Hannah Stiff 

Chair of Governors

I am a co-opted governor and I have been on the governing body since November 2016, and became Chair of Governors in April 2021. I have two children of my own, the youngest of which left Southwood Infant School in July 2022. I have been a teacher of children with specific learning difficulties for seventeen years, and it is exciting to see, and be a part of the other side of the way schools are run and maintained. I chose to become part of the governing body so I could support the local community, and support the school in its development. With a strong and inspiring management team, I am excited to see how the school grows and progresses over the coming years. With a background in safeguarding, I support the Headteacher and the school to ensure full compliance in all of their policies, practices and procedures. 

 

Vicky Laws

Vice Chair of Governors 

 

I have just joined as a co-opted Governor at the end of the 2022/23 school year. My son has had a fantastic experience at Southwood and has flourished under the care of all the staff. I was involved with FSIS throughout his time there, and could see for myself how hard all the staff and governors worked for and cared for the children, striving for the very best in all aspects of education. Now my son has moved on to junior school I am interested in continuing to support Southwood on a more strategic level. I have already been involved in finance meetings - an eye-opening experience to see just how hard the school has to work to make each penny stretch as far as possible.  

Having been a physiotherapist for over 20 years I have been heavily involved in healthcare governance, so I am confident I have the skills to carry out this role effectively.  

 

Peter Bassett

Chair of Finance

I joined Southwood Infants in October 2021 as a Local Authority Governor.  I have a long connection with the school as my two Grandsons attended from 2013.  They did well at the school and we and their parents (my daughter and her husband) were very happy with their progress and help provided.  Interestingly my Daughter-In-Law also attended the school in the early 90s and she hopes to send their son next year. I have been and still am an active Governor at a local Junior school from 2018 and have worked in various committees including finance and curriculum.  Since retiring I have become involved in various voluntary activities including Citizens Advice and working on the Watercress line.  One of the activities there has been helping with the school education programme with the visits to teach history topics including war time evacuation etc. and the many other rail related topics. 

 

 

Jonathan Charles

Governor 

I'm delighted to be a co-opted governor at Southwood Infant School. I am passionate about giving back to the community and making a positive impact on young learners. Education shapes futures and I am committed to helping every child get the best start in life. With experience in health and safety regulations and various leadership and management roles in the chemical manufacturing sector, I bring a strong focus on maintaining a safe and compliant environment. I also contribute to strategic governance, ensuring accountability and transparency.

This role is a fantastic opportunity to apply my skills in a meaningful way. I look forward to working with the dedicated leadership team and fellow governors to support the school's growth and help students thrive and reach their full potential.

Rev Anne Richardson  

Vice Chair of Finance

 

I'm joining Southwood Infant School Governing Body as a parent governor. I'm also an Associate Rector in the Parish of Cove which includes Christ Church (formerly Southwood and St Christopher's) and St John's Church. It has been a joy to welcome Southwood Infant School pupils to the Church on various occasions. I'm joining the governors as I've been so grateful for the welcome, care and support my daughter has received here and think it is a very special school. I am passionate about the school's core values of excellence, respect and enjoyment and want to support the amazing staff to continue to live out these values for the benefit of each pupil. 

 

 

 

 

Steve Brown

Governor

 

I worked as a classroom teacher for 36 years, followed by a further 10 years working for a Teacher Trade Union. I have experience teaching in schools abroad, in Slovenjia, Poland, East Germany and Holland. When I retired in 2013, I was the Regional Officer for the East of England and visited schools in Norfolk, Suffolk, Cambridgeshire and Essex. I have met with Head Teachers, Governors and the whole range of school staff.  

I made the decision to move to Farnborough in 2015 to be closer to my daughter and her family. My two grandchildren have both attended Southwood infant School and have been very happy there. I hope to be able to use my experience to ensure that everyone at Southwood Infants enjoys their time at school in line with the very high standards and values of Excellence, Respect and Enjoyment. 

 

Darren Hoare  

 

English Link Governor

 

 

I am a co-opted governor at Southwood Infants, starting in the autumn of 2023. Both my daughters have been through Southwood over the past six years, where I was engaged with the school both as a parent and an active member of the Friends of Southwood Infant school during that time. My family and I have enjoyed our time at Southwood Infants, and it is our wish, with myself becoming a governor, to help continue the positive journey the school is on. As an I.T. professional of over 25 years, working for a number of well-known organisations, I will be bringing my skills and enthusiasm to the governing body and staff here at Southwood.