Welcome to our Governors’ Section

Below you will find details of how our Governing Body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities, and terms of appointment for each Governor.

At John T. Rice Infant and Nursery School, the Governing Body plays a vital role in both supporting and challenging the leadership team. Their commitment and expertise helped to secure a Good judgement from Ofsted in 2023 and continue to provide the strategic challenge needed to drive the school forward.

Our Governing Body is made up of eight members:

• 1 Headteacher

• 1 Staff Governor

• 2 Parent Governors

• 3 Co-opted Governors

• 1 Local Authority Governor

The body is led by a Chair and Vice Chair, working closely with the Headteacher.

We believe it is important that governing boards reflect the diversity of the school communities they serve. A diverse board promotes inclusion and provides positive role models for both staff and pupils. As we are a small Governing Body, we have opted not to publish diversity data in order to maintain the anonymity of our members.

The Governing Body meets three times per year (once per term). In addition, the Finance and Personnel Committee and the Strategic Development Committee each meet three times per year (once per term).

Minutes from Full Governing Body meetings are available for parents and carers to view. These can be found in the main reception area, below the staff board, or requested directly from the school office. Minutes from the Finance Committee are also available on request.

Meet our Governors!

 

 

Miss Ruth Palmer (Local Authority Governor)

CHAIR OF GOVERNORS

Appointed – 25.09.2023 

Term of office – 2 years

Strategic Development and Pupil Committee chair & Vice Chair of Finance Committee

Responsibility for safeguarding, English & phonics &  HT appraisal

Ruth has always had an interest in Education and is a trained teacher. She currently works for a multi-academy trust in their governing services and has a background in budgets, buying and selling.  She has been part of the governing body for 4 years and really does show an interest in all aspects of school. 

 

 Mrs Kerry Cheetham (Co-opted governor)

Appointed 23.09.2024

Term of office – 4 years

Finance and personnel committee member, strategic development & pupil committee member.

Responsibility: 

Over the last 18 years, I have had a variety of roles in education, ranging from parent helper,  teaching assistant to more recently, teacher. I am passionate about providing a balanced and broad education to all children and I hope to use the skills I have learnt to support John T Rice. I love reading and can often be found in a bookshop at the weekend buying a new book. In the evenings, I enjoy eating chocolate and watching Korean dramas which help me learn Korean. 

 

 Mr Dale Karim (Parent governor)

Appointed 3.10.2024

Term of office – 4 years

Finance and personnel committee member, strategic development & pupil   committee member.

Responsibility: 

Mr Karim is a parent of a reception child in school.  He works for a multi-academy trust, and is the current lead for the Quality of Education and has extensive experience in driving quality improvements through staff development, quality assurance and compliance in further education.  He oversees the training to enhance standards across various educational pathways, including Early Years and Teaching Assistant qualifications. 

 

 Mr Luke Kapler (Co-opted governor) 

Appointed 3.10.2024

Term of office – 4 years

Finance and personnel committee member, strategic development & pupil committee member.

Responsibility: 

As a serving member of the Armed Forces, Mr Kapler moved to the village three years ago to provide stability for his daughters. During the deployment last Christmas, the school and community supported Mr Kapler's family through a difficult time. Becoming a governor is a meaningful way to give back. He is eager to use his experience and commitment to help create a positive environment where every child can flourish. He believes it would be a privilege to support the school’s future.

 

Mr Kieran Wilkinson (Co-opted governor) 

Appointed 27.01.2025

Term of office – 4 years

Finance and personnel committee member, strategic development & pupil committee member.

Responsibility: 

Kieran grew up in Mansfield, his Dad even attended John T Rice school (many moons ago!) and his Grandad worked in the Clipstone Colliery. Having finished a career in the British Army, Kieran is now in work that sees him in Mansfield more often, and he wants to give back some of his time to the community. Having three children of his own, he values the importance of early years learning and keeping children in an environment where they can learn, have fun, and feel safe. He loves spending time with family, being outdoors, walking the dogs and keeping fit.

 

Mrs Joanne Smith (Staff Governor)

Appointed 12.05.2022

Term of office – 4 years

Finance and personnel committee member, strategic development & pupil committee member.

Joanne is the Deputy Head at school and leads and manages Key Stage 1. Joanne has responsibility for leading the curriculum. She lives at home with her husband and son and a chocolate labrador!

 

Mrs Shelley Bennett (Head Teacher)

Appointed 1st April 2018

 

Mrs Bennett joined the school in April 2018 as the Headteacher, and it is her first Headship. She worked as a Deputy Head teacher at Crescent Primary School in Mansfield for 7 years prior to taking up Headship. She is passionate about learning and relishes the opportunity to serve the children, parents and staff at John T. Rice Infant school.  During the weekends and holidays, Mrs Bennett loves walking her chocolate labrador and spending valuable time with her family. Together with that, her hobbies include collecting pets (much to her husband's dismay!), horse riding, reading and trying to keep fit!

Information for Governors