Welcome to our Governors’ section. 

School governors are volunteers who help to run the school. They’re involved in decisions about all aspects of managing the school – such as running buildings and budgets, supporting staff and setting standards for school discipline.

Governors also help to make big decisions about the Federation’s long-term goals. They support the Executive Head Teacher (EHT), but also ask questions and make sure the EHT is taking the Federation in the right direction.

If you are interested in being a Parent Governors please contact the school and register your interest.

Meet the Governors

Let us introduce to you some of our school governors so you know more about them and how they became involved:-

Governor Pen Portraits

Jennifer Bennett – Co-opted Governor, SEND

“I have lived in South Norwood for over 20 years and am very proud to have served on the governing body for the past 14 years. I started as a parent governor and have been involved in various committees, focusing on Children’s Centre activities and Safeguarding. All three of my children attended either the nursery or the children’s centre. In my day job I am a university administrator, supporting staff and students. I am also a member of a local theatre where I run the wardrobe department. I have found it possible to balance work and volunteering and have gained lots of professional skills from being a governor; it has been a great way to contribute to the community and to be part of a nurturing and high-quality setting”​​

Damian Clark – Co-opted Governor & Local Authority Governor, Safeguarding 

“I joined the Governing Board as a parent governor when my children attended the school 12 years ago. Since I have been a Governor, the Board has steered the school through many interesting changes including starting up the Children’s Centre and federating two schools. As a result of being on the Board and attending governor training sessions I have developed my personal skills and knowledge which I have found useful both for the Board and in my wider life.”

Michelle McCann - Co-opted Governor, Chair, Health and Safety 

“I have been a Co-Opted member the Governing Board since February 2016.  When I heard the Nursery were looking for Governors I wanted to get involved as I believe that providing the right environment for children at Nursery level is a huge help in preparing them for primary education and sets them on the right path for their life beyond.  It is an honour to be able to be part of that journey.”

How we work 

School Governors meet for a Full Governing Board Meeting at least 6 times a year. These meetings are usually held in the evening virtually or at Selhurst (Dagnall Park) or Crosfield (Elborough Road). Governors discuss school budgets, buildings and health & safety issues as well as the children, staffing, teaching & learning, safeguarding and the Early Years Foundation Stage curriculum.

Governors also have responsibility for Special Educational Needs and Disabilities (SEND), Looked after children, discipline, bullying & behaviour, equal opportunities, staff appraisal and a whole lot more.  It is a demanding, but interesting role.  If you would like to know more about it, or would like to come and observe a meeting, just let one of our governors know and we would be happy to accommodate you. Governors can be contacted through the office at either school.

Our Federation has a clear vision for the importance of early years and we are passionate about giving children the best possible start to their education. Our services extend beyond the nursery school classes and include our children’s centres services. 

Federation of Crosfield and Selhurst Nursery Schools and Children’s Centres

Declaration of Pecuniary (Business) Interests: School Governors 2020:21

The governing body are required to establish a register of pecuniary (business) interests for the governors and staff which should be open to inspection. Schools are required to publish this information, on their website, for school governors.

Governors should declare any links they have with local firms from which the school may wish to buy goods or services. It is important for anyone involved in spending public money to demonstrate that they do not benefit personally from decisions that they make. A Register of Pecuniary interests should be used by all Governors and employees to identify any business/commercial/financial interests they have which might give rise to a potential conflict of interest, e.g. that they, or a close friend, or relative, are an owner, director, or employee of a supplier to the school. Potential conflicts of interest might conceivably extend to other situations, such as if a relationship existed between two people where one could influence the appointment, advancement, or pay of another, (eg granting overtime, approving pay claims or expenses, awarding pay adjustments, etc.). All Governors and staff will be asked on an annual basis to consider whether they have any interests (or relationships) which could in some circumstances lead to suggestions that their objectivity and integrity is compromised.

Full Governing Board Attendance 2022-2023