Governor Profiles

Sarah Hinchliffe - Chair Governors

Parent Governor - SEND and Pupil/Sports Premium (July 2022 - Aug 2026), Chair (Oct 2024-present)

I understand the SEND system both as a Governor and a proud parent of a neurodiverse child, who attended Dobcroft Infants. As a SEND Governor I will ensure that the school makes necessary SEND provision for pupils and complies with our legal duties. I am also the Governor responsible for Pupil Premium and Sports Premium.

My youngest child is in Foundation Stage at the school.

My professional background is in Marketing and Internal Communications and I was a Senior Manager in the financial and regeneration sectors.

Cathy Rowland - Headteacher

Headteacher

I have been the Head at Dobcroft Infant School since September 2004 having previously been the Head at Broomhill for 4 years. I have been a Governor since 1993 first as a teacher representative and then in a Headteacher role in particular looking at the value of Early Years.

As a Governor, I want to drive through strategies for school's priorities including our new role as a Teaching School supporting other schools.

Zoe Singh - Deputy Headteacher

Associate - Deputy Headteacher

I have been Deputy Head at Dobcroft Infant School since Jan 2023 with previous experience as a Deputy Head at Lydgate Infant School. Prior to this I worked at DIS for seven years culminating in a role as Foundation Stage Lead. I have been an Associate Governor since Jan 2023.

Amie Clifford

Parent Governor (Sept 2022-Aug 2026)

I became a parent governor in 2022, and have two children who currently attend Dobcroft Junior School. My roles on the board are primarily vice-chair and safeguarding lead. I also sit on the Head Teacher Performance Management panel.

My professional background is in medicine, having previously qualified as a GP. The knowledge and skills I developed in the course of that training are of particular relevance in my role as safeguarding governor.

My children both thrived at Dobcroft Infant School, and I am excited to be part of the board continuing to improve this already excellent school.

Claire Hughes - Teaching Staff

Co-opted Governor (Sept 2021 - Aug 2025)

I am a class teacher at Dobcroft Infant School and currently teach in Year 2 in Eagles class. I have been a teacher at Dobcroft Infant School for 10 years. I am currently the English coordinator and co-chair of the Rights Respecting council. I am also a SCITT mentor, helping mentor and support training teachers.

Laura Alger

Co-opted Governor (October 23 - Oct 2027)

I am a parent of a current Dobcroft Infant School pupil. I'm keen to contribute to the school and be more involved in the local community.

In my professional life, I'm an in-house solicitor at British Business Bank. The bank is government owned and dedicated to making financial markets work better for smaller businesses. I work in the Commercial Operations team, reviewing contracts for services the bank wishes to procure.

Susanna Bradbury

Clerk to the IEB

Angela Hill (Beal)

Co-opted Governor (Nov 2021 - Oct 2025)

I am a link governor for well-being and training, and am pleased to be able to use my experience in Human Resources and Leadership to contribute to the governing body and support the school and students.

I have two girls, one at Dobcroft Infant School and one at Dobcroft Junior School.

Sean Milner

Co-opted Governor (May 2023 - May 2027)

I became a co-opted governor in 2023 and have one child at Dobcroft Infant School.

I have worked in education for over 15 years. I sepnt a decade in Year 6 classrooms before later ytansitioning into the Civil Service. Having worked across a range of education sectors, I have broad and varied work experiences, that I aim to call upon to support all those involved with the school.

Patrick Luker

Co-opted Governor (Jan 2024 - Jan 2028)

I live locally and have two young children who will join Dobcroft Infant School in the coming years.

I am a Chartered Accountant by profession. I qualified at a 'Big 4' firm and specialised in financial due diligence and advising on corporate acquisitions. I have held senior finance positions at two fast-growing businesses based in Sheffield. My current role is Head of M & A at Twinkl, where I focus on acquisition of complimentary EdTech businesses and investment in high-growth companies.

I am keen to contribute to our community and am pleased to be able to use my background in finance and professional experience to support the governing body.

William Hentley

Parent Governor (Sep 2022 - Sep 2026)