Meet the Governors
At Kirkleatham Hall school we are very fortunate to have a well-established, experienced, passionate and dedicated Governing body.
Introduction to the Chair of Governors, Derick Enderby:
It is my privilege to extend a warm welcome from the governing body and I to our wonderful school!
I became a governor in 2002 appointed as a Co-opted governor after being approached by the head teacher of Kirkleatham Hall School. I worked in social services for over 30years with ten years at Redcar and Cleveland as manager of Upsall Hall Rural Centre, Day centre for adults with a learning disability. This meant I had experience of not only learning disabilities, but finance, staffing.
Upsall was a day service option for school leavers hence my connection with Kirkleatham. I’ve been chair for 2 years and I am currently link governor for FE and Careers, also Upper. I chair the resources subcommittee which covers finance, premises, welfare and health and safety.
I am passionate about supporting youngsters in further education in preparation for life after school. I’ve been retired since 2010 but continue to work with adults with a learning disability volunteering in a rural setting on a farm. I have two children, and three grandchildren. My interests are model railways, caravanning and playing badminton.
Volunteering as a School Governor
Governors have an important part to play in helping schools to run effectively.
They work strategically as part of a team with the headteacher, school staff and the wider trust to help provide a happy and safe learning environment and excellent education for all children.
Governors come from all sections of the community - parents, school staff, business people, community representatives and the local authority.
You should be committed and interested and prepared to attend regular meetings. Governing board meetings are generally held six times a year and may be combined with school visits focused on school priorities.
You will receive reports from the headteacher and senior leaders and need to be able to question, challenge and support decisions.
This voluntary role can be challenging yet extremely rewarding and is a great way to build on your personal and professional skills. You will be supported in the role through a programme of training and mentoring, allowing you to use your knowledge and experience to the full extent.
Redcar and Cleveland Borough Council offers training and support to all governors from induction through to chairing the governing board.
Most people can become school governors. You need any special qualifications or professional skills. However, you must be at least 18 year of age or over. As this position involves working with children and young people you will be asked to complete a disclosure and barring service (DBS) application and declare yourself a suitable candidate by completing a statutory form. You will also be asked to provide references.
The Role of the Governor
As a governor you will work with the headteacher and other governors to ensure every child has the best possible education.
You will set the school's plans for the future, hold the head teacher to account for the school's performance, as well as oversee financial performance to make sure the school's money is well spent.
Governors also visit the school on planned monitoring or observing visits to ensure they understand the school's strengths and areas for improvement.
The governing board operates a code of conduct which sets an ethos of professionalism and high expectations of governors.
What are we looking for?
We need enthusiastic and committed people from a variety of backgrounds. You do not need leadership or education experience; just a desire to give back to the school and its community and a proactive approach to becoming involved as a member of a team.
Key Governor Information for Kirkleatham Hall School:
Constitution - Kirkleatham Hall School
Kirkleatham Hall Meetings 2023-24
Kirkleatham Hall Meetings 2024-25
Meet the Governors
Doug Thomson
My name is Doug Thomson and I have been a Governor at KHS since 1995.
When I visited the school for the first time, I was so excited by the happy, enthusiastic attitude of everyone here(staff and students)that I felt that I wanted to be part of it and was lucky enough to be accepted and appointed. I am delighted to say that the positive atmosphere I experienced then is still as strong if not stronger now.
I was born in Edinburgh but my family moved to Stockton when I was very young.
I lived there until I went to Kings College, Newcastle where I studied for a degree in Chemistry and then a Ph.D. in Radiation Chemistry. By this time I was married to Olwen and we then spent 3 great years in the U.S. living just outside Boston while i worked at Harvard University.
In 1962 we returned to Teesside where I joined I.C.I. I spent 15 years working as a Development Chemist and then changed direction to work as a Personnel Officer working on virtually every area of the Wilton site--unfortunately mostly when they were being sold or shut down.
Olwen and I were married for 61 years until she passed away in 2022.We have 2 sons and 5 granddaughters all now working in different parts of the country.
My hobbies have all been around sport,mainly golf until recently and a season ticket for MFC since 1970.Olwen and I were lucky enough to do a lot of travelling including, getting around the world twice and several cruises to different locations.
I recently retired after 19 years as a volunteer adviser at Citizens Advice while Olwen and I were both Trustees of Middlesbrough 1st.,a group in Middlesbrough supporting adults with learning disabilities.
Doug
Karen Robson
Hello,
My name is Karen Robson and I have been involved with Kirkleatham almost all my adult life - and I am retired now, so that is more years than I care to mention!
The first time I visited Kirkleatham all those years ago I knew it was a very special place and I very much wanted to be a part of it. Little did I know that I would spend virtually all my teaching career in this special place, working with the best team of staff, the most passionate parents and carers, and the most inspirational learners.
I retired from my post as Head Teacher in 2020 knowing that school was in safe hands and knowing that I wanted to remain connected to school in one way or another.
It was a privilege to work in school for almost 30 years and it is now a privilege to remain a part of such a special place as a volunteer (Governor).
I have two children of my own and three grandchildren. My son now lives in Australia and I am lucky enough to have the opportunity to spend time with him and his family on a fairly regular basis.
I think, as a group of Governors we are all committed to the best outcomes for everyone our community. We are definitely all sociable and involved in all aspects of school life, and hopefully you will find all of us approachable and good at listening as well as chatting!
Pleased to meet you!
Karen
Judy Butchart
I’ve been involved with KHS now for over thirty years. I worked as a local Head Teacher in a Primary school which also supported children with additional needs from all over the local authority. Many of our children subsequently joined Kirkleatham after assessment of their SEND and I worked closely with parents and KHS staff to help facilitate these transfers.
When I retired I was asked if I would like to become a co-opted governor and am now vice -chair.
I chair the Safeguarding and Curriculum committees and am also on the Resources committee. I am often involved in the interviewing of new staff which I really enjoy and am slowly developing a better understanding of the complexities of the very personalised curriculum ,which is constantly evolving to meet the diverse needs of the children and young people at KHS.
I feel very privileged to be part of the Kirkleatham Hall community!
Judy
Steph Stonehouse
Hi, I'm Steph Stonehouse and I've had the pleasure of working at Kirkleatham Hall School for 19 years as a teaching assistant. In January 2020 I was elected as staff governor and since then I've been proud to contribute in that capacity. Over the years I've seen many changes around school, but one thing has remained constant, and that is, the care for our children comes first and foremost before anything else.
Outside of work I love spending time with family and friends and going for walks with my dog - Its a great way to unwind and recharge.
