Governors
Governing Body

Ahmed Alsamarrai: Chair of Governors/Parent Governor
I am a technology professional with over a decade of C-Level experience in a variety of international companies. My main areas of interest are transformation, scalability and leadership. I also run my own business providing technology consultancy and development.
I joined the governing body because I would like to contribute to the school, it’s staff, students and environment as a whole in any way I can.

Ian Buchanan: Vice Chair/Co-opted Governor
I have been associated with Springhallow School for more than 14 years, as my son Jamie was a pupil for over 11 years, leaving in the summer of 2017.
I became a governor in 2016 as I felt I had time to focus on role, having retired from BT Group plc the previous year. I am a Fellow of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales and over the last 10 years have also been Treasurer of Friends of Springhallow (FoS).
I am currently Vice Chair of Governors and Chair of the Resources Committee. I am also one of the Special Schools representatives on the Ealing Schools Forum, where I attempt to make some sense of the extensive financial information that the Officers of Ealing Council produce, as they provide funding for all LA schools across the borough.
I have a particular interest in seeing how Springhallow might maximise benefits for the school through its strengths in such areas as Outreach and pupil assessment systems, both of which could be of interest to
mainstream schools which have growing numbers in ARP units. I have also been closely involved in the planning for the Springhallow Post-16 provision, which was launched so successfully just over a year ago.

Matthew Sartin: Headteacher
I have been at Springhallow School as Head Teacher since April 2017. I have been a qualified teacher since 2001, and have had many years working as a senior leader in a range of special schools.
I gained an MA in Professional Studies in Education from Kingston University in 2007, basing my thesis on educating and supporting children and young people with Autism. I am proud to lead this school alongside the full support of an experienced Governing Body

Brigitte Bistrick-Bryan: Co-opted Governor
I became a Parent Governor about over 10 years ago when our son attended Springhallow. We received phenomenal support from the school and experienced first-hand the difference it made to his and our lives.
In my “day job” I work for Contact Ealing and have previously worked for the early years SEN support group P.E.S.T.S. and the Ealing Parent Carer Forum. I have a good understanding of the SEN sector in Ealing including the many recent changes, and appreciate the challenges faced by both the Springhallow families as well as the school itself.
I believe as the Springhallow Governing Body we have a good mix of skills and expertise to support and, where necessary, challenge the school.

Yasmin Feisal: Parent Governor
I was elected a parent governor in March 2020 and joined the governing body so that I could be involved in supporting the school with my knowledge, skills and expertise from a wide variety of backgrounds both professionally and as a parent as well as a member of the local community.
As a parent of two I am incredibly passionate about children’s and young people’s education, and this led me to seek out opportunities beyond my profession to support and contribute to the school.
I am delighted that I have the opportunity to do this at Springhallow and help the Board of Governors meet their important remit.

Winnie Driver: Parent Governor
My son became a student of Springhallow in September 2021, starting in the secondary department following being at a mainstream primary school.I also have other children with Autism and additional needs.
I currently work for Contact Ealing, supporting families with children and young people with Disabilities and Special Educational Needs.
My background is in Maternity services and Healthcare for over 15 years.
Since being elected as parent governor in November 2022, I am passionate in supporting all Springhallow community.

Sarah Melman: Co-opted Governor
I started working with children with SEND as a volunteer in a residential setting when I was 16. This led me to specialist training as a teacher for both mainstream and special schools, with the emphasis on special.
I have spent my whole working life as an SEND teacher, starting as a class teacher, then head of primary curriculum and assessment and finally as deputy head in an inner London special school for the last 24 years. As such, I attended all governor committee meetings.
I recently retired and am now doing voluntary work with Home Start, supporting families with children under 5.
I am delighted to join the Governing Body at Springhallow and to continue supporting children and young people with SEND. It has an excellent reputation amongst other special schools and I hope that my experience as an educator will be of some use.

Stephanie Leane: Local Authority Governor

Latha Iyer-Kanagarajah: Co-opted Governor
Working within the special education sector has given me a strong understanding of the opportunities and challenges schools face. I joined the Governing Body to use my experience in strategic leadership, financial management and governance to support and constructively challenge school leaders. I believe effective governance plays a vital role in ensuring that decisions are made in the best interests of pupils, staff and the wider school community.
If you have an interest in joining our Governing Body, wish to get involved in building a great future for our students, and have the time and commitment to join an energetic team, please contact the Chair of Governors, via the school office, and register your interest.
Governing Body Documents
Terms of Reference – Partnership Committee (Autumn 25)
Terms of Reference – Pupils and Curriculum Committee (Autumn 25)
Terms of Reference – Resource Committee (Autumn 25)
Committee Membership 2025 – 2026
List of Educational Acronyms
Declaration of Pecuniary Interests 2025 – 2026
Governor Attendance at Meetings 25/26
Springhallow Constitution 2025 – 2026
Membership
Governor Information available on Get Information About Schools website
Get information about schools – GOV.UK (get-information-schools.service.gov.uk)
Minutes
Minutes to Governing Body meetings can be made available upon request via the School Office
