I began my teaching career working in Cheshire for 4 years before relocating to St Albans. During my 6 years in Hertfordshire I was a member of the leadership team, worked for the Local Authority as a Lead Teacher for Mathematics, was a governor and then became acting deputy headteacher.
I have been a member of the Whitestone staff team since January 2002, joining as Deputy Headteacher, and at this time was an observer at the Governing Body meetings.
Since becoming the Headteacher in September 2010 I have been a member of the Board of Governors.
We are extremely fortunate to have a strong, skilled membership within this board who act as challenging critical friends to the school whilst holding us to account. Our shared aim is to maintain our high standards as an outstanding provider of a broad and balanced education.
Whitestone is a lovely place to learn & work.
I am married with two young boys, one of whom is at Whitestone and the other has just moved up to Chetwynd Junior School. I have lived in Whitestone for over 10 years and feel that it is great place to bring up our children.
I have been working in manufacturing for over 20 years and I am currently employed in a Global compliance role for a large medical device manufacturer. I have built up a good skill set over my professional career which I plan to use to support the school to maintain its high standards. Over the past three years I have built good relationships with the staff which I look forward to developing further. I feel very privileged to be able to join the governor team and plan to support the school in delivering the very best educational experience we can offer.
My name is Ruth Warwick and I am delighted to join the Board of Governors as Parent Governor. I am married with two children, one of whom attends the school and a toddler who we hope will attend the school in a few years. I have worked in marketing for 18 years and now own a Marketing Consultancy Business.
I believe that Whitestone Infant School is a welcoming, enjoyable and fun place for children to thrive and learn and I hope to bring fresh new ideas to the school that will help maintain the extremely high standards already in place. I am also keen to ensure that the head teacher and all staff members feel fully supported so they can maintain their hard work and commitment to the school.
I have been a governor at Whitestone for over 20 years, since my 2 children were at the school and served as Chair of Governors for over 10 years. I am currently the governor responsible for overseeing safeguarding within the school as well as aspects of SEND. I have represented the board of governors at Patch meetings and currently sit on Warwickshire Schools Forum and Governor Forum Steering Group. I am also an elected member of Warwickshire County Council and help to develop links between the school and the Council.
I have worked in production and operations management for over 30 years in a variety of industries and currently work as an environmental consultant so I able to contribute project management and leadership skills to the board of governors.
In February 2016 I became a member of the governing body at Whitestone Infant School fulfilling a role of Parent governor. Already in such a short space of time I have found the role extremely interesting and through visits to the school and governor meetings, have become full appreciative of the extensive job that both the head teacher and the teaching staff are doing.
I am married with three children and my family and I have lived in the Whitestone catchment area for the past nine years. My youngest son presently attends Whitestone School. My back ground is in education and I have worked as a secondary school teacher in the local area for the last 16 years. In education I have worked in a number of different roles both pastorally and subject specific. For the last 4 years I have been subject leader for Physical Education.
In the role of a middle leader in secondary school I am fully aware of the ever changing educational landscape and have always been interested in maximising the potential of primary education. Whitestone Infant school is a part of my local community and I am grateful for the opportunity to help and support the school and to be part of what is an exciting future.
My name is Mark Hartopp. I’m married and have 3 children who have all been educated at Whitestone Infant School. I work as a Sales Manager for a German component manufacturer and have broad business and management experience.
Family life is very rewarding and challenging and gives me an understanding of today’s parental concerns. I believe it is essential as a parent to support our children’s education including the headteacher and staff. Having lived in area all of my life and attended Whitestone, I am very proud of its reputation and OFSTED report. As a governor for many years I have always tried to offer commitment and enthusiasm to ensure that this continues.
I have a degree in Primary Education and have fourteen years teaching experience ranging from Nursery to Year 6. Before teaching in Warwickshire I taught in Nottingham and Reading. Currently, I am an Assistant Headteacher in a local Academy. I have experience in leading Maths, English, Assessment, Safeguarding, Performance Management, Attendance and Behaviour. I have lived in Whitestone for the last seven years and I have a vested interest in the school; my eldest son attends Whitestone and my youngest will join in two years. Personal reasons aside I also have a strong passion to ensure every child in Warwickshire receives the best possible education and life experiences.
I am proud to join the Board of Governors as a Parent Governor at Whitestone Infant School.
Passionate about ensuring high quality education for all, I have 20 years’ experience working in the education sector. During this time, I have had the privilege to manage marketing, communications, student recruitment, admissions and careers teams. As well as supporting the development of businesses to provide work opportunities for students, graduates and local communities.
My daughter is currently in Reception at Whitestone. As a parent I have seen how the school welcomes all students and makes learning enjoyable by inspiring students through a creative curriculum.
I am looking forward to supporting the school to provide the best education for all within the local area.
It is a privilege to be given the opportunity to be a Parent Governor at Whitestone Infant School. As a father of two children, I’m keen to support the school's team through the primary perspective of a parent for both your children and my own.
Professionally speaking I wear two hats; firstly I am a university academic, with experience of teaching, assessment and curriculum development. As well as, this I’ve delivered and managed educational programs internationally in places like Hong Kong, the Philippines and Ghana.
My other role consists of more entrepreneurial ventures that include a design and printing business, and property investment.
I’m a keen runner, so you may well see me doing laps around Whitestone and further afield (depending if I’m in ultra-marathon mode or not). As well as running myself, I’m founder and chair of the Bedworth Park 5k, which is a weekly timed event for runners and walkers of all abilities
I am married with two beautiful daughters, one of whom has just started her academic journey and is already benefiting from the school’s offerings. Professionally, I work locally as a Technology Director at a leading Research and Development Technology Centre. With over 15 years of experience leading multidisciplinary teams across various sectors and technologies, I am excited to help shape the future of Whitestone Infant School as a new parent governor (2024).
I believe in fostering strong relationships between the school and its community. And believe my experiences will positively contribute to the board’s efforts in supporting the school’s goals, development, and financial needs. Committed to promoting innovation and continuous improvement, I aim to bring the same dedication to the governing board. I understand the importance of providing a safe, stimulating, and inclusive environment for children to thrive.
Deeply committed to diversity and inclusion, I mentor both young adults and seasoned professionals in academic and professional contexts. I am also an active advocate for STEM learning. I look forward to ensuring every child at Whitestone Infant School has the opportunity to succeed whilst having fun.
Outside of work, I enjoy running, swimming, and cycling, and I am currently training for upcoming events. I also enjoy playing golf when I have the time.