Governors
Governing Body membership
Chair of Governors
John Pearce (Derbyshire Leader of Governance) - (Co-opted Governor appointed by the Governing body)
'My career in education began in 1970 as teacher. I was promoted in schools to head teacher, and in Nottinghamshire Local Authority to Deputy Chief Iinspector. Finally, promoted to Grandfather, I now run an international Leadership Consultancy Business specialising in evaluation and success planning in education, business, health and sport.'
Committee(s): Personnel & Curriculum, Finance & Premises
Relevant Business Interests: Creator of The iAbacus, works with schools and Academy Trusts on School Improvement
Details of other Educational Establishments of which you are a governor: None
Relationships with members of staff, e.g. spouse, relatives: None
Term of Office expires: September 2024
Attendance last academic year:100%
Vice Chair and Chair of Premises & Finance Committee
Paul Falconer - Parent governor
Committee(s): Finance
Relevant Business Interests: None
Details of other Educational Establishments of which you are a Governor: None
Relationships with members of staff: None
Term of Office expires: March 2028
Attendance last academic year- 100%
Parent Governor: (Appointed by the parent vote)
Vacancy
LA Governor: (Appointed by the Local Authority/Governing body)
Katharine Skermer - Safeguarding Governor, Mental Health & Wellbeing governor and Chair of Safeguarding committee
Committee(s): Safeguarding
Relevant Business Interests: None
Details of other Educational Establishments of which you are a Governor: None
Relationships with members of staff: None
Term of Office expires: December 2028
Co-opted Governors: (Appointed by the Governing Body)
Kathryn Ward - Chair of Personnel & Curriculum Committee
'I’m a retired Head Teacher of a Derby Nursery school and Children's Centre. I also taught at Ripley Nursery school and have a long association with Ripley Infant School through my children and grandchildren attending as pupils.'
Committee(s): Personnel & Curriculum
Relevant Business Interests: None
Details of other Educational Establishments of which you are a governor: None
Relationships with members of staff, e.g. spouse, relatives: None
Term of Office expires: April 2027
Attendance last academic year - 100%
Janette Ward - SEND Governor
"I have worked for businesses serving the education sector for over 20 years. I also have an association with the school as my two children both attended"
Committee(s): Finance & Premises
Relevant Business Interests: "Jan works for an education supplies company"
Details of other Educational Establishments of which you are a governor: None
Relationships with members of staff, e.g. spouse, relatives: None
Term of office expires: September 2028
Attendance last academic year - 80%
Mandie Beighton - Safeguarding Governor, Mental Health & Wellbeing governor
'I have been a teaching and learning assistant Ripley Infant School since 2014. I join the governing body to take a further developing interest in the running of our school. Our children deserve the best in being part of the decision-making process is an absolute privilege and honour.'
Committee(s): Personnel & Curriculum, Safeguarding
Relevant Business Interests: Employed by Ripley Infant School as a TA
Details of other Educational Establishments of which you are a governor: None
Relationships with members of staff, e.g. spouse, relatives: None
Term of office expires: April 2029
Attendance last academic year- 80%
Vacancy
Staff Governor: (Appointed by staff vote)
Gareth Taylor
'As Deputy Headteacher and teacher at Ripley Infant School I am passionate about our school, children and community. As a staff governor, I look forward to continuing to develop the strategic direction of our school and being involved in the decisions that ensure our school continues to be the best place possible for the children and families who attend here.'
Committee(s): Personnel & Curriculum
Relevant Business Interests: None
Details of other Educational Establishments of which you are a governor: None
Relationships with members of staff, e.g. spouse, relatives: None
Term of Office expires: October 2028
Headteacher
Paula Doleman
Committee(s): Personnel & Curriculum, Finance & Premises, Safeguarding
Relevant Business Interests: None
Details of other Educational Establishments of which you are a governor: None
Relationships with members of staff, e.g. spouse, relatives: None
Attendance last academic year - 100%
Clerk to Governors
Cathy Barrass
To contact please email: ClerkToGov@ripley-inf.derbyshire.sch.uk
Governors leaving over the post 12 months
Mrs Jane Foulkes (Co-opted Governor) Resigned 08.01.23
Miss L Dove (Clerk to Governors) Left 21.07.22
Ms Alison Cope (LA governor) term of office ended February 2023
Lindsey Willis (Co-opted governor & Vice Chair) resigned August 2024
Kirsty Saunders (Staff Governor) resigned September 2024
Kelly Smith (Parent Governor) resigned March 2025
