Governors
Welcome to the Governors’ page at Orchard Primary and Nursery School. Our dedicated team of governors plays a vital role in shaping the strategic direction of the school, ensuring that every decision supports the best outcomes for our pupils. On this page, you’ll find an introduction to our governors, an overview of our strategic plan, and access to the latest governors’ meeting minutes. You can also view our Governor Code of Conduct, which outlines the principles and standards that guide our work. We are committed to fostering a supportive and enriching learning environment, and our governors work closely with the school’s leadership team to achieve this goal.
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Meet the Governors
Mr M Cordin - Co-opted Governor (Chair)
I am a co-opted governor and father of three past Orchard children, all have now moved on to secondary school or further education. I am an IT contract project manager currently working in the public sector. Since being elected as a governor in 2012 I have witnessed pupil progress through Orchard school becoming one of the best not only in the county but in the country. It is always a pleasure to attend school during visits to see the progress of our children first hand. During my remaining time as a governor, I hope I can use any of my personal and professional skills to further challenge the school to be the best place for our local children. I am a Head Teacher Appraisal governor. I was appointed chair in October 2016, and I am currently chair of the ‘Together as One’ Collaboration governing body that Orchard School are a key part of.
Term of office from 20 Oct 2024 to 19 Oct 2028
First appointed on 20 Oct 2016
Mrs A Prodger - Headteacher
I am both honoured and privileged to now serve the children of Orchard as their headteacher and I am looking forward to continuing working with all stakeholders to ensure that:
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the ethos of Orchard, with children at it's heart, continues to thrive and move forward.
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all children achieve their academic potential as well as being offered opportunities to unlock and develop a range of talents
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personal development is a priority across school to ensure children have the skills to move on and become active, positive and successful citizens
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children work in a stimulating, safe, caring and supportive learning environment
Working with children, staff, parents and governors, I can ensure that the school offers the very best for all children
Every child can do amazing things and it will be my goal that they do.
Term of Office - Sept 2023 - Present
Mrs P Underwood - Co-opted Governor ( Vice Chair )
I was previously the school business manager at Orchard. I previously worked for Barclays Bank for 17 years so feel highly confident with all financial and administration matters of the school. I am very proud of the improvements around school that I have witnessed. I hope that I can continue to help and support the children, staff and governors to ensure that Orchard continues to provide the best possible experience and facilities for all. I was an associate governor from October 2015 and became a co-opted governor in October 2018.
Term of office from 24 Oct 2022 to 23 Oct 2026
First appointed on 21 Oct 2015
Mrs A Hall – Parent Governor
I am a parent governor and have a son at Orchard school, I am also an active member of the school’s PTA. I am a Macmillan Cancer Specialist and work at Nottingham University Hospitals NHS Trust. Since being elected as Governor I have attended school trips, undertaken monitoring reviews and supported policy updates. It is a privilege to attend Orchard school to see the work undertaken by both teachers and pupils and to witness the progression of Orchard children and the school as a whole. As governor I have responsibilities for SIP, Curriculum, Sport, Pupil Premium, SEN, Polices and Head Teacher Appraisal – Quality. During my remaining time as a Governor I hope to enhance my skills as a governor and to use my professional and personal skills to both support and challenge the school, to ensure it remains the best school for our children.
Term of office from 5 Oct 2022 to 4 Oct 2026
First appointed on 5 Oct 2022
Mrs D Holmes – Parent Governor
I am a parent governor at Orchard Primary School. I have worked in community sport, health and well-being for over 15 years and am passionate about children being giving appropriate opportunities to support them to thrive and be the best version of themselves. I now working in education at a local Further Education college where I am also a member of the Senior Leadership Team. This has given me experience of developing curriculum strategies, Ofsted, safeguarding best practices and Equality, Diversity and Inclusion. I am passionate about lifelong learning and supporting social mobility in communities.
Term of office from 5 Oct 2022 to 4 Oct 2026
First appointed on 5 Oct 2022
Mrs S Johns - Staff Governor
Term of office from 5 Oct 2022 to 4 Oct 2026
First appointed on 5 Oct 2022
Mrs A Tilstone - Co opted Governor
Term of office from 20 May 2024 to 19 May 2028
First appointed on 18 Oct 2017
Mrs E Lever – Parent Governor
I was elected as parent governor in February 2024.
I'm a mother to 2 girls at Orchard, both of which are in KS2. Am a very active member within the school community as treasurer of the Orchard PTA and OPAL work team. I enjoy organising and running fundraising events for the school but am excited to have the opportunity to work alongside the school in a more direct role.
I have a Level 3 diploma in childcare. I hope to use my experience and knowledge to help school to provide a safe place for all and build a school that enriches the students for them to reach their best of their abilities.
Term of office from 6 Feb 2024 to 5 Feb 2028
First appointed on 6 Feb 2024
Mr J Price - Parent Governor
I am a parent governor and father of two, my eldest is in KS1 and my youngest will soon join nursery.
I am a solicitor who specialises in contentious insolvency matters and a Senior Associate at the national firm Browne Jacobson LLP who are headquartered in Nottingham.
In my role as a solicitor, I have extensive experience of problem solving and managing challenging situations. An attention-to-detail and the ability to remain calm under pressure are skills which I bring to the board.
I was elected in 2023 on a promise to use my personal and professional skills to work with the leadership team and seek to ensure all children attending Orchard have the best start to their school lives, and to help the school improve and make progress.
Term of office from 13 Sep 2023 to 12 Sep 2027
First appointed on 13 Sep 2023
Mr R Palfreman - Co- opted Governor
As a previous Site Manager at Orchard I am interested in working with the staff to ensure the health and safety of all at Orchard. I have a passion for the school and enjoy being part of ensuring it is the best it can be.
Term of office from 5 Oct 2022 to 4 Oct 2026
First appointed on 5 Oct 2022
Attendance and Compliance Records 2025 -2026
Document link
Full Governor Minutes Summer 2025
Full Governor Minutes Autumn 2025
Governor Code of Conduct
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