Marjorie Bannister - Chair of Governors

I have been recently appointed as Chair of Governors of the Nursery School.

I am an experienced Governor, having just stepped down as Chair (where I had been for 10 years) of a secondary school. Having moved to the area from London in this past year, I am keen to get involved Hungerford Nursery School.  As I have not been involved in early years before, this is a new challenge for me, and I look forward to learning about the children and staff at the school. 

Rebecca Cavill - Parent Governor

I have lived in Hungerford since 2015. My son spent 2 happy years at Hungerford Nursery School, where I became a Parent Governor in November 2023. My background is in Education; after 11 years teaching Music in Secondary Schools, I now teach Early Years and Key Stage 1 (age 3-7). With my experience in teaching, I very much enjoy supporting and being involved with the Nursery at a deeper level, to understand and add to its position in the local community. 

John Downe - Associate Governor

I joined the Governing board in 2021. Whilst being a Town Councillor I had heard about the wonderful contribution the Nursery School and Family Hub makes to our community and I wanted to see if I could be of any assistance.

I am a member of the board’s Finance committee and have taken the lead on health and safety checks around the school. During my time on the board, there has been a lot of financial pressure on the school due to increasing energy bills and pressure to reduce global warming emissions, and so I have taken a particular interest in the school building management, heating systems and electricity usage and costs. As a result, by adding solar panels and changing some of the heating to heat pump technology, we have made significant running cost savings. This means that more of the school’s funds can be used for the educational and well-being benefit of the children rather than buying electricity and gas. Working with the other governors, headteacher and staff is a particularly collaborative, supportive and rewarding experience and I would encourage others with an interest in the school and the community to explore how they could become involved too.

Louisa Fidler - Co-opted Governor

I joined the nursery school governors last year as safeguarding lead and as a general committee member. My professional background is Early Years, fundraising and social care having previously worked in the Hungerford Family Hub and for a domestic abuse charity. I currently work in finance and floristry. This governing opportunity enables me to stay up to date with the early years sector and access a library of valuable training. I am just about to attend training sessions on attachment & trauma as well as school finance. Government run nursery schools and the family hubs hold a special place in my heart having given my daughter the very best start from birth to beginning school.

Sarah Gardner - Co-opted Governor

I am the founder and Chief Executive of Action Through Enterprise, a dynamic charity transforming communities in rural Upper West Ghana. A former primary school teacher and VSO Volunteer, Sarah’s great passion is enabling access to education and creating opportunities for young people to meet their potential. In her spare time, she is an enthusiastic runner and recently published her memoir, ‘To Lawra with Love’.  

Lucy Maynard - Co-Opted Governor

I joined the governing body as a Parent Governor back in 2023, when my youngest was in her final year at the nursery. Both my children had the best start to their education having attended the nursery, and so becoming a governor and supporting the staff was an easy decision. I have a background in teaching at Primary level and now work in the charity sector. Never work with children or animals they say, but I disagree!

Lynn Seabridge - Co-Opted Governor

Originally from Yorkshire we moved to Hungerford almost three years ago to be nearer to our family and our young grandchildren. For most of my teaching career I taught in Reception and Key Stage One in a larger than average infant and nursery school within a diverse community in Huddersfield. I was involved in the village community where I lived in a variety of ways. I also taught in an international Kindergarten in Hong Kong for one year teaching one nursery class and a reception class. We are really enjoying living in Hungerford. I recently became a governor to offer my experience and support to the school in maintaining its high standards as it moves forward with the different challenges of nursery school life. I have become involved in the community in a variety of ways and I lead a Baby Song class for the community at St Lawrence’s Church. I enjoy spending time with our family and when we can we enjoy travelling.

Ana Vaccaro - Parent Governor

I work as a mental health practitioner, supporting young people and their families to overcome mild to moderate mental health difficulties. In this role I have developed a deep appreciation for the importance of early support and the significant impact it can have on a child's future. My experience includes extensive collaborative work across the education and mental health sectors, with a strong focus on safeguarding. I am committed to working to maintain a safe, nurturing environment where every child who walks through the doors can have the strongest possible start in life. 

Hannah Harper - Staff Governor

I am a dedicated early years educator with a strong background in teaching and supporting children with additional needs. As a qualified teacher and experienced Special Educational Needs Coordinator (SENCo), I bring both classroom insight and a deep understanding of inclusive practices to my role as a nursery governor. My passion lies in creating environments where every child feels valued, supported, and empowered to thrive. I am committed to promoting inclusive education, supporting staff development, and ensuring that the nursery’s values are reflected in its day-to-day practice and long-term vision.

With a focus on safeguarding, early intervention, and collaborative working with families and professionals, I aim to contribute to high-quality governance that supports positive outcomes for all children, especially those with special educational needs and disabilities.

Marie Hall - Co-Opted Governor

Chloe Summerville - Headteacher

Steph Efford - Clerk to Governors