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 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.

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.

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.

 

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.

Penny Wilson - Parent Governor

I am one of the school's parent governors, currently focussing on IT & Computing and the schools' Finance. When I'm not working in my usual job as an accountant, I have always enjoyed spending my free time volunteering at school, listening to readers, helping out at Forest School, and being part of FOBS. Now, as Parent Governor, I am excited to support the school further.