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Governors

Message from the Chair of Governors, Clive Partridge

I graduated in 1981 from Cambridge University with 1st class honours in Computer Science and Engineering. Following a long career with an Enfield based technology company where I spent more than 20 years as a board member, I am now retired.

I have been Chair of Governors at Livingstone for over twenty years, having become a governor when my son attended Livingstone many years ago - and he is now one of the school's music teachers. 

I am a passionate believer in Livingstone's work to deliver high-quality education with a broad curriculum in a safe and supportive environment for children from all backgrounds across our community.  

I chair the Personnel Committee and am a member of the Finance and Premises Committee. I am also Chair of trustees at EdAct, a multi-academy school trust based in Edmonton.

PARENT GOVERNORS

Mr Sarju Pankhania

Mr Simon Harker

Mr Stefan Bach

Mr Oliver Scott

Ms Megan Atkinson

STAFF GOVERNORS

Mrs Giovanna Phelan  - Headteacher

Miss Maria Stephens - Support Staff

LOCAL AUTHORITY GOVERNOR

Ms Joanna Chadwick (Vice Chair) 

CO-OPTED GOVERNORS

Mrs Sally Gentle                

Mr Rob Madle - Deputy Headteacher

Mr Clive Partridge (Chairman)                                     

Mr Christopher Ward                                             

Miss Emma Breen

You can see further details of all the governors and the roles they play in the ‘Meet the governors’ section.

The governors are unpaid volunteers who share the vision for Livingstone as an inclusive school committed to giving every child the opportunity to fulfil his or her potential and working closely with parents to provide a supportive, stimulating and happy environment for every child.

Governors' responsibilities

The governors have a range of specific responsibilities, some of which are statutory (i.e. required by law).  The Governing Body's main role is to help raise standards of achievement in the school:

  • it is accountable for the performance of the school to parents and the wider community
  • it plans the school's future direction with the professionals in the school
  • it appoints the headteacher
  • it makes decisions on the school's budget and staffing
  • it makes sure the national curriculum is taught
  • it helps decide how the school can encourage pupils' spiritual, moral and cultural development
  • it makes sure the school provides for all its children, including those with special needs

The Governing Body’s performance is assessed by OFSTED as part of its regular inspections. In its most recent report in 2018, OFSTED commented:

“Governors know the school well and are highly committed. They are supportive but also challenge school leaders when they believe the school can do even better. Leaders and governors have accurately evaluated the school’s performance to identify strengths and areas for development."

The formal business of the governors, such as approving budgets and agreeing polices, takes place at its termly full Governing Body meeting, but most of the work of governors is done through day-to-day interaction with staff members, and in its four committees.

  • the Welfare Committee focuses on the areas of safeguarding and pastoral care of the children.
  • the Curriculum Committee oversees the teaching and learning within the school, monitoring the levels of attainment and achievement by the children.
  • the Finance and Premises Committee ensures that the school's funds are being properly used, and that the fantastic building and grounds which we all enjoy are well maintained.
  • the Personnel Committee oversees the staff structure and performance.          

How to contact us

If you want to get in touch with any of the governors we can be contacted via the school office.

We are always looking for fresh talent that can contribute to the school, so if you are interested in becoming a governor, we would love to hear from you - please contact me or the headteacher.

Thank you for interest in Livingstone Primary & Nursery School. I encourage you to look at the other information on this website which sets out all the great things that we do. 

Clive Partridge

Chair of Governors