Governors
Governors are appointed and elected to provide:
- strong links between the school and the community it serves;
- a wide experience of the outside world;
- an independent view;
- a visible form of accountability for the Headteacher and staff of the school;
- a team focusing on long term development and improvement;
- accountability to the community for the use of resources and the standards of teaching and learning in the school;
- support for the Headteacher and staff
Governors can be contacted at admin@nestonpri.cheshire.sch.uk
Meet the Governors
Amanda Powell – Chair of Governors
I am a retired Executive Headteacher of 2 primary schools, former pupil and teacher at Neston Primary School, my 2 daughters also attended there and now my 2 young grandsons are in EYFS!
I am passionate about supporting the local community and was a volunteer on the Northern Lights committee for 6 years, I now help and support Age Matters and the Teapot cafe both based at the Methodist Church in Neston.
I am very passionate about my family and dog Oscar and have a range of hobbies including felting, gardening, reading, holidays and art.
Simon Wilson – Vice Chair of Governors
I have been a governor at Neston Primary for more years than I can remember! My children were 4/6/7 when I started the role and they’re all in their mid 20’s now.
I’m proud of our school and the unique place it holds in our community. I firmly believe that every child has the right to thrive and grow, and see this as my only objective as a governor.
As well as working as a teacher I also have experience of working in the private sector. I enjoy travelling and spending time with the family.
Gareth Powell
Retired Headteacher and adviser with extensive (over 50 years) experience of teaching and learning as well as running schools. Enjoy supporting the school in all aspects as well as providing a listening ear. Education is for life and should be fun. A community deserves a good school and I am proud to be a small part of this. Passionate about my family, gardening, sport, holidays ….and our dog!
Lindsey Hinks
I have been a governor since 1987, not long after the first of my four children started at NPS. My husband and his parents also attended the school, so the family links are strong! I worked at Acorn Playgroup for many years, until my retirement at the end of 2020. My reason for becoming a governor was to support the strong sense of community at NPS, both within the school and in links with the wider community. I am pleased to be able to continue that support and help develop the school as a place where every child feels safe and happy and where they can achieve their potential in all areas of life.
I love walking, birdwatching, and being out in the natural world. I'm an avid reader and enjoy knitting. I love spending time with my family, including four grandchildren.
Linda Pritchard
Before having my 2 children, I taught mathematics in a high school in Yorkshire. From 1986 until retirement in 2022 I worked at Acorn Playgroup, managing the setting for over 30 years.
As a governor, I see my role as a support to the children and staff of the school. I believe that the schools involvement within the community plays a big part in the development of each child.
My younger son attended Neston Primary School and my oldest son, having additional needs, a special school. With my own son, attending specific training for the preschool , supporting families and volunteering in 2 special schools, I have a strong interest in SEND and support for families and carers.
My other interests include knitting, reading, gardening and spending time at my caravan in North Wales.
Annabel Elliott – Headteacher
Prior to starting at Neston Primary School in 2008, I worked in a number of different schools up and down the country. I have had the privilege of being headteacher since May 2023 and absolutely love my job! I am extremely proud of all the children and staff at Neston Primary and want to ensure that we continue to be recognised for our caring, nurturing environment, that we provide the best education and start in life for all our children and are an integral part of Neston community.
My children (who were 4 and 6 when I arrived at NPS) are now fully-grown adults! When I am not at school, I love spending time with friends, family and walking Monty, our cavapoo puppy.
Karina Thompson – Staff Governor
I have been part of the Neston staff team since 2023 and I am currently the deputy head, with key responsibilities for SENCO and literacy. I have been a teacher for twenty-nine years and worked in a range of schools in Chester, Runcorn and London. I am proud to be a part of the governing body and to have the opportunity to help shape and strengthen our school and community.
Paul Hearty
My name is Paul Hearty and as Parent Governor at Neston Primary I have sought to bring a Parent perspective to the Governing body. I have one child who attends Neston Primary and two that have completed school after having a successful and enjoyable time there.
I work for an international IT Consultancy providing key strategic direction regarding business and technology for a number of large organisations both in the UK and Europe. As such I offer a commercial / business perspective to the running of the school.
I believe that enjoying learning is key for children and adults to be successful in life and that the early stages are key in equipping children for the future both in their educational career and beyond . I thoroughly enjoy working with the Governors and Staff to make Neston Primary a success so that it can continue to nurture and develop children in a safe and fun environment. Outside of work and Governor duties I enjoy spending time with my children and doing some quite significant DIY / home improvement.
Gemma Owen
I qualified as an architect in 2003, and have worked all over the world, living in Abu Dhabi, Qatar and the Netherlands. I care greatly about the arts, mental health and wellbeing and have recently returned to university to complete a masters and will (hopefully!) qualify as a psychotherapist at the end of the year. I volunteer at a refugee charity in Liverpool running arts workshops twice a week and love spending time in nature with my family and making art in my spare time.
I have two children, one at Neston High, and one still at Neston Primary. My children have absolutely loved attending this school and I want to see it continue to thrive and develop for them and subsequent generations. I am passionate about contributing to the community and believe that positive change can happen when you are a part of it.
Katie Robson
With my son in Year3, I am invested in school life and I want to be part of driving forward our school’s ethos of celebrating the individual. My education in Psychology is my foundation in passion for wellbeing, and building resilience. I love seeing our children thrive in a happy environment where they are provided with a wealth of opportunities. My background is in marketing, administration, and regulation, so I hope to add value to Neston’s heritage primary provision.
Aly Field-Baines
My name is Aly Field-Baines and I have been a co-opted governor at Neston Primary School since March 2023.
I am married to Carl and have 3 incredible children and 5 grandchildren. All my children and spouses (apart from one) are in the teaching profession so I know first hand the pressures and blessings of school life.
I am the minister at Life Church Neston and as such have a vested interest in this community and its people. Family is at the heart of any community and school plays a vital role in not only providing education but also a safe and nurturing place for our children to grow and learn. Neston Primary School is a beautiful example of this and I feel very privileged to be part of the governing board.
My hope in being a governor is that I can provide support and encouragement to the staff and pupils, and also champion the amazing work that our school does. I believe that we are a great school!
Sophie Hodgson
My background is working as a TA with children with challenging behavior, nannying, training staff for working with children in the USA and even veterinary nursing! I now work for the family construction business. I have two children at NPS and I am passionate about the concept of the ‘whole’ child and want to support school to continue nurturing each child's individual interests and skills and maintain high levels of wellbeing. I am passionate about animals and love spending time riding my horse Bill and walking my dog Bomba.
