A Warm Welcome from our Governors

Like all schools, The Valley Community Primary School is overseen by its governing body. The governors work with the head teacher to:

  • set the overall strategic plans for the school
  • set the school’s budget
  • set targets for the school
  • monitor the school’s performance

Our role is to support and challenge the head teacher and his team to ensure that your child’s experience is excellent in every aspect. We have a strong governing body and we have a passion for our school and every child within.

The governors come from a mixture of backgrounds, from IT to accounting and law, from engineering to optometry and retired head teachers. In a nutshell, we are made up of representatives of the school community and the wider community. We are here for your child – no other reason. Together, we really are better.

Mrs Alyson Cullen – Chair of Governors

The Governing Board

The Governing Body consists of members appointed or elected by various bodies and groups. The Governors work with the head teacher, staff and parents to ensure children are able to reach their true potential in a caring, safe and happy environment.

Vacancies for Parent Governors occur periodically as terms of office come to an end or if serving Parent Governors resign. All parents/carers are eligible to be considered to serve as Governor. Please contact the school if you require further information.

Name:Appointment:Term Until:Representing:
Mr A Hossen01/09/2026–Head Teacher
Mrs J Leonard20/09/202319/09/2027Deputy Head Teacher
Mrs A Cullen08/12/202407/12/2028Co-opted (Chair of Governors)
Mrs N Bax11/12/202310/12/2027Co-opted
Mr Z Moosa11/12/202310/12/2027Co-opted
Mrs C Bryant01/02/202331/01/2027Co-opted
Mrs Z Mitha18/6/202417/06/2028Local Authority
Mr M F Ali01/02/202331/01/2027Community
Mrs S Batool03/10/202202/10/2026Parent
Mr I Patel 20/11/202419/11/2028Parent
Mrs A Haffeji20/11/202419/11/2028Parent
Mr F Patel07/06/202406/06/2028Parent
Ms A Bukhat26/11/202525/11/2029Parent
Mr M Dawood14/12/202214/12/2026Staff

Governor Profiles

Mr Adam Hossen

Hello, my name is Adam Hossen and I am incredibly proud to be the Headteacher of this wonderful school.

As well as working in 7 Primary schools and 1 Multi-Academy Trust across 5 Local Authorities since 2000, I have been a staff governor in 4 of those schools and also served as a parent and co-opted governor in my daughters’ primary school.

This experience has provided me with a solid foundation on which to base my opinion that The Valley is a truly unique and spectacular community with fabulous children, dedicated teachers, superb parents and carers and positively engaged governors.

Beyond the school gates, I love to listen to old fashioned music (according to my 2 daughters) and trying new flavours of crisps, chocolates and biscuits which is not a hobby my wife or my waistline approve of.

Mrs Jacqueline Leonard

I am the deputy head and a co-opted governor on the governing board at The Valley.  My other roles within the school are: safeguarding lead (DSL), pastoral lead, attendance, coaching, pupil premium and upper KS2 lead. In addition to my roles and responsibilities, I meet with the School Council on a weekly basis and also oversee Fairtrade within the school.  I am a long-time serving member of staff and was here at The Valley when it opened in 2002.  I have experience teaching across all age ranges and in more recent years, have taught in Y6. Beyond school, I enjoy the outdoors, spending time walking/hiking and gardening! Additionally, I am a member of the parish council within the area in which I live and serve as a governor at a local primary school.   During my teaching career, I have had the opportunity to work in a variety of school settings across the country, but am particularly proud to work at The Valley and serve within our community.

Mrs Alyson Cullen

I became a member of the Governing Body in January 2021 and have been Chair of Governors since September 2023.

Growing up in Halliwell, I attended local schools and Bolton Technical College before moving to North London in 1987 where I worked as a class teacher, Deputy Head and latterly a Head Teacher across four primary school.  During my time in London, I was an active member of three Governing bodies serving as Staff Governor as well as Governor in my capacity as Head Teacher.  

Having time on my hands, after moving back home in 2020 and following early retirement, I had strong desire both to pay back to the community in which I grew up and to continue to use the skills I had built up over my career. I feel extremely lucky to be a member of the Governing Body of The Valley School. It is a privilege to be part of the dedicated team of staff and Governors who work tirelessly to ensure the best outcomes for all children.

Outside of school, I volunteer at a community café and run a monthly quiz at my local library.  I enjoy running and swimming, and have been known to take part in the odd triathlon!  I am passionate about reading and listening to music.

