Gareth Hughes: 

Chair of Governors

I’ve been a member of the Swanwick Primary School Governing body for around 10 years now. I started as a Governor as I am passionate about education and in particular, as a former pupil myself, the schools in our village. During my time as a governor I have been Chair of the RMC committee, looking after the financial, staffing and facilities aspects of the school as well as being  Chair of the full governing body. Outside of Governors, I work in IT for a large US firm and I like to bring my experience in this industry into how we work as governors. I also have a big love of music, particularly playing in a number of local bands so really enjoy the opportunity to come in and see the creative things our kids have been up to!

Wayne Allsopp:

Vice Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor /Health & Safety Lead  /Pupil Premium Lead

 I am an experienced leader and manager that has worked in the public sector for the last 31 years. The last 14 of which have been within education. I am an ambitious individual used to operating at Board level who creates strategic alliances with organisation leaders to create effective partnerships that support the delivery of key initiatives. From working at a strategic level, I have extensive knowledge of the education sector, the key stakeholders, their strategies and their key performance indicators. I have facilitated a number of organisational changes to make national strategy work locally through empowering partners, leaders and people to make a difference. My twin daughters attended Swanwick Primary School and I joined the Governing Body as a Parent Governor initially to support the staff in moving the school towards outstanding. I remain committed to this cause despite my daughters having moved on to Secondary Education. I am also an external Governor at Wyggeston and Queen Elizabeth I College in Leicester. This is a 3000 plus student further education provider in the heart of Leicester. I am very passionate about making a difference to young people’s lives and enabling them to be the best that they can possibly be. This is fuelled by my huge interest in all sport. I am fortunate to have also worked in the sport sector for a large part of my career which I have thoroughly enjoyed.

Ben Wray:

Headteacher (Ex officio)

My name is Ben Wray and was appointed as Headteacher at Swanwick Primary School in January 2024. I have been a teacher in Derbyshire for 14 years and I'm passionate about providing EVERY child with the very best start in life. Swanwick Primary is a wonderful school. Our mission as staff is to make the school the very best in Derbyshire!

Joanne Jilavu:

Co-opted Governor

Judith Wing:  

Co-opted Governor

Safeguarding Lead Governor

Rebecca Prudiew:  

Co-opted Governor

Sarah Brankin:

Parent Governor

I am a parent to two boys, the eldest of which already attends Swanwick primary school. Ultimately this drives my personal interest in the school as I hope to support the school in my role by always putting the well-being and progress of the pupil's first. I have worked in education as a secondary teacher for eleven years so it goes without saying that I have an avid interest and passion for the education of young people. My subject area is maths so I hope to be able to utilise some of my expertise in supporting the continued development of the maths curriculum specifically in school. I understand some of the difficulties and constraints that schools can face so I feel I can offer a balanced view from both a parent and teacher perspective when contributing towards the governing body. 

Mike Cutts: 

Co-opted Governor

Wellbeing Governor

I have been a governor for a couple of years now, and am passionate about making a difference to the educational outcomes of children. I have a background in Finance and IT, and try and bring this skillset to my role. I enjoy being part of the governing body as it gives me the ability to influence the future direction of the school. 

Sharon Matan: 

Co-opted Governor

SEND & LAC Governor

I have been a governor for 2 years and served on Calc Committee. I have 2 grandsons at the school. I teach part time at SSSC and I am really interested in education- in it's widest sense.

Nicola Allsop: 

Parent Governor

I joined the governing body in December 2023.  As both a parent of two children at Swanwick and a primary school teacher, I have the necessary skills and experience to offer a balanced and informed view of governance. In my own school I lead English and this is something I can offer support with at Swanwick. Equally I have trained as a Primary Maths Specialist and so I believe I will be a valuable member of the curriculum sub-committee. I have a good relationship with other parents at Swanwick and can offer a voice for them on the governing body. Communication between all stakeholders is crucial and I pride myself on being approachable, a listening ear and a supportive colleague when it is most needed.

I feel strongly about supporting the school in moving forward. Having previously been a teacher governor in my own school, I have a good understanding of the role and relish the opportunity to provide a positive contribution to the growth and development of the school and its pupils. My children have always been very happy at Swanwick and I am grateful for the education, care and experiences they receive. I now aim to give something back through being a supportive, committed and proactive member of the governing body.

Jen Wakefield: 

Staff Governor

I have been working at Swanwick Primary since January 2015 but around the school longer as both my boys came here. Throughout my time at the school, I have had the opportunity to work across many year groups. Watching the school grow and give the children many new opportunities is part of why I enjoy working here. I am looking forward to being part of the governing body to help support the school going forward. 

Lindsay Wharton-Howett: 

Co-opted Governor

I joined the Governing Body in 2024. As a parent with two children at the school—one in Key Stage 1 and the other in Key Stage 2—I'm deeply invested in the success and wellbeing of all the children here. My background in industry has given me a strong foundation in leadership, but it's my 15 years of experience working in education as a senior leader that has really shaped my perspective. Throughout my career, I've had the privilege of working across both pastoral and academic roles, helping to create environments where children can thrive emotionally and academically.

I’m keen to use my experience to support the school in providing the best possible opportunities for all its pupils. As a governor, I want to ensure that our school not only meets educational standards but fosters an environment where every child feels valued and inspired to reach their potential. I’m passionate about contributing to a school that serves the community and provides the very best for children in our area, helping them to grow into confident, capable individuals ready for the challenges ahead.

Ellie Vernon:

Co-opted Governor

Jenny Wright: 

Associate Member

As a current member of Swanwick Primary School Leadership and Teaching Team, I have a keen interest in making the school a continued success. In addition to school roles, I am a Specialist Leader of Education- specialising in The Early Years. Through this role, I continue to support other schools in developing their Early years provision and ensuring all children are able to reach their full potential.

I hope my understanding of the lower KS1 and Early Years will support conversations during our meetings to ensure we nurture the very best environment and curriculum for our children, I have been involved in developing policies, communication and in school transition.

Mel Walton:

Associate Member 

I have been a teacher at Swanwick Primary school since 2006 and have been lucky to have held a variety of roles within that time.  Currently I am the SENDCo and part of the Senior Leadership Team.  I am passionate about education being accessible for all and I feel that strong links between school staff, children, their families and the community are fundamental to ensuring that all of our children THRIVE.

Charlotte Staley: 

Clerk to Governors 

My name is Charlotte Staley and I was appointed Clerk to Governors in April 2024. I joined the Swanwick team in September 2022 as class teacher and maths lead and I am very excited to take on this role.

It is my responsibility to advise the governing body on governance legislation and procedural matters. I attend Full Governor and CALC meetings to take notes to prepare minutes.