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 Governors (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.
Minutes from Governor meetings are available on request from the Clerk to Governors.
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
I'm Karen, appointed as Parent Governor in March 2023. I have lived in Kirk Hallam for over 15 years and am a mum to 2 boys, both currently attending Dallimore.
I have worked in a health and social care setting for most of my professional career; more recently within Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust as an Outpatient Administrator.
My aim is to constructively support the head teacher and senior leadership team in their ongoing efforts to ensure our school continues to thrive within the local community.
I am proud of Dallimore School and the strong future we are building together.
Co-opted members
Natalie Woolley
I have been part of the Dallimore team for just over a year and have recently become one of Deputy Headteachers at school.
I lead English within the school and manage the Key Stage One team. As part of my role, I am interested in early reading, developing children's writing skills and more generally, improving outcomes for children.
Outside of school, I enjoy playing tennis, running and reading.
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.
Jodie Sims
Hi, I’m Jodie, I am a Mum of 3 Children, the youngest has just started in Reception at Dallimore.
I applied to become a Governor because I am very passionate about Children’s education and mental health, I have worked with a wide range of SEN Children due to working in a Day Nursery as a Practitioner and Third in Charge. I also teach Early Years Yoga and Mindfulness so feel my skills would bring something a bit different to the role.
Martin Gannon
Hi I'm Martin. I am a dad to two children one of who is currently at Dallimore and my second will hopefully attend once he is of school age.
I took the opportunity to become a governor once I had seen how well the school was run and the enthusiasm from the whole team. I found that the whole school was striving to be the best it could be and I wanted to be part of that journey with them! I aim to be able to use my experience in other areas to help shape the future of the school.
In my day job I am a vascular surgeon working across the hospitals in the East Midlands having made the move down from Scotland with my family to complete my training. I have found Dallimore a really friendly place which has helped us settle into the local community.
Outside of work I enjoy playing with my kids, trying to keep active and have an interest in modernising medical education for higher exams. Hopefully I will be able to bring some of the learning I have gained through this to the school and also learn something myself to take back to educating medical students.
Staff governors
Matt 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.
Julia Barber
Hi, I'm Julia, most of you will know me from working in the school office & as the schools Family Liaison Officer, but I am also a staff governor.
I have 2 children, 1 in year 10 at Aldercar High School and 1 in Year 8 who attends Kirk Hallam Community Academy.
I currently live in Ilkeston but have previously lived in Kirk Hallam
I have been a school governor for 6 years and previously I was a midday supervisor and a volunteer. My children also attended Dallimore so I feel I have a good understanding of the school as a parent and as a member of staff.
