Meet our Governors

Mrs Nicola Harries

Chair of Governors

Chair of Governors Initially, I worked as a radiographer but due to family commitments, I moved into the education environment where I worked in a school for children aged 2-6 with additional needs. As part of this school’s remit, I moved into a team who visited other primary schools on request to work with children struggling with both educational and behavioural needs on a short-term basis, to assist both the child and the supporting staff. This school then federated with a mainstream school with access for some of those children until 11. For many yeras, I was a governor at these schools, first as a staff governor, then associate, LEA and finally co-opted. I saw these schools maintain their standards through becoming a Federation and moving to a new build so I have wealth of governance experience which I hope will be helpful in supporting Stannington school. I remained a governor at the schools after finishing working in that environment but I continued working as a home tutor until our move. So, now fully retired, I am enjoying volunteering in school one morning a week, which has helped me to get to know the ethos, values and the ways of the school as well as assisting staff and the children to learn.

Nicola.Harries@school360.co.uk: Email

Mrs Janine Farrell

Parent Governor

Co vice chair of the governing board Resource Management Committee I grew up in Northumberland and, after 15 years of studying and working in London and abroad, returned to the North East in 2018. I have three daughters, one who has recently moved on to middle school, one in key stage two and another who is due to start in nursery. I have a keen interest in the future of this wonderful school and broader community. Professionally, I work as a solicitor in the shipping insurance industry, now in-house after 8 years in private practice. I hope to bring many of the skills I have developed over the years to my role as Parent Governor, along with enthusiasm for and commitment to the school, its pupils and staff. I am married to Rich, a graphic designer, and together we are enjoying settling into Stannington and discovering the region again with a fresh perspective.

Mr Matthew Williamson

Loal authority governor

Co vice chair of the governing board Resource Management Committee I grew up in south west Northumberland, near Hexham and moved on to the Blagdon Estate, near Stannington, in August 2017. I have daughter who attended Stannington First School. She loved the school and so it made me want to help the staff and governing body ensure the school continues to flourish. Professionally, I am a qualified Chartered Surveyor in the rural sector which enables me to be the resident Land Agent for the Blagdon Estate. I hope to be able to use my knowledge of property, accounts and a number of my other skills to the role of governor. In my spare time I enjoy playing cricket, fishing and other country pursuits which enables me to see some of the most beautiful parts of Northumberland.

matt.williamson@school360.co.uk: Email

Mrs Angela Harker

Co-opted Governor

Resource Committee I am the school business manager and a co-opted governor and I have worked at Stannington First School since 2012 having previously worked at an accountancy firm. I am also the minute taker for the Resource Management committee.

admin@stannington.northumberland.sch.uk: Email

Mr Stephen Tunesi

Deputy Headteacher

Strategic, Policy and Direction Committee I have been at Stannington First School school since 2011 but took up the role of deputy headteacher in September 2020. Currently, I teach in Year Two and I am also the maths and computing leader across school. I also coach our school football team and organise STEM club, after school.

admin@stannington.northumberland.sch.uk: Email

Mrs Karen Carins

Co-opted Governor

Strategic, Policy and Direction Committee I have lived in Stannington Parish for over 35 years and my 3 children attended Stannington First School. I was a parent volunteer for many years and helped the children with art and craft projects. I am a retired Veterinary Practice Manager. Currently I am the Chair of Stannington Parish Council and also involved in other community groups within Stannington. This involvement has included working with Stannington First School on various projects so I am very happy to be co-opted onto the Governing Board to further this relationship. I have always acted for the benefit of the school in my dealings with Northumberland County Council, and I continue to work, on their behalf, to improve the conditions experienced by the staff and children. Stannington First School holds a special place in my heart and I am totally committed to ensuring that all the children enjoy the best education possible and that their lasting memories of their time at the school will be of a happy, safe environment that gave them the best start in life. I fully support all the staff, parents and pupils and I look forward to working with and learning from my fellow Governors.

Mrs Ingrid McRitchie

Parent governor

Strategic, Policy and Direction Committee I currently live at St Marys Park with my husband and two children. I grew up in Morpeth and moved back in 2018 after living in Newcastle and studying in Leeds. My family and I love being in Stannington and we feel fortunate to be part of such a great community. My daughter currently attends Stannington First School and we love its family/community vibe and the support it provides to our daughter (and hopefully to our son in the future). Professionally I am a qualified accountant and have worked in the financial services industry for the past 15 years, predominately in Audit/Risk & Control/Financial management roles. I currently head up the Audit Function at Virgin Money and I have a particular interest in governance and reporting and overseeing the effectiveness of control environments to safeguard company’s assets and reputation. In my spare time I treasure time with my family and friends and enjoy running and cross fit.

Mrs Jackie Jordan

Co-opted governor

Strategic, Policy and Direction Committee AFter 34 years of teaching in a primary school, I recently retired but was still keen to remain involved in education and the life of a school. I have experience, not only with teaching across the primary age range, but as a subject leader for R.E., music, English and geography aswell as serving as a teacher governor for a number of years. Joining the governing board at Stannington is a wonderful opportunity for me to give something back to both the school and village community.

Mrs Alexandra Palmer

Headteacher

As headteacher, I am a member of both our sub committees Headteacher Governor Term of office - 2017- present During my time at Stannington First school, the Governing Board have been very supportive. They work alongside me to ensure I have clear, strategic vision for the school and I am leading it effectively to meet the needs of our pupils, staff and wider community. I sit on each of the committees and working groups and I am enormously grateful for all that our Governors do for Stannington First School.