Governing Board (ID 1135)

• Mrs Jenny Gascoigne
  Executive Heateacher
  Mrs Jenny Gascoigne

  Mrs Gascoigne

  With over 20 years of experience in education, I have had the privilege of holding a wide range of roles including classroom teacher, subject lead, Early Years lead, Assistant Headteacher, and Deputy Headteacher. My journey has been rooted in a passion for early childhood education and a commitment to providing the highest standards of teaching and learning for every child.

  I have supported the local authority as an Early Years moderator and contributed strategic insight as a governor within the Wrockwardine Wood Infant School and Oakengates Nursery Federation. In recent years, I have further strengthened my leadership through the completion of the National Professional Qualification for Headship (NPQH), a process which has developed my confidence, reflective practice, and strategic thinking.

  Since 2017, I have played a key role in leading Oakengates Nursery School, working alongside the previous Executive Headteacher to drive school improvement and build a strong, collaborative team. In 2020, the nursery was graded ‘Outstanding' by Ofsted in Leadership and Management and Behaviour and Attitudes, reflecting the high standards we uphold.

  Throughout my leadership, I have been committed to developing high-quality teaching, designing a curriculum that is ambitious, progressive, and rooted in early years pedagogy. I am particularly proud of introducing the Curiosity Approach and leading the development of the Early Years art curriculum, drawing on research-based practice to ignite creativity and language development.

  A strong advocate for professional development, I work closely with staff across the federation through mentoring, coaching, and training. This includes supporting Early Career Teachers and curriculum leaders to strengthen subject knowledge and practice. As a result, Oakengates Nursery School is recognised as a ‘Communication Friendly Setting', with notable impact on children's language and communication outcomes.

  As Designated Safeguarding Lead, I place children's safety and wellbeing at the heart of everything we do. I lead on safeguarding training and provide supervision to other DSLs. I work closely with external partners to ensure families receive timely and effective support.

  My role also encompasses operational leadership, including experience in financial planning and school improvement strategy. I have developed a deep understanding of the systems and structures that underpin successful school leadership, including governance, attendance, and curriculum planning from birth to age seven.

  I am passionate about the power of a positive school culture – one that values each child as unique, nurtures social-emotional development, and inspires a love for learning. I am committed to building on the strengths of our federation, working in partnership with our dedicated team, families, and governors to ensure every child thrives.

  It is a privilege to lead Wrockwardine Wood Infant School and Oakengates Nursery Federation – a community that embodies our shared vision of Love, Laugh, Learn.

• Miss Sarah Newey
  Chair of the Governing Board for Autumn 2025/Spring Term 2026
  Miss Sarah Newey

  Miss Sarah Newey

  I was born and raised in a small village called Codsall in South Staffordshire and this is where I completed all my school education. My parents then moved to Shifnal and I went to college in Telford to further my education. I started my career at Telford & Wrekin Council in the Housing team and was transferred to the newly formed Wrekin Housing Trust and was there for over 12 years. During my time there I studies part time and gained a 2:1 business management degree.

  
  I then joined Stoke on Trent City Council and have been there for over 5 years now in the asset management and investment team. I look after and manage planned programme refurbishment project including estate projects of around 500 properties at a cost of £3 million a year. I also oversee the 5 year electrical programme for the councils 18,000 properties with a yearly budget of £2.2million and the planned
  programmed kitchen & bathrooms programme worth £1.5 million a year. I really enjoy my job and have a team of admin, asset assessors and surveyors to assist me with delivering these projects. I feel that many of my skills will be transferable to my role as a governor such as programme management, project management, budget management, people management and auditing. As part of my role I have to be able
  to communicating to all levels and kinds of people including tenants, contractors, colleagues, stakeholder and fellow professionals.

  
  I have been a parent at Oakengates Nursery for several years. I have a very good understanding and knowledge of both adoption and fostering and the impact this can have on children and their learning and development.

  
  I feel very privileged to be a co-opted governor and look forward to being a part of helping our children to strive and achieve to be the best they can be with the help and support they deserve.

• Miss Emma Evans
  Vice Chair for the Autumn Term 2025/Spring Term 2026
  Miss Emma Evans

  Miss Emma Evans

  I was born and raised in the Telford area and I myself attended Oakengates nursery as a young child when the nursery was sited at Hartshill many years ago. Upon finishing my education I started my career in the housing market firstly working for a local Estate Agent for a number of years and then moving on to becoming aConveyancing Executive for a local Law Firm, where I've been for the last 13
  years. I specialise in all aspects of Residential Property to include that of Sale and Purchase, Re-mortgages, Transfers of Equity, Matrimonial transfers and Equity Releases.

