planning, budgets and auditing of processes, reporting and progress monitoring. In her current role as Communications Programme and Intelligence Manager, Agnieszka manages the budget and planning, runs projects, sets objectives, reviews campaigns, and builds relationships with stakeholders. Agnieszka has lived for 14 years in Leeds and is a mum to her 10 year-old son, who has attended the school since reception and therefore has a very strong desire to contribute in any way she can.

Kay Hussain 

• Staff Governor (non-teaching) 
• Term of office: 13/09/22-15/09/25

Kay is a HLTA at Alder Tree Primary, primarily delivering Spanish & RE curriculum across school. She also runs the student council and works with the HPL ambassadors which allows her to share my passion to support children in becoming strong, confident, successful, independent learners. Kay's role is exceptionally diverse and is always hands on with plenty opportunities for development and growth. Kay believes Alder Tree Primary is a wonderful place to work, where the staff ensure that children are the core and with excellent modelling and scaffolding flourish to reach their full potential. Having worked in education for over 25 years both in teaching and non- teaching capacities, and as a parent herself, it is important to Kay herself to understand and engage in her role fully both in the workplace and personally,  which is why she chose to join the governing body. This role gives the teaching and non- teaching team an opportunity to be heard and their opinions valued. 

Olivia Kurylo

• Board Appointee 
• Link governor for Quality of Education KS1
• Term of office: 02/03/2023-01/03/2026

Olivia Kurylo qualified as a Primary School Teacher after completing a BA Hons Degree in Education and Early Childhood Studies and then moving onto a PGCE within Primary Education.  Olivia has worked within inner city primary schools throughout her teaching career, she currently works at Carr Manor Community school as Acting Senior Primary Manager, Early Years Lead and STEM Lead. Olivia currently teaches full time in Reception and enjoys researching into early childhood development and pedagogy how this can support children at the start of their education. Olivia enjoys working with education and giving children the best support that they can get within their learning and development. Olivia is looking forward to working within the Governing body of Alder Tree Primary and is committed to supporting the school.

Dr Jabir Alshehabi Al-Ani 

• Parent Governor 
• Link governor for Pupil Premium & SEND
• Term of office 18/06/24-18/06/27 

Aisling Shortt 

• Teaching staff governor 
• Term of office 31/09/24-27/08/27

Aisling Shortt is a dedicated educator with a passion for helping children thrive academically and mentally. Over her four years at Alder Tree Primary, she has earned a reputation for creating a nurturing and inspiring classroom environment where every child feels valued. A firm believer in holistic education, Aisling integrates mindfulness and emotional well-being into her teaching, ensuring her pupils develop confidence alongside knowledge. Her innovative lessons and unwavering encouragement have seen her students achieve remarkable progress. Excited to continue her journey at Alder Tree, Aisling remains committed to empowering young minds to reach their full potential and embrace lifelong learning.

Kasiya Mills-Mcintosh

• Parent Governor
• Term of office 23/10/24-22/10/27