The Cobbs Infant and Nursery School

Some members of our Governing Body have specific responsibilities for designated curriculum or subject areas.  These areas, together with committee membership are appointed and agreed at the autumn term meeting each year. The following documents detail specific governor responsibilities and governor committees with identified chair persons and governor attendance for committee and full governing body meetings.

Governor Committee List

Governor Attendance at Meetings

Donna Marsh (Chair and Parent Representative)

We were pleased how Cameron settled into Cobbs, and how he progressed, which is largely due to the caring and supportive ethos of the school, and the wonderful staff.  We knew that he would face some challenges, and we cannot thank the school enough for the brilliant way in which they worked with him, and us, to overcome them.  He has now moved to the Juniors and has made a fantastic start, and our youngest son Euan is at Cobbs and is doing brilliantly. I have been a teacher for over fifteen years, and have taught across the primary age range, in a number of schools.  I am a qualified SENCo, and am currently in the final year of a Master's degree in Special Educational Needs and Disabilities.

Pamela Driscoll (Vice Chair and Parent Representative)

I have two daughters.  My eldest started her journey at Cobbs in Cygnets class when she was two years old, moving through preschool and has now started in reception. The welcoming environment and caring nature of all the staff has been key in our decision to send our children to Cobbs.

Professionally I am a bilingual PA working for a large international corporation having previously lived and worked in various other European countries. I hope to use my organisational skills to help Cobbs and the Governing Body run smoothly and streamline processes where necessary. Through my experiences I am convinced that children benefit from exposure to vast and varied opportunities and this is something I am passionate about promoting within Cobbs.

Colin Tait (Co-opted Representative)

I am a Chartered Engineer with experience of working in the private and public sectors in a safety critical industry.  

Originally from the North East, I moved to Stockton Heath with my wife and two young daughters over ten years ago.  Both of my children attend local schools and I believe that successful well managed schools, which provide stimulating and engaging learning opportunities, play a vital role in helping our children to develop their potential. I am committed to support The Cobbs in its aim to promote the highest educational standards for all in each area of the curriculum and will provide my experience of organisational management systems to support the governing body.

Kim Burdett (Co-opted Representative)

I have lived in Warrington for over 20 years, and when it was time to decide which school our son should go to, we felt strongly that Cobbs was the right place for him. We were, of course, proven right as he thrived in the caring, nurturing and stimulating environment that the staff and governors have created. I’ve been volunteering in Cobbs for a few years now and I’ve absolutely loved spending time in school and with the children.  I thoroughly enjoy being involved with Cobbs and I want to ensure, as a governor, that I help the school to continue the wonderful educational experience that it provides for the children. 

Liz Jervis (Local Authority Representative) 

I am a retired Mathematics teacher and a Chemical Engineer.

I have lived in this area of Warrington for over 25 years, my children attended The Cobbs Infant and Nursery School, I was chair of Governors at Broomfields Junior School and a Parent Governor and have taught mathematics at Bridgewater High School.

I am extremely proud of our local area and local schools, specifically The Cobbs Infant and Nursery School. My aim is to support The Cobbs to continue to provide the very best educational experience and outcomes possible for our children and am looking forward to seeing it continue to succeed, grow and develop as a continued leader of early year’s education.

Kate Alberda (Parent Representative)

Having worked in child development for many years I understand the importance of every child accessing a safe and enriching learning environment.  As a parent and volunteer working at the school, I have seen first-hand the fantastic work the Cobbs family does. I intend to support the governors and provide a parent’s view to assist the school as it goes from strength to strength. My son started at the school in the nursery and has settled in incredibly well and has become such a confident boy thanks to the amazing teachers at the school.

Amy Harper (Parent Representative)

I have two children in Cobbs and would consider it a privilege to further support the educational experience the school and nursery provides.  I have been impressed at the paperless nature of communication at Cobbs and have been involved professionally with improving computer systems and ensuring they are meeting the needs of their users.   

Currently, I work in the BBC’s Childrens and Education department and specifically within a team which aims to provide safe, fun and ethical digital experiences for children. This aligns with my own values and the values I see at work in Cobbs too.

Janey Hellman (Parent Representative)

I have two young children who benefit from the wonderful Cobbs education. They both joined in September 2019 and love going to Cobbs.  As parents we have been very pleased with the warm, caring and vibrant ethos of the school. We feel that Cobbs has given both girls a strong start in their education. They have both gained confidence and have developed some lovely friendships at Cobbs.  

I work in the charity sector and am currently employed as a Trusts and Grants Fundraiser for a regional youth charity.  Prior to my current role I worked in corporate fundraising for a number of different regional and national children's health charities.  

I'm from Canada and moved to the UK in 2012, living in Bristol until 2018 when we moved to Warrington to be closer to family after our second child was born.  I'm looking forward to contributing to the Cobbs community as a member of the Governing Body.

Sue Collins (Teaching and Co-opted Representative)

I have been a teacher at Cobbs since 1997 and Assistant Headteacher since September 2015. I have worked in every year group managing Year 1, Year 2, Reception and Nursery. Both of my girls attended this school and thoroughly enjoyed their time here, making excellent progress both academically and personally. I believe that it is the caring and creative ethos of the school that built their confidence and inspired their imagination. I thoroughly enjoy working at this school and currently lead the EYFS Team and also represent the teaching staff on the Governing Body. I am committed to making our children’s first steps on the path of education as exciting and enjoyable as I can.

Heather Hanberry (Associate Representative)

I have been employed at the school for over twenty years having previously been employed in personnel and recruitment.  I was Clerk to the Governing Body up until 2016 when I was invited to use this experience and become a Governor. I enjoy my role within the school immensely and have thoroughly enjoyed welcoming many families to our school community over the years. 

There have been many changes in the education system over the years but throughout this, I believe the ethos of our school being a caring, child centred environment has remained a constant throughout this time.