Meet our Governing Board

I have a professional background in accountancy, specialising in internal audit and financial controls in the private sector. I first became a school governor 15 years ago, and currently sit on three governing boards including the REYS federation, whilst also an officer of the Reading Governance Association. Having already gained experience as a Chair of Governors in primary and secondary schools, maintained schools and academies, in both Reading and West Berkshire local authorities.  I welcome the opportunity to support Reading's excellent nursery schools and extend my learning.

I was delighted to be appointed Executive Headteacher of the Reading Early Years Schools Federation in September 2026, following five successful years as Headteacher of an infant school in Surrey. Having worked in education since 2013, I bring experience across both primary and early years settings, including opening three school-based nurseries. I hold a Master's degree in Educational Leadership and am a Specialist Leader in Early Reading and Early Maths.

I am passionate about ensuring every child receives the very best start to their educational journey. I believe children thrive in nurturing, inclusive environments where they feel safe, valued, and inspired to learn. Developing strong foundations in communication, language, early literacy and mathematics is at the heart of my work, alongside creating opportunities for children to be curious, resilient and confident learners. I am proud to lead the federation and to work alongside our talented staff, children and families to provide exceptional early years education.

Outside of school, I enjoy travelling and exploring new places, with cruises being a particular favourite. I am also an avid plane spotter and enjoy spending time outdoors with my dog, Leo, especially on long walks.

I joined the governing board in November 2022, originally as a parent governor.

Currently, I have a daughter who attends Caversham Nursery School where it has been a delight to see her grow and flourish.

I am accountant by background, specialising in Internal Audit and Assurance with experience in working in the public and education sector. As a Governor, I am excited to apply these skills to an already outstanding group of nurseries and assisting in any way I can for my term.

I have spent over five decades supporting people and making a difference, including 30 years as a teacher specialising in special educational needs. I went on to serve as a local councillor with responsibility for adult social care, health, wellbeing and housing, alongside NHS governance and charity roles. I joined the REYS Board of Governors because I care deeply about children having the confidence, support and opportunities to flourish from their earliest years. I want to bring my experience and passion for education to help make a positive difference to the children, families and staff of REYS.

​​I joined the REYS Federation as a governor in February 2022. I have been teaching for several years in secondary education. I live locally and am looking forward to joining the team, contributing my skills and extending my own learning within this excellent federation.

​I am NNEB qualified and have been working at Blagdon since 2006.  I was originally a key worker in Blagdon and then three years ago I became the Two Year Coordinator in the Willows. I am also a Designated Person for Safeguarding. I enjoy cooking, being with my family and I love music and dancing.

After working at Blagdon for a very long time, I became a staff governor for the first time in 2021. I am finding my role very interesting and am gaining lots of knowledge and insight into the day-to-day and long term planning and strategies across the federation. 

​I first joined the REYS Federation Governing board November 2018, initially as a parent governor.

 I have 3 children, all of whom have attended New Bridge Nursery School before moving to a local primary school. They have all thoroughly enjoyed their time at the nursery and I have loved seeing them flourish in the setting.

I am a teacher at a local primary school, and I am passionate about making sure all children have the best start in life. 

I am delighted to continue serving as a governor as part of the REYS Federation.  

​​I originally worked as an Administrative Assistant for the MOD, before getting married and having my family. My children inspired me to embark on a new career working in Early Years. I began by working in a pre-school as a nursery assistant. Then a year later started a two year mature student course at Reading College and completed the NNEB. In 2003 I joined the team here at New Bridge.  I am passionate about children learning through play and have a keen interest in the arts and the natural world, which I love sharing with the children. For three years I ran a babysitting course with another member of staff.

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Originally from Pakistan, I now live in the UK with my husband and 2 children, one of whom attends a REYS Federation Nursery.

In terms of academics, after my GCSE O' and A 'levels, I studied Fashion Design back in Pakistan.

For the last 5 years I have been a Stay At Home Mum in the UK, using my crafty skills whilst bringing up my own family. Now that my children are in education, I am keen to share my knowledge and talent to help the community.

I hope that governorship will be a great opportunity for me to learn and grow. I am keen to learn about school systems and to work with the governors as they strive for ongoing improvement.  I am looking forward to taking on new responsibilities and working as part of a team.

My hobbies are crafting and travelling with my family. 

​I have been working in childcare and education for over 30 years in a wide variety of settings. No matter what role I am in I have an innate drive to put children at the centre of all I do. As anyone who has worked with me will tell you; I truly believe that every moment matters. After my secondment to New Bridge Nursery School in 2021, I am now working as Head of School at both Caversham and New Bridge. I very much enjoy working alongside and supporting the teams at both schools and getting to know each of the children and their wonderful individual personalities. As Head of School at Caversham and New Bridge, I am invited to attend meetings as an Associate.

​​​​I have worked at Blagdon Nursery since 2008.  I have worked in nearly every room at Blagdon and have loved each one.  I have worked in schools in the Whitley area my whole career; I am now starting to teach the children of pupils I taught many years ago!  I am a qualified teacher; I have a BA in English Literature with QTS status and I also have the NNEB qualification.  I live with my daughter who is now 10.  She came to Blagdon when she was younger; she started in Willows when she was 9 months old.  My hobbies include running, yoga and shopping! As Head of School at Blagdon, I am invited to attend meetings as an Associate.

My background has been as a secretary in the banking industry, initially in Reading but eventually in the City as Corporate Director’s Secretary. My twins who are now in their thirties attended New Bridge and I was delighted to gain the role of secretary/admin officer when the opportunity arose. I intended to stay for 2 years but eventually stayed for 22!  I retired from my post at New Bridge in August 2022 but am continuing as Clerk to the Governing Board for the REYS Federation.  My hobbies are pottering about in the garden, listening to music, singing (I joined a local choir where we sing all types of music) and going to the theatre.  

Contact: jdalgleish@newbridgenursery.reading.sch.uk