Meet Our Trustees
Guided by Trustees, not shareholders
Unlike schools, we don’t have governors or shareholders. Instead, we are supported by our Trustees—people from all walks of life including parents, doctors, teachers, and professionals in business and finance. They meet regularly to make sure our nursery runs smoothly and continues to grow.
The role of our Trustees
Our Trustees are here to:
- Support and guide our staff
- Approve budgets and appoint senior leaders
- Ensure the nursery is a safe and happy place for children and staff
- Protect and uphold Charnwood’s ethos for future generations
A lasting commitment
The Trustees’ role is more than just oversight—it’s about safeguarding the values that make Charnwood special. Their commitment ensures that every child who joins us experiences the same warmth, care, and high standards that families have trusted for decades.
Cath Carr Deed
Chair of Trustees /
Safeguarding Lead
Hi, I’m Cath and I am a retired headteacher of Charnwood nursery school and now the Chair of the trustee body. I live in Didsbury and attend St Catherine’s church. I am married to Richard and we have four grown up children (Kate, Will, Xavier and Grace ) three of whom have had the pleasure of working at Charnwood. I also have two grandsons both of whom attended Opportunity Group and then Charnwood nursery. Charnwood is very dear to all our family it is a very special and unique place rooted in the Christian faith where the staff go above and beyond to ensure the very best of care for each and every child!
Simon Forman
Vice Chair / Community Ambassador
Hi, I’m Simon, I work as a Church Administrator for a local church in Heaton Moor. I enjoy walking, running, cycling, and reading – though not necessarily all at the same time! I am married to Ruth, and we have 3 children, Grace, Sammy and Oli; all of whom attended Charnwood nursery. I became a Trustee at Charnwood back in 2018 and am always so moved when I hear how Charnwood staff go above and beyond to help families in the community. It really is an inspiring and amazing place!
Simon Crane
Secretary of Trustees / GDPR
I'm Simon, an Engineering Manager who joined the Charnwood trustees in 2017 and am now the secretary for the Trust. I live in Heaton Mersey with my wife, daughter, son and cat Jasper! I love seeing the hidden science and engineering in everyday life and want to inspire lots of people to see that engineering can be fun, diverse and really rewarding!
Sue Ferns
Finance Trustee
I'm Sue. I'm now retired but spent my (paid) working life as an accountant and my (unpaid) working life raising 3 children - one of whom now works at Charnwood. In my spare time, I love looking after my granddaughter (who had a wonderful experience at Charnwood), working out at the gym and reading crime novels. I've only recently been appointed as a trustee but I'm hoping that my finance knowledge and experience will be of benefit to Charnwood.
Clare Fay
Fundraising Trustee
Hi, my name is Clare. I am an Admin Assistant at Stepping Hill Hospital. In my spare time I enjoy reading and listening to music, visiting gardens both National Trust and RHS. I have lived in Heaton Mersey for nearly 50 years and recently joined Charnwood as a Trustee.
Eileen O'Sullivan
Safeguarding Trustee
Hello, My name is Eileen O'Sullivan and I am really pleased to be part of the Charnwood Family as a new Trustee. A little note about me...I had a number of years in business management and leadership, until I escaped back to the teaching which I have always loved. I have taught in Early Years and Primary and have lectured the future teachers at Manchester Met. University. I live in the Peak District and walk in the hills and swim outdoors every day If I get a chance. I have two very lovely and very grown-up children, one living in America and one in London. The children, parents and staff and children I have met are a joy, do stop me if you see me around the building. I am looking forward to supporting the Charnwood Family in any way I can.
Anne Smith
Trustee for Christian Ethos & Well-being
My name is Anne Smith and I've been involved with Charnwood for over 3 decades. Charnwood is a wonderful setting where both adults and children are valued and nurtured.I worked at Charnwood for 18 years as a Special Needs Teacher, SENCo and Deputy. It was a precious time. I have also worked as a teacher of the deaf and visually impaired and as an early years advisory teacher. I'm married with 3 adult children and 3 grandchildren. I retired 2 years ago (in March 2020) and recently stepped into a Trustee role at Charnwood. It is a privilege to return to the nursery in this capacity.
Jean Baker
Trustee for Christian Ethos & Well-being
Hi, my name is Jean and I have been on the Charnwood Trustees for a number of years now, having previously been part of the staff team at the nursery. I have three grown up children and 4 grandchildren. I am on the leadership team of a church in Hazel Grove and feel privileged to continue to be involved in the amazing work that Charnwood does. My hobbies include swimming, walking, travelling and reading, as well as supporting my family with childcare during school holidays.
Damian Dallimore
Parent Trustee / Governance
Hi I’m Damian and I have 23 years of working in local government mainly focused on helping children and young people thrive and achieve. My current role is Director of the Greater Manchester Violence Reduction Unit where I oversee a range of work to keep children safe and prevent crime. I live in Heaton Moor with my partner Katie and three boys and in my spare time I am normally found with a ball at my feet in a field running around with them. I adore Charnwood and everything they do which is why I volunteered to become a trustee in 2025.