What our Governors do
The Governing Body of The Wandsworth Federation of Maintained Nursery Schools is made up of representatives nominated by the Local Authority, parents and staff from Balham, Eastwood and Somerset Nursery Schools and co-opted members from the local community. The Full Governing Body and all Committees meet at least once a term but individual Governors also make focussed visits to the school throughout the year. The Chair of Governors meet the Executive Headteacher regularly to share any concerns or discuss any new developments in the schools.
The Governors are responsible for seeing that the schools are properly run and that the buildings are safe and adequate for all the children’s needs. They are involved in safeguarding, financial management, the appointment of staff and the delivery of the curriculum.
Our Designated Governors for Safeguarding and Child Protection is:
Helen Tovey (Safeguarding Governor - Somerset Nursery and Balham Nursery)
Our Designated Governor for Health & Safety is Valentine Obichigha
If you wish to contact any of the Governors, please contact the school office.
Governing Body structure
The Governing Body has two Committees:
- Resources Committee
- Teaching and Learning Committee
All committees report directly to the Full Governing Body.
Each Committee has their own Terms of Reference and Scheme of Delegation, reviewed and updated annually, which ensures that the responsibilities of the Governing Body are undertaken appropriately.
The Governors
Following the formation of The Wandsworth Federation of Maintained Nursery Schools, our Governing Body comprises:
Chair of Governors
- Helen Tovey (interim)
Vice Chair of Governors
- Francois Marshall (interim)
Co-opted Governors:
-Francois Marshall
-Helen Tovey (Safeguarding Governor - Somerset Nursery and Balham Nursery)
-Kitty Devaney
-Fiona Treadaway
Parent Governors:
-Valentine Obichigha (Health and Safety Governor)
Staff Governors:
Russell Howard
Kellie Schrader - Lead Headteacher
Vacancies:
- 4 x Co-opted Governor
- 1x LA Governor
- 2 x Parent Governor
This was an unusual visit, falling as it did towards the end of the formal Covid-19 lockdown period but nevertheless shortly after the start of the Summer Term under new social distancing measures. It was inspirational to see the school very much in action under these new circumstances.
That said, it was clear to me how challenging it was for staff to support more vulnerable children and families in this new situation. From what I could see, the nursery continued to go above and beyond their remit, working hard to maintain communication with these families, to support them and to stay in touch with the children. In a couple of instances, staff had spoken to children themselves on the telephone.
The nursery keeps to the highest standard of Health and Safety for all that come into the building. They are also very vigilant when there has been issues making sure issues get sorted quickly.
