Suzie Charman
Chair

I believe that every child deserves the best educational opportunities to achieve their potential and having two daughters, who are very different to each other, (one currently at Redwood and one who has recently ‘graduated’ to secondary school), has consolidated this view.

I work part-time in a Lincolnshire Primary School supporting disadvantaged children and those who require additional support in reading, writing and maths.

I am Chair of the Local Governing Body (LGB) and I have a responsibility to report to governors on how the academy is meeting its statutory responsibilities with regard to safeguarding.  

The LGB has a responsibility to challenge and support the headteacher.  We also seek feedback from parents/carers, children and staff, whose experiences and opinions help us to plan the strategic direction of the academy.

In my spare time, I enjoy reading (usually the same book repeatedly) and participating  in very light exercise.

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 18 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.

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.

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.

I am delighted to take up the role of parent governor, and I am looking forward to supporting the academy, the children and the wider community.  I moved to the area around 10 years ago, having previously lived in Sleaford, Newark and Worcester (where I studied for a degree in Psychology and Sociology).

Following a career as an editor, I trained as a teacher, spending time in primary schools around Lincolnshire. Currently, I am working as part of the education team for the Lincolnshire Agricultural Society and I continue to have a keen interest in ensuring all children reach their full potential. I also have a daughter at Redwood, and I am happy to help in any way.

I have recently joined the gym and (try!) to keep active, but motivation can be an issue, as I like to curl up with a good book– particularly on the darker evenings!

Sian Milling

I have a strong affiliation with Redwood having started as a child in the Reception class at the age of 4.  Since then, I have returned as a student and as a teacher and have had the privilege of spending the majority of my teaching career here.  This has given me the opportunity to watch a generation of children grow up and bring their own children back through the gates.  In fact my own children, Rosie and Peter, both attended the academy.  I am now pleased to be part of the governing body and look forward to being able to work alongside colleagues to secure the best outcomes for Redwood.  

In my spare time I love to go walking and see the countryside and I often go out in all weathers!  I enjoy reading and can devour books better than anyone I know.  I also love spending time with my friends and family.