Mr Mohammed Dawood

Hello, I’m Mohammed Dawood and I’m sure you’ll recognise me as one of the members of staff at the Valley. I am proud to be a Staff Governor, being the link between the Governors and staff at the school.  As a long-time serving member of staff, I’ve always wanted to be a Governor so that I could represent colleagues but also to effect change so that the school can serve our community better.  Prior to entering the teaching profession, I worked as a solicitor with experience in commercial areas of law, which developed an understanding of governance within organisations. 

Beyond school, I enjoy watching sports and I’ll often be found at the cinema enjoying the latest action and horror films. I have lived within the community all of my life and understand the journey that pupils at the Valley go through as I have lived that journey myself at one of the predecessor schools, Chalfont.  At your service, I am available to be a voice for pupils, parents, staff and our community alike. I am proud to work at the Valley and serve our community.

Mrs Aqila Haffeji

I became a member of the Governing Board at The Valley School since 2020.

I have had 5 children go through the school, right from Nursery to year 6 and have a child currently at the school.

I have always been amazed at how well the staff involve the parents and how they work together to ensure the best outcomes for the children.

Being a Parent Governor has given me a real insight into just how much work goes on behind the scenes so that our children can get the best education possible. 

It has been a real privilege to be a part of The Valley team.

Mrs Siarah Batool

Hi, my name is Siarah Batool, and I’ve been a proud member of the Governing Body since 2022.

I’m originally from Yorkshire and studied Pharmaceutical Management at the University of Bradford. I’ve spent much of my career working in Banking and Finance, gaining experience in a range of corporate settings.

Choosing The Valley Community School for my daughter was one of the best decisions I’ve made. From the start, I could see how dedicated the staff are and how much care goes into helping every child reach their potential. As both a parent and a governor, it’s incredibly rewarding to be part of such a supportive school community where everyone works together for the benefit of our children.

Outside of my role, I love baking, going on nature walks, and spending quality time with my family.

Mr Iftikar Patel

My name is Iftikar and I have been a governor at Valley School since 2016. I work for Openreach in the community as an engineer. My daughter was a former pupil at Valley School and currently my 2 sons are enrolled within the school. I am a community and family focused individual and actively attend governor meetings giving me the opportunity to be part of key decisions for the benefit of the children. I am a progressive thinker who embodies the schools ethos. I believe in empowering every young child with the skills needed to succeed and flourish throughout life.

Mrs Charlotte Bryant

I have been a member of the Governing Body for over 10 years, originally whilst as a member of staff at the school and continuing after my retirement in 2023.

I have always felt privileged to be a part of the Valley School community and remaining a governor was the ideal way to stay involved and continue to strive for the very best for our pupils and community. I have a particular interest in Inclusion and The Early Years Foundation Stage.

Before retirement, I spent 35 years teaching in a number of primary schools across Bolton. Since retirement, I spent most of my time with my two dogs and horses. I am also a lifelong supporter of Bury FC.

Mrs Nafisha Bax
Mrs N Bax

Hi, my name is Nafisha Bax, and I moved from Preston to Bolton in 2002 and since then I have been proud to call this community my home. All three of my children attended The Valley Community School and during their time here I became actively involved in supporting the school’s development. I first served two terms as a Parent Governor and I am now in my second term as a Co-opted Governor.

Over the years, I have taken on a variety of roles, including serving as Chair of Governors. I am currently the vice chair and the chair of the Curriculum Committee. 

Through these roles, I have had the privilege of working closely with school leaders, staff and fellow governors to help ensure that every child receives the highest standard of education and is supported to become a confident, well-rounded individual.

Being part of The Valley Community School’s governing board is truly an honour and I am committed to continuing to contribute positively to its vision and long-term success.

Beyond the school, I am an active member of the wider community. I regularly volunteer at the local mosque and institute,  participate in developmental and spiritual courses and support various community events. I also volunteer at the local Crescent Foodbank. Giving back to the community is something I value deeply, and it is this sense of service that underpins my work as a governor.

Mr Zubair Moosa
Mr Z Moosa

[Awaited]

Mr Mohamed Faruk Ali

[Awaited]

Mrs Zainab Mitha

I have been a governor at the Valley for the past 5 years. Currently fulfilling the role of Pupil premium and science governor.


My background as  an Optometrist,  recognises the need for effective as well as efficient planning, preparation and execution of systems.  I believe it is imperative that we maintain this outstanding educational school by identifying the needs of our children and the community  we reside in. Being involved within the school  has allowed me to appreciate the incredible cohesion between staff, parents and pupils.


As a mother of 2 children, one whom is currently at the Valley,  I am extremely grateful to be part of this school board.

Mr Faheem Patel

[Awaited]

Ms Aqila Bukhat

[Awaited]

Key Governors Documents