Meet The Governors
Chris Armstrong-Stacey - Chair of Governors
Chris Armstrong-Stacey
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 - Vice-chair of Governors
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.
Jennifer Watson-Jones
Fiona Betts - Parent Governor
As a parent of a child at Norcot Early Years Centre, I am interested in contributing to the Centre as a parent 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.
Fiona Betts
Claire Brecke-Bryce - Parent Governor
My name is Claire and my son has just left Meadowside. 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 has just joined Waterside day care.
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 educatinal needs and disabilities. I am committed and have a willingness to learn, as well as the inquisitiveness to question and analyse.
Nana Gyebi-Johnson - Parent Governor (Term of office ended July 2021)
My son attends Waterside and, having children’s best interests at heart, I wanted to express this productively and so I put myself forward to be a parent governor.
I would like to act as a friend to the Centre, challenging it and offering my viewpoint where I see necessary but always supporting the governing body and staff at Norcot. I think this is also a rare opportunity to contribute towards her own learning and educational experiences.
Hannah Blanchard - Staff Governor
I have worked in Norcot Early Years Centre for over 5 years and have worked across the Centre. I started as an Early Years Practitioner and I have progressed to be a full-time Team Leader. I applied to be a governor as I would like to be more involved in the Centre and to gain a better understanding of the management structure.
Hannah Blanchard
Lian Robinson-Ryan - Staff Governor (Term of office ended July 2021)
As a team leader in the Centre I strive to learn more about Norcot and want to have an input in how the Centre can develop, grow and learn. I also would love the experience of being a governor so I can, in the future, further my career in management.
I feel that by joining the governing body I will have a better awareness of the way the nursery is running including plans to adapt the nursery according to need. I am looking forward to sharing my opinion and
Lian Robinson-Ryan knowledge with the board from a staff perspective.
Governors Register of Business Interests
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