Meet our Governors

Headteacher - Emma Connor

Hello. I am the Headteacher at Westminster Nursery School and value the involvement and support of our Governors.

I have been teaching for over 20 years, with most of my career specialising in Early Years education.

I joined the team at Westminster Nursery in 2019 and am now privileged to lead the school.

Chair of Governors - Donna Reed

Hello I was a Headteacher for 13 years at Pebble Brook Primary School and during that time became a LLE (Local Leader in Education supporting two schools. After retiring I was asked to become a Governor at two schools, one of which was Westminster Nursery School. I was also involved in leading a school improvement team in Stoke, but have since concentrated on my Governor roles, plus looking after grandchildren. I am the Chair of the Finance Committee at Westminster Nursery School.

Vice Chair of Governors - Liz Austin

Before my retirement I worked in education as a Primary School Teacher for 40 years. For nearly 30 years of this time I worked as a Reception Teacher. I feel very privileged to be a Governor of Westminster Nursery School and as such have been a Governor for 20 years now. I am the Chair of the Premises Committee.

Co-opted Governor - Jill Chadwick

My name is Jill Chadwick and I am a born and bred Crewe girl.  I am married and have 2 sons who attended local Crewe schools. I have 2 grandchildren who live locally in Shavington.  Whilst my sons were young I worked at various part-time roles so I could look after them.  In 1995 I initially joined a local High School focussing on truancy and disaffection/family liaison.  I was employed by the Local Authority for 24 years.  Prior to my early retirement in 2019, I was fortunate to work in the local primary and secondary schools, gaining experience in schools finance, HR and school management .  I have a reasonable understanding of the deprivation and EAL challenges within our local community.  Our children are the stars of our future community and need the best education and support we can offer.  Over the last 29 years I have held governor roles and worked closely with school governors. I was honoured to be invited as a Governor at Westminster Nursery - supporting our very young children will be a new exciting venture.

I love spending time with my grandchildren and enjoy the outdoors, particularly walking and working at our Crewe allotment.  I also enjoy swimming, sewing  and sugarcraft.    

Local Authority Governor - Linda Buchanan

I have worked in education for over 30 years as a Lecturer at South Cheshire College and Learner Support Assistant at Reaseheath College. I am actively involved the community currently serving as a Parish Councillor for Shavington. As a Governor for Westminster Nursery I aim to support an environment where children will be provided with a warm, safe setting where they feel confident to explore and learn.

Co-opted Governor - Steve Hogben

My wife and I lived in Crewe South for many years. Both of our sons and our daughter, as well as our grandson, attended Westminster Nursery. So, our family connection with the school goes back over thirty years and we know the valuable work it does in helping young children start their educational journey.

For many years I was a local councillor in the area, and when the opportunity to join the governors arose, I accepted the new challenge readily. It is vital that the only maintained nursery school in the whole borough can continue the great work it does to support young children develop and thrive. I want to play my part in working to keep this very valuable asset in our community.

Parent Governor - Leanne Jennings

I come from a childcare background having worked as a qualified Early Years practitioner and Playworker for over 17 years. 

I attended Westminster Nursery over 30 years ago having grown up nearby. My son is now attending and enjoying every minute of it. When we came to visit the nursery we immediately felt a warmth from the staff, within a caring, stimulating environment. I knew my son would thrive here.

So when a parent governor vacancy became available I knew I wanted the opportunity to support a school which strives to meet the educational and emotional needs of the children in their care as well as their families.  

Co-opted Governor - Graham Chadwick

I have lived and worked in Crewe all my adult life.  I served a Mechanical Maintenance Engineering Apprenticeship at Rolls Royce & Bentley Motors, performing a number of roles during my 43 year career, including Maintenance, Plant Engineering, Construction Health & Safety and Environmental Management, before retiring in 2018.  I have several hobbies, including Sea Fishing, Fly Fishing, Allotmenting and Walking, but my biggest enjoyment is spending time with my Grandchildren.

My two sons attended Gainsborough Junior School, Ruskin High School and South Cheshire Collage before going on to university.

I have been part of a number of successful Governing Bodies over the years, so when the opportunity came along to join the Governing Body at Westminster it was a very easy decision, and I’m sure I will enjoy working with the team at Westminster.

Staff Governor - Neil Smith

Hello. I started working at Westminster Nursery School in June 2016 and you can find me in the school office. I am very happy to be a school Governor and I fully believe in playing my part in providing our children with the best possible start to their education.