Governor Pen Portraits

Mr Mark Whyman - Executive Head Teacher

After a number of years working in a commercial business environment, I decided I wanted to move into teaching. I undertook my teaching qualification (PGCE) at Leicester University and then my first teaching position at a primary school in the city of Derby. From here, I became an Assistant Headteacher and then Headteacher at a Derbyshire Junior school. I moved to Heath Fields Primary School, as Headteacher in 2010. It is a privilege to be in the position of Executive Headteacher (of Church Broughton Primary School and Heath Fields Primary School) and a governor of the Dove Federation.  I look forward to working with the governing board, school staff and children to ensure our schools provide the best they can for our children and the communities we serve.

Mr Matt Thompson - Co-opted Governor

It is a pleasure to have become a member of the Dove Federation Governing Board in October 2023.  I grew up and live in the local area and I’m looking forward to supporting the Federation in ensuring that every child has a brilliant and rewarding journey during their time at school.  I have two daughters who are now at secondary school. 

I work in Compliance for a large telecommunications firm where I have experience of leading large teams, resource management, stakeholder engagement and ensuring the company meets its regulatory and legislative requirements.  I believe this experience will support the Governing Board and school colleagues in making the best decisions for the future of the school, the children and their families.  I am a member of the Resource Committee and Link Governor responsibility for GDPR.

Mr Gavin Wilson - Parent Governor

I have lived in Derby now for 33 years, living locally in Mickeover before moving to Church Broughton 5 years ago with my wife Sarah, and two sons, Zachary and Barnaby.

I have worked in education as a PE teacher for 16 years, working in schools in Leicester, and more locally at Derby Moor School and Littleover Community School. I am currently Assistant Head of Dept which involves developing a broad and balanced curriculum for all our pupils. I am also Assistant Head of year 7 which is a pastoral role involving ensuring the year group are safe, happy and all reaching their expected levels of progress.

As a new parent governor, I want to be able to share my knowledge of education to help assist the school in continuing to provide the excellent, enjoyable learning experience that the school currently provides.

Mrs Lucy Charlton - Foundation Governor

My role on the governing body of the Dove Federation is that of Foundation Governor. I was initially appointed in September 2020 as a Foundation Governor at Church Broughton C of E [Controlled] Primary School by the PCC of St Michaels & All Angels Church in Church Broughton. I have a Link Governor responsibility for the Early Years Foundation Stage [EYFS] at both Heathfields and Church Broughton schools. I am also a member of the ‘Teaching and Learning’ governor committee.

As a governor, I recognise the importance of providing an outstanding standard of education for children and relish the opportunity to be able to have a positive input into the Dove Federation by encouraging the schools to strive to provide the best opportunities for all children at both schools.

For over 30 years I have worked in primary education, teaching initially in London and then Derbyshire. I have also worked for Derbyshire Local Education Authority as a Key Stage 1 moderator.     

I have lived on the outskirts of Church Broughton for over 25 years and both my adult children have attended Church Broughton school.

Mr Paul Vernon - Foundation Governor

I was brought up on a dairy farm in North Shropshire, where I went to a small C of E Primary School not unlike Church Broughton. My secondary school was a large comprehensive, similar to John Port. I studied Computer Science at Warwick University and worked for IBM for 26 years as a consultant on database systems.

I live in Church Broughton with my wife. All three of our children have attended Church Broughton School, with our youngest child currently in year 4.

I am a member of the Church Broughton Parochial Church Council and the Community Plan steering group. I was a Foundation Governor for Church Broughton School for 6 years. I use my knowledge and skills to help support the success of the Federation.

Mrs Claire Perrett - Staff Governor

My name is Claire Perrett and I have worked at Church Broughton C of E Primary School since September 2012.  I am passionate about ensuring that every child is given a broad and balanced curriculum, involving as many different opportunities as possible.   

As part of my role as SENDCo, I undertook my NASENCO qualification at Derby University.  This new academic challenge also motivated me to enroll in an NPQSL, which I am currently completing.  I have worked across the federation as interim SENDCo at Heath Fields Primary School.   

As a governor of the Dove Federation, I am enthusiastic about supporting both schools in the federation to provide the very best for our school communities. 

Mr Gary Pykitt - Co-opted Governor  

I am a qualified primary school teacher and taught in Burton upon Trent for six years, working as a class teacher with subject responsibilities for History and ICT and latterly as Head of Key Stage Two. I was an NQT Induction Tutor and worked with a number of trainee teachers during their school placements as an accredited School Based Tutor. I have worked as a Senior Lecturer in Primary Education (Professional Studies and History) in April 2008 and have gained a wealth of educational experience during this time and am now working as the College Academic Lead for Equality, Diversity and Inclusion across the College of Education and Social Work at Birmingham City University. I have previously had a lead role in quality enhancement across the College. I have worked with a range of schools across the Midlands, supporting trainee teachers and school-based mentors. I have significant experience of external examining Initial Teacher Education provision at various universities. Currently, I am an External Examiner for the BA (Hons) Primary Education with QTS course at Staffordshire University and the equivalent course at the University of Brighton. I have a keen interest in History; particularly enhancing the effectiveness of history pedagogy in primary schools. In addition to this, I am passionate about ensuring schools address issues around homophobia, biphobia and transphobia through a fully inclusive and challenging curriculum. I am a Senior Fellow of the Higher Education Academy, in recognition of my extensive experience and influence in the field. I have a secure understanding of a range of issues currently impacting upon education; supported by a wide network of educational professionals. Currently I am a doctoral student, studying towards a professional doctorate in education with a focus on inclusivity through the primary curriculum. I have lived in Hatton since 2013 and I am delighted to be working with The Dove Federation as Chair of the Governing Board with Link Governor responsibility for safeguarding and Child Protection, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion. I am also a member of the Teaching and Learning Committee. I am committed to supporting the Federation to provide the very best educational experience for every child and their families. I look forward to working with school colleagues, children, their families and the wider community in the coming year.

