Members of the Governing Body

Greg Clifton - Parent Governor
 John Oyekan - Parent Governor
 

I am a Chartered Engineer (CEng) and Senior Lecturer in Human-Centred AI for Autonomous Manufacturing in the Department of Computer Science at a Russell Group University. I was previously a Lecturer in Digital Manufacturing at the University of Sheffield and an Engineer at the Manufacturing Technology Centre in Coventry where I developed software architectures and algorithms for Autonomous Systems.

I have worked in a startup, government funded catapult, automotive industry and my work is characterised by both fundamental and applied research in collaboration with partners in the automotive, aerospace and manufacturing sectors. I am passionate about translating blue sky research and thinking into practical solutions for industry challenges. Am also passionate about conveying complex concepts to my tutees using easily digestible and understood terms.

I love playing the acoustic guitar and spending time with my family.

 
 
 
Chris Kidson - Co-opted Governor and Co-Chair
I (re)joined the Governing Board in 2023 and currently have one child at MPPS, with my elder child having attended from reception until leaving at the end of year 6.  Together with previously serving on the governing body (2015-18) I have had a long association with the school and many of the staff.  Education has always been a priority of mine and ensuring that all children are able to make the most of their abilities and get the best of starts in life is very important to me.  That is why I am very pleased to serve as a governor, and to help the parents, staff, volunteers and other governors in working to build on the successes the school has already achieved.

From a background in accounting and finance, in my career I worked across a wide range of industries where I led functions looking after risk, governance, audit, health and safety, facilities and corporate real estate.  I look forward to sharing this knowledge with the school to support the core educational needs of all our students.

Annie Howell – Headteacher

I have been a member of the teaching staff at Monkfield Park since 2004 and was appointed as the substantive Headteacher in 2021.

I believe that Monkfield Park is a remarkable place to learn and work and I am fully committed to ensuring that every child in our care receives the very best education. My main focus has always been on raising standards by providing a challenging and creative curriculum for children that is both inspirational and aspirational and builds resilience. Having the opportunity to represent the staff at governing body meetings has enabled me to contribute further to the strategic development of our wonderful school.

Jane Crowden - Local Authority Governor and Co-Chair

I joined the Governing Body in March 2018 and serve as a Local Authority Governor. I have been privileged enough to enjoy a long career in education, as a teacher, a senior leader, and as a Local Authority Adviser.  Now retired, I am keen to offer my experience and expertise to help to continue to develop Monkfield Park Primary as a school where all children are challenged to achieve the highest standards of which they are capable.   Whilst working for the Local Authority it was always a pleasure to make occasional visits to Monkfield Park, and it has been exciting to see the school grow from its early beginnings as the first school in the new village of Cambourne to the lively, vibrant and well-established community that it now is.

In my spare time I enjoy spending time with a growing brood of grandchildren, walking in the countryside and rediscovering skills in sewing and similar crafts.

Mel Webster - Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Cambourne since 2010 and have 2 children attending the school.  I currently work part time which has allowed me to be greatly involved in my children’s schooling over the past 4 years, meaning I have built strong relationships with both the school and parents.

Having worked in the banking industry for 14 years I am keen to offer my financial and leadership experience to the school.

My children’s future is of the uppermost importance on my list of priorities, therefore I am delighted to have the opportunity to make a difference in the education of not just my children, but the school as a whole.

I feel privileged to be part of the governing body working with parents, teachers, the Headteacher and other governors to help drive the continued improvement needed to provide our children with the best chance of success, and to ensure that Monkfield Park maintains the outstanding reputation it so rightly deserves.

I look forward to learning how our governing body supports the Headteacher to determine the strategic direction for the school, and can already appreciate the considerable work, thought and skill that goes into delivering a balanced budget as well as meeting the fiscal demands associated with running a school on a budget.

I am committed to ensuring that Monkfield Park offers all pupils the very best start in life, to achieve the best outcomes in the wider curriculum, whilst at the same time maintaining a secure, safe, nurturing and happy environment.