Meet the Governors

Gareth Blunden ~ Chair

I'm Gareth, I’ve been a Governor since 2022 and alongside chairing the Governing body for our schools have a specific responsibility on the Governing Body for attendance. Whilst being a Trust Governor, I’m also a parent at Whitley. 

Professionally I work in Construction as a Principal Design Manager, leading a number of others and setting strategic goals for Design on projects across the North West. I've worked on a number of school and education projects giving me exposure to a different educational settings, and the views and ethos of different schools. My job has given me plenty of experience in problem solving, developing people and setting goals and objectives. 

I became a Governor in order to give back to the schools that have been a great help to my family, and use my professional experience to bring assistance and appropriate challenge to the Schools so they can be the best they can be.

I'm proud of the fantastic Pupils, Staff, Governors, and Parents/Guardians we have at our schools, and humbled by the fantastic culture of everyone pulling together to  do the best for the Children.

Hannah Broom ~ Head Teacher

As Executive Headteacher across both The Acorns and Whitley, I am privileged to sit on the Governing Body and attend all meetings. Our Governing Body is a pleasure to work with. They are a group of dedicated and committed people who strive to ensure the best possible outcomes for all of our pupils. We have worked hard together as a team to clarify our aims and objectives and have a shared vision of every pupil being the best they can be in school and in life.

Nont Iamkamphaeng ~ Parent Governor

I am a parent of two pupils at Whitley Village School.

I am a big believer in the power of education and strongly believe that this is fundamental for the development of every child. I am passionate in a holistic development of a child, covering all aspects of learning and developing including academic, health and wellbeing - physical and mental - social, emotional and spiritual development.

In my current role, I am able to fully utilise my belief and passion to support children and young people across Cheshire and Warrington. I have been employed with Active Cheshire, a local Charity, with the aim to improve the health and wellbeing of local residents through healthy living. I have been employed as a Strategic Lead for Active Kids since 2013 and I have worked directly with over 200 primary schools across Cheshire and Warrington to support the schools to implement and deliver health and wellbeing plans that are unique to each school. In doing so, I have been able to work with and influence, from senior leaders to operational staff, to utilise health and wellbeing as a key agenda to support overall development and improvement of the school. I have been working directly with Whitley Village School and The Acorns since September 2018 on various projects and initiatives to embed physical activity and healthy living into all aspects of the school and beyond.

Through my role, I have been able to gain a sound understanding of the education system in the foundation stage. However, I believe that undertaking the role of a Parent Governor would further enhance my knowledge and understanding of how a school operates, including financial performance, governance, policies, etc. I believe that acquiring the knowledge and skills through this role would strongly support my personal and career growth.

Having worked for a charity over the last 8 years, I have developed a strong understanding of governance, finance, and policies implementation - skills which I believe would add value to the board of governors. Along with my vested interest in the community at Whitley and my passion for improving health and wellbeing of local children and young people, I feel that I can contribute positively to the schools.

Dawn Sanders ~ Teaching Staff Governor

Sue Jones ~ Trust Governor - Vice Chair

I recently moved into the area having lived in Derby for over 30 years. I was a governor in Derby for a federation of two diverse primary schools and wanted to continue with a similar commitment. I have taken on the role of Pupil Premium Governor.

I have taught chemistry to 11-18 year olds for over 30 years and continue to stay up to date with all changes in education.

In my free time, I am a Brownie Guide Leader and a Trainer for Girlguiding.

Martin Nield ~ Trust Governor

I've been a Governor at the Acorns since 1998.  During this time I've served as Chair and Vice Chair.  I also serve on the Finance, Personnel, and Premises Committee.

Before retiring, I spent 35 years in the nuclear industry in various roles, the last being responsible for training at the site. Since retirement I’ve operated as a part-time Chester Tour guide.

I feel it's very important that our schools provide the best opportunities we can for all our children.

Donna Knight ~ Trust Governor

Firstly I would like to say it is an absolute pleasure to be awarded the role of Trust Governor having been a Parnet Governor, at such a wonderful school.

I have a child currently attending the Acorns, who adores going to school  and has settled in so well. I can assure you I have the school and it’s pupils best interests at heart,

During my time in this role, I aim to help the school develop and progress to build on an already brilliant reputation. I am also a member of the school’s PTA.