Governors

 

I would like to extend a warm welcome to Alexander McLeod Primary School and in particular the website pages relating to the work of the governing body. Each governor is driven by the desire to ensure all our pupils fulfil their individual potential and that the school increases their life chances. Alex McLeod is a fantastic school to work in and each governor brings a high level of professionalism and dedication to the role.  This mean we are able to meet the wide-ranging requirements placed upon us. Being a governor is both challenging and rewarding which all members of the governing body enjoy. I hope you find the website helpful and that it gives you a strong flavour of the vibrant and exciting place that is Alex McLeod. Please feel free to contact me at chairofgovernors@alex.greenwich.sch.uk, through the school office or Headteacher.

Best wishes

Steve Piper

 

There are several categories of governor - Parent, Staff, Co-opted and Local Authority, along with the Headteacher, and we all have equal status.  The governing body is the school’s strategic body with a wide range of responsibilities including accountability for the budget (see the Governors’ Job Description).  The governors work in partnership with the Headteacher, Senior Leadership Team and staff to ensure we successfully meet the expectations place upon us.  We have a key role in developing and monitoring the delivery of the School Development Plan (SDP), which sets out the annual strategic plan for the school.

The governing body meets once a term however the bulk of its work is undertaken by its two committees - Resources and Teaching & Learning, which also meet termly.  By using this structure the governors are able to carry out their work, discuss relevant issues, review, question and challenge the school. In particular the committees are responsible for reviewing progress against the school’s performance - the phrase often used to describe this role is ‘a critical friend’.

Each governors is linked to a different area of the curriculum and we work with staff to develop our understanding of the work that goes on within school. Through these links and monitoring visits we are able to get a good understanding of the activities taking place at the school. In turn this enables us to bring our knowledge back to our work on the governing body. Although governors are volunteers we view our role as a professional undertaking and we use the diverse skills and experience we have within the governing body alongside regular training and development to ensure we remain effective. If you are interested in joining the school's governing body, please read the job description below and contact our chair of governors, Steve.

 

Job description

Register of interest 2024-2025

Governing Body stratgetic plan 2024-2025

Meet Our Governors

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

 

• Steve Piper
  Chair of Governors
  Steve 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.

• Kalita Patel
  Co-Opted Governor
  Kalita Patel

  I am a Chartered Chemical Engineer with 10 years professional industrial experience working within the food and logistics sectors. I attended a state secondary school in the West Midlands in Dudley and enjoyed Maths and Science at school which led me to pursue studying Chemical Engineering at Birmingham University.

  I was fortunate to have been provided with the right advice and support from my teachers to encourage me to pursue further education. This was influential in helping me make the right decision for myself and created awareness of opportunities unknown to myself at the time having been the first generation in my family to attend higher education. I feel very strongly that it is these opportunities that have shaped my professional and personal development as I now volunteer across several outreach programmes including acting as a student mentor to encourage more women and those from diverse backgrounds to pursue a career in STEM. I am excited to join as a School Governor to aid the next generation of students as previous generations have helped me.

• Emma-Jayne Taylor
  Co-Vice Chair of Governors & Parent Governor
  Emma-Jayne Taylor

  I have over fifteen years experience of working in the cultural and education sectors, having held senior roles at ICA, Milton Keynes Arts Centre and South London Gallery. My specialisms include fundraising, audience development, organisational restructure and change management. As Director of Learning at ICA, I established the organisations first learning and participation department and went on to lead Milton Keynes Arts Centre through a full restructure, appointing a new team, board of trustees and securing Arts Council England NPO status. I was, until recently, Vice Chair of The Exchange in Erith. Currently I work as a consultant, focused on fundraising, building strategic partnerships and organisational development

• Sue Robinson
  Co-Opted Governor
  Sue 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.

• Samantha Tilley
  Staff Governor
  Samantha 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.

• Michelle Barnett
  Local Authority Governor
  Michelle Barnett

• Alex James-Cook
  Parent Governor
  Alex James-Cook

  As a parent of two adopted children here at Alexander McLeod, I'm genuinely thrilled to be stepping into the role of parent governor. It feels a bit like a natural next step, and I'm really looking forward to being part of the team and helping shape the future of the young people coming through the school.

  My background is in theatre, and I'm currently the Head of Production at an independent drama school in West London. Alongside that, I'm part of our Health and Safety committee and our DEI group, so I spend a lot of time thinking about how environments can be safe, inclusive, and creative all at once. I'm hoping those experiences will offer something practical and grounded to this role.

  Mostly, I'm here because I care about this community and want to support a school that gives every child the space to thrive.

• Anamaria Fercu
  Parent Governor
  Anamaria Fercu

  I strongly believe that every child's unique journey matters, and that schools can make a real difference by valuing and supporting them.

  I have a daughter in Year 4 at Alex McLeod. I also have a real passion for reading and volunteer in school to read with children, which I find incredibly rewarding.

  By background, I am an Engineer and currently work as a Quality Practitioner, with experience in quality auditing, health and safety, risk assessment, and supporting management on commercial and HR matters.

  As a Parent Governor, my aim is to contribute to a nurturing, inclusive school environment where every child feels encouraged to grow, thrive, and achieve their best.

• Bonny Parker
  Co-Opted Governor
  Bonny Parker

  As a dedicated professional working in Community properties, I bring a wealth of experience in Health & Safety and Safeguarding to the school governing body.

  My commitment to create safe, nurturing environments aligns with my passion for supporting local schools and enhancing the lives of children in our community.

  I am excited to contribute my skills and collaborate with fellow governors to drive continuous improvement and positive outcomes for our school and children.

  I grew up in Abbey Wood attending a local primary and secondary school in the area and hold strong links to the area and local community.