My wife and I have lived in the Tilehurst area for the past 5 years and our daughter has been in Waterside at Norcot EYC since she turned one. I work as a civil servant at the Department for Education and spent several years working on early education policy.  This convinced me of how important high quality early learning is.  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've been Chair of Governors.

My two boys went through Norcot from 2006-2011 and I cannot give the Centre enough credit.  I became a Governor to try and return something to the Centre and the community as I believe Early Years education is important for all.  I work for a large IT company so the diversion of being a Governor is a welcome one.  My wife and I have lived in Reading for 11 years.  Previously, we lived in South East London and Surrey, but work brought us to Reading.  My interests include DIY and car restoration, along with our allotment and cooking for our family.

Hi. Tom Steele is my name. Married to Patricia for over 50 years and have lived in Tilehurst for over 30 years. Also lived and worked in Belfast Aberdeen and London.  We have two sons and four grandchildren - aged 21,19,9 and 6.  Their education and development has always been extremely important to me.  As a Councillor for this area from May 2007 to April 2011 and having been re-elected a Councillor in May 2015 I have supported  the excellent work carried out by the Centre. It is rewarding to be involved.

I have seen my daughter blossom since she joined Waterside in August 2013 due to the wonderful learning environment that the nursery centre provides.  Therefore I would value the opportunity to give something back to the centre by becoming a member of the governing body.

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 the be part of the local community and support it where I can. 

I have been a team leader at Norcot Early Years Centre for two years and I have worked within the setting for seven years. I have worked my way up from an apprentice to my current position and always strive to share any knowledge I have with staff.

I love to learn new things and I regularly attend training courses. I have recently trained all Waterside in Tapestry so that staff are able to implement this system with all parents.

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 with 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 knowledge with the board from a staff perspective.