  
  I have a one son, who attended Oakengates nursery from the age of nine months until he started school in September 2016. Having a child of school age gives me anideal view of how schools support our children to help them achieve their full potential.

  
  I decided to put myself forward as a Parent Governor as I want to continue seeing a great start for all our children and help the children achieve an exciting fun education and the best possible schooling experience.

  
  I believe as a Parent Governor I can give a parental view point and I look forward to be working with the Board of Governors to contribute to the continual improvement and success of Oakengates Nursery and Wrockwardine Wood Infant School to ensure the best possible opportunities are provided to our children now and for in the future.

• Mrs Janice Allison
  Staff Governor
  Mrs Janice Allison

  Mrs Janice Allison

  I was born in the North-East of England, moving to Scotland at the age of 13, I completed my education and gained employment as a Legal Searcher in the Scottish Records Office. I also met my husband in Scotland, he joined the Army, we got married and for the following 22 years we were posted in many different locations including Germany and Northern Ireland. During this time, we had two children, and I retrained as an Early Years Practitioner, working in Preschools on military bases in Germany, Northern Ireland and Buckinghamshire, as well as a teaching assistant, afterschool co-ordinator, pupil welfare and school administrator in the local schools.

  We returned to RAF Cosford for his final posting and in 2008 we made the decision to settle in Telford. I joined the team at Oakengates Nursery School as an Early Years Practitioner in the preschool and baby room, before taking on a new role as Administrator in 2013. I have seen many changes at Oakengates Nursery school all for the better. I am proud to be a part of the federation and will endeavour to be a supportive staff governor to ensure the very best outcomes for all the children who attend both the nursery school and infants school

• Mrs Liz Masi
  Co-opted Governor
  Mrs Liz Masi

  Mrs Liz Masi

  I am currently the Acting Head of EYFS / Acting Assistant Head at a special school in Telford. I am also the linked Senior Leader to our offsite Key Stage 1 classroom.

  As a parent and educator, I strongly believe that the importance of building strong foundations within the early years of school cannot be underestimated. These foundations were built for me when I attended Wrockwardine Wood Infants school over 30 years ago. I can say with confidence, that this is apparent to this day, as I see this through my own children's journey from Oakengates Nursery and Wrockwardine Wood Infants School.

  I grew up local to school and returned to the area after completion of my First Class (Hons) degree and PGCE in Primary Education in 2009. It was then that I began my career working in the Primary Phase of a local special school for children with severe and complex learning needs. All children within the setting have an Education Health and Care Plan in place and every day I learn something new from the children I have the privilege of working with.

  I have received a wealth of training during my career and work with a wide range of multi-agency professionals. Early in my career I was afforded the opportunity to share the skills I had acquired beyond the classroom by developing a range of training materials for use internally and externally. I have also led on Inclusion links. In 2014 I became a Specialist Leader of Education and supported developing the provision of children with complex needs in mainstream settings through outreach. In 2016 I joined the Senior Leadership Team within school. Initially working in the Primary Phase and joining the EYFS Phase following my return to work after having my son in 2019. I work with a great team and a large body of staff and have a secure knowledge of safeguarding, behaviour, EYFS, curriculum and assessment within the context of SEND provision.

  Ensuring that all children have access to high quality education, regardless of their ability and need, has always been my motivation during the 15 years I have spent working in the field of SEND. I am passionate about promoting inclusion, celebrating diversity and enabling all children to reach their potential. It is clear that the federation share these values and that the children are at the centre of every decision that is made. I would welcome the opportunity to be involved in future decisions for the children if I were to join the Governing Board.

• Mrs Shelley Anne Thursfield
  Co-opted Governor
  Mrs Shelley Anne Thursfield

  Mrs Shelley Anne Thursfield

  My name is Shelley Anne Thursfield, I am the Ofsted registered person and daycare manager at Oakengates Nursery School and a proud member of the governing board for Oakengates Nursery and Wrockwardine Wood Infant School federation.

  I've lived in Shropshire all my life and have been working within the Telford and Wrekin area for over 35 years within children's services. Over twenty two of these years I have worked in Oakengates Nursery School. When I was 27 years of age I became a foster carer, as a working, single parent, for children with learning difficulties and healthcare needs. I have two daughters of my own, both of whom live with me and my husband, I feel this provides me with a unique perspective as a working mother who is knowledgeable on the realities of parenting.

  As a governor, I believe I have sound knowledge of the local area and consequently know many of the children and their families which has enabled me to build positive relationships along the way. I pride myself on being positive and conscientious with a patient and enthusiastic approach to young children. I endeavour to always be committed towards helping individuals reach their full potential, by embracing their unique circumstances. One of my strongest beliefs is that adults should have a strong pedagogical knowledge to nurture children's strengths.

