Welcome to our Governors' section
The Governors at Wootey Infant School are committed to school improvement. We work closely, and in partnership, with the Headteacher and Senior Leadership Team to ensure that every child in the school has the best possible education and skills for life.
We meet once every half term as a Full Board.
The role of the Governing Body
The Governing Body is responsible for directing the conduct of the school. Its obligations are set out in various Acts of Parliament, Regulations and Guidance and, in particular, the Education Act 2002 provides that:
“The governing body shall conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement at the school.”
and that the core functions of the Governing Body are:
In carrying out its duties, the Governing Body must:
More information about being a governor, including the eligibility requirements, is available from http://www3.hants.gov.uk/education/governors/governors-govrecruit.htm.
How we are organised at Wootey Infant School
A Governing Body is required to be a size appropriate for and have the skills and experience necessary to enable the Governing Body to carry out its functions. As a Governing Body, the Wootey Infant School Governing Body is organised like this:
Contacting us
We would very much like to hear from you about general improvements and policy matters. You can contact us by email to the school office: adminoffice@wootey-inf.hants.sch.uk, by leaving a message with the school office or putting a note in your child’s book bag. Please mark your correspondence 'for the attention of the Chair of Governors'
No member of staff has a gross annual salary of £100,000 or more.
Meet our Governing Body
Tracey Thomas - Headteacher
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Sarah Thirkell - LEA Governor, Chair of Governors
My name is Sarah Thirkell. I am the Chair of Governors for Wootey Infant School where I have been a governor since 2010 when my son had just started at Wootey Infant School.
During my time as a governor I have also been chair of the resources committee (that’s mostly the non-curriculum bits e.g. premises, staff, health and safety and safeguarding).
I live in Alton with my partner Alan and our son Nathan. I was born in Anglesey and moved to Alton in 1977 when my dad was posted from Yorkshire to Odiham. I attended Wootey Junior School, Eggars and Alton College. I later took evening classes at Farnborough College for my accountancy exams and now work full time as a finance manager for Culinary Concepts, a lifestyle homewares brand based in Hook.
My son is currently at Alton College and as a family we enjoy weekends away in our camper van – nicknamed ‘Amanda Lamb’! (don’t ask!!).
I became a Governor because I wanted to be able to support the great work of the infant school. The role of a governor is extremely rewarding and it’s great to able to give something back to the community.
Jessica Anton - Co-Opted Governor
I am Jess and I have 3 children, two at Wootey Junior School and one at Wootey Infant School.
I work at Bushy Leaze Childrens & Family Centre as the manager of the Family Support Team, which specialises in children with speech and language difficulties and additional needs. We work closely with Wootey Infant School especially during transitions to school.
I remember the first time I visited Wootey Infants when choosing a school for my daughter and felt how wonderful it was, from the amazing welcoming staff to the beautiful grounds! All of my children have loved their time at the infant school and I enjoy being a governor so that I can support the school with the wonderful things they do!
Lisa McAllister - Co-Opted Governor
Hello, my name is Lisa McAllister, I am mum to 2 boys both of whom attended Wootey (I too went to Wootey Infant although that was a long time ago!)
I loved the time they spent at Wootey and knew that when my life allowed me to, I wanted to return to give something back to the school that had supported, nurtured, and gave them both the best possible start to their school life.
When I am not working as an Environmental, Health and Safety Advisor, I also volunteer in the admin role for my youngest’s football team (which my husband manages) so I don’t get much spare time and haven’t yet worked out the infamous work/life balance that is spoken about, however if I do get any time I like to read or watch musicals, both of which allow me to escape briefly.
I am looking forward to being able to support the Wootey team in the years to come.
Ben Bastin - Parent Governor
I am a parent Governor with responsibility for SEND. My daughter loves going to school and she brings the schools values home to us in everything she does. We are grateful for everything Wootey Infant School offers our community, all the children and our family. I'm proud to be a governor and to support the school. I am a Head of a Local specialist provision and have had a long career in special education and hope to bring this experience to the board and the school.
Trudie Cole - Co-Opted Governor
Hello, my name is Trudie and I am pleased to be able to support Wootey Infant Schol as a governor. I moved to Alton about six years ago, just before my son was just about to start school. I looked around Wootey Infants and loved it instantly. The teachers were so welcoming, the children were happy and interested and I loved the outdoor spaces.
I am a public archaeologist - meaning that I connect people with the past, often through museums and often in partnership with schools. I have worked with dozens and dozens of schools and I can see there is something very special about Wootey Infants. My son agrees, he loved Wootey Infants so much, he wants to come back and work there when he's older.
As well as being a governor and an archaeologist, I also like growing vegetables on my allotment and learning Welsh. Wootey Infants yw'e ysgol gorau!
Rebecca Murphy- Co-opted Governor
Both my children (James and Holly) attended Wootey Infant School and have fond memories of their time at the school. I am currently the Principle Educational Psychologist for Hampshire Educational Psychology, which keeps me very busy but I am also in 2 local book clubs. Spinning is a favourite activity and I love spending time with good friends.
Alex White - Parent Governor
Hello, my name is Alex I am a parent to four children, one is currently in Wootey Juniors having thrived at the infants, another is in year two and loving his time at the infants. In 2025, my twin girls will be joining the infants.
I am a quantity surveyor, working for Portsmouth Water on the Havant Thicket Reservoir Project.
The setting of the school with the incredible outdoor space, is matched by the excellent staff who provide a warm welcome everyday. My boys have really grown as a result of Wootey Infants, I just hope the staff are ready for my twin girls come September.
My reason for being a parent governor is to help in anyway I can to allow the school to continue to provide the pupils with the amazing experience my children have had.
Alison Frater - Parent Governor
My name is Alison, I have 2 children 21 and 16, along with my husband, Jonathan we moved to Alton from Croydon in 2006.
I work as a practice nurse at The Wilson Practice. Last year I reduced my working days so I had a Monday free. As I see people at work, with their lives blighted because they can't read, I decided I would like to become a volounteer reader. Wootey Infant School is local to me so I started reading with Year 1 last year.
Mrs Palmer asked me to consider becoming a Governor in the summer so I am very new to the role but I am willing to learn. Wootey has a lovely atmosphere and I really enjoy seeing the progress my readers are making.