Transform Trust Governors

Claire McKendrick

Mrs Rebecca Meredith

Ruth Palmer

Julie Whitworth - Joint Vice Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor

I have lived locally all of my life, and I am proud of the city that I live and work in. I attended Cantrell School, as did my own children and now grandchildren Therefore, Cantrell School has been a part of my life on and off for the last 46 years. I have been a governor at Cantrell School for many years. I started as a parent governor, then became a Co-opted Governor and have very recently become the co-vice chair of the governing body.

I have worked with children and families for over 17 years and several of those years were based in a school in the St Ann’s area. Due to my work life experience, I have a good understanding of children’s safeguarding and special educational needs. I am able to put this knowledge to good use as one of the safeguarding governors for the school. As a Mum and a grandparent, I have always valued education and wanted children to have the best education and experience of school. When I became governor, it became my hope and aim that I could help achieve this not only for my own family but for all the children that attend Cantrell Primary School.

Deborah Weaver - Headteacher

I am Debbie Weaver and I have worked at Cantrell Primary School for 25 years! Starting as a Newly Qualified Teacher, moving onwards and becoming Head Teacher 16 years later.   A local girl myself, I am a strong advocate for Bulwell and our community.  I aim to inspire young people to follow their dreams, demonstrating that every child has the right to enjoy their time at school and have access to high-quality teaching as well as experiences that will shape their future. When I am not working, I enjoy reading, cooking and spending time with my family – husband, three daughters, 5 chickens and a rather slobbery Rottie!

Rachel Croome - Parent Governor 

I've got 3 children: 2 older boys (13 &12) who went to Cantrell, and a daughter who is currently in year 3.
I've lived in Bulwell all my life and also went to Cantrell myself, so I hold the school and its community very close to my heart.
We have a dog, cat, 3 tortoises and rabbits, so it's a very hectic house!
I work at Coop as a team leader, and as a family we enjoy spending time on our allotment trying to get it in order!
As a parent governor, I want to help and be part of the team which helps the school, with the determination and commitment for Cantrell to be the best it can be.

Nikki Langley - Parent Governor 

Hi, my name is Nikki Langley. I have 4 children. 1 older child is currently in year 9 that previously attended Cantrell. I have 3 other children that all currently attend Cantrell Primary School. 1 in year 2, 1 in year 4 and 1 in year 6. I also attended Cantrell when i was younger too, so I have a lot of wonderful memories of being at school. This is one of the reasons why I decided to become a parent governor for the school. I want to help the school in every way possible to be the best it can be. I am committed to helping the staff and children thrive any way that I can. I work in retail for Sainsbury's as a customer service assistant and enjoy spending time with my family and friends.   

Roxanne Stromberg - Parent governor

 I am fairly new to the governing body, though I have worked with a diverse variety of families and children in a range of roles. I have experience working in paediatric healthcare, early years, special education and further education. As a governor, I try to use my skills and experience working in education to help the school team wherever possible, and I love having the opportunity to support families at Cantrell.  I have a son currently in year 3 at Cantrell, and we both love the school. We like to get outdoors and often go for walks in Nottingham and I love camping! Our family live locally, and I am keen to help make Bulwell and our school a positive place to be.

Sarah DeBarr - Co-opted Governor 

I am currently a teacher at Cantrell with 16 years' experience of teaching across different primary age groups. Prior to teaching, I had a background in Marketing and HR, so I bring a diverse skill set to the governing body. Having been a governor for 6 years, I am committed to fostering an education that is inspiring, wide-ranging  and enjoyable, ensuring children receive the best possible start in life. I am a qualified mentor and coach for new staff, trainee teachers and TA's encouraging their development and enhancing their enthusiasm for teaching.
As PE and Educational Visits Co-ordinator, I strive to engage all children in a range of physical activity to improve their well-being and to provide essential experiences outside the school in a safe, educational, and fun way. I am passionate about community involvement and believe in actively promoting the school's endeavours by organising and participating in local events. Outside of school, I stay active, enjoying all kinds of fitness pursuits. I also try when possible to indulge my love of travel and exploration.

Jacquie Tomkinson - Staff Governor 

I am delighted to be a part of the Cantrell Team as a staff governor and I have been working here for 16 years. Prior to that, I worked in an inner-city school in Sunderland for 7 years. Since working at Cantrell, I have been supported to achieve my NASENCo qualification, which enables me to be a practising SENDCo for the school.

My first love in education is music (I have played the violin since I was 7 years old and trombone since I was 13) and I really enjoy supporting the children in the school choir – to see their faces at our annual Young Voices concert in Sheffield is something to behold and something that will create memories which, I hope, will last a lifetime!

Prior to working as the Deputy Headteacher, my main classroom experience was working within the Key Stage 2 curriculum (Year 3 to 6) but I have also since gained experience working in Key Stage 1 and EYFS.

Outside of school, I love everything rugby (there is no other shaped ball) and enjoy supporting my children to explore their love of the sport – I can often be found on the edge of a rugby pitch shouting encouragement on a cold, wet and windy Wednesday evening and Sunday morning!

I also love spending time in my garden, which gives me great peace.