Governors

Welcome to the section of the website where you can find out more about the school’s governors, and the work that we do. You can also read the minutes from our meetings.

Our aim is to ensure that Alexander McLeod Primary School is providing the best education it can for our children. Our main role is to support the Headteacher and the staff – the phrase often used to describe this role is ‘a critical friend’. We help them to set and reach targets and to strive for excellence across the whole spectrum of school life. The two key documents used for this are the School Development Plan (SDP) and the Self Evaluation Form (SEF). The SDP sets out a strategic plan for the school, with targets that everyone works towards and the SEF sets out how well the school is doing and where we aim to make improvements.

Our legal duties include:

1. setting strategic direction, policies and objectives
2. approving the school budget
3. reviewing progress against the school's budget and objectives
4. appointing, challenging and supporting the headteacher

The full Governing Body meets on a termly basis. We set up committees or working groups to look at particular issues (such as pay, performance management, buildings development).

There are several categories of governor, appointed by different groups that have an interest in the school. These are Co-opted, Local Authority, Parent, and Staff governors. All governors have equal status, however they are appointed.

We are committed to providing an excellent education and an environment fit for all pupils to enhance their learning experience during their time at our school.

Please click on the link below for further information regarding the structure of the Governing body and planned meetings for this academic year.

Register of interest 2024-2025

Governing Body stratgetic plan 2023-2024

Meet Our Governors

Please click on the image for a brief introduction to our Governors

 

• Mr. S Piper
  Chair of Governors
  Mr. S Piper

  I joined the governing body of Alex McCloud as the Chair of Governors in June 2024 but I’ve been a Greenwich Governor for over 20 years. I have also previously lectured on Governance on the NPQH, supporting aspiring Heads to work successfully with Governors to maximise the impact of their schools. I have a real passion for education and especially ensuring that children have the best possible opportunities available to them, so they can reach their fullest potential, whatever shape that may be. I’m an ex-pupil, and my family connections with the school go back until the 1920s. I was brought up in the area and my Mum & Dad still live close by the school, so I know the community well. I now live in Bexleyheath with my wife Jo and children Ella and George (although they are not children any more!). My day job is at the Ministry of Defence and for my sins, I am a season ticket holder at Charlton.

• Mrs. Taylor
  Co-Vice Chair of Governors
  Mrs. Taylor

  I believe strongly in the right of every child to have access to a high quality learning environment and would be keen to bring my knowledge of fundraising and communications to support the school deliver on its strategic aims. I have a strong and committed interest in learning, heritage and the arts, as well as working knowledge of national developments in the cultural, digital, and education sectors. I am currently working as a fundraising consultant and so have a good understanding of the numerous trusts and foundations that may support the school. My work history includes Director at Milton Keynes Arts Centre, Director of Learning at ICA London and Schools Officer at South London Gallery. I also support a BAME literature organisation in an advisory capacity, sharing best practice and providing guidance on partnership and fundraising opportunities

• Mrs. Sampson
  Co-Vice Chair of Governors
  Mrs. Sampson

  As well as being a mother of three, I am an independent social worker and management consultant by profession. Over the years I have also been a foster carer and advocate for parents who have found navigating the SEND education system difficult, up to and including representing them at education tribunal. I believe inclusivity and social justice are key components to ensure the whole child experience within school is a positive one. I believe it is important for schools to encourage good home school communication, and I am particularly keen to help often complex national policy be communicated in an accessible way to each parent. As a parent I appreciate the need to feel included in my child's in-school experience, whilst also appreciating the tremendous job teachers and non-teaching staff do to educate our children. It is a partnership that can achieve great things if done well.

• Mr. Price
  Co- opted Governor
  Mr. Price

  I have been a Governor at Alexander McLeod Primary School in one form or another since 2007 Both of my children, a sixth former and a university student, attended Alexander McLeod Primary School.

• Mrs. Robinson
  Co-Opted Governor
  Mrs. Robinson

  I spent my career in education, including eighteen years as a primary school Head Teacher. Retired now, I am active in the voluntary sector, including school governing bodies, and work with the Diocese of Southwark. Married to Fr. Derek Robinson, the Assistant Priest at the parish church of St. Michael and All Angels here in Abbey Wood, I know the local community well through my church activities.

• Ms. Benjamin
  Co-Opted Governor
  Ms. Benjamin

  I have spent the majority of my professional life in primary education. I have had a variety of roles including class teacher, phase leader (now called leader of learning), NQT mentor and mentor to PGCE students from Greenwich and Goldsmiths universities. Retired now, I am delighted to use my vast experience as a governor at Alexander McLeod Primary School; a school that I worked at for many years and am aware of the hard work and dedication to excellence of all its staff. I intend to be a supportive friend using my knowledge and experience to ensure that the school continues to provide the high quality education and leadership that it always has.

• Ms. Iles
  Co-Opted Governor
  Ms. Iles

  I hold multiple professional roles and have over 20 years of experience working with young people and communities. My experience expands across the community and criminal justice system and I have trained in forensic psychodynamic and organisational psychotherapy at the Tavistock and Portman Clinic and Association for Psychodynamic Practice and Counselling in Organisational Settings. My specialist focus is on violence reduction and trauma using a psychoanalytic framework, which influences my work as both a practitioner and trainer. In 2019, I completed a MSc in Violence, Conflict and Development at SOAS, and have recently completed a Diploma in Psychology and Neuroscience of Mental Health at King’s College London, as well as a Diploma in Naturopathic Nutrition at the College of Naturopathic Medicine.

• Mrs. Tilley
  Staff Governor
  Mrs. Tilley

  I was elected as the Staff Governor in April 2018. I have worked as a teacher at the school since June 2016 and currently lead English, including phonics, across the school. I have had previous leadership responsibility for Art and love all things creative! I decided to become a governor because I am passionate about putting children and staff at the heart of everything that we do, so I hope to add value from a different perspective.

• Ms Ali
  Co-Opted Governor
  Ms Ali