Our School Governors

Deborah White

I have been involved with the school for over 20 years as a parent, governor, classroom helper and long ago as chair of the school association. I have enjoyed watching successive generations of local children thrive and succeed at Lady Bay. Over some 14 years as a governor I have acted as link for a range of areas and currently focus on safeguarding and PCHSE. I chair the Strategic Committee and am currently Chair of Governors.

Phil Craig

I have 3 children, all of whom are former pupils at Lady Bay School, and have been a governor since 2015.  I have seen significant improvements, but our school still faces unique challenges such as managing listed buildings and restricted space for sports and play. I believe children’s education should include a balance of academia, sports, culture and fun. I am the Head of Operations for a local company making Sports Simulators, working in an industry outside of education affords me a different perspective which I believe has positive effect on decision-making and healthy discussion to maintain strong governance. I enjoy walking the dog, swimming, rugby and golfing. Over the last 15 years, I have been involved in coaching junior rugby at West Bridgford, strongly believing that sport provides a great foundation for life. I am currently a co-opted member of the governing body, having formerly been Chair of Resources and Vice Chair of Governors.

Suzanne Farrell

I became a parent governor in October 2015 when my daughter attended Lady Bay and am now a co-opted governor. I am currently a Vice Chair and am the SEND (Special Educational Needs and Disabilities) governor.

Most of my career has been spent in special education where I have worked as a teacher and curriculum leader within specialist provision for children and young people with complex needs. I currently work as a specialist teacher for the Health Related Education Team in Notts.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with family and friends, walking and swimming outdoors, cinema and reading.

Trevor Riddiough

I am a co‑opted governor, appointed in 2025. Having lived in Lady Bay for more than 30 years, I’m keen to give something back to a community that has given me and my family so much.

My professional background is in education at senior leadership level, with a particular focus on school improvement. Throughout my career, I have been committed to helping schools create the best possible environment for children to thrive.

Now retired, I continue working as a retained volunteer with the Nottinghamshire Search and Rescue Team. I also work as a Mountain Guide for an international holiday company, combining my love of the outdoors with supporting others to explore it safely.

Alison Thomas

I was elected as a Parent Governor in November 2018. I have two children, the eldest is now at secondary school, and my youngest is in year 4.

I have my own small business supporting people and teams to unlearn limiting labels, to reconnect, and thrive. My employed background is as a senior leader and CEO in the public and charity sectors, working mainly within homelessness and domestic abuse. The roles enabled me to further my experience of strategy development, people management and human resources, budget management, and working with a governing body.

I am keen to use the skills I have obtained to date in supporting and improving the success of Lady Bay and supporting the school to respond to the current financial position whilst continuing to offer an inclusive, stimulating and fun learning experience.

I am particularly passionate about inclusive education and believe that the physical and mental wellbeing of pupils and staff should be given high priority.

Rachel Ost

I joined the governing body in March 2016. I live locally in Lady Bay and enjoy being a part of such a vibrant and friendly community, which was one of my reasons for wanting to be a governor. I am Head of English at a secondary school in Leicester and am passionate about Education and working with other education professionals to provide the best opportunities for children and young people. I am on the strategy committee and am link governor for English and Curriculum. I love reading, unsurprisingly as an English teacher, as well as running marathons, walking in the Lakes or the Peaks and spending time with my family and friends.

Catherine Barton

Julia Hillier

I was elected as a parent governor in Autumn 2022. I have two sons, one of which is at Lady Bay, currently in Year 1.

I am a primary school teacher in Old Basford, Nottingham and hope to use my expertise in primary education to support the school as it continues to build on the success of their recent Ofsted inspection.

In my spare time I enjoy reading, traveling and spending time with friends and family.

Hannah Stubbs

I have been a teacher at Lady Bay since 2020 and currently teach full-time in Year 3. I think this is a fantastic school with passionate staff who work hard to prepare children both academically and personally for their next steps in life. In school, I frequently talk with children openly and honestly about having dyslexia and what that means. I believe it is important for children to grow up understanding themselves and others and having a chance to ask questions. I have recently taken over the school garden and am on a mission to make the most of our limited green space for all children to enjoy as part of OPAL play. Outside of school, you might find me reading, wild swimming, walking, gardening or baking.

Bella Danaher

I was elected as a Parent Governor in December 2024 and have three children currently at the school. We moved to Lady Bay a few years ago from London and absolutely love the school’s community values and ethos. We feel very lucky to be part of such an amazing neighbourhood. As an experienced English Teacher, I hope to bring my educational expertise to help the school go from strength to strength. In my spare time, I love reading (of course), playing UNO with my kids (and losing), and playing touch rugby (badly) in our local women’s team.