Our Governors

Our Governing Board

Alison Bagnall:

Hello, my name is Alison Bagnall. I have recently retired from teaching in Staffordshire. I have over 34 years experience as a primary school teacher and for the past 13 years I have been the headteacher in two first schools.

In fact, I started my teaching career at Cavendish Close Infants and have always maintained links with the school. I have watched the school go from strength to strength, with amazing staff and an outstanding learning environment.

I strongly believe the early years of a child’s education are the most important, providing the foundation for future success. I am passionate about all children getting a first class education, allowing them to develop into productive citizens.

I feel I can bring a wealth of experience to the governing board especially in SEND, EYFS and school finance. I am looking forward to working with the staff, parents and pupils as well as the local community.

Caroline Howett:

Hi, I am Caroline Howett. I began my teaching career in 1994 in Liverpool and moved to Derby after meeting my husband. I have taught at Cavendish Close Infant School for 16 years and am the Deputy Headteacher.

I am passionate about providing quality education for our very youngest children and enjoy building relationships with families when they first come to our school. I have supported other early years settings across Derby City to reflect on and improve their practice particularly around speech, language and communication and physical development. I am currently a Talk Derby Champion for the Derby Opportunity Area.

I enjoy being active and spending quality time at home with my husband and two children as well as visiting my family in North Wales.

I am so proud of our wonderful school and feel privileged to be part of our school community. I am committed to being an effective governor and sharing in the strategic leadership of the school.

Carol Moore:

Hello. My name is Carol Moore. I am married with two grown up children and have lived in Derby most of my life.I have recently retired as a Primary School Headteacher. I thoroughly enjoyed my job and loved working with children and their families, helping and supporting them in making a positive difference to their lives. I enjoy meeting people. I volunteer at our local church Toddler Group. I like to spend my time walking, reading, gardening and meeting up with friends. As a member of the Governing Body of Cavendish Close Infant and Nursery School, I am keen to offer my knowledge and experience and support the school in any way I can.

Jack Pasifull:

Information to follow.

Natalie Peake:

Hi, I’m Natalie, and I am proud to be a Parent Governor at Cavendish Close Infant School. I am a qualified Early Years and Primary school teacher and have been teaching in and around the Derby area for the past 12 years. I am passionate about early reading and phonics, and about creating meaningful opportunities and experiences that inspire children and broaden their horizons.

My daughter currently attends Cavendish Close and has thrived in the supportive and nurturing environment. 

I look forward to working in partnership with the staff team and the wider school community to support the best possible outcomes for our children.

Rebecca Petronzi:

Hello. My name is Rebecca Petronzi and I am a Lecturer in Education at the University of Derby. I am a qualified primary teacher and taught at Cavendish Close Infant and Nursery school for four years before beginning my current role in training new teachers. I work with various schools across the region and am actively engaged in academic research. Within the UoD’s Primary Teacher Education department, I am the subject leader for English. I have a particular passion for early reading and systematic synthetic phonics. I am currently working with Derby Book Festival on a diversity through literature project which is supporting to ‘decolonise the curriculum’.

I am thrilled to be able to support the school in continuing to grow and develop. I know from experience the hard work that goes on behind the scenes to help every child succeed and thrive – I feel very privileged to be able to serve as governor and hope to support the strategic vision of the school.

Nicola Tusa:

Hi, I am Nicola Tusa. I have been the School Business Manager at Cavendish Close Infant School for almost 10 years. During this time, I have also become a mother, welcoming my own three wonderful children. 

I am passionate about supporting the very best outcomes for all children, within a safe, secure, and happy learning environment. 

I feel very lucky to be a part of a dedicated team of staff who strive every day to do their best for our school community. In my role as Co-Opted Governor, I am committed to supporting the strategic vision of the school.

Alexandra Wain:

Hi, I’m Alex, I am a  parent governor. I am an experienced EYFS and primary school teacher who specialises in teaching EAL children, I currently work in a junior school in Ilkeston as a class teacher and reading lead.

I have a son in reception and a daughter in Nursery. I look forward to creating relationships with the staff and families within the school community and collaborating with the team to ensure Cavendish Close Infant School is offering the very best educational experience for our little citizens of the future.

Philip Wright:

Hello, I’m Philip Wright and I’m a Co-opted Governor. My wife and I moved to Derby in 2010 and we have a daughter who has just left this school.

I work as a Service Desk Manager for a multinational software company based in Castle Donington. In my spare time I enjoy theatre, playing and listening to music, exploring new technologies and spending time with my family.

I’m thrilled at joining the Governing board and look forward to being involved in the community and supporting our school, the staff and the children.

Attendance Record at governing body and committee meetings for the last academic year: 

Committee Information:

Resources Committee:

Mrs Moore(Chair for Autumn term), Mr Wright (Vice-Chair), Mrs Howett

Curriculum Committee:

Mr Wright (Chair), Mrs Wain (Vice-Chair)

Diversity is important and we want our governing board to be increasingly reflective of our school community.