Meet the Governing Body

As a maintained nursery school, all the services offered by Lanterns are overseen by the governing body.   

Governors are strategic leaders within schools and have a vital role to play in making sure every child gets the best possible education.  Governing bodies have a strong focus on three core strategic functions:

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and direction;
• Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of the staff; and
• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

Lanterns Governing Body is constituted to include two parent governors, a local authority governor, a headteacher, a staff governor and up to seven co-opted governors. Each governor takes on a specific role to monitor key governance areas, including safeguarding, curriculum, and special educational needs (SEN).

The Lanterns Governing Body will be operating using a flat governance structure in 2022-23. 

Mini Biographies

Briony Allder, Chair of Governors and Co-opted Governor

I became the Chair in October 2021, having joined initially as a parent governor, and absolutely love being part of the Lanterns Governing Body. In my day job I am a co-Director of a medico-legal business and bring 15 years experience of working in the public sector as a senior manager, in both operational and strategic roles, to the governing body. I have seen my daughter thrive during her time at Lanterns and I am committed to ensuring that the nursery school offers all children the opportunity to achieve their full potential. In my spare time I enjoy reading and creative pursuits.

Teresa Kopec, Parent Governor

I am a busy mum of 2 who moved to Winchester from London in March 2020. My daughter started in the Bumblebees class at Lanterns, progressing to Ladybirds and is currently in Butterflies.  As an experienced teacher in post 16 and Adult Education, currently on a career break, I am very passionate about all aspects of education. I hold the belief that all children should have the opportunity to access good quality learning and support.  In March 2022 I joined the governing body as a Parent Governor to use my experience to help, support and inform all stakeholders. In my spare time I enjoy regular trips to the beach and exploring what the surrounding area of Winchester has to offer.

Hayley Nation-Smith, Parent Governor

I am the curriculum governor for Lanterns after joining the governing body in 2022.  My daughter attended Lanterns back in 2020, my first son is currently in Butterflies room and my second son will start when he turns two.  Having been a Reception class teacher and PreSchool Room Leader in a number of settings in and around Winchester, I can really see just how special Lanterns is and want to support this unique and nurturing nursery in any way I can.

Sarah Watson, Co-opted Governor

Mini bio coming soon!

Emily Townsend, Co-opted Governor

Mini bio coming soon!

Jan Harris, Local Authority Governor

Mini bio coming soon! 

Ellie Jennings, Staff Governor

Mini bio coming soon!