School Governors

School governors are people who want to make a positive contribution to children’s education. Governors are one of the largest volunteer forces in the country and have an important part to play in raising school standards. The role of the governing body is absolutely key to the effectiveness of a school.

Our governing body is made up of;

1 Headteacher
5 Co-Opted Governor (currently we have 1 vacancy)
1 Local Authority Governor
1 Staff Governor
4 Parent Governors
0 Associate Members

All members sit on the full committee and additional committee are convened as required.

Our Clerk to Governors is Joanne Rainsford who can be contacted on 0115 9320741

Meet the Governors

Co-Chairs and Vice Chair

SARAH KHAN: Co-Chair of Governors

I am Local Authority Governor at Dallimore Primary and Nursery School, and I am also a joint Chair of Governors.

I teach at Nottingham Trent University, and although my formal education and training have prepared me to engage in educational research, it is my interaction with my own three children that has given me the greatest insight into how children learn.

I am inspired by primary school teachers and am interested in contributing to the work that goes on behind the scenes to debate and suggest valuable ideas that can be carried forward to make learning enjoyable, meaningful, and measurable.

I have studied and taught in several countries, and I bring varied educational and cultural insights. I would like to combine my background in education with my vision for a well-connected society, and contribute to meaningful developments in learning and teaching.

Alexandra Taylor - Co-Chair of Governors

I have been a parent governor since my daughter started at Dallimore in 2019.

I enjoy being involved in developing the school. I work in a secondary school and enjoy reading, baking and exploring the countryside in my free time.

Summer Nicholson- Vice Chair

After taking part in the school’s family thrive programme, I felt that I wanted to be a part of the fantastic work they do and give back to the school. As the newest member of the governing board, I have taken on the responsibility of mental health/wellbeing lead and hope to bring forward new ideas to support the welfare of all children and staff.

For three years I have worked in further education delivering adult apprenticeships in health and social care, I feel my work role will help support my role as governor due to delivering quality training in key areas such as safeguarding, wellbeing and data protection.

Parent Governors

Amie Tongue

Hi, I am Amie. I am a mum to 2 girls currently attending Dallimore.

I decided to become a governor after seeing how much the teachers not only love their jobs, but also the children and the amount of support they have for the parents. I really felt like I wanted to give back.

I have spent my whole adult life working in finance in a multitude of roles. I currently work for a PLC which provides support to the NHS.

In my spare time I like to spend time with my family, read and walk my dog, Marty.

Karen Simpson

Hi, I’m Karen and new to the school's team of governors. I am a mum to 2 boys, 1 of which already attends Dallimore and the youngest will hopefully join in a few years. Since having my children I have developed an interest in education and in particular, early years education and how this is implemented within a school environment. I’m pleased to have joined the team and look forward to understanding more about how our school sets and meets targets for the well-being and ongoing development of our children.

Co-opted members

Julia Barber

Hi, I'm Julia, most of you will know me from working in the school office but I am also a co-opted governor.
I have 2 children, 1 in year 5 at Dallimore Primary and 1 who attends Kirk Hallam Community Academy.
I currently live in Ilkeston but have previously lived in Kirk Hallam

I have been a school governor for4 years and previously I was a midday supervisor and a volunteer, so I feel I have a good understanding of the school as a parent and as a member of staff.

Ailsa Hunt

I am ordained and work for All Saints, Kirk Hallam. It is a privilege to be a co-opted governor for this school and to play a part in ensuring the children attending this school flourish and look forward to a bright future.

Before being ordained I worked in higher education as a lecturer in ancient history, most recently at the University of Birmingham.

I have always been passionate about widening access to access to higher education and have in the past enjoyed working with the Sutton Trust to support students from disadvantaged backgrounds to access university. I bring to Dallimore a desire to see every child aim high and to reach their full potential, however that may look for each child.

VACANCY x 2

Staff Governors

Matthew Gotheridge

I have taught and been part of the leadership team at Dallimore Primary and Nursery School for nearly 10 years and have recently become the new headteacher. I have been fortunate enough to work with excellent staff and seen many positive changes for the children who attend our school.

It is a privilege to work alongside the volunteers and staff who are part of our governing body; they take a keen interest in the school and ensure that they provide challenge and support as we strive to ensure the very best provision for all pupils.

Prior to becoming the headteacher at Dallimore, I spent 3 years working as the school's Deputy Headteacher and held various other roles within the school, including teaching mostly in Year 6.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my family (I have two daughters). I also enjoy playing music and sports.

Natalie Woolley

Information to come soon.

Meeting attendance

Attendance for 24-25 meetings

Attendance for 23-24 meetings

Attendance for 22-23 meetings

Attendance for 21-22 meetings