Leszek Puszczynski
Chair of Governors - Elected 1st October 2025 for one year
Co-opted Governor - Elected October 2024 for four years 

Hello, my name is Leszek.  Originally from Nottingham, I have lived and worked in Derby for over 20 years, and am married with three adult girls. With a long career at Rolls Royce, I recently retired from running my own small engineering business and decided to get involved in school governance once again, having previous experience at a school in Littleover. I am delighted to join the governing body at Roe Farm and look forward to working with the senior leadership team, staff and parents to improve outcomes for the children that come to our school.

Geoff Wain
Vice Chair of Governors - Elected 1st October 2025 for one year
Co-opted Governor - Elected October 2025 for four years 

Hello.  Originally from Birmingham, I moved to London in 1983 to start a career with the Foreign and Commonwealth Office. 37 years and nine overseas postings later, I retired to Derby and, since then, I have become involved with voluntary work in the education and health sectors. In addition to my role as Vice Governor at Roe Farm, I spend time at the school, working with Y6 students to help improve their English reading fluency, a role I also undertake at Derwent Primary. I am the Chair of the Patient Group at my local GP surgery and a patient representative at Derbyshire Healthcare. 

Like my fellow Governors, I am a passionate believer in a great education as the main way to maximise life opportunities for our children.  If you see me around the school, please come and say hello! I would love to hear your views about the school - what we’re doing well and what things could be done differently - or to chat about my other interests: Border Collies, Formula 1 and classic cars!

Beverley Humphrey-Lewis
Local Authority Governor - Elected April 2022 for four years 

I was delighted to be asked to become the local Authority Governor at Roe Farm Primary School.  I attended my first Governors' meeting in April 2022.  I worked in education for almost 40 years.  I spent over 25 years of my professional life working in a large, successful comprehensive school in Derbyshire where I was a member of the Leadership Team.  I am now fully retired.

Although originally from South Yorkshire, I have lived in Derby for over 30 years.  I have 2 sons who are in their 20s. 

I enjoy keeping fit and can be spotted regularly out walking. I enjoy listening to all types of music and attending concerts. I am also quite a voracious reader of both fiction and non-fiction.

I am at my happiest spending quality time with my family and friends.

I know that Roe Farm is a caring, nurturing and happy school.  I hope to continue to use my knowledge, skills and expertise working in partnership with the Co-Head teachers, my fellow governors, the staff and parents to ensure that the pupils at Roe Farm achieve their best possible educational outcomes and enjoy school.  I passionately believe that educational opportunities and achievements are life-changing.

'Together we can make a difference!'

Helen Weston
Co-Head teacher

My name is Helen Weston and I am a member of the School Governing Body. I have worked at Roe Farm Primary for 23 years and began my journey as a teaching assistant in Year 1/2 in 2003.

From a very young age, I had always wanted to work with children, influencing and guiding them on their journey through life.  I am 100% committed to ensuring children feel safe and secure and that they are given the best chances in life through a broad and rich curriculum which is fun and engaging.

In my role as Co-Head teacher, I am here not only for the children but for families, providing guidance and support where needed.

In my spare time I enjoy going to the gym and spending quality time with my family, watching my three boys learn and grow.

Nicola Smith 
Co-opted Governor - Elected February 2024 for four years 

I am married with 2 children aged 30 and 25 and I work for Rolls-Royce as a Group Leader managing a software development team. I started at Roll-Royce on a Youth Training Scheme (YTS) aged 17. My first placement was as a telephonist and whilst in this role I realised the opportunity was there to progress within Rolls-Royce. I took this opportunity and became a sponsored student and studied part-time to gain a degree in Mechanical Engineering. I enjoy working for Rolls-Royce and appreciate the development opportunities I have been given during my career. Hobbies include going to the gym, walking and socialising with family and friends.

James Lloyd 
Staff Governor - Elected March 2024 for four years

Hello everyone my name is James Lloyd and I am delighted to be part of the Roe Farm Governing Body as the Staff governor.  This is my third academic year at Roe Farm Primary and I am currently a class teacher in Year 5/6 and also  Science lead.

I have always been really passionate about supporting children with education. I am excited to be part of the Governing Body and to have the opportunity to help shape and continue to strengthen our school and community.

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and also love taking part in all sport especially tennis.  I also follow the mighty foxes!

Maria Petropoulou
Parent Governor - Elected October 2024

My name is Maria Petropoulou and I have been a Parent Governor since October 2024.

I am a Chartered Structural Engineer, with a BEng (hons) in Civil Engineering and an MSc in Structural Engineering. I work in Consulting and my current role is that of a Principal Structural Engineering Consultant.

I have two children who attend Roe Farm Primary School and thus have a vested interest in the success of the school. It is essential for me as a parent to support our children’s education including the headteachers and staff.

I have enjoyed getting to know the excellent staff at the school and admire their dedication and professionalism.  I am grateful for the opportunity to help and support the school and be a part of its exciting future.  I look forward to ensuring the success of Roe Farm Primary School for now and for the years to come.

Matt Dodson
Co-Head teacher

I have always valued the importance of education and feel schools have a duty to provide a range of experiences and opportunities in a fully inclusive manner.  My passion is around developing children's social, emotional and mental health and have been instrumental in developing our Woodland room (nurture provisions), as I truly believe that social and emotional wellbeing and academic success are intrinsically linked and are of equal importance.  Children with additional needs should also have the same chances of success without any limit or ceiling as to what they can achieve.

I originally joined Roe Farm in 2012 as a Yr 3/4 teacher and subsequently became the Yr 3/4 Team leader and SENCo. In 2019, I left to take up a new position as a Deputy Headteacher in a small rural school in Staffordshire, becoming Headteacher in 2022.

I then had the pleasure of returning to Roe Farm Primary School in 2023. I am currently extremely proud to be Co-Head teacher and Inclusion Lead, having previously been in the role of Acting Headteacher during the most recent OFSTED inspection. I am looking forward to playing a key strategic role in developing the school further and ensuring we can continue on our journey from good to outstanding. 

In my free time, I enjoying spending time with my wife, three children and Border terrier, mountain biking, cooking, spending time in France and reading.