Sarah Dibben

I have been Headteacher at Ashley Infants School since 2012 and absolutely love this school! I feel very lucky to be surrounded with a dedicated and hardworking team of people and fantastic children.

It is a pleasure to work with our governing body, a team of people that bring a varied skill set, fresh thinking and a genuine desire to ensure Ashley Infant School is doing its absolute best for the children who attend here. 

In my spare time I enjoy walking my two dogs, spending time with my family, visiting new places and visiting my little beach hut for a cup of tea and a hot dog by the sea!

Amy King

I am the Deputy Headteacher at Ashley infant school and joined the school in 2016. I really enjoy the variety that my role brings, including being a governor. As a school we want to give every child the best possible start to their school life, to develop a love of learning and memories that will stay with them as they move on to Junior school and beyond. When I’m not at school I can be found at the beach, in all seasons and weathers, with my two dogs!  I also have two teenage children to keep me on my toes!

Chris Slater-Johnson

After retiring from headship in the primary sector, I wanted to continue to be involved in schools. For the past 12 years, I have served on a number of governing bodies, as well as working for Hampshire to deliver governor training across the county and Isle of Wight. I am passionate about the right of every child to an education which is rich, exciting and appropriate for their needs. I am delighted to be part of the team at Ashley Infant School. 

Emma Embleton

Currently, I am a Year 2 class teacher at Ashley Infant School and have been teaching here for nearly 6 years.  I have been a staff governor for just over a year, but at my previous school I was a governor for a further four years.  I really enjoy the role as I feel it helps to make a difference for the children.

I feel very privileged to work at Ashley Infants and enjoy every aspect of teaching and working as part of such a fantastic Ashley team. The most important part of my role here is seeing the children grow and progress, while fostering a love of learning and self-confidence. 

When I’m not at school I really enjoy being a Mum to my three children, going to the beach and visiting new places.

Ben Bridle 

I am a new Governor, having joined the team in 2023. I am a parent governor as my eldest son is in Year 1. I wanted to become a Governor as I wanted to play a part in my local community and have an active role in my son’s school along with a passion for all children to have equal opportunity to access to the best in education.

In my day to day work, I am a Senior Leader for Nationwide Building Society, coaching and leading a variety of branch teams in and around the Winchester area. I have been at Nationwide for nearly 15 years, covering a variety of roles, but always in retail, supporting customers with their financial needs, which in today’s climate is so important through the cost of living challenges.

Outside of work, it’s all about our family bubble. My wife and I have three beautiful boys and living here in Ashley enables us to spend as much time as possible either in the Forest or on the beach.

Hannah Awesome

I am passionate about giving back to the local community and believe Ashley Infant School plays a crucial role in shaping our children's futures. Influencing their early school lives is important to me, and my heart lies in seeing our school community thrive.

Born profoundly deaf, I am a strong advocate for accessibility and inclusion. I believe that no one’s disability should limit them. Having a niece with Down’s Syndrome has given me first-hand insight into the struggles within education for children with special educational needs (SEN). AIS’s Resourced Provision is vital, and I am committed to ensuring that these children receive an education and experience as excellent as those in mainstream classes. As the link Governor for SEN and resourced provision, this is an area I am particularly invested in.

For the past 18 years, I have worked in the charity sector and currently serve as the Events and Community Fundraising Lead at the National Deaf Children’s Society.

In addition to my professional commitments, I stay busy with local foodbank initiatives and cherish time with my family. I am happily married with two children, one of whom is currently at Ashley Infant School. I love spending time at the beach and being outdoors in general, with camping in bell tents being a family favourite.

Phil Awesome

I have been a governor at Ashley Infant School since 2023. As a school governor, I am committed to ensuring that AIS provides a safe, supportive, and inclusive learning environment for all the children.

My professional experience is as a risk manager which gives me a unique perspective on identifying and mitigating potential risks, ensuring that the school is well-prepared to address challenges and maintain a high standard of education.

As a parent of a child at the school and another having thrived in their time here, I have a vested interest in the school's success and a deep understanding of the needs and experiences of the children and their families.

I am married to Hannah and, together with our children, enjoy exploring all that this beautiful part of the UK has to offer.

Louise Draycott

I joined the Governor team in 2025 and am a parent of a child at the school. I have joined the Governing board because I have an interest in supporting the school both for the benefit of my family and the wider school. I believe a good and enjoyable start to education is really important for children and am keen to support the school in continuing to provide that.

I have worked in the NHS for over 20 years and have experience of governance processes, management of risk and performance. I have also been involved in volunteering at parkrun for the past 13 years and believe sport and exercise is for everyone. In my day to day life my son keeps me busy and I can often be found running or walking my dog in the beautiful New Forest.

Scott Smith

I have recently joined as of September 2025. I am a Civil Enforcement Officer for New Forest District Council. I have always had a passion for children’s education, this started from the age of 16 when I put myself through PE and sports coaching qualifications to work in primary schools. Now with my 4 year old starting at Ashley Infant school I hope I can help the school to continue to deliver the high standards it has already set and give every child the best chance to succeed and have a healthy and happy journey here at Ashley Infant School.