Winthorpe Primary School An Aspire Academy
Our Governors
As governors, our primary function is to work in close partnership with Mr Rob Cook and school staff to act as a critical friend in all areas of school management.
We operate as a Board - this means all decisions must be made collectively.
We are led by the Chair who delegates and ensures that we meet our specific responsibilities.
These include;
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Ensuring Clarity of Vision, Ethos, and Strategic Direction
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Holding the Headteacher to Account for the Educational Performance of the School and its Pupils.
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Overseeing the Financial Performance of the School and Making Sure its Money is Well Spent.
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Understanding and Monitoring key statutory compliance areas. These are Safeguarding, ensuring the needs of SEND pupils are met, Complying with the equality act and meeting Health & Safety requirements.
If you would like to get in touch with our Governors please contact our current Chair below;
Governing Body Members
A register of interest is taken at each governing body meeting.
LOUISE BLYTH
Chair of Governing Body
EMAIL:governor.louise.blyth@winthorpe.notts.sch.uk
Governor Category: Co-Opted
Appointed by: The Governing Body & Aspire Trust
Date joined: July 2021
Current term of office: 15/07/2025 - 14/07/2029
Register of Interests & other positions: None
Both of my children have attended Winthorpe Primary School. I’m originally from Nottingham, where I was raised by two teachers which is where my passion for education was born. I have lived in Winthorpe Village for over a decade and initially joined the governing body as a parent-governor. I am passionate about contributing to the community I live in and was voted in as Chair in 2024. I hope my corporate experience in people leadership, complex change management, financial rigour and heading up large-scale international projects will help the school.
My passions are people feeling known, authenticity and efficiency. In my free-time you’ll find me dreaming about my next book or project and I pride myself on being approachable so please email or say hello if you see me at the school gates.
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GARY LAMBERT
Governor Category: Co-opted Appointed by: The governing body Date joined Governing Body: February 2021 Current term of office: 24/02/2025 - 23/02/2029 Register of interests & other positions held: None My daughter, Tabitha, joined the school in September 2020, so I have a strong interest in the education that all children receive and in the success of the school. I work as a Project Manager in the Civil Service and, having joined the Governing body in February 2021, hope that the skills I’ve developed professionally will allow me to support the school for many years to come. In my spare time I have a passion for cooking, enjoy muddy walks with our 2 dogs and hold a season ticket which allows me to occasionally enjoy supporting Nottingham Forest! JEFF VAUGHAN
Appointed by: The governing body Date joined: May 2019 Current term of office: 20/05/2023 - 19/05/ 2027 Register of Interests & other positions held: Exam Invigilator at Newark Academy I live in Balderton and my connection with the school is through my granddaughter, who has now moved to Newark Academy, and my grandson. I asked to join the governing body because I see the school as a happy, caring environment where the children are encouraged to achieve their full potential and I wanted to be part of the team that enables this ethos to continue.
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ROB COOK
Governor Category: Ex-officio
Appointed by: By virtue of office
Date joined: September 2016
Current term of office: 01/09/2016 -
Register of Interests & other positions held: None
I am proud to have been Headteacher at Winthorpe since 2016.
Out of school, I enjoy watching my son play Rugby, supporting my local football team with my daughter, going to live music gigs and playing chess.
SALLY EDMONDS
Governor Category: Staff
Appointed by: Staff
Date joined: September 2018
Current term of office: 26/09/2022 - 25/09/2026
Register of Interests & other positions held: Teacher and SENCo, Parent Governor at Carnarvon Primary School
I have worked at Winthorpe for the last 17 years. During this time I have taught all of the age groups and been SENCo. I like to work closely with the Governing body to ensure the best provision for our children.
Out of school I enjoy trying to keep fit, cooking and travelling. I am kept busy by my two children and their many sporting activities! I am also a governor and volunteer at their school.
CHRISTINE SMITH
Governor Category: Co-opted
Appointed by: The governing body
Date joined: November 2023
Current term of office: 29/11/23 - 28/22/27
Register of Interests & other positions held: None
Since retiring over seven years ago, I’ve occasionally missed my work as a training consultant. Serving as a co-opted governor has given me the opportunity to share my background in learning and development and human resources, while working alongside like-minded individuals.
I am proud to live in Winthorpe and support our local school.
TINA RAMSEY
Governor Category: Co-opted
Appointed by: The governing body
Date joined: October 2025
Current term of office: 10/10/25 - 09/10/29
Register of Interests & other positions held: None
I currently work for Lincolnshire Police, overseeing apprenticeships for the force. Prior to this, I spent seven years as the Head of Apprenticeships at Priory Academies, where I engaged extensively with the school community from early childhood to age 18. Additionally, I have supported Teaching Assistants and Teacher Training. My experience also includes running my own training consultancy and collaborating with Ofsted.
My hobbies are painting and travelling, I have recently started travelling with our Motorhome, which is a new experience.
TOBY STEVENSON-COCKS
Governor Category: Parent governor
Appointed by: Parents
Date joined: November 2023
Current term of office: 29/11/23 - 28/22/37
Register of Interests & other positions held: None
Having both of my own children, as well as some more distantly related family attend Winthorpe, I have a keen interest in their safety and the education provided to them.
With professional experience in commercial support roles, project management, contract management and a knack for using software packages, I believe I can support the school in continuing to be a great place for educating our children.
My interests outside of school and the workplace include w3alks with our family dog, visiting national trust and English heritage properties to learn about our country’s history, and Archery, which I practice with my eldest son.
HANNAH WILKINSON
Governor Category: Associate Member- Finance
Appointed by: The governing body
Date joined: November 2022
Current term of office: N/A
Register of Interests & other positions held: None
LAUREN CARTWRIGHT
Governor Category: Associate Member- Personnel & Finance
Appointed by: The governing body & The Aspire Trust
Date joined: November 2025
Current term of office: N/A
Register of Interests & other positions held: None
| NAME | LINK GOVERNOR ROLES |
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Louise Blyth (Chair) |
Safeguarding & LAC/ Finance / Attainment / Whole school assessment & Tracking / GDPR / Early Years Provision / EYFS Assessment / Extended Schools & Pre-School |
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Gary Lambert (Vice Chair) |
Finance /Sports Premium /Health & Safety / Health - PE, Healthy Living, SRE & Drugs / Understanding - RE, SMSC, British Values/ SEN Intervention |
| Tina Ramsey | Creativity - Music and Art |
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Attendance & Behaviour /Attainment / Whole school assessment & Tracking /English – Reading Writing, SPaG, Phonics / Innovation/E-safety - Computing /DT / Discovery - History, Geography and MFL / Eco School Council |
| Sally Edmonds | Staff Governor |
| Chris Smith | Safeguarding & LAC / Pupil Premium /Attainment / Whole school assessment & Tracking / Staff & Pupil Wellbeing / Maths / Science |
| Tobias Stevenson-Cocks | Innovation/E-safety - Computing & DT / Health & Safety |
| Rob Cook | Headteacher |
Governing body minutes are available to view by appointment by contacting the school office.
Attendance at Governor Meetings (academic year 2025)
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