Meet the Governors

  • Tracey Gardner

    Chair of Governors (Parent Governor)

    My son George has been a proud Fox Wood pupil since 2022 and like all parents, I am committed to ensuring that Fox Wood remains an exceptional and truly outstanding school.
    I am passionate about supporting an environment where children achieve their fullest potential and grow to be proud, confident and most importantly, happy individuals.
    As an advanced nurse practitioner, I have actively supported the local community for over 20 years. My previous experience as a SEND school nurse has equipped me with valuable skills and insights. I believe my caring nature and experience bring a unique and positive perspective

  • Andy Bowen

    Vice Chair of Governors (Co-opted Governor)

    Andy is married with a son who is currently attending University.

    In a career spanning 30+ years Andy has worked in both the public and private sectors in roles ranging from pure Research & Development at University of Manchester through Project Management to Operations Management in Nuclear Decommissioning at Jacobs.

    He is passionate about Diversity & Inclusion and Developing People as well as Digital Technology.

    He took on the role of governor at Fox Wood to learn more about SEN and to help find opportunities and promote the value of everyone in society.

  • Lucinda Duffy

    Executive Headteacher

    I joined Fox Wood School in September 2015 as Headteacher. I have taught and held Management positions in both Mainstream and Special schools and have always had a passion for enabling each individual child, young person and member of staff to reach their potential and to become as happy, motivated, skilled and confident as possible. I believe strongly in the importance of developing independence and am adept at finding innovative ways to make things possible!

    I have been very proud to be Head Teacher at Fox Wood and feel that we are very fortunate to have excellent facilities, a fantastic staff team and - most importantly - pupils who inspire us and help us make our world a better place. Since September 2026 my role has changed to Executive Headteacher, a new challenge and opportunity that I am embracing to support the continuing growth of Fox Wood.

    I am also Vice Chair of Governors at Sandy Lane Nursery and Forest School. Sandy Lane is one of our feeder nurseries, and this provides further links not only between our two very distinct settings, but also the work that both settings aspire to do to support the SEND Community across Warrington.

  • Graeme Nixon

    Co-opted Governor

    I became a governor at Fox Wood after meeting some of our wonderful staff at an event organised by The Cheshire and Warrington Pledge Partnership. I was immediately struck by the passion and enthusiasm to provide meaningful experiences for the students attending Fox Wood. This led to several work placements within a local care home where I hold a role as Training and Development Lead.

    Prior to this role I'd spent 17 years working with a local care and education provider for both adults and children with additional needs, in particular autism. In this role I worked with senior leaders on safeguarding in both the strategic and operational elements. This role also included responsibilities for Behaviour Support using Positive Behaviour Support framework developed by BILD and also implementing across the services.

    I have huge aspirations for all our students across both school and college. I believe each and every student should be given meaningful experiences within the school/college environment and also the wider community.

    Any spare time I have is spent with my family other than my annual fishing trip to Ireland.

    I am proud to be a member of Fox Wood's governing body and look forward to working with partners to constantly improve the experiences of all stakeholders.

  • Dale Holden

    Staff Governor

    I am a teacher at Fox Wood School and have been with the school for over 4 years – a period of time which I have enjoyed massively and take great pride in. I have been a teacher for 9 years, initially starting off in mainstream education before finding my calling in SEND. My aim is to use my experience to support the Head Teacher and governing body to further strengthen our already fantastic provision and to provide the best possible support to our pupils. As a member of staff on the Governing Body, I aim to offer an insight into school activities and give a professional knowledge of the school's strengths and areas for development. I am passionate about providing our pupils with the broadest education possible which is filled with wonderful and meaningful experiences, something which I feel Fox Wood do exceptionally well already – and I aim to contribute to the continuous development of the learning experience of our pupils as much as I possibly can.

  • Danielle Wharton

    Parent Governor

    Hi, I’m Danielle! I’m delighted to introduce myself as a new parent governor at Fox Wood. My little boy Olly started at Fox Cubs this academic year, we have already felt very welcomed, and I have seen first-hand the care, commitment and enthusiasm shown by staff towards us. Becoming a governor felt like a natural way to give something back to a school that is already playing such an important role in Olly’s life. I am keen to support the school’s continued development, work collaboratively with staff and governors, and help ensure every child feels supported, challenged and able to thrive.

  • Mr Leon Rowland

    Co-opted Governor

  • Miss Kay Nield

    Associate Governor - No voting right

  • Miss Alyson Wells

    Governor Support Officer