I am very honoured to become Chair for our school and lead the governing board to support Claire and all the staff in providing the best education for your children.

I became a governor in July 22 having retired from my work as a Speech and Language Therapist where I worked predominantly with children in school and those with special needs. I became manager for the Speech and Language Therapy Service for children across Co Durham and Darlington so understand the importance of team working to achieve the most for children. I am excited to be able to use the skills I have acquired through work, in this new role.

We have a governing board with diverse knowledge and life experience and I value their commitment in working to continually improve and develop this school. As governors, we take an active part in the running of the school by monitoring that the school improvement plan is being achieved, and policies are being followed and to question decisions so everything is fully considered before action is taken. The full governing body meets together each term.  We also meet in smaller committees to discuss in detail  resources available, including finance, the school curriculum, health and safety and safeguarding.

I know that every child learns at different rates and with different styles and have been impressed in my monitoring visits by the commitment of staff to recognise this in how they teach and encourage each child to achieve their potential.

Highfield is a happy school; a safe school and I am very glad to be part of it.

Val Chilvers