Our governors

Mrs Clair Dathan - Acting Chair of Governors 

I attended Bakewell Infants School, as did my son. I have been a governor since 1993. I am dedicated to providing a good all round education to all children. I believe that Bakewell Infant School does this in a caring, professional way and in a fantastic environment. I am chair of the performance management group and chair of the resource management committee. I attend school events whenever possible and enjoy seeing the fantastic achievements of the pupils and staff. I work as a Principal Trading Standards Officer and in my spare time I enjoy singing and walking my spaniel, Ruby.

Mrs Kath Naylor - Foundation Governor

I have lived in Bakewell for almost thirty years. After getting a degree in Biology and having children, I arrived in Bakewell and started ‘work’ at Bakewell Playgroup. As Early Years education developed, so did my role at playgroup and I became owner and manager, finally retiring in 2010. I have been a Foundation governor for many years and really enjoy my connection with school. I come in as a Buddy reader on a regular basis and am part of the Open the Book team which presents bible stories to the children in assembly. I value these opportunities to see the school in action. Being an active member of the church congregation takes up a lot of my time, but when I have a spare moment I like to walk over the beautiful Peak District hills and dales. We also have seven grandchildren spread around the country, so sometimes childminding duties are required and off we go. Not much time to get bored in my life!! 

Canon Tony Kaunhoven - Foundation Governor

I have been Vicar of Bakewell with four other churches since January 2007 and joined the school governors on my arrival. I value and am committed to the important link between the church and school, looking always to strengthen and develop it. I enjoy the opportunities to share in the life of the school, leading collective worship, introducing children to the Christian life and faith and being a resource for the school. I enjoy my family time, walking and being a season ticket holder of Chesterfield FC 'Come on the Spirites!'

Mr. Jonathan Tranter - Co-opted Governor

I have lived in Bakewell most of my life and attended Bakewell Infants, Juniors and Lady Manners Schools, leaving Lady Manners Sixth Form in 1983. I then studied part time at Chesterfield College for an HNC, and similarly at Derby University for a degree in Electrical Engineering, eventually becoming a Chartered Engineer in 1998. I currently manage teams of Mechanical and Electrical engineers across several offices for AECOM, having worked previously for other international consulting engineering practices.

I have three daughters who all went to Bakewell School’s as did my Mother and Grandmother before them. My youngest daughter Charlotte is currently at Lady Manners.

As a slightly younger man I raced motorbikes and love rock and blues music. I’m hoping one day to start clay pigeon shooting when DIY will allow. I also really enjoy travelling and seeing new places.

Previously I worked as a Parent Governor at Bakewell Infants and as Chair of Governors for 4 years. I’m delighted to be back on the Governing body and getting involved again with this wonderful School and its brilliant people.

Mrs Louise Woffenden - Parent Governor

I settled in Bakewell in 2005 with my husband Richard, moving to Derbyshire from Manchester to open a new bookshop in Chesterfield. My career has since changed, but I am always glad I made the move and am bringing up my two children in such a lovely part of the country.

My son Henry is currently a ‘Super Squirrel’ at the school and his younger sister Martha will join Reception next year. Since Henry started school I have seen first-hand how important those early school days are and my decision to become a Parent Governor will hopefully allow me to use my skills to help and support the school for both my own children and the local children that will follow.

Mr. John Colebrook - Parent Governor

I moved to Bakewell in 2015 with my wife and three children, not forgetting a daft dog! Having being brought up in Little Eaton near Derby, I attended Ecclesbourne School, Duffield. I played football for a local team for more than 20 years, in this time I was treasurer for a number of years . I enjoyed being part of a close community within the village.

I now split my time running a steel fabrication business and working for our sister company doing noise and vibration control and thermal management systems. During this time I have studied part-time at Derby University gaining a HNC in Engineering and a Diploma in Acoustics.

I love outdoor activities such as hiking, biking and climbing, I am enjoying passing on this love of the hills and mountains to my children.

I decided to become a parent governor in order to contribute to the community in which I am part of whilst supporting this wonderful school.

Mrs. Joanne Green - Parent Governor

I have lived in Bakewell most of my life, attending Bakewell Infants, Juniors then Lady Manners. I studied Law at Durham University before qualifying as a Solicitor specialising in Commercial Litigation. 

After having 2 children, I decided on a career change to spend more time with them as they started their formal education. I am currently working towards qualifying as an Accountant with my family firm in Bakewell. 

My daughter attended the Infants before moving to Juniors, and my son has recently started on his journey through the School. I am the current Chair of the Friends, having fulfilled that role for the past 2 years, helping to raise additional funds to benefit the children of the School.

Having such fond memories of my time at the School, I am passionate about ensuring that my children and future generations have the same opportunity. 

Mrs. Sue Beckett - Executive Headteacher

My first visit to Bakewell Infant School was in April 2022 when parents were invited to help get the school garden ready for Summer. I was so impressed by the amazing turnout, 'the roll up your sleeves and get stuck in' attitude of families, staff and children.

Since that day, I have enjoyed many wonderful days at Bakewell. It is such a family school, everyone cares for each other, and it is set within the most amazing grounds and supportive community.  There is joy in every day here!

When not in Bakewell, I enjoy my time at Christ Church C of E Primary in Chesterfield. We are a larger school, but it is fantastic to bring both staff teams together as we support each other on our school journeys.

I live in Chesterfield with my husband Karl and my sausage dog Joey, and I have two grown-up children.  I love to eat jelly babies and run in the rain.