Meet our Governors

The current members of our Governing Body are:

Abi Legg - Chair of Governors

My name is Abi Legg and I am the Chair of Governors at The Butts Primary School. I have been a secondary school teacher for 14 years and when my eldest child started in Reception a parent governor role came up on The Butts Governors Board. With my experience in education, I felt this was an area I could "give back" to my child's school and our local area.

I thoroughly enjoy the role - from regular visits to school to our Full Governor Board meetings, I feel able to support and contribute to our brilliant, ambitious local school.

The key role of the Governing Body is to provide a blend of support and challenge to the school`s leaders. We work with the Headteacher and leadership team to make sure the school has a clear vision for the future, understands what and how it can improve and provides the very best education and learning experiences to all. In addition to our strategic role we aim to develop strong links between the School and the community it serves.

The Governors are individuals (10 in all by constitution) with widely different skills and backgrounds. They include members of the local community, parents, a Local Authority nominee, a staff representative and the Headteacher. We work as a team, united by a passion to ensure that all the children reach their full potential. 

As a Governing Body, we are as open as possible about all decisions and actions we take. We welcome direct contact with any member of the wider school community. If you need to contact me about a school matter, please drop me a line via the school office.

Carol Whitehouse - Community Governor

My name is Carol Whitehouse and I am the link Governor for SEN and lead KS1. I have worked as a medical secretary to Dr. H Angelman, a Consultant Paediatrician, who discovered Angelman syndrome. Later I trained as a Primary School Teacher and on retiring I studied at Helen Arkell, gaining the OCR Diploma in Teaching Learners with Dyslexia/Specific Learning Difficulties. The early years of a child’s life are a vital period in a person’s life and it is up to schools to give them the best start. I believe that quality education empowers children and young people, safeguards their health and well-being, and breaks cycles of poverty and temptation into criminal activities. Being a Governor is a way to contribute locally, and to society as a whole, by helping to improve children’s education, opportunities, and futures: and also, to make this a happy time in their life!

Chris Lee - Parent Governor

I am Chris, parent governor and link for English writing, sport, health and safety and I’ve recently taken on attendance lead. I have been RAF aircrew for 20 years now, 11 of those flying on Chinooks out of Odiham so apologies if you’ve been woken up at stupid o’clock by the aggressive noise. My job has taken me away for long periods, so knowing my child had a safe, stable network at the Butts took some of the pressure off. Becoming a governor allows me to take a small part in making sure the school continues to provide it’s excellent service to all the children who attend.

Louis Ward - Parent Governor

My name is Louis Ward and I am a parent governor and link governor for maths and the school's finances.  I have a legal background and currently work for a financial services firm.  When the opportunity came up to become a parent governor, I jumped at the chance to contribute in whatever way I can to the continued excellence of the school and to provide the best possible learning environment for all children who attend.

Helena Lewis - Parent Governor

As a local grandmother spending many an afternoon at the school on collection duty, I have become familiar with The Butts over the past few years and have always been impressed by the happy and relaxed atmosphere around the children and staff.  Being a retired lady of a 'certain age' I am able to help out with the daytime duties of a school governor whilst hopefully contributing to the role through my past career experience in management, local government and as a school governors' clerk at primary level in Hampshire.

Georgette Page - Staff Governor

I have worked at The Butts for over 6 years, with experience in EYFS and both Key Stages. Both of my children also went through the school, so I feel I have got a good overview of all aspects of the school both as a parent and a member of the team. I am deeply loyal to our school and only want the best for our children and staff, which is why I became a staff Governor.

Hazel Cantoni - Community Governor 

BEd, main subject Geography with education for 3 - 9 year olds.

Taught for 34 years in Infant and Primary schools including mixed age groups in a village school and latterly as part of the senior leadership team. Taught French throughout the Primary phase (my accent remains very English I’m afraid!) Also spent 4 (I think!) years working as Teacher in charge of an annexe to a Send school, working with the most severely compromised children.

Teamwork, leadership skills, communication skills dealing with various agencies including physiotherapists and parents and children, adaptability with plan a,b and c when working in a small school and creativity. Used many of the above skills when organising things at Alton Rugby Club, Mothers and Toddlers, PTA and as a volunteer for HIOWAA and St Michaels Hospice. Interested in all aspects of school life including Early Years, creative projects and sport.