Governors

Alderwood Primary School is a friendly, open school and the Governors work with the staff and parents in an atmosphere of co-operation to provide the best possible framework for educating our children.  Governors are involved in all aspects of school life and their duties including appointing staff, reviewing the School Development Plan and setting the school budget.  Parent Governors are always available for discussions with parents and meet the Executive Headteacher on a regular basis.

We currently have three Associate Governors, John Camp, Katie Cutajar and Natasha Tilley.  These Governors do not have voting rights, except in place of the attendance of Jo Gordon.

All Governors are appointed for a term of 4 years and their dates of appointment are as follows:

Members of the Governing Body

Jo Gordon - Executive Headteacher

Katie Cutajar - Co-Head of School 

Natasha Tilley - Co-Head of School

Governors appointed by the Royal Borough of Greenwich

Ann Jefferson
Chair of Governors
I have been a governor for 40 years mostly in Blackpool until I moved here 11 years ago.  I have sat on many Education committees including Improving the Workforce for Greenwich Council.  I worked in a large 4 form entry school for 30 years as a Cook Supervisor where in Lancashire we cooked everything from scratch and I was very involved in school life.

I am also Chair of Governors at Rachel McMillan Nursery & Children’s Centre, Greenslade and the school admissions appeals.  I am Vice-Chair at Cherry Orchard and the School Forum. I am Secretary of the Association of Greenwich Governors which is funded by Greenwich Council.

Elected members from the teaching staff

Toni Hall
Staff Governor
I am a member of the Support Staff and take pride in supporting children with their learning.  I have been at Alderwood for a number of years and have taken on many different roles.  I am now looking forward to this new challenge. 

Co-opted Governors

Father Brett Ward - Resigned from post March 2016

I am the Parish Priest at Holy Trinity in Southend Crescent, Alderwood School’s local Church of England parish. I currently chair the resources Committee. Before coming to Eltham I was a Foundation Governor for ten years at the Church of England school in my previous parish in Hampshire. For me, being a governor is an important way of getting involved in the local community and helping to ensure our children not only have great educational achievements but rich opportunities to
develop and mature as individuals.

Rosemary Hutton
I have only been a governor since October 2014 and am involved in the local community as a member of the leadership team at Avery Hill Christian Fellowship and Bexley Foodbank.  Prior to my retirement in July 2013 I had been a social worker working with children and families for over thirty years in Bexley, Lewisham and at Great Ormond Street Hospital.

Simon Trotter - Resigned from post July 2016
I have been involved with education all my professional life; as a teacher, full-time official for the National Union of Teachers, local authority officer (including working in Greenwich as assistant director responsible for pupils with special educational needs and for another local authority as assistant director responsible for school improvement.  I am also the parent of two children, both of whom attended local authority primary and comprehensive schools, before going on to LA sixth form college, FE college, and in one case, University. As a Governor, I chair the learning and achievement committee at Alderwood and I am a member of the governing body at Charlton Park Academy.  I am also a keen advocate of continuing education, and am currently learning Spanish at a local evening class.

Robert Morgan - Vice Chair

I am employed by the University of Greenwich where I teach students to become qualified primary teachers within the Higher Education route for Initial Teacher Education (ITE). I lecture students on the undergraduate BA and postgraduate PGCE route. My field is with Education and Professional Studies (pedagogy).

Christine Rushforth - Resigned from post November 2016
I have acted as a Governor since 2013.  I have a background of social policy and research relating to children, particularly child development and behaviour patterns.  In addition I work as a Child Advocate.  Currently I am providing professional advice to 2 Parliamentary Select Committees in Early Years and Childcare Protection. 

Heather Silvester
I am excited at the prospect of becoming a Governor here at Alderwood Primary.  I have a granddaughter in Foundation Stage Two and am often dropping her off and collecting her from school.  I have lived locally to the school for many years and am keen to support the improvements happening at the moment.

Elected by the parents of pupils attending the school

Susan Parr
I am a parent governor, and have been for the last 3 years.  I have a child at Alderwood and live locally on the surrounding estate to the school.  My career background has predominately been within the social care field of addiction, and I have always enjoyed being able to help and support people.

I was inspired to become a governor when my child started school as I wanted to be a part of the school and the community.  I wanted to learn how the school was run and how the children learn.  I have also volunteered at school to help with reading and in the wraparound after school club.

I sit on the Learning & Achievement panel, and this has allowed me to understand the curriculum better and how we as parents need to work together with the school to achieve higher standards.  I have always been impressed by the children at school and how they help one another and how they are so eager to learn, and this is a credit to the teachers and support learning staff.

Caroline Ridler
I am delighted that I am the newly appointed Parent Governor.  I have two daughters in the school and am keen to support the improvements that I have already seen.  My children are currently in Years 3 and 1 and I feel that the school is welcoming and supportive.  

Committee Structure

All members attend the Full Governing Body meetings, which are held termly.  In addition, we have saeveral committees.  Each committee meets termly, with the exception of the Pay Committee, which meets yearly.  

The Chair of each committee is in bold below.