Gill O’Hagan (she/her)
Position: Chair of Governors
Term of Office Expires: August 2026
I first became a Governor at Alfreton Nursery School when my 2 daughters attended. I live locally in the town and feel privileged to have been involved with this Outstanding Nursery School during the past 25 years.
Until retirement, I was a Secondary school teacher and my life long passion has been to support children and adults on their educational journey. Therefore, I endeavour to call upon my knowledge and experience within the field of education.
As Chair of Governors, I am committed to all aspects of the Nursery School, ensuring we offer the best opportunities for our children and families. Our Governing Body work hard to maintain a sound financial status for the school with innovative and exciting opportunities for all the School Team.
Category: Local Authority
Appointing Body: Local Authority
Committee Membership: Resources Management (RMC), Performance Management (PM), Governor at Unity Federation, Alfreton
Responsibilities: Safeguarding & Child Protection (inc Safer Recruitment), SEN, Inclusion, Link Governor, British Values, Curriculum Monitoring, Understanding of the World, Maths, PSED, Anti-bullying, Looked After Children, Covid 19 sub group, Complaints (Appeals)
Peter Ellse (he/him)
Position: Vice Chair of Governors
Term of Office Expires: September 2026
I have been involved in Alfreton Nursery 15 years, having had a business on Monk Road 20 years ago tts group. In my day job I’m CEO of cosydirect.com and cosyfoundation.com. I’m a patron of derby kids camp but I don’t like camping! I’m from a single parent family, a free school meals kid in Belper. Spare time is spent driving around with three teen children and tickling coco our dog, playing football and suffering Derby County. Feel free to contact and say hi! #LoveAlfretonnursery.
Category: Co-Opted
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Committee Membership: Resources Management (RMC), Performance Management (PM)
Responsibilities: Curriculum Monitoring (Link Governor Maths, PSED, Understanding of the World, ICT)
Amanda Hubball (she/her)
Term of Office Expires: September 2026
I am a teacher and senior leader at Alfreton Nursery School. I have worked in school for 25 years and am passionate about early years education. I have been instrumental in the successes of the school locally, nationally and internationally
I lead practice in school for mental health and well-being, provision for the more able learners, metacognition and enquiry based learning, inclusion and behaviour, maths and environmental education, along with the indoor and outdoor STEM curriculum.
As the mother of two children and passionate animal lover, I spend my life outside of school grappling with the delights and dramas of feeding animals, homework, princess dresses, cuddling children, cuddling animals, battling with ipads, washing the pots, puddle splashing . . .
Category: Staff
Appointing Body: Staff
Committee Membership: TLC
Responsibilities: Inclusion, Anti Bullying, Curriculum Monitoring, Mental Health & Wellbeing, Looked After Children
Joshua Smith
Term of Office Expires: September 2030
This is my third school Governor role, having previously served at a primary school in Ripley and also currently a Governor across the road at Croft. I attended this nursery, and there are several staff members still here who taught me! Both my daughters have also attended here and I'm thrilled to see the nursery from a third perspective as Governor.
Outside of Nursery, I'm a Journalist and Football Commentator, and run a Charity Football Club - Derbyshire United in my "spare" time.
Category: Parent
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Nicola Bettison (she/her)
Term of Office Expires: April 2027
Hi I am Nicola, I have worked in Alfreton Nursery school for 15 years. I have a passion for Forest Schools and Gardening. You will often see me tidying up the amazing areas around the school. I am a Governor at two other local schools and am passionate about supporting the children and families in Alfreton.
Category: Co-Opted
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Committee Membership: TLC, Governor at Unity Federation, Alfreton & David Nieper Academy
Responsibilities: Curriculum Monitoring, Health & Safety
Hayley Coupe
Term of Office Expires: November 2029
My name is Hayley and I was delighted to join the governing body in September 2025. As the first person in my family to attend university, I have seen first-hand the difference a strong start in life can make to children’s opportunities and future choices, and this really drives my passion for education.
In my professional life, I am Head of Early Years at a neighbouring school in Clay Cross. I feel incredibly proud of what we have achieved, including securing our school’s first ever Outstanding Ofsted judgement, featuring on the Early Excellence Podcast and having my approach to leadership published.
At home, I am a very proud mum to my two-year-old son, Reuben, who keeps me wonderfully busy and entertained! When I do find a little spare time, I enjoy going to the gym, visiting London and keeping up with the latest fashion.
Thank you for reading this snippet and I look forward to supporting every child's learning journey.
Category: Co-Opted
Appointing Body: Governing Body
Committee Membership: Teaching and Learning
Responsibilities: TBC
Louise Calow (she/her)
Term of Office Expires: February 2028
I’m Louise, and have been a parent governor at Alfreton Nursery since 2017. Both my children came to Alfreton Nursery and knowing what a fantastic start to their education it was, I wanted to give back what I could in service to the school and the wider community. Being a parent, I was most excited about showing them the world and all it can offer and Alfreton Nursery truly reflects this - the staff here are an inspiration for the children (and the governors!) and no learning is out of bounds or too much of a challenge. Professionally I am a property lawyer, so have a [boring] obsession with paperwork which is a useful skill to have! When I get any time to myself, you will find me either reading, gardening, walking, crafting or enjoying motorsport.
Category: Parent
Appointing Body: Elected by Parents
Committee Membership: Teaching and Learning
Responsibilities: Data, SDG, Well being and Mental Health and Anti Bullying
Neil Beeson
Term of Office Expires: September 2026
I am very honoured to have the opportunity to support Alfreton Nursery School in the capacity as a Governor. I have been employed as the School Business Manager at the school since September 2021. I have over 30 years’ experience in supporting schools in a variety of roles. The main focus over the last 20 years has been with Finance. Fifteen years with Derbyshire County Council, four with a large Academy Trust and recently a School Business Officer at Swanwick School and Sports college.
I consider myself very friendly, knowledgeable and approachable and I am looking forward to supporting the school in this role.
I have been a volunteer with the Scouts since I was 16, and have been a Beaver Scout leader for over 30 years. I find this to be very rewarding and an enjoyable.
I love sport, watching and playing. I regularly play football and tennis. I enjoy cycling around the lovely Derbyshire Dales.
I am married and have a son.
Category: Staff
Appointing Body: Co-Opted
Committee Membership: Finance and Resources
Responsibilities: Health and Safety