Chris 

Armstrong-Stacey 

Co-Chair of 

Governors 

(Co-opted)

All three of my children have gained so much from their time at Norcot in both Waterside and the nursery school. Each of them has grown in confidence and the older have left the Centre very ready for school. I'm delighted to have had the opportunity to support the excellent work done at Norcot as a Governor since December 2012. Since September 2015, I have been Chair of Governors.

Jennifer

Watson-Jones 

Co-Chair of Governors

(Co-opted) 

As a teacher, I know the importance of Early Years education for creating the best start for all children. Therefore, when my daughter joined Waterside in August 2013, I knew I had picked a truly outstanding learning environment for her to flourish in. I was immediately impressed by the knowledge and commitment of all the staff and I know without a shadow of a doubt that the excellent progress she is now making at school is down to Norcot. I am committed to ensuring that  Norcot can continue to provide this excellence in the future and that is why I became a member of the governing body.

Fiona Betts 

Vice-chair of 

Governors 

and Safeguarding and filtering and monitoring Governor

(Co-opted)

As a parent of a child who attended Norcot Early Years Centre, I am interested in contributing to the Centre as a co-opted governor.  I am a social worker specialising in childrens' services and I am passionate about children having experiences that enable them to explore their potential.  Although relatively new to Reading, I want to be part of the local community and support it where I can.

Claire Brecke-Bryce 

Parent Governor                                                                                                                                                                       

My name is Claire, my eldest son attended Meadowside and has started school. My younger son has started nursery school September 2022. Prior to having my children, I worked as an early years teacher and I have worked in education, in various roles, for the past 15 years.  I am passionate about children's early education, well-being and outside learning. I believe my background in education and my experiences as a parent will enable me to support the great work already done by staff and governors and to act as a critical friend to challenge when necessary.

Jo Hilbourne 

Local Authority Governor                                                                                            

I feel I can make a positive, committed contribution to the continuing success of Norcot Early Years Centre. I am a parent of a child who requires some additional support and I feel I could advocate for parents of neurodiverse children. Prior to becoming a parent, I worked many years in Healthcare governance roles, so I have knowledge and experience as well as ensuring compliance with Heathcare regulators regulations (similar to Ofsted). I live locally and my youngest child attends Waterside day care.

Bethan Beazley 

Co-opted from staff Governor                                                                              

In my role as admin assistant, I can see that Norcot excels in providing an important role in the social, communication and academic development of children.            

As a parent of a disabled SEN child (who attended Waterside Day Care), I feel passionately about making sure the needs of SEN children are met, of inclusivity to all and of the support network needed for SEN parents. Norcot is excellent at treating every child as an individual, allowing SEN children access to the curriculum in a safe and interesting way in line with their needs and giving them access to activities that may be denied to them elsewhere.

My previous work experience includes Health & Safety, Purchasing, Facilities, ISO auditing and project management.

Ian Amos 

Parent Governor                                                                                            

I am keen to give back to the community by offering my time as a parent governor. My daughter greatly enjoys her time at the Centre, and I would like to support the Nursery and its staff. I hope my background across different professional settings will prove useful to the ongoing governing of the Centre.

Paige Holt

Staff Governor                                                                                            

I have been a Team Leader for 2 years and wanted to further my skills by becoming a staff governor to help Norcot retain its excellent reputation for successful and happy, friendly children. I am an energetic and enthusiastic person with a mature and responsible approach to any task I undertake, or situation I am presented with. I will work with the governing body by representing all staff and bring their viewpoint and perspective to discussion and debate. I am particularly keen to ensure that all children can fulfill their full potential whatever their background, special educational needs and disabilities. I am committed and have a willingness to learn, as well as the inquisitiveness to question and analyse.

Daniel Hilbourne 

Parent Governor and Health and Safety Governor

Both of my children have attended Norcot, I have seen how the environment and support from the Centre has helped them grow. I have worked in health & safety for many years, working in regulation, energy, facilities, education and pharmaceuticals. The skills that I have developed in my professional life and my practical experience of raising children give me good insight into the challenges in early years.

I believe it is very important that we all learn about risks and effective tools to manage them. As a parent governor, I will support Norcot in providing a safe and healthly environment throught the Centre, and help to create a culture where risks are indentified, discussed and managed effectively.