Governor Pen Portraits - Whinfield Primary School

Name: Claire Thorns

Role: Parent Governor
Date Appointed: May 2020

I decided I wanted to become a Governor when my son started reception in 2019. I felt it was important for me, as a parent, to have a say in the direction the school headed for the benefit of all children. I became Vice Chair in September 2021 and Chair of Governors in January 2022. Throughout my time on the Board, I have seen first-hand the impact we can have on our children’s learning by challenging and holding the leadership team to account and the contribution we can make to the journey Whinfield is taking.

Outside my role as Chair of Governors, I currently work in Strategic Planning and Logistics having gained a wealth of experience in various Supply Chain functions throughout my career. I am fluent in Spanish as I worked in Mainland Spain for a number of years following completion of my Modern Languages degree. I also have a Master’s Degree in Applied Translation Studies.

In my spare time I love to watch Formula 1 racing and I support a football club that has had more than its fair share of ups and downs over recent years! Overall, I am a mum to a beautiful boy so spend the majority of my time taking my son to various clubs and enjoying family days out.

Name: Simon Robson

Role: Principal
Date Appointed: September 2025

I am proud to serve as Principal of Whinfield Primary School, part of the Education Village Academy Trust – an ambitious and inclusive learning community where every child is valued, supported, and encouraged to thrive.

With well over two decades of experience in education across Darlington, Hartlepool and North Yorkshire, I have held a wide range of teaching and leadership roles across Church schools, local authority settings, multi-academy trusts and federations. Throughout my career, I have developed a strong and proven track record of school improvement, leading transformational change and securing positive outcomes for pupils, staff and communities. My leadership has been instrumental in moving schools from challenging circumstances to secure and thriving environments, with this impact reflected in strong Ofsted outcomes, particularly in behaviour and attitudes, leadership, and early years provision.

My approach is rooted in a clear vision: to create an inclusive environment where every child – and every member of staff – can discover their unique strengths and achieve their aspirations. I am passionate about building a culture of high expectations alongside care and nurture, ensuring that all learners feel confident, inspired and proud of their achievements.

One of my core strengths lies in establishing clear systems, shared visions, and a strong strategic direction that enables sustainable improvement. I believe that clarity, consistency and collaboration are key to unlocking potential and driving excellence across a school.

Since joining Whinfield Primary School in September 2025, my focus has been on strengthening our vision and values, developing an ambitious and enriching curriculum, prioritising inclusion and belonging, and embedding a culture where every child feels safe, respected and motivated to succeed.

Outside of school, I enjoy listening to a wide range of music, playing the guitar, following football, cooking, and attending live gigs whenever I can.

Name: Nic Rickaby

Role: Chair of Governors

Date Appointed: September 2025

I am Nic Rickaby, Chair of Governors at Whinfield Primary School, a role I have held since September 2025. I am currently Head of Department at Darlington College, where I have worked since October 2004.

My career began in the Early Years Education sector, where I worked and trained for over 10 years before progressing into a Senior Lecturer role in Early Years and later becoming Curriculum Leader for the department. In 2022, I transitioned into a broader leadership role as Head of Department across Engineering, Digital, Automotive and the Arts. As you can tell, I enjoy a challenge and embracing new opportunities for growth and development.

I am passionate about Early Years education and firmly believe that the foundation years are the most important stage in a child’s learning journey. Through my role as a governor, I hope to support Mr Robson, staff, parents and all stakeholders to ensure we provide the very best education, care and experiences for the children at Whinfield Primary School.

Outside of work, I have a family which includes two much loved dogs, Willow, our ‘old lady’ Labrador and Lilly, our ‘crazy’ spaniel. They keep me active, help me maintain a healthy work life balance and support my wellbeing through plenty of long walks.

I very much look forward to continuing to work with the school community and getting to know the children at Whinfield.

Name: Jo-Anne Karim

Role: Parent Governor

Date Appointed: March 2026

I became a Parent Governor in March 2026 as my daughter attends Whinfield School. I was keen to gain a greater understanding of the school’s strategic direction and contribute to its continued development. The role provides an opportunity to help ensure that all pupils achieve the best possible outcomes, while also representing the views and interests of parents within the school community.

With over 17 years’ experience working in safeguarding, I bring a strong understanding of the importance of creating safe, supportive environments where children can thrive. I am passionate about promoting the welfare of children and young people and using my professional experience to support the school’s commitment to delivering high-quality education and pastoral care.

Name: Debbie Hayman

Role: Parent Governor

Date Appointed: May 2024

My name is Debbie, and I am pleased to serve as a Parent Governor at Whinfield Primary. I joined the Governing Body because I am passionate about education and want to play an active role in supporting the school and helping every child achieve their full potential.

I have experience in Education as I currently work at another school, where I have developed skills in SEN, safeguarding, leadership, communication, curriculum, behaviour and well-being. I hope to bring this experience to my role as a governor, providing support and constructive challenge to the school leadership team.

I am particularly interested in SEND, teaching and learning and wellbeing. I and look forward to working with fellow governors, staff, parents and the wider school community to support the school’s priorities and continued improvement.

Outside of work and governance, my proudest achievement is being a mum to my son. I enjoy reading, being a football mum and being around friends and family. I am proud to be part of the governing team and look forward to contributing positively to the school and its pupils.