Suzie Charman
Chair

I have two daughters in school and believe that every child deserves the best educational opportunities to achieve their potential.

I work part-time in a Lincoln Primary School supporting Pupil Premium children and those who require additional help in reading, writing and Maths.

As a school governor I am jointly responsible for Safeguarding. I am on the school-run most mornings, so please feel free to approach me with any questions or queries. Our governing body strives to ask pertinent questions so we value your opinions and experiences to inform them.

Fiona Kent
Headteacher

I am very proud to be the head teacher and a member of the governing body at Waddington Redwood Primary Academy. As a mature entrant to teaching after a 12-year career in the Royal Air Force, I have been a qualified teacher for over 16 years. In that time, I have worked in a variety of schools across Lincolnshire and Nottinghamshire. I became a head teacher because I am passionate about education and the difference that it can make to children's life chances. I believe in the importance of nurturing children and so the Redwood ethos of 'Broadening Horizons' is very close to my heart.

In my spare time, I enjoy spending time with my husband, Dave, my children Bradley and Emily, and my dog, Gryffindor. I also like running, Crossfit, visiting the theatre, skiing and reading.

Toni Gamwell
Vice Chair

I currently have two children at Redwood. I have been the chairperson of the Redwood Friends Association for six out of the last seven years, which has allowed me to be a part of the Redwood family and provide fun for the children and fundraising for the school. I graduated with a Fine Art degree before having my children and since then I have ran my own business. The last five years I have worked in the Secondary education sector and now work full time in a local secondary academy as a Design and Technology teacher. In my spare time I like to travel and have recently caught the “theatre bug”!

Emma Nicholls

Hi I am Mrs Nicholls and I have been teaching at Waddington Redwood Primary for 6 years and I am currently teaching the Year 4 class, I am the phase team leader for Lower Key Stage Two, part of the Senior Leadership Team in school and I have just joined the schools governing body. I really enjoy being part of the Waddington Redwood family working alongside parents, staff and now the governors too! Outside of school I really enjoy reading especially the Harry Potter Series, watching movies, singing, playing with my two cats Katniss and Leia and when I can get on it I also enjoy playing games on the PlayStation! I also really love visiting London, normally during the holidays, to shop for shoes and to see musicals my favourites at the moment being Les Miserables, The Phantom of the Opera and Wicked!

Lance Pennell

I was born and raised in Blackburn and studied Chemical Engineering at the University of Newcastle upon Tyne. I am now a retired RAF pilot and lived in the Brant Road area when I flew Vulcans from RAF Waddington. Subsequently, much of my 36 years in the RAF was spent in flying training posts, teaching and standardizing both students and their instructors. After my retirement from the Service, in May 2011 I became the North Kesteven District Councillor for the Waddington West Ward where the School is located and then joined the Governing Body in September 2012. I believe firmly that good education and training is key to our future.

A keen golfer, I also follow motor sport and enjoy skiing with my wife.

Amanda Bett

Hello my name is Amanda Bett, I have four children; two currently at Redwood Primary School. I have just recently moved back to the area and chose Redwood for its friendly-family feel; it's a great school and I want to help it be the best it can be.

I have a positive can-do attitude and would like to give something back to the community I live in. I have a creative background with a degree in Fine Art. Now I'm a full time mother, previously I worked in a contemporary Art Gallery in Birmingham.

I enjoy anything creative from interior design, craft, sewing and gardening to collecting antiques. I lovethe simplest things; like cooking Sunday dinner for friends and family.

I'm happy to help anyone, so please don't hesitate to have a chat at the school gate.

Josie Jamieson

As a parent of a child in the school and as a recently qualified teacher, I had a natural interest in education and school life. Becoming a governor has provided an opportunity to give back something to the school that has served my child and step-children well and helped them progress to the next stage of their school life. Seeing how the school has gone from strength to strength over the years has been a pleasure to be a part of, as a parent and governor.

Prior to carving out a career in teaching (at the grand old age of 46) I had previously held positions as an Editor and journalist. I have worked at Lincolnshire Life magazine and within the marketing and communications team at Interflora, having studied at the University of Worcester gaining a degree in Psychology and Sociology.

When I am not teaching, I enjoy spending time with my husband Allan, daughter Freya and two step-sons. As my daughter has recently abandoned her stabilisers on her bike, much of this time is spent on family cycle rides!

Jeanette Wilson

I have lived in the Brant Road area for over 25 years and my daughter, nieces and nephews were all Redwood pupils. My grandson is a pupil at the school from September 2018 and I am keen to support the school's aim to 'broaden horizons' for every pupil. I am keen to help all pupils achieve their potential both academically and creatively.

I have a professional and academic background in accounts, finance, business management and teacher. I have a management degree and qualifications in teaching and information technology.

I have recently retired from Lincoln college as a Business and Finance lecturer and was chairperson for the Skills for Life group, who supported adult learners with learning difficulties and disabilities. I was also an Equal Opportunities representative and taught literacy to adult learners.

I am looking forward to meeting and working with governors, staff, pupils and parents.

Trevor Smith

I was born in Grimsby and at sixteen I went to a naval college in London and later spent 7 years as a sea-going marine engineer. During my career I gained a degree in mathematics from the Open University and a master's degree in engineering from the Glasgow Caledonian University. By profession and training, I am a maintenance engineer / manager with twenty years' experience in the semiconductor industry working for American and Japanese Corporations. However, the last fifteen years I was employed as a project manager working in the oil and gas industry for both onshore and offshore installations.
I chose to become a governor as I realise the importance of education and how decisions made at school can have a lifelong impact on young peoples' lives. I felt that as I have benefited from a good education, it is only right to give something back to help young people, especially as I have grandchildren at primary school. I believe being a Governor will give me that opportunity.

Now retired, I spend quality time with my wife, four daughters, eleven grandchildren and two great grandchildren, not forgetting the dog Bella. I spend a lot of time in the garden, the fruits from which I try to turn into home made wine. I also recently joined Dunholme bowls club, where I am trying to improve my game.

Linda Dickinson

I am a retired Primary schoolteacher and have lived in the locality for over 26 years.
I worked full time for many years but now am able to volunteer and spend time as a governor for our local school. I was also a Special Educational Needs Co-Ordinator during my career and apart from my teaching degree I also obtained a P.G.C in Dyslexia Studies.

I am married with children and three grandchildren. I also volunteer in our local St Barnabus hospice shop so you may see me there too! When I have time I try and go to Pilates classes and I also enjoy hill walking. My other hobbies include reading, scrabble and gardening.

I look forward to being a member of Waddington Redwood Primary Academy's Governing Body.