Meet The Governors

Chris Armstrong-Stacey - Chair of Governors

Chris Armstrong-Stacey

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.

Jennifer Watson-Jones Vice-chair of Governors

Jennifer Watson-Jones

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.

Tom Steele

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.

Fiona Betts

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.

Nana Gyebi-Johnson

My daughter 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.

Rency Kannenkeril

I have a keen interest in children’s education and community service. I was very impressed with my son’s progress whilst attending Hillside last year and my daughter currently attends Waterside.

I have sat on the Women’s Therapy Centre Board whilst working in London providing advice on budgets and strategic priorities. In my current role as Market Analyst Manager for Cambridge University Press, I am responsible for providing up to date market insight to our marketing team to ensure we work towards achieving our strategic priorities.

I hope to be able to bring my experience to date to the board and equally learn from other governors.

Lian Robinson - Ryan

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.

Hannah Blanchard

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.