  , I am the Ofsted registered person and daycare manager at Oakengates Nursery School and a proud member of the governing board for Oakengates Nursery and Wrockwardine Wood Infant School federation.

  I've lived in Shropshire all my life and have been working within the Telford and Wrekin area for over 35 years within children's services. Over twenty two of these years I have worked in Oakengates Nursery School. When I was 27 years of age I became a foster carer, as a working, single parent, for children with learning difficulties and healthcare needs. I have two daughters of my own, both of whom live with me and my husband, I feel this provides me with a unique perspective as a working mother who is knowledgeable on the realities of parenting.

  As a governor, I believe I have sound knowledge of the local area and consequently know many of the children and their families which has enabled me to build positive relationships along the way. I pride myself on being positive and conscientious with a patient and enthusiastic approach to young children. I endeavour to always be committed towards helping individuals reach their full potential, by embracing their unique circumstances. One of my strongest beliefs is that adults should have a strong pedagogical knowledge to nurture children's strengths.

• Mrs Samantha Swan
  Co-opted Governor
  Mrs Samantha Swan

  My name is Sam Swan and I am pleased to join the board of Governors for your school.

  My background is in social work and I have more than 30 years of experience of working with children and their families in the areas of safeguarding and family support.

  Through my work I have had extensive contact with schools and school staff over the years, and have always found schools to be a happy, joyful environment where children are provided with a wealth of opportunities to learn, thrive and have fun.

  I'm sure you are all very proud of your school already having achieved a very positive reports from Ofsted and I am looking forward to being involved in continuing to drive forward the school plans for continued success. A school Governor is an important role and I hope to be one of a ‘critical friend' in supporting the school whilst ensuring its accountability to promote a strong learning culture within a safe and nurturing environment.

  Outside of work I have lots of hobbies and interests, I mostly enjoy spending time with my family and friends; but I also love reading, visiting the cinema and walking.

• Mrs Sarah Scattergood
  Parent Governor
  Mrs Sarah Scattergood

  Mrs Sarah Scattergood

  I am a dedicated individual with a strong desire to make a positive difference for children and contribute meaningfully to the school community. I hope to offer my professional expertise and personal commitment to support the continued success and development of the school.

  With nearly 25 years of experience in accounts and finance, I bring a wide range of transferable skills—from budgeting and cashflow monitoring to invoice processing, payroll, and month-end reporting. I currently work as an Assistant Accountant at a steel sections company, where I manage sales and purchase ledgers, staff wages, and monthly financial reporting.

  I hold the AAT qualification and have completed the first two levels of the CIMA qualification. While my background lies in the private sector, I believe the skills I've developed can provide valuable insight and support to the governing body.

  As a parent of two school-aged children, I am passionate about education and supporting the wider school environment. I previously served as a parent governor at a primary school in Wednesbury and completed several governor training courses through Sandwell Council. I'm now keen to refresh my knowledge and take part in further training to be as effective as possible in this role.

  Outside of work and school life, I enjoy spending time with family and friends, travelling, and walking.

• Mrs Veronica Tunwell
  Parent Governor
  Mrs Veronica Tunwell

  I am delighted to have been elected as a Parent Governor and am passionate about supporting the school in providing a safe, nurturing and high-quality learning environment for all children.

  As a parent of three children, two of whom have now completed their full-time education, I understand how important it is for families to feel confident that their children are happy, safe and making good progress at school. My motivation for becoming a Parent Governor comes first and foremost from my perspective as a parent and my desire to help ensure that every child feels supported and able to thrive.

  I have lived in Telford all my life and feel a strong connection to the local community. I value the important role schools play at the heart of their communities and am committed to promoting equality, inclusion and opportunity for all children, regardless of background or ability.

  Alongside my role as a parent, I bring over 20 years' experience working in education. I am CIPD-qualified and currently work in the Human Resources department at the Learning Community Trust, where I support safer recruitment, compliance and employee relations. This professional background gives me a strong understanding of how schools operate behind the scenes and the importance of robust systems and governance.

  As a Parent Governor, I am committed to listening, learning and working collaboratively with fellow governors, leaders and families. I am keen to take part in ongoing training to ensure I can contribute effectively and responsibly to the work of the governing board.

  I am proud to support the school in maintaining high standards and in helping to shape a positive, inclusive and caring environment where every child feels valued, encouraged and able to reach their full potential.

• VACANCY
  Co-opted Governor
  VACANCY