Hazel Community Primary School

Aaron Toogood - Chair of Governors

Co-opted Governor

I am an academic at the University of Leicester but born and raised in New Zealand. My PhD considered the education and career aspirations of primary school-age children from deprived areas. As part of my university outreach work, I have visited dozens of primary schools in Leicester and interacted with thousands of pupils over more than 10 years.

 As a governing board, we are committed to challenging the inequality that exists in the lives of some young children by helping to provide an educational experience that can inspire them to hurdle the societal barriers that may stand in their way. We are also committed to acting as a critical friend to the school’s leadership as they drive forward the quality of this school's scholastic provision.

 I served as a Governor at another primary school for 12 years before joining the governing board of Hazel.

 In my spare time, I enjoy following most sports, particularly rugby and cricket. I support two teams, New Zealand and anyone playing against Australia.

Karen Bishop

Staff Governor

My name is Karen Bishop and I am currently a Year 2 teacher at Hazel Community Primary School.

I am originally from Nottinghamshire, but have worked in a number of Leicestershire and Northamptonshire schools over the years. I have worked across the primary age range, but since 2014 I have worked in Key Stage 1 at Hazel.

I look forward to working with staff, governors, parents and the wider community to ensure that our children receive a high quality education in a safe and caring environment. 

Danielle Cecchini

Co-opted Governor

My name is Danielle Cecchini - my parents are Italian and I have lived in Leicester since the age of two.  My career has been in finance and accountancy and I have worked for British Gas and for the NHS since graduating from Nottingham Trent University.  My most recent role was as the Finance Director and Deputy Chief Executive for Leicestershire Partnership NHS Trust which is a provider of Mental Health, Community and children’s services across Leicester, Leicestershire and Rutland.

I was appointed as a co-opted governor at Hazel Community Primary on 10 June 2021 since taking early retirement at the end of March 2021. I am really happy to be joining the Board of Governors at Hazel Street Community Primary School and to be able to use my experience and knowledge to support the school where I can.

Jo Holland

Co-opted Governor

My name is Jo Holland and I am Business Support Officer for both Leicester Primary Partnership (LPP) and School Improvement Leicester (SIL).  I’ve been working for LPP and SIL for 2 years and prior to that I worked for Local Authorities in finance, early years and education. 

I have in-depth knowledge of LA financial systems having monitored budgets for 20 years and I have a particular interest in data. 

I have an overarching knowledge of City schools and the current issues on which schools are seeking support and can make school-to-school support links where needed.

I absolutely love working in education and am committed to using my skills and knowledge to support the governing body at Hazel Community Primary School. 

Roisin Knight

Co-opted Governor

My name is Roisin Knight and I have been working in education for about twelve years. I am a qualified primary school teacher with a degree in English Literature and an MA in Publishing. I currently teach part time at Christ the King and I spend the rest of my time training both teachers and trainee teachers for a range of providers including the Leicester and Leicestershire SCITT, the PGCE at the University of Leicester and the Leicestershire and Rutland Teaching School Hub. I also support schools with curriculum development and their strategies around Pupil Premium spending as well as being an Evidence Lead in Education (ELE). I have recently started working for Leicestershire County Council as a Museum Educator.

Having previously worked and been a governor at St Mary’s Fields Primary, and grown up locally, this is an area of the city that I am particularly passionate about and I love being involved in education in such a diverse and exciting place.

Emma Sheasby

Co-opted Governor

My name is Emma Sheasby, I am a Project Manager at the School Development Support Agency (SDSA) in Leicester. I have been at the SDSA for 5 years and prior to this I have worked in primary education with a particular focus on teaching P.E across years 1-6 as well as delivering dance, drama and yoga afterschool clubs. I have a Dance degree and have always been interested in Performing Arts and Physical Activity.

 At SDSA, I currently work on projects to support health and well-being across schools, supporting initiatives for inclusive learning and practice as well as SEND support and transition. I have worked on projects locally, regionally, nationally and internationally, gaining a great amount of experience in a variety of educational themes.

 In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and for long walks in the countryside. You may also find me in a restaurant enjoying different foods with family and friends.