Meet our Governors

The current members of our Governing Body are:

 Richard Hill - Chair of Governors 

       

My name is Richard Hill and I’m Chair of Governors at The Butts. I am retired and have lived in Holybourne for 3 years. I became a co-opted (community) Governor in 2021 and was elected to be Chair in October 2022. My training was as a biochemist and my career was with Unilever in various management roles, with food technology the common theme. In the 2000’s I was a community Governor, then Vice-Chair, at a Lower School in Bedfordshire and thoroughly enjoyed the experience.

When I joined the Governors, I quickly realised that the Butts has both very high standards and a commitment to constant improvement of the education and opportunities it offers the children.

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 teacher representative, and the Headteacher. We work as a team, united by a passion to ensure that all the children reach their full potential. Vacancies sometimes arise and we’d love to hear from anybody who would like to join us in this important work.

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.

Barbara Grice = Local Authority Governor

I am Barbara Grice and currently I am the Vice Chair of Governors and the Key Stage 2 and Maths lead governor. I originally joined the school back in 2008 as the clerk to the governors and I have been involved ever since, becoming the Local Authority Governor a couple of years ago.

Abi Legg - Parent Governor

My name is Abi Legg and I am the Safeguarding and Early Years link governor at The Butts 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.

Chantal Robehmed - Parent Governor

My daughter is in Year 1 and enjoying life at The Butts Primary School.  When she embarked upon her journey of discovery in Reception last year, I too wanted to play an active part in the school community and joined the governing board in November 2021.  I am passionate about supporting our children and staff, sharing knowledge, listening to all voices, and where necessary, challenging the status quo.  I am currently the lead governor for pupil premium, inclusion and disadvantaged pupils.  I am also the link governor for reading.

Outside of school, I'm a freelance television producer working on a variety of broadcast, charity and corporate projects.  Previously, I worked for 14 years at ITV where I was a senior producer/director in news, features and campaigns for GMTV, Daybreak, Good Morning Britain and Lorraine.  A proud Devonian with mixed British/Lebanese heritage, I moved to Alton from Bedfordshire to be a little closer to my Westcountry roots in the Spring of 2021, and love exploring the Hampshire coastline and countryside. 

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.

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.