Welcome to our Governors’ section.

Please find below details of how our Governing body is structured, including the names, categories, responsibilities and terms of appointment for each Governor.

Joanne Godwin (Chair of Governors)

It was a privilege to become a co-opted governor in 2017 and contribute to the wonderful job done by  the school community. On my visits to the school I am struck by how polite, friendly and happy the children are. This is a testament to the hard work of all involved with the school.

I read History at Warwick University before completing my PGCE at the University of York. I have been a History and RS teacher for over fifteen years and teach at a local secondary school. I am passionate about children receiving a holistic education and aim to support the school in continuing to provide this for our students.

Originally from Hull, we have lived in Lincoln for over ten years. My daughter is now at secondary school, but she thoroughly enjoyed her time at the school. My son currently attends the school and loves playing football on the field! 

Kevin Yelland (Vice Chair of Governors)

I am honoured to be a parent governor at South Hykeham Community Primary School since 2019. I have a daughter who started in the school in 2017 and a son who joined in 2020. I became a parent governor of this outstanding school in order to give something back by fully contributing and supporting the school in its continued development.

Although I have no direct experience in the education sector, I have been in the Royal Air Force for over 20 years and have had a multitude of roles ranging from being a project manager for defence procurement programmes to becoming a flying instructor. Over this period, I have acquired a range of skills and experience which will enable me to assist the governing body in helping the school offer the children opportunities to reach their full potential in a safe and enjoyable environment.

I am committed to the children’s educational and moral development, the welfare of the school, and will support the headteacher by playing an active part in the public and social life of this exceptional school. 

Mark Fairweather 

I have now been a governor since the last quarter of 2010. Up to September 2022 that was as a Parent Governor, and that has now moved over to being a Co-opted Governor.

I feel privileged that I am able to be a part of a bright future of a very special school. A school that has provided all 3 of my sons with the tools and morals for the life ahead of them.
I hope to continue to be a valued part of the governing body and strive to ensure that this fantastic school has a solid future. I endeavour to ensure that South Hykeham school is an inspiring place for adults and children alike.

Wendy Lawson (Clerk)

I have been Clerk to the Governors at South Hykeham Community Primary School since 2008. The Chair, Head Teacher, Staff and Governors are keen to provide a safe, friendly environment for all children at the school to grow and learn; encouraging good manners and respect for others.

Coupled with my role as Clerk to Governors, I also work full-time as a Counsellor within an NHS Mental Health service. I am married with a son, daughter and step-daughter all in their mid/late twenties. I enjoy the supportive contribution I make to the school and find everyone involved in its success to be professional, welcoming and sincere.

James Metcalf

I have two children at South Hykeham School. My eldest child began attending in 2019 and in 2023, I took on the role of a parent governor.

My educational background includes a degree in computer science. After gaining experience working for Research Machines, a company specialising in supplying computer networks to schools, I ventured into entrepreneurship and established my first company, which has now been operating for over 22 years. This company primarily offers services such as website design, development, and hosting. Additionally, I have ventured into other businesses that focus on software development services using cloud technologies and mobile application development.

Beyond my professional life, I love sports, particularly water skiing and over the years I have dedicated my time to teaching individuals of all age groups how to enjoy the sport. Witnessing others achieve success has always been incredibly fulfilling, and I look forward to contributing to the school in a similar manner.

I believe that my expertise in the fields of computing and the internet can be valuable in supporting the school as these areas continue to evolve rapidly.

Gill Raczynski

I have been both a member of staff and a governor for more than 30 years.

As my own three children attended our school, my first appointment was as a Parent Governor and I fulfilled this role until they moved on to their secondary education. Since then I have been privileged to serve as a co-opted governor through to my present role as staff governor. I am proud to say that two of my grandchildren are now pupils at our school.

My reasons for, and commitment to, being a governor at our school have neither changed nor wavered over the years and they are to assist and support wherever possible in giving our children the best start to their education and to work hard, in partnership with others, to maintain the high standards for which our school stands.

Music, PE, Health and Safety and extra-curricular activities are my areas of interest and responsibility and I am passionate about offering all our children as many opportunities as possible to both achieve their full potential across the curriculum, and remember their primary education as an enjoyable and exciting experience.

Karen Stevenson

The school has offered my son so much in his first couple of years here that when the opportunity of being a school governor came up, I didn’t hesitate.

As a child minder I have some knowledge of the Early Years Foundation Stage and I believe a child’s welfare and education are paramount in providing the stepping stones for a bright future.

My ambition as a parent governor is to assist the school, to continue to strive forward and promote its positive and welcoming approach to teaching.

Chris Stacey

I am very proud to have become a parent governor in 2023. Our daughter started at the school in Reception year in 2022 and she has a younger brother. I'm passionate about giving children and young people the best chance in life and that's why I am also a trustee of YMCA Lincolnshire.

In my day job I am the Chief Executive of Prisoners Abroad, a human rights and welfare charity for British citizens detained overseas. I have worked in the voluntary sector since 2008 and have an LLB Law degree from the University of Hull and an LLM in Criminal Law & Criminal Justice from the University of Leeds.

I enjoy spending time with my young family and can often be found running or cycling somewhere in the Lincolnshire countryside.

Emma Rogers

I have been a South Hykeham parent since 2012 when my eldest started in reception and I became parent governor in 2023. My youngest child is still at the school however my eldest 2 look back on their time at South Hykeham School with very fond memories.

I work in Children and Adolescent Mental Health Services therefore the mental health and wellbeing of our children is something I'm very passionate about. I believe positive mental health support is at the very core of helping our young people develop into strong, happy, resilient adults and should go hand in hand with a good education.

I would like to give a little something back to the school therefore hope I can form part of a strong governing team that will support school staff and with their ongoing development and vision for our current and future pupils.

Chris Childs

I have lived in the local area since 2012 and have two children at South Hykeham Community Primary School. I relish new challenges and as a Governor I am keen to apply skills absorbed through 16 years in the Royal Air Force and 2 years as a Police Special Constable. My experiences include strategic planning, critical thinking, analysis, instruction, and risk management as well as more niche exposure to areas such as mental health, neuro-inclusivity and running a variety of clubs. I have a BSc Aviation Technology with Pilot studies from the University of Leeds, and an MSc in Aerosystems Tactics from the University of Staffordshire. I am curious by nature and have a passion for learning and generating the best results, from finite resource. I also have previous experience teaching gymnastics to juniors and instructing within the Army Cadet Force.  I am very keen to involve myself in a variety of discussions, from infrastructure to more child-centric challenges.