Our Governing Board

Aim of the Governing Body

School governing bodies are one of the largest volunteer groups in the country and their main responsibilities are to help set the policies and targets for achieving the schools aims and objectives and to monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achieving these. All governors attend the full governing body meetings that take place at least twice per term and also sit on a number of committees that focus on specific areas of the school such as “Finance and Staffing” or “Buildings, Health and Safety”. Each governor also has a link role which means they take a lead on understanding a particular area of the school improvement plan to ensure it is progressing as expected.



Diane Shaw

I was elected parent governor at Nook Lane in 2008 and I am now a co-opted governor. I have been chair since 2014. I live in Stannington with my husband and 2 children. My children both attended Nook Lane and are now in secondary education and beyond. I have worked in professional and managerial roles in IT in both the public and private sector for over 20 years. I am currently a Business Analysis Manager at a Sheffield-based telecommunications company.

Caron Carter

I am a Senior Lecturer in Early Childhood Education at the Sheffield Institute of Education, Sheffield Hallam University. I teach both undergraduate and postgraduate students and undertake research in the field of Education. Before this, I taught children in the primary age range for eleven years and served as Assistant Headteacher, Deputy Headteacher and Acting Headteacher. I was elected parent Governor at Nook Lane in 2017 and recently became vice chair. I am passionate about making a difference for children.

Steve Arbon-Davis

I qualified as a teacher in 2001 and I started my teaching career at Arbourthorne Junior School and then in Arbourthorne Primary following the amalgamation with Arbourthorne Infant and Nursery School. I thoroughly enjoyed my job at Arbourthorne in my various roles as a Key Stage 2 class teacher, English leader, Upper Key Stage 2 leader, SENCO and then Deputy Headteacher.

I was appointed as Headteacher at Nook Lane Junior School in the summer of 2009 and I started in post in January 2010. I love working at Nook Lane. My goal is that every child at Nook Lane is happy and fulfilled and develops a love for learning.

I believe that being a Headteacher is chiefly about serving the local and wider community. During the selection process for my job, I said that I wanted to, "put down some roots and commit to the school community." Nine and a half years in, I feel that I have been true to my word and I look forward to leading the school in the coming years.

Jim Bell

I'm a Civil & Structural Engineer, working as a designer in the built environment ... working on Cities and Buildings, passionate about how good design can change lives and the environment.

I have over 20 years' experience of major projects, redevelopment and regeneration. My work has involved icons like Wembley Stadium and working in countries from France and Russia to the Middle East.

Much of my focus right now is on the cities of the Northern Powerhouse and the UK, and my interest and specialism in Arena design can take me anywhere in the world. In Sheffield I was responsible for the engineering design of The Diamond building at the University of Sheffield, and am currently working on the regeneration of the Heart of the City II project.

I am also involved in community and professional outreach through Board advisory and governor roles.

Liz Harris

My name is Liz Harris and I am Deputy Headteacher at Stannington Infant School which feeds into Nook Lane.

I have worked at Stannington Infant School for 9 years and have been on Nook Lane's Governing Body for the same length of time. Before that I worked at a Primary School in Derbyshire. Being part of both Stannington and Nook Lane's Governing Body helps to strengthen the links between both schools and make the transition from one school to another as seamless as possible.

Ian Gilbert

I live in Stannington with my wife and 2 children, one of which has progressed through the school and one of which is still at the school.

I am an Associate Manager at a national law firm where I have a diverse role involving me regularly attending court to represent seriously injured clients, working with solicitors. I develop case plans and budgets so as to best support our clients, as well as delivering training sessions nationally and developing my own teams.

I jumped at the chance to become a parent governor when the opportunity arose so as to try and help maintain the high standards set by the school and to support what I consider to be a really important part of the community.

Christine Mc Cann

I began my professional career as a research scientist, I then moved into the private sector and have worked as a Medical Communication specialist for the last 20 years. The core of my professional life has been to lead teams efficiently, communicate effectively and build working relationships at all levels and to ensure targets are met. I have gained experience in a range of areas including chairing and participating in various committees, leadership and staff mentoring to liaising with external experts and bodies. Overall, I believe in the value of being kind and direct, being held accountable for my decision making, delivering difficult news and challenging respectfully and clearly, while working as part of a team.

I became a Parent Governor in 2019 as I wanted to give something back to the staff and pupils of this wonderful school; offering my skills, time and enthusiasm to contribute to the governance and future development of Nook Lane Juniors.

Andy Kerr

My name is Andy Kerr. I have been a governor at Nook Lane for approximately 10 years both as a parent governor and now as a link governor.

All three of our children have been pupils at the school.

I have previously worked for the local authority within the education department with particular focus on school attendance and attainment monitoring and due to this experience I am currently volunteering as the link governor for attendance and attainment data.

Kelly Hood

Hi I’m Kelly Hood, mother to a son in class Y3PB.I am incredibly passionate about our school. I am super enthusiastic when it comes to all areas of our children’s learning & wellbeing and keen to provide a stable link between the parents and the way the school is run. I feel it is incredibly important that the parents have a clear voice and can have their points and views put across whenever possible.

Now in Nook Lane I have taken on an active role with the school’s PTA and am enjoying helping plan fun events and crucial fundraising for the upcoming school year. I am a keen organiser, having set up the year groups’ Facebook and WhatsApp channels. I am a strong communicator, a good listener, with skills crucial to my career as a wedding planner and blogger. As such, I am highly organised and efficient. As Parent Governor I will make sure that all views are heard and you will find me approachable when you, as parents, have an issue that needs to be raised.

I am fair, level headed and enjoy the process of decision making. Nook Lane is a brilliant school and I want to make sure that I can help in whatever way I can for the next 4 years.