Information about our Governors, and statements which you may wish to know.

Our Governors

• Chair of Governors - Ben Houghton
• Headteacher - Jayne Allton
• Staff Governor - Amy Coleman
• Co-Opted Governor - Brian Marshall
• Co-Opted Governor - Nikki Brownbridge
• Co-Opted Governor - Dan Houghton
• Local Authority Governor - vacancy
• Parent Governor - Lauren Bilkhu-Smith
• Parent Governor - Ben Houghton

Each of our Governors have read and understood Keeping Children Safe in Education 2026. 

Register of Business Interests for the Governors of Pinxton Nursery School (Maintained) 2024-2025

September 2025

Pinxton Nursery School (Maintained) Governing Body

All state maintained schools in England have a Governing Body, which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions of the school. A key role is to act as a ‘critical friend’: to support, to challenge, to ask questions and ultimately to represent the school community.

The Governing Body works in close partnership with the Headteacher, staff and the local authority. Whilst the Headteacher is, responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, the governors are involved with such things as staffing, curriculum, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the proper range of academic and social objectives.

 

Governing Body meetings

The Governing Body has five Governing Body meetings per academic year to meet and review the progress of the nursery school. 

Governing Body meetings for the 2025/2026 academic year are on the following dates:

• Wednesday 24th September 2025

• Wednesday 3rd December 2025

• Wednesday 11th March 2026

• Wednesday 29th April 2026

• Wednesday 8th July 2026

 

Governing Body committees

The Governing Body also has Committees to deal with specific details of governing the school.  These committees report to the Governing Body meetings.  The committees and their remits for review and challenge are as follows:

• Teaching and Learning Committee (TLC)- Key focus of the committee: -to monitor progress, pupil performance and other key improvement issues in the School Improvement Plan.
• Resource Management Committee (RM)– Key focus of the committee: - to determine, approve and monitor the school’s budget, budgetary systems and allocation of resources, including personnel, pay, premises, strategy, health and safety and security responsibilities.
• Headteacher Performance Management Committee (HTPM) - key focus to meet with the Headteacher and an External Advisor to undertake an appraisal of the Headteacher’s performance against previously agreed performance objectives. Agree objectives for the forthcoming Appraisal Cycle relating to Leadership and Management, Attainment and Progress and Teaching and Learning.
• Pay Committee
• Pay Appeal Committee

 

 

Link Governors

A number of governors are also ‘Link’ Governors with responsibilities to review curriculum and other areas of the school’s role.  Each named governor meets the teacher in school who is responsible for that area.

Governing Body Information

In September 2015, the governing body reconstituted under ‘The School Governance (Constitution) (England) Regulations 2012’.   The standard term of office for a governor is four years (one year for parent governors). The chair and vice-chair are usually elected annually at the first meeting of the academic year.

The Chair of Governors is Ben Houghton who can be contacted via the school.

The Vice-Chair of Governors is Nikki Brownbridge

The Governing body is made up of seven governors divided into five governor categories:

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

The Clerk to the Governors is Mrs Deena Tivey.

 

Governor Impact Statement 2025 – 2026

 

The Governing Board is proud of the continued progress made at Pinxton nursery School during 2025-2026. Through robust challenge, strategic support and effective monitoring, governors have worked closely with school leaders to ensure that priorities identified within the School Improvement Plan have resulted in positive outcomes for children, families and staff.

 

Through the year, governors have monitored the development of Expressive Arts and Design, supporting investment in rich opportunities, creative resources and specialist provision. This has contributed to increased levels of creativity, imagination and communication amongst children. The introduction of artist led experiences, theatre visits and music-based learning has broadened children’s experiences and enhanced engagement, particularly within creative and imaginative play.

 

Governors have also overseen improvements in early writing provision. Regular monitoring has evidenced that children are developing stronger physical foundations for writing, increased confidence in mark making and a growing understanding that marks carry meaning. Governors were pleased to see progress in writing outcomes, particularly for targeted children, alongside stronger partnerships with parents to support learning at home.

 

A key focus for governors has been ensuring that children’s physical health and well being remain central to the curriculum. Monitoring has shown improvements in children’s independence, self-care skills, physical coordination and confidence. Governors have supported investment in staff training and provision that promotes healthy development from birth to five, ensuring children receive the support the need to thrive.

 

The governing board recognizes the importance of strong relationships with families and has continued to priorities parental engagement. Through initiatives such as Teddy bear club, family support sessions and effective multi-agency working, more families have accessed early support and guidance. Governors have seen clear evidence that increased parental engagement is contributing to improved attendance, smoother transitions and better outcomes for vulnerable children.

 

Governors have maintained a strong focus on the quality of the learning environment. Working with school leaders, they have supported significant improvements to the nursery premises, including refurbished toilet facilities and new flooring. These developments have enhanced accessibility, inclusion and children’s independence, creating a welcoming and stimulating environment in which children learn and grow.

 

Safeguarding remains the governing boards highest priority. Governors have provided rigorous oversight of safeguarding arrangements, policies and statutory compliance throughout the year. Regular reviews, staff training and ongoing monitoring have ensured that safeguarding, SEND and health requirements are fully embedded within practice. Governors are confident that children’s welfare remains at the heart of all decision making.

 

As a result of the collective efforts of staff, leaders, governors, families and children, the school has achieved significant progress against its improvement priorities.  Children are demonstrating stronger outcomes in communication, creativity, physical development and early literacy. Staff confidence and consistency continue to grow, partnership with families is stronger than ever, and the nursery provides a high – quality, inclusive and nurturing environment where every child is supported to succeed.

 

The Governing Board would like to thank all staff, children and families and partners for their commitment and contribution throughout the year and looks forward to supporting the next stage of the school’s continuous improvement journey.

 

 

Ben Houghton

Chair of Governors