Cari Burgess - Chair of Governors, Co-opted Governor 

I am Cari Burgess and I have worked for 30 years as an educator, the last 13 as a Head teacher all within Nottingham City schools. I am passionate about every child’s entitlement to a high quality education and am a strong advocate of children’s emotional and mental health. In my spare time I enjoy yoga, combat, running and walking my 3 labradors.

Clare Colemore - Joint Vice Chair of Governors, Local Authority Governor

I am proud to have been appointed to the Governing Body of Cantrell primary School and elected as co-vice-chair.  I have lived in Nottingham for the past 45 years and have worked in school governance for 20 years. I am passionate about the importance of primary education in giving children the belief they can achieve their dreams, as well as the opportunities which will support them on their journey to their personal goals and aspirations.  I have been a governor at Cantrell in the past and am delighted to be back here to support the leaders in school, the staff and the children. In my spare time I am a keen reader and walker and I’m trying to learn to Greek.

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 a 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 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 anyway 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.

Jackie Simpson- Co-opted Governor 

I am delighted to have the opportunity to serve as a governor at Cantrell Primary. I was born and brought up in inner city Birmingham, and have worked in City schools for most of my career. I have 38 years experience in education, working my way to Headteacher and Executive Principal. I have been a school Governor for 8 years. I am looking forward to working with school leaders, staff, pupils and parents. In my spare time I enjoy watching football - especially the success of Aston Villa this season.

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 have a background in Marketing and HR so 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 within the school choir – to see their faces at our annual Young Voices concert at 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 spending time in my garden, which gives me great peace.

Daniel Harvey - Associate Governor