Mrs Laura Bell - Co-opted Governor

I have been a governor for over 2 years and have two children that attend Heathfields. I am passionate about improving the education and opportunities for all children across the federation and ensuring that they are able to learn in a safe environment. In my professional life I am a HR Business Partner for a national care provider and bring to the governing board a knowledge of human resource management and safeguarding. I look forward to continuing to work with the governing board and school community.

Mrs Sarah Rea - Co-opted Governor

I am passionate about teaching and learning and the impact that this can have on a young person.  I truly believe in the academic and moral imperative which sits behind education and how this can enable students to achieve their full potential.  This is possible not only through excellent teaching but by providing students with enriching opportunities inside and outside of the classroom.  This 'cultural capital' ensures that students grow as people as well as academics and promotes wellbeing as well as data led results or OFSTED gradings.

My daughter is currently in Year 2 at Heath Fields and she enjoys every minute of her time at school.  My younger daughter will be joining the school in September and therefore I have a vested interest in the development of the School.  However, this is not the only motivator for wanting the School to succeed! I believe that playing an active role in the community through Governorship can positively impact not just on the life chances of the students within the school but also on the wider community.

I believe that my experience in education provides me with the tools to support the School in its journey.  I am a teacher myself as well as being Head of Humanities and Teaching and Learning Lead Practitioner in a local secondary school with over 1,500 students.  I also oversee History provision for the entire Multi Academy Trust of over 5,000 students and over 30 teaching staff.  I have also previously worked as Assistant Head of 6th Form and ITT coordinator, organising and supporting the training of new teaching staff.  This experience of academic and pastoral roles within schools as well as the day to day teaching means that I have a valuable insight into the workings of schools and equips me with the relevant skills and knowledge on how to best support the development of Heath Fields and Church Broughton schools.

Mrs Sophie McBride - Associate Governor

My name is Sophie McBride and I have the privilege of being the Head of School at Heath Fields Primary School. I have been part of the teaching team at Heath Fields for 6 years and I am extremely proud to now be leading such a talented and committed team of staff. Part of my role as Head of School is to work closely with governors to help facilitate effective, long-term school improvement, with children at the heart of everything that we do. I am passionate about our children being given the best quality education and opportunities to help them with their future happiness, career ambitions and to help towards social mobility.

Mr Andrew Rudge - Associate Governor

I have worked at Church Broughton C of E Primary since 2014 and took on the role of Head of School in January 2019. As a resident of Church Broughton, I am incredibly fortunate to be able to serve my community by endeavouring to make our small, village school as good as it can possibly be. I passionately believe in the power of education to improve children's lives.

Mrs Lucy Watson - Parent Governor with a responsibility for SEN 

My children have recently joined Heath Fields Primary in September 2022 following moving to Hatton in 2020. 

I’ve have worked for Derby City Local Authority for over 15 years in a variety of roles that have involved supporting the most vulnerable children and families within the community. These have been within The Youth Offending Service, Children’s Social Care, Alternative Provision schools, a mainstream secondary school and more recently within the Learning and Skills section as a SEND Officer. 

I have a BSc in Sociology and Education, and my career has meant that I have enhanced understanding of Safeguarding Children, Looked after Children, Pupil Premium and Special educational needs  

As a new parent to Heath Fields, I think by being a parent governor it will give me an insight into school life, processes and policies within the federation and enable me to share my knowledge and experience to support all children, especially the most vulnerable, to have a positive education experience. 

Mrs Vickie Melling - LA Governor

I was appointed as a Local Authority Governor at the end of June 2023 and am a member of the Teaching and Learning Committee. 

I moved to Derbyshire from Worcestershire in September 2022, and in Worcestershire I was a Governor of a VA Church of England Primary School. 

I am a Christian and am part of the Ministry team in the local parishes of Church Broughton, Boylestone, Hatton and Hilton with Marston on Dove. 

In my working career I was a Technical Author for a multinational computer organisation, so I have a reasonably technical background, with Computer Studies as my main qualification. Following early retirement I retrained in a childcare role and have a qualification in Level 3 pre-school Practice, which enabled me to work in a Children’s Centre for a short time. I then went on to set up and run a parent and toddler group for the church in Worcestershire for 9 years until I moved away. 

As a Governor of the Dove Federation my goal is to ensure that all the children have the opportunity to access the best quality of education possible to enable them to flourish in whatever they choose to do. 

Mrs Yasmine Girling

I am a registered nurse that has worked within health services for 10 years in a variety of roles including the prison setting, community and inpatient services. A large part of this role is ensuring the service continues to develop, is provided at a good quality, promote staff wellbeing and managing the financial budgets of the service. I have lived locally since 2014, and I am a busy mum of two very active boys. I enjoy reading, camping and spending time playing board games with my family and friends. Outside of this I am also a lecturer at university. 

In my role as a co-opted governor, I am the link governor for pupil and staff wellbeing within the Dove Federation. I am a member of the resource committee and am committed to working within the federation to ensure a good quality of education and experience of all the pupils and colleagues within the federation. I look forward to working with you all over the upcoming years.