Welcome to the Governors' section

A good governing body is vital to a school's success.

Governors make key decisions, which can directly affect the education and well being of your children.

Governors - in partnership with the Headteachers - aim to really make a positive difference for the children and the community they live in.

Who are we?
Some of us are parents whose children are pupils (past and present) at the school. Others are teachers or members of the community who may have particular professional skills that are valuable to the team. The Headteachers of the Infant school and the Headteacher of the Junior school also sit on the Governing Body.

But we do have certain things in common. We're all over 18 years of age, have been elected or appointed to the role, we don't get paid for the job and we all care about the school and the children.

Want to know more about us? You can read more detailed information about each of us below.

What do school governors do? 

-We ensure statutory compliance with Keeping Children Safe in Education and its associated policies

-Promote high standards of educational attainment by setting, monitoring and evaluating targets for pupil achievement

-Take general responsibility for the conduct of the school

-Regulate and approve the school's budget

-Make sure that the curriculum is balanced and broadly based and report on pupils' achievement in National Curriculum assessments and examination results

-We participate in the appointment of senior staff (including appointing the Headteachers) and regulate staff conduct and discipline.

How do we try to achieve that?

-We work closely with the Headteachers and other staff and have regular contact and discussions.

-We work as a team to highlight the school's particular strengths and weaknesses and to find ways to support the school in its improvements and developments.

-Decisions are made collectively as a team or delegated to the Headteachers

-Through regular governor meetings and individual governor visits we give focus to specific areas of the school, such as safeguarding, leadership and management, standards and progress, behaviour, finance, HR, performance management.

-We visit school as often as possible to meet teachers and pupils, to see lessons, carry out specific responsibilities such as health and safety checks. We can be found applauding wildly at the nativity play, sports day and harvest festival, and take great pride in presenting the Governor Award at celebration assembly every week. 
  
How can you contact us? 
You can contact us via the school office or approach us in the playground (our photographs are lower down on this page).

You can also email us at: joe.knowler@chalkwellhallinfants.co.uk

Your Governing Body

Joe Knowler

Chair of Governors

Date of Appointment 22.10.24 Term ends 21.10.28

As a parent, with two children at the school, I have always had a strong desire to contribute to the fantastic environment here at Chalkwell Infants.

Professionally, I help organisations with different types of digital transformation. I work with them to develop leadership skills and create more effective teams.

My background includes chairing committees in early years education including leading a local preschool through financial recovery during the pandemic. With deep roots in education through my family and a strong connection to the school community, I’m committed to supporting staff, parents, and stakeholders to ensure the best outcomes for our children.

Kathy Morey

Vice Chair

Date of Appointment 05.02.20     Term Ends 06.02.28

I have been supporting young children for over 7 years finding a new passion in sport and trying to do and be their best. When my daughter started school I wanted to be able to better support her on her path and understand the school system. After I was approached in late 2019 to consider supporting a school as a governor and learning all about how a school works I joined the board of governors early 2020 just before we were hit by Covid and lockdown and little did we know what that meant for the education of our children. I feel honoured to be part of such a passionate team of governors and school leaders who are working hard to maintain the high standard of the school and provide the best possible education and development to our children. It is a very rewarding role where I am still continuing to learn every day. I have experience in working in Pensions and Finance over the past 25 years, guiding and training Pension Trustee and working with authorities. It feels great to be able to share my experience and add value in a different type of business.

Ivette Barbosa Rios

Parent Governor

Date of Appointment 08.12.24     Term Ends 07.12.28

As a parent of a Year 2 student at Chalkwell Hall Infant School, my journey into understanding child development began with a deep desire to support my child's growth. Over the past seven years, I've dedicated myself to studying various courses and attending multiple workshops focused on the different stages of children's development. This commitment has not only enriched my knowledge but has also fuelled my passion for fostering nurturing environments for young learners.
As a member of the Chalkwell Hall community, I am eager to contribute my insights and experiences. I believe in the power of collaboration between parents, educators, and the wider community to create the best possible experiences for our children. I’m excited to join the governing body of Chalkwell.

Ella Kotze

Co-opted Governor

Date of Appointment 06.12.23     Term Ends 05.12.27

I have been a teacher for a number of years in a range of very different and diverse schools both within London and now in Southend. I have a passion for infant education and the early years and have a sound knowledge of current educational research and strategies. I am lucky to have both my children at Chalkwell Infants School and I am enjoying watching how they are growing and developing with the school's support and guidance. I am excited to become part of the Chalkwell governing body.

Katie Brazier

Co-opted Governor

Date of Appointment 15.05.24     Term Ends 14.05.28

Co-opted Governor Vacancy x 4

Date of Appointment xx.xx.xx     Term Ends xx.xx.xx

Jennifer Hubbard

LA Governor

Date of Appointment 06.07.22     Term Ends 05.07.26

I have always worked in education settings and have a passion for early years and learning through play. My working background is in teaching children with Special educational needs. I believe that all children should be able to reach their full potential and have lots of fun along the way! 

I currently work in a preschool setting and love being a part of developing and supporting children at the very start of their education journey. I have a son who attends Chalkwell school and have loved watching how the school have supported him to develop and grow. I am excited to have joined the governor body and look forward to my time in post learning new things and using my experience in any way I can.

Sarah Clements

Headteacher

Date of Appointment 31.01.13     Term Ends N/A

I am passionate about providing the very best for our young people here at Chalkwell. I have been lucky enough to work at Chalkwell Hall Infant school for over 10 years, both as a Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher.

Emma Howe

Staff Governor

Date of Appointment 22.01.20     Term Ends 21.01.28

I joined the school in September 2016 and feel it is a privilege to be part of such a fantastic school.  There is a great community spirit and both the children and staff thrive to achieve their best.  With this in mind, I have taken on the role of  staff governor and look forward to adding some value to the governing body and their decision making.

Jo Milbank
Associate Governor

Date of Appointment 17.10.18     Term Ends 04.10.26

I am the Deputy Headteacher and an Associate Member of the Governing Body. I am passionate about infant education and want to do the very best to help our children reach their potential.

Andy Newnham

Associate Governor

Date of Appointment dd.mm.yy     Term Ends 06.07.25

My passion and enthusiasm is teaching and learning and my aim is for all children who attend Chalkwell to achieve and reach their full potential. I joined the Chalkwell community in September this year as Headteacher of the Junior School. I work closely with the Infant School and alongside Mrs Clements to ensure there are close links between the schools and the children move seamlessly from one school to another.

PAY COMMITTEE: Wednesday 16^th October 2024 at 5.30 pm