Meet the Governors!

Clerk

Tracey Crawshaw (through Cambridgeshire Clerking Service)

Chair of Governors

Stuart Curtis

I am the Chair of Governors, which means I oversee all the governing body's hard work, chair meetings, and am Mrs Trace's first port of call to discuss any important things that are happening within the school. I am also the link governor for health and safety and the website, and have been a member of the board since June 2023. I am a mechanical engineer, leading a team of 30+ mechanical engineers at a company where we design all sorts of products and medical devices that help improve people's lives. With three small children, most of my time outside work is occupied with spending time with them, getting out and about as much as we can.

Headteacher

Yasmine Trace

Hi! My name is Yasmine Trace and I am a governor at Sawtry Infant School as part of my role as Headteacher. I have been a member of the governing body since I became Deputy Head teacher in 2021 but I have been working at Sawtry Infant School since September 2018.

I graduated from Nottingham Trent University in 2008 after completing a four year degree in Primary Education... which means I have been teaching for quite a long time!

I have two young children, a dog, two cats and a hamster. When I am not in mum or headteacher mode my hobbies are yoga, reading and listening to music.

It is a pleasure to be the headteacher of Sawtry Infant School and we are lucky enough to have a great team of enthusiastic governors who support us on our school improvement journey.

Deputy Head (Guest Governor)

Luke Alletson - Staff Member and Guest to Governing Body

Hi I’m Luke Alletson and I’m an Associate/Guest Governor for Sawtry Infant School. I joined the Governing Body in January 2023 and have been a class teacher here since 2018. I’m also the school’s Deputy Headteacher, which means I get to have a great overview of the school to share with the Governing Body.

I studied Early Years Education in Birmingham before then taking a postgraduate degree in Primary Teaching. I’m also a proud pet dad to a dog, two cats, two geckos a tortoise and some fish.

Our Governors

Julie Howells - Local Authority Governor

Hello, my name is Julie Howells and I am the Local Authority governor at Sawtry Infant School. I am a longstanding member of the governing body which has enabled me to be actively involved in the development of our school, whilst gaining a holistic insight into both the educational and management aspects over the years.

My current role as early years teacher and manager at Buttons and Bows Pre-School equips me with the knowledge and understanding of education in the early years and primary, enabling me to share knowledge and experience.

I have two boys, both who attended our school and their time was a happy and nurturing one with great memories.

Georgia Pennell - Staff Governor

Hello! I am Georgia Pennell and I am the staff governor at Sawtry Infant School. I have been a governor since July 2023, but I have been a class teacher here since September 2021.

I studied Primary Education at the University of Bedfordshire for 3 years and fell in love with Sawtry Infant school on my final placement. Before going to university, I was training full time at Performing Arts College and during this time I taught young children dance lessons. In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym, running and spending time with my family!

Ruth Fox - Co-opted Governor

Hello, my name is Ruth Fox and I am a longstanding governor at Sawtry Infant school. I thoroughly enjoy being actively involved with the school. I also work at Buttons and Bows Pre-School as a practitioner, Special Educational Needs coordinator and Designated Safeguarding Lead, so I have good knowledge and understanding of the roles within the school. Both my children attended our school and thoroughly enjoyed their time there!

Nichola Fox - Co-opted Governor

Hello! I have been a school governor since 2023 and my children have both attended Sawtry Infant School. I support the school on Pupil Premium and Sports Premium primarily.

I enjoy this alongside running my own business supporting small business owners, being mum to two boys and a bit of jewellery making.

Tawno Laird-Clowes - Co-opted Governor

Hi, my name is Tawno Laird-Clowes. I have been a governor since 2019. I was keen to take on this role when I first moved to Sawtry as it made me feel like a part of the community and Sawtry Infant School is very much at the centre of that. Being a governor allows me to take an extra interest in to the school that my children attended and enables me to act as a voice for fellow parents. I am also currently working in the school as a Teaching Assistant.

Gavin Cottrell - Co-opted Governor

Hi, I'm Gavin Cottrell and I've been a school governor at Sawtry Infant School since 2024. I have a son that attends the school so it's very important for me to feel like I can have a positive impact on his school experience, as well as every other pupil and staff member at the school. I am the link governor for English so I really enjoy seeing the progress that's been made in this area, as well as Equality.

I work for a large bank and so half of my working time is spent in London but when I can, I enjoy visiting the school and getting involved in the local community. I'm married, with two sons, and I enjoy most sports. I've played rugby for 25 years but am now playing less rugby and more golf!

Laura Carter - Co-opted Governor

Hi, I'm Laura and I have been a governor since 2025. I am excited to support the school. I have worked in the Early Years in several roles over the years and currently run my own business; Kimble's before and after school club.

I have two children who have attended the school since 2020 and who have loved their time at the Infants. I enjoy being busy, reading and more recently netball.

Paul Spencer - Parent Governor

Hello! I’m Paul Spencer - proud parent governor at Sawtry Infant School, where I’ve been serving since December 2024. It’s a real privilege to support our amazing school community and help shape the best possible learning journey for our children.

By day, I’m a qualified accountant working in the finance team at a local NHS Trust - crunching numbers to help keep things running smoothly.

I’m also a dad of two children, who have both enjoyed their time at Sawtry Infant School, as I did a long time ago!

When I’m not with the family or at work, I enjoy playing and watching sport, especially football and golf.

Emma Solomon - Parent Governor

My name is Emma and I have been a parent governor since December 2023. I am currently the lead governor for mathematics. I have been a health and safety professional for local government since 2007. Beyond my work I am a mum of two little girls. I am passionate about art and I love growing flowers and vegetables in my garden.

Sawtry Infant School