Hannah Benn - Chair of Governors

I have lived in Peterborough since I was a baby and I attended Caverstede as a child. My three child have attended caverstede and we have great memories of their time there. They were well cared for and flourished in readiness for primary school.

I became a governor in 2018 and took on the role of Chair of Governors in 2021. I became a governor as I wanted to help and support caverstede and its community. I am passionate about ensuring children are kept safe, cared for and given the best possible start in theor education journey. I am the link governor for Safeguarding.

Before I had my children, I worked in retail and since then have been a full-time parent. I also serve as Chair of Governors at a local primary school.

Hannah Gillings - Co Vice Chair

We moved to Walton in 2015 and all three of our children have flourished in Caverstede's care. I became a Parent Governor in 2022, just before our youngest left, because I wanted to be a part of the Caverstede team, ensuring its future for many more children to experience. As a former journalist with a background in communications and marketing, I like putting my skills to good use and developing them further through the relevant training. Most of all I enjoy the feeling of giving something back to the Caverstede communty.

Ian McMullon - Co Vice Chair

When I attended Walton Secondary Modern back in the 1970’s as part of our social studies we were encouraged to attend Caverstede Nursery, by a teacher called Enid Dunkley. I enjoyed my visits there engaging with the children and Caverstede then found a place in my heart.

I left school and went into Engineering with Royal Mail, got married and had children of our own. We later decided to foster and subsequently adopted. Our children grew, we then gained grandchildren and two of them have benefitted from attending Caverstede.

When an opportunity arose to become the LEA Governor for Caverstede, I just knew it was a role that I would relish.

I am a fully skilled facilities Maintenance Engineer. I hold diplomas in Health and Safety; IT and Systems Management and Change as well as being a trained Mental Health First Aider.

I am a Magistrate in both Adult and Family court in Cambridgeshire.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with my family, working on classic cars and reading. We have tropical fish, tortoises, rabbits, guinea pigs, chickens and cats.

Andrew Epton-Smith

I have been a Parent Governor since March 2022. I am the link governor for Special Educational Needs & Disabilities. Both of my children have attended Caverstede so I have seen first-hand what exceptional work the staff do for the children and families that attend the setting.

In my career, I have worked within the Local Authority and in schools. Therefore, I have a background which compliments the range of experience that a governing body requires. I am currently a full-time parent/carer and do some work within social media for various organisations advoctaing for SEND, Adoption and LGBT+.

I wanted to become part of the Governing Body to give something back to the school who gave my daughter such a great start to her educational journey. What I love about Caverstede is the inclusive ethos of the school and that everyopne is made to feel incredibly welcome.

Nicola Lord

I am a co-opted governor with link for Child Welfare in Education and Safeguarding. I previously sat on teh Curriculum sub-committee and started Caverstde Nursery School as a Parent Governor.

I have qualified teacher status and a special interest in teaching pupils with SEND. I bring a passion for education, ensuring all pupils in Caverstde continue to access quailty first teaching and exposure to a full and rich curriculum of experiences where treasured memories are made.

As a governing body, we support staff professional development and well-being at all times, so that pupils always receive the best that they deserve. working as a Family Engagement and Safeguarding Lead across Peterborough schools, I understand how tirelessly Caverstede Nursery School works to meet the diverse needs that families and the community may be facing.

It is a privilege to serve Caverstede Nursery School, please know that we welcome your communication and are always listening.

Zoe Scales

Following my wonderful experience of Caverstede as a parent, I have been delighted to continue my links with the preschool as a co-opted governor. I joined the governing body in 2022 and use my professional experience in primary education to support the school leaders in setting and monitoring strategic objectives. I aim to support the dedicated staff as they continue to provide an excellent and unique experience for the children in their care.

Kate James

My daughter joined Caverstede in September 2023 and shortly afterwards, I joined the Governing Board as a Parent Governor. I have had a long connection to Caverstede, even attending as a child myself and doing work experience here many years ago before my own teacher training! It has always been clear to see what a special place Caverstede is.

I am a qualified teacher, specialising in Early Years. Before starting my family and moving back to Peterborough I was the head of an Early Years and Children's Centre in London and part of the primary school leadership team. It has been a privilege to see what a difference early years education can make to young childrens life and I hope I am able to use my professional backgrounf to support Caverstede in any way I can.