Meet Your Governing Body

Our Clerk to Governors can be contacted via email to [email protected]

Andrew Canham - Chair of Governors

I have a Geology degree and a post-graduate qualification in Sedimentology and am a Fellow of the Geological Society. Since 1998, I’ve been director of two companies providing geological consultancy and analysis to the Oil and Gas, minerals extraction and engineering geology industries, most recently working on renewable energy projects. I have one son who’s now in 6th form at Helsby High School. I’ve been a school governor since 2013, initially becoming a parent governor to support our local primary school while my son attended, and a Chair of Governors since 2016, at four different schools in the Cheshire West area. I’ve been a parent, co-opted, local authority and trust appointed governor. I am involved in monitoring school finances and resources, particularly budgeting, and provide support and advice to school leaders particularly on business matters and governance.  I am keen to see the school maintain and, where possible, improve on the high standards currently achieved and to ensure that students from all backgrounds and abilities can look back on their school days as amongst the most enjoyable and rewarding of their lives.

Jill Cutler - Vice Chair of Governors

My name is Jill Cutler and I am the LA governor for MTVS. I have been a teacher for over 25 years, specialising in PE. I am currently an Assistant Headteacher leading in behaviour and attendance at Queen's Park High School. I live in Mickle Trafford with my husband and 2 teenage boys who both attended MTVS. My passion is sport and now spend much of my time travelling around watching my sons play football. I love a good holiday on the slopes or in the sun!

Clare Arnold 

My name is Clare Arnold and I am a Co-Opted Governor on the MTVS Governing Board.  I have been involved in governance at the school for the past 11 years and have held the roles of Joint Chair, Vice-Chair, and have also been sub-committee chair / vice-chair in the past.

I am currently the lead Governor for SEND.

I have four children, of which the oldest two are at High School but both attended Mickle Trafford Village School. My youngest two are at the primary school, in years 6 and 3.  My two older nephews (now aged 24 and 19) also went to Mickle Trafford Primary.

Outside of Governance I volunteer at my sons Football club, performing an admin role for two teams at the club.  I have also recently been appointed team manager of my youngest daughters Netball Club.                                                                                                                                                                                                           

Linda Peate

Mat Hutchinson

I am a co-opted governor on the board, but also a member of staff at Mickle Trafford Village School. I first trained as a teacher in 2014 right at this very school through the School Direct programme that used to be run here. After training, I worked at Whitchurch Junior School, but returned to teach here 8 years ago. As well as being a teacher here, I have many other roles including: SENCO, KS2 Lead, Maths and Humanities coordinator.

I live in Farndon with my wife and two children. In my spare time, I enjoy playing football, golf and have recently taken up Padel with a few members of staff here!

I joined our governing board to not only offer support through my roles, but also to increase my understanding of how the school runs as successfully as it does!

Sara Hayes

Anouska Youds 

My name is Anouska Youds and I am a Parent Governor at MTVS. I am married with 2 boys and live in the village. I work full time as a lawyer and when I am not running the kids around to all their activities I enjoy keeping active myself. As well as running I go to Pilates and Barre classes and have recently started Latin dance classes.

As a family we like spending time outside exploring the countryside, walking and cycling. We also love camping and music and so enjoy going to festivals.

I feel a strong affiliation with MTVS as I have lived in the village for around 35 years on and off. I attended MTVS as a child, as did my sister, my niece and my own 2 boys. My eldest has now left to go to High School and my youngest is in Year 5.

In my Governor role I am one of the link/lead Governors for SDP priorities 1 (Quality of Education Curriculum Teaching and Achievement) and 4 (Leadership).

Adrian Ralph

Prior to my retirement in June 2023 , when I became a parent Governor at MTVS, I held a number of senior leadership positions in healthcare companies across UK, Europe and USA. Working in this highly regulated industry prepared me for the level of regulation and rigour required in the education sector. I have always been passionate about the personal development of my team and instilling the right values into our leaders of the

future. In particular, I feel it is critical for our teachers to help parents build many of the required life and leadership skills and attitudes into our pupils throughout their educational journey such as respect, integrity and empathy. As a member of the Governing board I have committed to focus my attention for the school on Personal Development, Community Engagement, Financial Management and Health and Safety.

I am a keen football follower and a regular golfer.

Nicola Lasikiewicz

My name is Nic and I’m a Parent Governor, which means my role is to provide the governing body with a parent perspective when discussing the schools vision, ethos and strategic direction. I’ve been a governor since November 2023 and currently have two children at the school.

I got involved in school governance as I wanted the opportunity to help and support our wonderful school, to ensure the very best for our children both in terms of their education and also in building a sense of community and belonging. I also wanted to be able to apply my skills and experience as a psychologist and academic, whilst learning more about what Mickle Trafford Village School does. My responsibilities have included initiatives surrounding behaviour and wellbeing as well as enhancing community engagement. 

I’m passionate about ensuring that our children have the best educational experience both in terms of their learning but also their personal development. This passion is something I see everyday in the school staff when visiting as a governor or at pick up as a parent. 

Mickle Trafford is a fantastic school with a caring community and I am privileged to be able to play a part in its future development. 

Janet Day

I am a retired deputy head and SENDCo of a large nursery and infant school in Shropshire. I have spent over 30 years in primary education mainly teaching in key stage one. I have lectured for Chester University on an ad hoc basis covering additional needs training for newly qualified teachers. I am currently the lead invigilator for exams at a local secondary school.

I recently decided to become a governor as I wanted to give something back to the community. I miss working in a school environment and specifically working with children. I am volunteering at school in year one to support reading and at present I am the governor for pupil premium children will be supporting the school with forest school training and dyslexia friendly learning.

All governors are volunteers, the governing body is made up of parents, staff and community governors.