About our Governors
Simon Marshalsea:
I joined the Governing Body of Ashfield Infant and Nursery School in 2016 when a vacancy became available for a Parent Governor. At the time, both of my children attended the school, although they have long since moved on. I completed the four-year term, during the latter part of which I served as Chair of the Health and Safety Committee.
Having gained valuable experience and knowledge in this role, I felt it would be a waste to step away, so I continued as a co-opted governor. I am now in my second four-year term as a co-opted governor and, for the past two and a half years, have served as Chair of Governors or latterly Co-Chair, a role which allows me to draw on many aspects of my professional experience in Health and Safety.
Heather Allenby:
I am Heather Allenby, your new Co-Chair of Govenors and a parent at the school. In my professional life I work as a project manager, which allows me to apply my skills in organisation, problem-solving and keeping people and plans on track. I want to make a positive contribution to the school and provide supportive challenge to help ensure the best outcomes for all pupils.
Vicky McTear:
Hello, My name is Vicky McTear. I am a passionate educator and have been in the teaching profession for over 23 years. In my current role as Deputy Head Teacher at Ashfield Infant and Nursery School, I am keen to share my experience and expertise with the Governing Body. I took up my position as a Teacher Governor in 2024. In my role as a governor I believe my primary aim is to support our lovely school to continue to grow and develop and to ensure that all children in our care are valued and given rich learning opportunities which will enable them to flourish as they develop and grow personally, socially and reach their academic potential.
Jenna Pears:
My name is Jenna Pears and I am a co-opted governor for Ashfield Infants and Nursery School. I decided I wanted to be a part of the school's governing body not only because my children have and will attend this school, but also, I wanted to enhance a positive link between the two schools in the Ashfield community. I have worked as a teacher at Ashfield Junior School for over 10 years now and I think it’s vital for the children to have continuity, progression, and positive educational experiences from nursery right up to secondary school. I hope that I can help to do this by adhering to the role at the best of my ability. Working together as a team helps us all to achieve and accomplish great things for our children.
Hayley Ramsden:
My name is Hayley Ramsden, and I am a school governor with 17 years’ teaching experience, including 12 years working within the SEND sector and now a SENCO at a school in Keswick. As a parent of two girls who have attended Ashfield Infants, I have a strong personal connection to the school and its community. As a co-opted governor, I am committed to using my professional knowledge and lived experience to support inclusive practice, challenge effectively, and help the school continue to thrive.
Emily Olvanhill:
I first started working at Ashfield Infant and Nursery School in 2015 as a teaching assistant in our Nursery.
Shortly after, I was appointed as a teacher and have taught in Reception, Year 1, and currently, Year 2. My other roles in school include SENDCo, PE coordinator and Chair of our newly formed PTA. I gladly joined the governing body in September 2024 as a co-opted governor, and I am passionate about the continued growth and development of our school. I am committed to ensuring successful delivery of our vision, values, and ethos so that our pupils, parents/carers, and staff can continue to thrive.
Deborah Wilkinson:
Having been a parent governor since 2015, I have had the privilege of seeing Ashfield thrive from two perspectives: first as a parent to two daughters who attended the school, and later as a long-standing member of the Governing Body. My time here has seen me through two Ofsted inspections and several different leadership responsibilities. It has been eye-opening to see the incredible work that happens behind the scenes to support our children. Outside of school, I bring 19 years of experience from the nuclear industry, where I currently work in Operations leadership. I love being able to use my professional skills to give back to the local community that has given so much to my own family.
Steph Walker
I'm really proud to be part of the governing team at Ashfield Infant and Nursery School. As a parent myself, with a strong interest in education, I’ve seen first-hand how these early experiences—and the dedication of our amazing staff—help children grow into confident, wonderful, and capable individuals. Ashfield is a special place that gives children the best possible start, and I’m passionate about helping to create a nurturing, inclusive environment where every child feels safe, supported, and inspired to learn.
As a governor with a background in education policy, I bring my commitment to ensuring high standards, promoting wellbeing, and helping the school make decisions that reflect the needs of our children, families, and community. I value the opportunity to work alongside dedicated staff and fellow governors to help the school continue to grow and succeed.
Keith Hunton
My name is Keith Hunton and I am the Local Authority appointed Governor for AINS, I joined the Governing body in 2022. All four of my grandchildren have attended the school with the youngest one just starting his journey this year, 2025/26 in the nursery. With my background in policing and especially working with young people, I was approached and asked to take on the role of the Link Safeguarding Governor. I am extremely proud of the safeguarding team that we have here and also with every single member of staff who all put safeguarding at the front of all they do. Being semi-retired allows me the time to regularly visit the school to see all our dedicated staff helping the children develop, and to assist them in reaching their full potential.