Members of the local governing body are drawn from parents, school staff and the local community.  They work both with the school and our Academy Trust to oversee the strategic leadership of the school

Who are our Governors?

• Mr John Miles - Chair of Governors
• Mr Nik Gardner - Headteacher
• Mrs Wendy Cleghorn - Safeguarding Governor
• Miss Fiona Bennett - Staff Governor
• Mrs Sonia Clark - Health and Safety Governor
• Mrs Sarah Fowke - Co-opted Governor
• Mrs Daisy George - Parent Governor
• Mrs Katie Fenlon - Clerk to Governors
• Mrs Anna Young 
• Mr Martin Reynolds - Co-opted Governor
• Mrs Hannah George - Parent Governor

 

Meet the Governors

Nik Gardner-Headteacher Governor

I have a wife and four children and have been Headteacher of Winford since 2012.  Prior to that I was Headteacher of another North Somerset School and prior to that I was an infant teacher and Deputy for many years.  I work hard to make our school a place where everyone in it should feel safe and acceptable to just be themselves.   My specialism is art and can often be found taking a group of children for an art lesson…or my other love which is teaching children to become excellent positive reward-based dog educators!  I love our community at Winford and am very proud to be Headteacher here.

Rev. John Miles-Chair of Governors

I am married to Sarah and have a son, Anthony who is in year 9 at Nailsea School. I have been the minister of the Baptist Church in Chew Magna for 6 years and last year assumed responsibility for the chapels in Winford and Blagdon. Before moving to North Somerset, I was minister of Cowes Baptist Church on the Isle of Wight. Previous to that I worked as a water engineer and project manager.

Prior to becoming a governor, I taught Philosophy with year 2 and 6 children in the school, and I have strong connections with the other primary schools in the Chew Valley. I am passionate about education and believe that strong links to the local community are vital in providing our children with an educational experience that will help them to become good citizens.

I am delighted to be a part of the Governing body and want to do all I can to ensure that

Winford Primary school continues to provide a first class education for all it’s pupils.

Appointment Date: February 2020.  

Wendy Cleghorn - Safeguarding Governor

Hello everyone! My name is Wendy Cleghorn and I first joined the governing body as a parent governor when my daughters were pupils at the school over twenty years ago. I have found the involvement to be interesting, at times challenging, but enjoyable and rewarding. I spent fifteen years leading Winford Village Pre-school until I ‘retired’ a few years ago. I am now a regular volunteer working in Winford Community Shop, and I also enjoy painting, reading and walking with my dog and husband.

I am the Safeguarding Governor and also governor with responsibility for learning and achievement.

Fiona Bennett-Teacher Governor

I am the current Reception class Teacher at Winford Primary School. I have been teaching here for almost all my career and that is coming up to 10 years now! I also hold the roles of Early Years Foundation Stage Leader and the whole school English co-ordinator too. It is so rewarding to work with the youngest children in school and I love seeing how they progress during their first year with us at Winford. Outside of school I enjoy playing netball and going swimming too as well as reading and puzzles!

Daisy George

Hi, I’m Daisy George. I attended Winford Primary School myself (some 20 years ago) as did several generations of my family before me and have enjoyed seeing how the school has transformed over the years. I now live in Regil with my husband and 2 sons who attend the School and Pre-School. I work in Corporate Governance as an Operations Manager.

I’m delighted to join the Board of Governor’s as a Parent Governor. In this role, I welcome the opportunity to be an advocate for parent’s and carer’s of the children at our school. I fully support the staff and management to achieve their aims and am happy to contribute to the local community.

Sarah Fowke

My name is Sarah Fowke and I joined the team of Governors this year, 2020.  I live in Winford with my husband Lindsay who is a photographer and two children Isabel and Jessica.  Jessica is still at Winford School and Isabel started at Chew in September 2020.  I am a full-time working Mum working within the private sector.  As a family we have been involved with the school for the past 8 years helping where we can.  I recently stepped down as PTA Chair but still wanted to be able to support where possible.  This governor roles gives me the ability to do just that and hopefully bring an outside perspective into the team.

Anna Young

I’m Anna and I joined the governing body in September 2021 having previously worked at the school as a teacher. I now work as a private tutor, supporting children with English and maths. It’s a role which I love, allowing me to use my skills and experience as a classroom teacher to help individual children to flourish. When I’m not teaching, I can be found creating art, flamenco dancing, directing a local charity or running around after our three daughters and crazy collie dog!

Winford Primary School is a wonderful, supportive school and I’m delighted that I can continue to be a part of the school community in the role of governor with a particular interest in learning.

Martin Reynolds 

Hello, All three of my daughters have attended or currently attend Winford Primary School.  I have been involved in a governing role with the school, in some capacity or another, for over ten years.  I have been Chair of the Finance committee, Chair of Governors and am now back chairing the finance committee.  In these challenging times we, as a governing body, seek to maintain the community feel of the school, support and motivate staff and management whilst at the same time operating within our budget.  I am proud of the development of Winford School over the years that makes it an attractive proposition for parents and carers alike.