Governors

The governing body, consisting of parents, members of staff, representatives of the local community and local authority bring a wealth of experience to the school and provide an objective overview of the work of the school.

They take responsibility for staff appointments, curriculum review and financial management. Governors are appointed, co-opted or elected for a four year term and are very valuable members of our school community.

Our Governing Body consists of 13 Governors. Our Governing Body is made up of:

• at least two parent governors who are elected by the parents
• one local authority governor
• the headteacher
• one staff governors
• two foundation governors
• five co-opted governors
• one ex officio governor

The term of office for all categories is for a fixed period of four years. The Headteacher and Vicar remain as governors whilst in post.

Mrs Michelle Hale Headteacher - Member of all Committees, Pecuniary interest – Employed at the school

'I am extremely proud to be the Headteacher at Manor. I joined the school in January 2014 and have now been working in education for nearly 30 years. I am passionate about fostering a positive and inclusive learning environment at Manor and am dedicated to ensuring that all children reach their full potential in a happy and safe environment.

Outside of school I enjoy spending time with my family and friends. I love swimming, walking  and skiing as well as visiting different places on holiday. My hobbies help me to stay energised!'

Mrs Teresa Pickup – Co-Opted Governor - Chair of Governors – Chair of  Pay and Performance Committees - Safeguarding Governor - Communications / Press Governor – Term End 10/09/2027, No pecuniary interests

Mrs Sarah Munns – Co-Opted Governor – Curriculum and Standards Committee Member – Resources Committee Member - Term End Date 05/12/2028, Pecuniary interest – Employed at the school

'I started working at Manor in September 2000. During my time at many I have held many different roles and have enjoyed developing our curriculum ensuring it is engaging for all learners. The caring family environment that Manor provides is very special and allows all children to become part of the school community.

Exercise is an important part of my life. I have rediscovered my love of running and recently taken part in several 10k races. I also enjoy spending time with my family going out in the forest.'

Mrs Tracie Burroughs – Co-Opted Governor – Curriculum and Standards Committee Member, Pupil Premium Governor - Maths Governor – Term End Date 05/12/27, No pecuniary interests

'Having been a Teacher & Head to Physical Education for 12 years, I have a wealth of experience in the education sector with a passion for PE and Sport.

I became involved at Manor as a Governor when my daughter began 8 years ago. Since then, my two sons have also attended Manor, with my youngest currently in Year 2.

With a love for dogs and being active outdoors, my career took a turn and I became a Guide Dog Puppy Trainer in 2022. In 2024, I took the brave decision to start my own Dog Daycare and Boarding business and haven’t looked back since!!

In my spare time, I love being with my family, keeping fit and our array of animals! I’m also young at heart and LOVE Christmas, anything Disney and stand firmly by Roald Dahl’s moto ‘Those who don’t believe in magic will never find it’.

Manor is a wonderful school. It has given my three children an exception start to their education whilst providing a safe, happy and inspiring community to be a part of.'

Mrs Eve Loughton - Co-Opted Governor - Chair of Resources Committee -  English Governor - Term End Date 05/12/2028, No Pecuniary interests

'I joined the governing board as a parent governor in November 2020 after my youngest daughter started Year R in the September. Although my daughter has moved on to junior school, I have remained at Manor as a co-opted governor. Manor is such a lovely, caring, family school that I wanted to continue being part of it.

I work as a service designer for the Maritime and Coastguard Agency and as an assessor of DfT government services. This allows me to bring a good understanding of processes and standards to my role as a governor. As a mum of four, with children working and at school/college, I also bring a good understanding of children and parent needs and expectations of the education provision.

I love spending time with my family, going for walks, and practicing yoga to help balance the demands of life. These activities help me stay grounded and focused on my commitments.

I am dedicated to ensuring that the children who come to Manor receive an amazing foundation for the start of their education. My goal is to contribute to a positive and nurturing environment where every child can thrive.'

Reverend Alison Bennett - Ex-Officio Governor - Wellbeing Governor - No pecuniary interests

'I am the Rector (Vicar) of the Parish of Fawley, which includes All Saints’ Church and the Church of the Good Shepherd, Holbury. I have been in the Parish for just over 3 years, having previously been the Vicar of 2 churches in Basingstoke. I am married to Stephen, who is also ordained, and ministers in churches in Brockenhurst and the surrounding villages. We love living on the edge of the New Forest and so near to the sea, and I have been known to sea swim at Calshot all year round.

Before I was ordained, I spent 22 years in the Royal Navy, working as a Senior Social Worker in the welfare service, working mostly with children and families. I also have the joy of being a Granny to a 5-year-old grandson who attends school in Portsmouth.

Because Manor Infant is a Church of England school, it’s important that the Vicar and other church representatives are on the Governing body as we help to support and ensure the Christian ethos of the school.  Manor is a brilliant school and so it is a joy to serve in this way.'

Mrs Lilian Armstrong - Co-Opted Governor - Chair of Curriculum and Standards Committee - EYFS Governor - SEN Governor - Term End Date 17/05/26 - Pecuniary Interest in local business

'Having taught at Manor School in the Early Years Foundation stage and serving as Special Educational Needs Coordinator, I know first-hand what a lovely school it is.  It is a nurturing school where every child is helped to achieve their very best.  I retired so that I was able to spend more time with my grandchildren.   I now enjoy spending lots of time with them, especially at the beach and in the forest.

