OUR GOVERNING BOARD
Guiding our schools with care and vision.
Our Governing Board is made up of a diverse group of individuals, each bringing valuable skills and experience to guide the strategic direction of our federation. We are committed to ensuring our schools run smoothly and stay true to our shared vision and values.
With a focus on transparency, accountability and community involvement, we work to achieve the best outcomes for our children and their families. Thank you for visiting our Governing Board page, and for your continued support of AIM Federation.
Our Governors
Steve Lunniss
Co-Chair
I have been a Federation Governor since 2016. Previously, I was clerk to the Governing Board at Bacton Primary School from 2011 until it federated with the Schools at Mundesley. I have had several roles within The Coastal Federation and then Coastal Together Federation including Vice Chair and Chair of the Leadership and Finance sub-committee. I am the School Effectiveness Governor at Mundesley Infant and Junior Schools.
I had a career managing Supported Housing and Social Care Services, including as CEO of a small volunteer organisation. I have also led the Boards of several charitable and community organisations. I am currently enjoying a well-earned career break.
I joined the Governing Board because I wanted to contribute to our local community. I strongly believe that the Federation gives opportunities to retain the individuality of our village schools whilst also working across schools to improve educational attainment.
Mike Blake
Co-Chair
I have been a school governor for over ten years, currently as Co-Chair, with responsibility for Pupil Premium, Sports/PE Premium and school effectiveness at Freethorpe Primary School.I have one daughter, who is now at college, having formerly started her education at Cantley Primary School.
I have been a Business Data Analyst in the Finance function for an insurance firm, for sixteen years. I have also lived in Freethorpe for over twenty-five years, and support the local community both as a Parish Councillor, and as Treasurer for a local charity.
Jamie Nickerson
Vice-Chair
I am Jamie, married to Ann, and have 2 daughters, Daisy and Florence, who both attended Horning Primary School. I was originally a Parent Governor, served as Chair of Governors and then Vice-Chair of Cantley & Horning Schools Federation as a LA governor. I am the School Effectiveness Governor at Horning Primary School.
We moved to Horning from London 20 years ago, where I used to work in a bank, and took over the running of my grandmother’s small farm, where we now breed and keep alpacas. I manage the woodland and sell firewood locally. I also have an IT support business offering tuition and support for people in the local community.
My children greatly benefitted from starting their education journey in a small school setting, and I am very committed to ensuring the survival of small schools so that they can help to develop and enrich, principally the children but also the wider community.
Laura Gatward
Co-opted Governor
I’m a parent with a child at Mundesley Infant School and an Assistant Head at North Walsham High School. I am the School Effectiveness Governor at Mundesley Infant and Junior Schools
Trish Webster
Staff Governor
I joined the school's governing body in November 2020 as a Staff Governor. As an employee of the school, and a parent whose child attends another school in the Federation I believe I am fortunate to have a unique view of the workings and effects of some of the decisions made.
Prior to working in education admin, I enjoyed a long career in Human Resources and latterly corporate compliance. Working and living in the village gives me a real sense of ownership. I look forward to actively supporting the school in all my roles.
Amandine Moores
Parent Governor
My name is Amandine Moores and I live in Halvergate with my husband and my two children. I am French but I have lived in Norfolk for almost 20 years.
I am a secondary French and Spanish teacher in a High school and VI Form college in Norwich. I also have extensive experience as a senior examiner for GCSE and Alevel examinations and I have collaborated on several textbooks. This gives me a good understanding of a broad range of educational issues.
I am very active and running is my main passion. As a family, we are keen travellers and we love discovering new countries, helping our children to embrace and understand different cultures, languages and natural worlds.
Paul Stack
Co-opted Governor
I have been a school governor since 2022 and was part of the decision for Swanton Abbott Primary School to join the federations. I have two children at Swanton Abbott and firmly believe in the wide ranging benefits to children of being educated in a smaller school.
I am committed to furthering that as well as the impact our schools can have on their local communities. I am one of the School Effectiveness Governors for Swanton Abbott.
Outside of governorship I am one of the minis coaches at North Walsham rugby club.
Melissa Ford
Co-opted Governor
I am a Pre-school administrator and I have 2 children who attend Swanton Abbott Primary School.
I became a parent governor because I wanted to be involved with my children’s education, but also help to further the development and future proof a small rural community school.
Once the school joined the federation, I was very keen to continue my involvement and I am now one of the School Effectiveness Governors for Swanton Abbott.
Simon Wakeman
Executive Head
Member of staff. Governor with voting rights.
David Hopkins
Associate Governor Executive Head
With a wealth of experience gained from working at several schools in the city, I eventually found my calling at the Coastal Federation, where I initially served as Head of School at Bacton. For the past 3 years, I have taken on the roles of Deputy Executive Head and Head of School for Horning, Bacton and Swanton Abbott.
I am deeply passionate about our small schools and committed to providing our children with big opportunities to enhance their cultural capital and broaden their horizons beyond the classroom. My dedication to this mission has been a driving force in my career.
I have been instrumental in developing our residential programme and personal development curriculum, both of which empower children to engage with and become active members of their communities through various projects and community links.
My vision is to ensure that every child in our federation has the chance to experience a rich and diverse education, preparing them for a bright and promising future.
Emie Croft
Associate Governor
Deputy Executive Head
With 14 years of experience in education, I am passionate about improving outcomes for children across all our schools. For the past 5 years, I have been proud to be part of the federation, where I’ve had the opportunity to lead and innovate in various roles.
As the federation’s Head of Teaching, Learning, CPD, and Standards, I worked to ensure staff received research-based CPD and upheld high standards for teaching and learning. My aim was to create an environment where educators could excel and, in turn, provide the best possible education for our children.
In my current role as Deputy Executive Head, I oversee curriculum and standards, ensuring our educational programmes are comprehensive and engaging. Additionally, I am responsible for promoting our schools through strategic marketing efforts.
I have a particular passion for the Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS), reading and learning beyond the classroom. I firmly believe in the power of holistic education and strive to cultivate a love of learning in all our children. I love reading educational literature and continuously learning and improving my knowledge. I think research and evidence-based approaches are key to improving schools for better outcomes for children. My dedication and vision are focused on driving the federation towards continued excellence in education, and I am committed to making a positive impact on the lives of our children and staff.
Abi Carter
Associate Governor
Deputy Executive Head
With 15 years of experience working across the primary age range, I am deeply committed to ensuring all children can thrive and achieve their potential through high-quality provision. My career in education began at an inner-city school in Norwich, before I moved to a rural school in Cawston. Eventually, I joined the Coastal Federation at Bacton and later Mundesley Infant School, where my journey continued to evolve.
At Mundesley Infant School, I took on the role of Senior Teacher and then progressed to Head of School. My responsibilities grew to encompass not only the infant school but also Mundesley Junior School and the Beacon SEMH base. These diverse experiences have enriched my understanding of the various educational needs and environments that children experience.
Currently, as the Deputy Executive Head of Inclusion and Safeguarding, I leverage my extensive knowledge in safeguarding to create a safe and nurturing environment for all our children. I am passionate about Early Years education, believing that every child deserves the best possible start in life.
My dedication is centred on making sure every child feels valued and supported, allowing them to reach their fullest potential. Through my work, I strive to ensure that high-quality provision is at the heart of everything we do, fostering an inclusive atmosphere where every child can succeed.
Jenny Wood
Associate Governor
Member of Staff. Business Director.
Sam Wilkinson
Clerk