Meet our Governors

Headteacher - Mrs 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 - Mrs 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 - Mrs Dawn Clark

I was born in Crewe and educated at Edleston Road, Pebblebrook, Kingsway and South Cheshire college before joining Crewe and Nantwich Borough Council.  I worked in Local Government for 38 years taking early retirement in 2019, the last 20 years was as a Senior Manager in Community Development. After taking early retirement I spent 2 years supporting the development and delivery for a Care Company challenging during a pandemic I am now an Associate Governance Professional providing clerking services for School governing boards as well as helping to Shape Governance.

I been a governor at schools in Crewe for 17 years and I am currently Chair of Governors at Pebblebrook Primary School and Vice Chair at Westminster Nursery. I am a Crewe Town Councillor for Crewe Central I am passionate about ensuring children get the best beginnings and this means a good education and I am proud to work with the schools to ensure that the education they provide is the best.

I also support and volunteers at several groups in the Crewe and Nantwich area, The Thursday Club (supporting people living with Dementia), Cheshire Women’s Collaboration, St Pauls Centre, Nantwich Buddies to name a few.

Health & Safety Governor - Mrs 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 - Mr Nathan Tice

Hello, I joined as a Governor when my child was attending Westminster Nursery School. I think it is important to give something back, and that is why I continue to be a Governor, supporting the school where I am able.

Co-opted 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.  

Local Authority Governor - Vacancy

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.