Governors

Our School Governors play a vital role in your child's Education. They are strategic leaders who support us in all aspects of our work.

Emneth Nursery School Governors-Who are they?

Claire Hooker-Head teacher

I have been a qualified teacher for over 20 years now and have taught a range of year groups from nursery to year 6, but my real passion is in early years. I completed a degree in Early Childhood studies at Northampton University and then went on to do a PGCE at Norwich University in order to get my teaching qualification. I have worked at Emneth School for 10 years now and I love it! I have lived in Norfolk all of my life and I have two very active boys aged 18 and 15, as well as a crazy dog. I enjoy listening to music, watching theatre shows and going for walks along the coast.

Francine Finnis - Chair (Coopted)

I have joined the governors board as my son is going to the nursery and I wanted to get more involved in making an impact on providing young children with a positive start in to their educational route. In my day-to-day job I oversee the management of commercial properties for a large investment company and feel that my skill set will benefit the governors board.

Karen Archibald

My name is Karen Archibald, I’m Vice Chair and I currently have a little boy who attends the Nursery. My little girl attended from the age of 7 months and left in July to attend school. I work full time as a teaching Deputy Head at an infant school and have worked in Education for 12 years. I have a keen interest and knowledge of early years provision and aim to give back to our local community as much as possible. I feel that by being a Governor, and member of the Friends of Emneth Nursery Group, I can support the Nursery in providing the best possible care alongside wonderful enrichment activities as possible for our fantastic little ones currently attending Emneth Nursery and in the future.

Karen Reilly

I have recently taken early retirement following working in the childcare industry for over 30 years. During this time, I had various positions ranging from managing Preschools and Full day care to working in an advisory role supporting other childcare providers.

I have a passion for early years and I understand the importance of providing the best possible outcomes for children and feel as a governor I can strategically support this.

I enjoy walking my dogs, running and being outdoors, so I am looking forward to having time to do some gardening.

Melissa Bancroft-Turner

I am grateful to have been appointed as a Local Authority Governor in July 2023 and I am looking forward to working alongside staff to provide excellent early years education at Emneth Nursery School. I am a qualified primary school teacher and teach Reception as well as co-ordinate SEN provision. I enjoy going on adventures and have volunteered abroad in Ghana and Cambodia. I also enjoy visiting beaches and having afternoon tea with my friends and family.

Fiona Gregory-Wood

Hi my name is Fiona and I am a qualified teacher with 30 years experience in early years. The majority of my teaching career has been in Nursery classes. Whilst at West Walton Primary school, where I taught for 12 years, I worked closely with the on-site Children’s Centre to develop a peer support group for all the local Pre-schools and day care settings. I was an Early Years lead in my last two schools where I also had responsibility for Safeguarding and Special Educational Needs.
As a governor I would like to positively contribute to the development of Emneth as its ethos, provision and practice align very closely with my own personal beliefs of what makes excellent early years education.
I left teaching in 2022 and currently work part-time as an administrator at the Queen Elizabeth hospital and volunteer in the Reception class of my local primary school. When I’m not working I like going to music festivals, reading and binge watching a good drama series. I am married with two adult children and two cats, we enjoy a nice roast dinner and a family games night.

Andy Heighton

I joined the Governors Board as both of my children attended the nursery and received an excellent early years experience, which gave them the confidence and foundations to thrive in the next stages of their education. I am keen to give back to the local community and help ensure that future generations benefit from the same opportunities.

I have worked as a JCB Agricultural Field Technician for over 23 years. Outside of work, I am actively involved with Wisbech Rugby Club, where I previously played and now coach a minis rugby team.