For more information about the Governors and their roles and responsibilities please refer to 'Key Information' under the 'Governors' Section. 

Helen Taylor (Chair of Governors)

My name is Helen Taylor and I am the Chair of Governors.

I have had links with Ribblesdale Nursery since 1994 when three of my own children attended and in recent years in my role as a childminder.

I have lived in Clitheroe for most of my life and have been a registered childminder for over 25 years so have a sound knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage, Child development and hold a level 3 qualification as well as the Lancashire Quality Award.

I have a special interest in supporting children with special and additional needs.

I have helped with forest school activities and come into nursery whenever time allows.   

Rebecca Wright (Vice Chair of Governors)

Hello! My name is Becky Wright and I am a governor here at 'Ribblesdale Nursery'. My two eldest children have come through the nursery and it was whilst my eldest was here that I became a governor. Seeing the passion and dedication of the whole team was infectious and I wanted to join alongside them in their pursuit to give the best possible start to the children's education. I am a trained primary school teacher and taught for 7 years in Nottingham and Burnley before taking a career break to raise my young family. I am part of the Standards and Effectiveness team and am able to bring my knowledge and enthusiasm for the curriculum; safe practices and safeguarding; behaviour strategies; and my love of performing arts to the team. It is a privilege to be a small part of this wonderful education setting. 

Clare Howell (Governor)

My name is Clare Howell. I grew up in Clitheroe and attended the nursery myself as a youngster, which I have fond memories. Both my children have recently attended the Nursery School.

I am passionate about children’s education and development and believe nursery school gives children a strong foundation to build on. My passion is what led me to becoming a Governor.

As a qualified and experienced chartered management accountant I have valuable skills and expertise to bring to the role and help make the Nursery school a success, at a time when nursery schools, like all schools, is facing increased financial pressure due to a reduction in central government funding.

Amy Rudman 

My name is Amy Rudman. We moved to Clitheroe in 2021 and our daughter attended Ribblesdale from then until she started school. I became a Parent Governor when our daughter started. Our son started his journey with Ribblesdale in Cascades at the start of this year.

Ribblesdale provides an excellent setting for children, and I especially support the foundations it provides to starting primary school, including establishing routines and structured learning. My daughter has SEN, so I am especially interested in education supporting children with these needs. Ribblesdale were wonderfully supportive with our daughters transition from her previous nursery and all her time spent there.

I am a qualified and experienced Environmental, Health and Safety Manager, and I use these skills in assisting the Nursery school with advice and knowledge in these areas in my role as Governor, ensuring they continue to sustain a safe and secure environment for children to thrive.

Debbie Gornall-Fox

Hi – my name is Debbie. I have been in education for longer than I care to remember (about 35 years!) and I love child centered early years education

My link to Ribblesdale is that I used to work here, from 2006- first as the Children’s Centre Deputy Head, and then as lead teacher in the Nursery school. I loved the role, working with children and their families in the Ribble Valley, and in particular, working to support children and parents of children with special educational needs

Since my retirement in 2022, I currently work as the SENDco for Ribblesdale Nursery school and Cascades Daycare, and also across 3 other Nursery schools in Lancashire, as I have found the SENDco role to be so rewarding

I have remained on the governing body at Ribblesdale as I believe that early years education is crucial to the future development of all children and I feel that this is a way I can help to make a difference

Jay Lingard

Hi I’m Jay lingard and have been a governor at the nursery for around 6 months. I have experience of the nursery as a parent so know the staff and setting well. I have worked in safeguarding and child protection for 13 years so bring knowledge from those domains to my role as governor. I have experience working in education and SEN and also teach children’s yoga. 

Bonnie-Anne Phillips

Bonnie-Anne Phillips is the Relationship Manager for AMS Group, where her extensive network and ability to build strong connections have made her well-known across Lancashire in both the corporate and charity sectors. Outside of her corporate role, Bonnie-Anne works as an actress, represented by Lauren Kelly Casting. Her passion for the arts extends into her personal life, as she and her husband co-produce and run the much-loved annual pantomime at The Grand in Clitheroe, bringing creativity and joy to their local community.

As a dedicated parent, she is actively involved in her child's early education, which led to her joining the nursery's board of governors earlier this year.

Mary Williams 

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