Sally Poole – Chair of Governors

I’m very proud to be the Chair of Governors at Ludwick Nursery School. I have been on the governing body since 2021. I am the local authority governor and also hold the role as safeguarding governor. In my professional life I am an early years teacher, a job that brings a wealth of skills to supporting Ludwick both now and looking strategically into the future. I am a former member of staff and my 11 years serving as the SENCo gives me a deep understanding of Ludwick’s context. I am fully committed to support the role Ludwick plays not just for the children but for their families and the wider community.

 Jane Biddulph – Vice Chair

I am proud to have been a governor at Ludwick Nursery School for more than 6 years. My role as an NHS Speech and Language Therapist enables me to bring skills, experience and knowledge in language and communication in the curriculum and in special educational needs. Having worked as the Speech Therapist in the Ludwick Enrichment Group for several years prior to becoming a governor, I feel I have moved from working directly with a few children and staff to working more broadly to support the school's strategic development in new directions, particularly in the areas of special educational needs, language and communication. It has been a pleasure to see the nursery continually improve and the children continue to thrive in the setting. 

 Lesley Boyle – Co-Opted Governor

I have worked in early years education for almost 30 years, spanning teaching, school leadership, inspection and higher education. I am currently a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the University of Hertfordshire. I am passionate about play, inclusion and raising the professional status of the early years workforce. Having previously led within a maintained nursery school federation, I strongly value the role these schools play in driving quality and giving every child the best start in life. I am delighted to bring my experience to Ludwick Nursery School as a governor.

Peter Browning – Co-Opted Governor

I am very proud to be a governor of Ludwick Nursery school. I have been an educator for 50+ years as teacher, senior leader, head teacher of three schools, inspector and an adviser for a local authority in the UK. The three schools, of which I was headteacher, became highly successful. I have been a chair of governors of many schools and continue to be a governor of an urban state primary school. I have specific expertise in the areas of pupils with a range of SEND, inclusion, safeguarding, well-being, early years and primary school curriculum. I bring to this vibrant school a wealth of knowledge and practical skills to enhance the school’s management and strategic leadership to support further development.

 Amma Manning – Co-Opted Governor

My journey into becoming a governor began with my own experience as a parent. I remember feeling a little hesitant about sending my first child to nursery, as it was a big step for us as a family. However, she settled in beautifully, absolutely thrived and still talks fondly about her experiences there to this day. Seeing how happy she was, alongside the warmth, care and nurturing approach of the staff, really stayed with me, then gave me the confidence to send my other children there too. It made me want to become more involved and give something back to a setting that had such a positive impact on my children. I want to support the staff, ensure they feel valued and listened to, and contribute in any way I could to maintain the positive environment they create for the children. I am passionate about children's development, education and wellbeing, but equally believe that happy, supported staff are at the heart of a happy and thriving nursery. I feel fortunate to be part of the school community and hope to make a positive contribution wherever I can.

 Nicola O’Farrell – Parent Governor

My name is Nicola and I joined the Governing Body as a Co-opted Governor in 2023. I have a background in client management and digital content creation and currently work at Ludwick Nursery School as Senior Administrator and PA to the Senior Leadership Team. My connection with Ludwick began when my child attended the nursery, and I developed a real appreciation for the nurturing environment and support it provides to children and families. As a governor, I hope to use both my professional experience and knowledge of the school to support its continued success and help ensure the best outcomes for our children and community.

 Donna Pearse – Staff Governor

My name is Donna and I am a Froebel-trained practitioner. I have worked at Ludwick since 2016. I have a keen interest in communication and language and am Makaton trained. I lead our weekly Rhyme Time session for families in the local community and am also one of the school's Wellbeing Representatives. I have a strong interest in supporting children's wellbeing and positive outcomes. As a staff governor, I hope to support the governing body by sharing the views of staff, contributing to discussions on children's wellbeing and development, and helping to ensure the best outcomes for our children and families.