I soon realised that I still wanted to be involved with Manor in some way, so decided to become a governor.  I find this role really rewarding and feel I can continue use my educational experience.  I am pleased to have the EYFS and SEN as my areas of responsibility and especially enjoy visiting these.'  

Mrs Sue Harding - Foundation Governor - Curriculum and Standards Committee Member - Term End Date 17/05/26- No pecuniary interests

Cllr Peter Armstrong - Local Authority Governor - Resources Committee Member - Attendance Governor - Term End Date 05/12/27 - No pecuniary interests  

'I am currently an Independent Local Parish and District Councillor (Leader of Independent Group at District). In the past I have run my own businesses and worked in Local Government, my last role being a Manager of a service which won national, regional and local awards.

I have been involved in various international, national and local charities ever since I was a teenager.

I love getting away in my touring caravan, especially near the sea.

My most used saying is, “how can I help you?”

Contact  peter.armstrong@nfdc.gov.uk or 07899731780'

Mrs Bridget Durrant - Foundation Governor - Curriculum and Standards Committee Member - Pay and Performance Member - More Able Governor - Development and Training Governor -Term End Date 24/09/28 - No pecuniary interests

Governance roles in other educational institutions: 

• Vice chair of St Oscar Romero Catholic Academy Trust , previously known as SELCAT . Responsible for Catholic Life and Mission across the trust .
• Governor at Southampton Hospital School with responsibly for SEND.
• Trustee of Ursuline Links, registered with charities commission.
• Catholic Schools Inspector actively working for Southwark and Arundel and Brighton.
• Validator for the Oscar Romero Award.
• Deputy Group Leader HCPT Group 22

'I am a retired teacher with a range of experience in the education sector. I retired three years ago and moved from SE London to be nearer family and especially my two grandchildren, but also the beautiful New Forest. My husband and I love walking and also being near the beach as we have a four-year-old ‘Sheepadoodle’ (half Old English Sheepdog and half Standard Poodle).

I became involved in Manor as a Foundation Governor as I am a practicing Christian, and both of my grandchildren have and still are pupils here. Being retired, I was able to volunteer for trips and gradually became more involved.

Manor is a fantastic school, and it is a privilege for me to be able to serve the community in this capacity.'

Mrs Catherine Welling - Staff Governor - Curriculum and Standards Committee Member - Term End Date 05/12/2028 - Pecuniary Interest - Employed at the school

'Manor is an amazing school, I am very privileged to have worked at Manor since 2010. Currently I am one of the Early Years Teachers but have had experience in teaching all of the year groups. Over my time at Manor, I have lead many subjects and been involved with planning our exciting curriculum that enables all children to flourish and reach their full potential. When you walk into Manor there is a lovely family feel where every member of staff knows every child and I feel this is so important. 

In my spare time I am kept busy with my own children. As a family we like going on walks with our dog in the New Forest and enjoying quality time together.'

Mr Drew Patel - Parent Governor - Resources Committee Member - Term End Date 28/01/29 - No Pecuniary Interest

'I am Drew, I am a father to two great kids that keep me busy and a husband to my amazing wife. As a family we love spending time together and being outdoors.

I run my own company alongside my brother. We have a great team that has supported us to grow to the size that we are today. As a Company Director no two days are the same. I love the variety that my role brings.

I am a massive Manchester United fan and go to Old Trafford regularly. I also love Formula One and ensure that I watch as many races as possible.

I decided to become a School Governor as I feel I have many skills that can be utilised by the school. My daughter already attends the school and so will my son, so I have a vested interest to ensure that the school is performing well in all areas.'

Mr Mike Shelley - Parent Governor - Resources Committee Member - Health and Safety Governor - Term End Date 28/01/29 - No Pecuniary Interest

'I feel very fortunate to have been given the opportunity to become a parent governor at Manor. I grew up in Holbury, and have lived here all my life. My wife and I currently have one child at Manor and plan for our other two children to attend the school as well. We feel the school has such a warm and welcoming feel and I truly believe it is an excellent place for children to start their educational journey; I feel passionate about supporting the school in ensuring that all children are given the best possible opportunities to thrive, not just whilst they attend the Manor but as they move forward with their lives.

For employment, I have worked as a firefighter for the local authority fire service for 17 years. I hope to be able to use the skills and experience I have gained in my career to support and contribute towards the school in a positive way.

In my spare time, I love spending time with my family and I enjoy working in the garden.'

Mrs Tracy O’Connor - Clerk

Diversity Statement 

The governors believe it is important that boards reflect the diversity of the school communities they serve. Diverse boards promote inclusive school environments and provide diverse role models for staff and young people.

The governors are currently collecting data on the diversity of the board, including data on age, gender, and ethnicity. They will use that data to inform their recruitment and training needs and ensure there is always a diverse range of perspectives around the table to support robust decision making.

Due to our relatively small governing board, we will not publish this diversity data online as individual governors could be identified and we have a legal obligation to protect their personal data.