JACKIE SILVERMAN - CO-OPTED GOVERNOR
Responsibilities: School Improvement
Key Areas: Headteacher’s Performance Review, Safeguarding (including CP), and Pupil Premium

I qualified as a social worker in 1977 and started my career at the Royal Free Hospital, with a particular interest always in working with children and families. Following the arrival of my own children, I worked for the Citizens Advice Bureau in New Barnet, lived in Paris for 3 years and then in 1989, joined Barnet Mencap as Family Support worker to research the needs of families with young children and set up projects for them. I stayed with Barnet Mencap for 24 years! In that time, I set up the Open Door project for under 5s and their families and the Family Support service for parents of over 5s too, becoming the manager of the service but always continuing to work with families directly. I was responsible, as part of the senior management team, for recruitment, budgeting, staff appraisal and supervision etc.

Through my work, I got to know Oakleigh School, the staff and the preschool teaching team very well and Open Door Fun Days were held at the school for many years. The staff has always struck me as a fantastic team of experienced, supportive and positive people who have a really holistic way of working with the children and their families. I have worked with many of the families and they never want to leave Oakleigh! I didn’t hesitate when asked to join the Governing Body as I have always enjoyed my visits into school. I hope I bring to the group a real enthusiasm for all that Oakleigh offers, together with my experience over the years.

I recently retired from Barnet SENDIASS - but still help there in a voluntary capacity.