Welcome to our Governors’ section.

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities for each Governor.

Tim Marshall

Chair of Governors

Parent Governor

Responsibilities: Mental Health and Governor Training & Development

"As a former pupil of Ravensdale, and in my role as a School Governor, I am excited to support Ravensdale Infant & Nursery School in preparing its pupils for the future, particularly in the digital world we live, as well as helping the school meet its operational goals and requirements. Using my professional knowledge and experience in Business Intelligence and Digital Culture in Civil Aerospace, I hope to facilitate the school with links to STEAM and Digital learning, in fun and creative ways at Key Stage 1. My eldest 2 children used to attend Ravensdale and my youngest is now in Reception, so I have experienced first hand the positive impact that the school is making in equipping it’s pupils to become confident and independent individuals." 

Email: t.marshall@ravensdalei.derby.sch.uk

Daniel Liddane

Vice Chair of Governors

Parent Governor

Responsibilities: Pupil Premium and Child Protection & Safeguarding

Responsibilities:

"I have been a Staff governor at 2 schools and have recent OFSTED experience (Spring 23).  I am experienced in chairing Annual Review meetings, and multi-agency meetings.  I am also a Deputy Safeguarding Lead (with a particular interest in online safety) and behaviour lead in my current school.  I have over 10 years teaching experience in SEND education and my current curriculum responsibilities are for maths, PE and Sports Premium.  My daughters are currently in Reception and Year 2 at Ravensdale Infant & Nursery School."

Clare Penter

Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities: Early Years & Safer Recruitment

 "For the past 10 years I have managed Bramblebrook Pre-School, situated in St  John’s Church in Mickleover. As an Early Years Practitioner I have a thorough understanding of the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum and hope that I can offer support to the foundation stage team here at Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School. My passion is supporting children’s speech, language and communication skills which I believe to be fundamental to children’s lifelong learning. I am also part of the Derby City Early Years Safeguarding Champions Team which provide support and training to early years settings within Derby City. I hope that my skills will support the school on their journey to Outstanding."

Email: c.penter@ravensdalei.derby.sch.uk

Lorna Blanchenot

Headteacher

"I have been a teacher for  over 30 years and have worked in many schools, including the largest British International School in Thailand. I have a range of experience throughout the Primary phase having taught all year groups from Nursery to Year 6 during my teaching career. I have held a variety of leadership roles since 1995, now being very proud to be the Head Teacher of our school since November 2017. Part of my role as a Governor is to ensure the Full Governing Board have a clear understanding of the ways in which we are striving to improve the academic, social and everyday lives of all the children who pass through our doors."

Lucy Gayton

Staff Governor

Deputy Headteacher

 "I have worked in a variety of schools over my extensive teaching career, with roles including assistant head, deputy head and SENDCO. During a short career break, I took on the role of consultant teacher in schools across Derbyshire, supporting teachers early on in their career. I am privileged to have taken on the role of Deputy Headteacher at Ravensdale Infant and Nursery school in May 2018 and strive to bring my wide experience and my belief in developing the whole child to my role, both as a leader and as a member of the governing body."

Laura Kitchen

Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities: SEND

"I have worked for 18 years as a Geography teacher in the secondary sector and for over a decade of this time as Subject Leader.  I have a secure understanding of teaching and learning, curriculum development and safeguarding, all of which will support my role as Parent Governor in helping Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School to constantly improve.  Both of my children have attended Ravensdale Infant and Nursery School."

Laura-Jane Appleton

Co-opted Governor

Responsibilities: PE and Outdoor Learning

"I have been a primary school teacher for 17 years in a variety of schools. I also run my own dance classes. My strengths are Teaching and Learning, however I have a good  understanding of finances, H&S and Safeguarding as part of running my own classes which will assist me in my role as Parent Governor.  My daughter is currently in Year 2 at Ravensdale Infant & Nursery School."

Julie Hodgkinson

Co-opted Governor

Responsibilties:

"As a former parent, and now a grandparent of Ravensdale child, the school holds a very dear place in my heart and I would like to give something back to the school community. 

I am a primary teacher with vast experience of Early Years, SEND, and school leadership. My passion is ensuring that ALL children have the very best start to their school life, and that we are always ambitious for them whatever their starting point or barriers.  

I have been very lucky to work in some great schools in our city, and I believe that an infant school should develop children to be independent, confident,  resilient, and excited to learn. In my short time as a governor I can already clearly see that this is part of Ravensdale’s ethos and I very much look forward to working with them in the future."

Hyangmen Acuda

Parent Governor

Responsibilities: 

"As a local resident of Mickleover and parent of two Ravensdale students, one of whom is currently in Key Stage 1, I am deeply invested in the school's success. I am passionate about fostering strong community partnerships to support the well-being of our children and families. 

My experience in working within Business Intelligence and Finance provides me with the skills I will bring to the Governing Board in support of the school’s commitment to efficiently using its resources to allow all children to thrive."

Michelle Hoyle

Clerk to Governors

Committees:

Personnel, Pupils and Finance Committee:

Chair –  Hyangmen Acuda 

Member - Tim Marshall

Member – Laura-Jane Appleton

Clerk – Michelle Hoyle

Teaching & Learning Committee:

Chair - Lucy Gayton

Member - Laura Kitchen

Member - Clare Penter

Member - Dan Liddane

Governors Attendance 2023/2024

Ravensdale Infant & Nursery School 

1 Governor resigned from the Governing Board in 2023/24:

Alun Rowlands - January 2024