Governance

Larry Bartel, Chair

I joined the SHS Board in December 2019.

I know of Southampton Hospital School on account of my wife; she enjoyed many years here as a teacher. I attended various events while she was here and began to learn more about the service provided by the school.

Following retirement, I wanted to continue my links with education. When a vacancy arose on the Board of Governors at Southampton Hospital School, I applied and was delighted to be invited to join the school.

I feel privileged to be able to support and assist the Headteacher and her staff. It is very rewarding to be a small part of an amazing teaching and learning provision for young people when they are accommodated in hospital. The work is both strategic and observational; I appreciate being able to learn how an academy trust operates as well as to converse with adults and young people within the service. As governors, we share a common aspiration for the success of Southampton Hospital School, knowing how much its team can encourage, help and develop the young people receiving its support.

I am married with 3 children and 6 grandchildren. I have enjoyed sport all my life – rugby, squash, roller hockey, football, tennis – and I am aware that right now I need to get back in the gym!

I share a love of gardening and walking with my wife. I play in a rock band, and I try to contribute to my local parish.

Liz Irving, Governance Professional

My role is to manage all the administration of the governing committee, to advise governors on changes to relevant legislation, and to ensure the board is meeting all of its statutory requirements. I’ve been working as a governance professional since 2018 and for the Hospital School since 2020. I work for two other schools in the Hamwic Educational Trust, and for the Polygon special school. I am also a governor at Vermont.

Governing boards have an essential role to play in ensuring that schools deliver the best outcomes for pupils whilst ensuring their safety and wellbeing, as well as overseeing the wellbeing of staff. It is an honour and a pleasure to support dedicated and enthusiastic teams of volunteers such as the governing committee at SHS.

Melissa Gibson, Governor

I’ve been a governor at the Southampton Hospital School since December 2020. As parents to a toddler (whose birth is the reason I once missed a governing meeting without sending apologies), my partner and I’ve not yet entered the world of schools from that perspective. But having been raised in an extended family full of teachers, I found myself pursuing my own professional services career in education, albeit unintentionally at first. I was previously a governor at a primary school in Kent so when I moved to Hampshire, I wanted to do the same. A brief conversation with a colleague stepping down as governor at SHS meant I put my name forward. And here I am!

Driven by my passionate belief that education in all its different forms should be accessible to all, embodying this as even a small part of SHS’ governing body is a true privilege. This role has enabled me to support SHS’ development, as well as simultaneously advance my own professional skills. I have had the opportunity to not only understand the nuances of this unique setting, but also live the values of SHS in my every day life. Ensuring education, rarely provided in a traditional school-setting, is made available to as many as possible is a gift, and something I proudly talk about the incredible offering of SHS whenever given the opportunity.

My favourite activities alongside family life, work and volunteering usually involve water. Having grown up and now finally living by the sea again, I love nothing better than being in, under or out on the water – a passion my family share too. We also love to travel and have set ourselves a goal of showing our daughter as much of the UK and world as possible. Hopefully one day soon I might even have time to read a book again!

Debbie Key, Governor

I joined the Southampton Hospital School Governing Board in 2021. I know of the school from working in Southampton previously and understood the valuable service provided by the school.

I have worked for children and families since I qualified as a social worker ( more than a little while ago!) and know the importance of education for every child.

I feel very lucky to have a connection with the school and be a small part of supporting the headteacher and her staff team in their fabulous work with children and young people.

My background in social work helps me appreciate the holistic offer of the school, suporting children and their families when it is needed most, getting to know each child and young person in order meet their educational needs.

Outside of my work and being a school governor, I love time with my family, singing in a local choir and rambling about the New Forest.

Nichola Caveney, Governor

I joined the governing body at Southampton Hospital School in 2022. When I was asked to consider being a governor, I agreed for several reasons. Firstly, my mother was a teacher at the Royal Free Hospital School (London) back in the 1970s and 1980s so I have always had an interest in and understanding of the specific challenges to working in a hospital school environment. Secondly, I have been a teacher in primary schools in and around Southampton (and NZ) for over 30 years (I class teach from YR up to Y6 but specialise in music). I would like to use my educational experience to support and encourage the staff at the Hospital School. Outside of work, I love going to the theatre, practicing yoga, singing (I’m in a local choir), travelling (anywhere!) and gardening. I am also learning Portuguese and the ukulele in any spare moments I have!

Bridget Durrant, Governor

My working career began in the Cabinet Office as a PA to Undersecretaries of State which was an incredible experience.

Having had two girls I studied for my BA Theological Studies and embarked upon my teaching career as a specialist RE teacher which I thoroughly enjoyed for 25 years, of which the last 15 years was as a Deputy Head. I had a range of responsibilities during that time primarily leading on inclusion and pastoral provision. I am currently a foundation governor of my grandchildren’s school and Vice Chair of SELCAT based in Croydon London. I retired three years ago and relocated from SE London to Dibden purlieu. I enjoy walking with our dog Jessie, music, reading and having now retired, gardening. I have two grandchildren a girl aged 7 years, and a boy aged 5 years old, and are thoroughly enjoying living closer.

I have been a Trustee of Ursuline Links since 2016 which is a charitable organisation giving young people opportunities to serve communities both in the UK and abroad.I am a volunteer helper with HCPT Group 22 a voluntary organisation which provides a holiday for children with a range of needs.

My introduction to the Hospital school came via Larry and Stephanie Bartel who I have known for many years and my eldest daughter is a neo-natal nurse at Princess Ann.

I passionately believe children should have the best experience of education possible, irrespective of their circumstances or background. It is a privilege to be associated with such a loving, compassionate, professional educational provision that strives for excellence in all areas most importantly at the heart of all their practice and decision-making are the children.