Governor Pen Portraits - Whinfield Primary School

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.

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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.

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Name: Leigh-Ann Watkins

Role: Staff Governor

Date Appointed: September 2021

I have worked at Whinfield Primary School for 12 years, and it is the only school I have ever taught in. I started my teaching career here as a Newly Qualified Teacher in 2015 and have had the opportunity to teach across a variety of year groups and age ranges during my time at Whinfield. This has given me a broad understanding of our children, our families and the different needs of pupils as they progress through their primary education.

I have been a governor at Whinfield for approximately five years and have been fortunate to see lots of positive changes and developments across the school during this time. As a Staff Governor, I am proud to represent the views of our staff and to help ensure that their experiences, ideas and perspectives are considered when making decisions about our school.

I am passionate about Whinfield Primary School and feel very proud to have grown alongside the school throughout my teaching career. I want to help ensure that every child has the opportunity to learn, grow and achieve their full potential, while continuing to support the positive future of our school.

Outside of school, I enjoy keeping active by playing netball and running. I also love spending time with my crazy Working Cocker Spaniel, Stitch, who certainly keeps me busy!

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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.

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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.

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Name: Emma Hughes

Role: Governor

Date Appointed: September 2025

My name is Emma and was delighted to be offered a governor role at Whinfield, after my Nieces and Nephew previously attended.

I’m a STEM governor, who is really passionate about Science, Technology, Engineering and Maths (STEM) and encouraging our young peoples curiosity and how what they learn in class relates to the world around them and in industry.

Did you know?

Straight line graphs can help tell you about concrete strength, which we then use in our structures

Or the skills and knowledge used for creating the graphics for games can be used in Land Surveying or Building Information Modelling – helping change the world!

Or the habitats and wildlife we learn about in science can help reduce carbon and increase Bio Diversity helping to improve our environment.

I also love how a vibrant school community brings everyone together, creating that sense of belonging and inclusion which is fundamentally important for our confidence, ability to thrive and overall wellbeing.

I cant wait to meet you throughout the school year and if you see me, please say hello and ask a question #becurious

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