Vice Chair
Hello my name is Eileen Thompson. I am Chair to the Governors at Helen Gibson Nursery. I was appointed in November 2012, although I have been a Governor for over 20 years. My involvement started when my daughter (who is now 27!) started at East Boldon Infants. At that time there was one governing body covering all East Boldon Primary schools but successive governments have insisted each school now has its own. I have lived in East Boldon since 1981 and am now retired having worked for over 40 years in local government in the legal department as a property lawyer.
When the Helen Gibson and Clervaux Nursery Federated I became Vice Chair. The governing body meet regularly with a full termly meeting to discuss all issues relevant to the school and additional meetings, as and when necessary to discuss urgent items such as agreeing the budget. We also have smaller working parties to discuss issues such as leadership and management, behaviour and safety and curriculum matters. It is the responsibility of the chair to ensure meetings are run efficiently with everyone having a voice and all governors clear on items discussed. The chair is also responsible for ensuring the governors and the school are fulfilling all statutory functions and ensuring the strategic focus for the school. Personally, I am responsible as link governor for Special Educational Needs and Inclusion within the school and behavioural issues. I would recommend being a governor to all parents where possible. It is hard work but so rewarding. We have a brilliant school at Helen Gibson Nursery and Kids club with a committed governing body and an inspirational Head and fantastic staff. I look forward to the future with great optimism that Helen Gibson will be rated as an outstanding school at its next ofsted inspection.
