Members

I am a married mother of two beautiful girls, one of which has extensive Special Needs, both physical and learning difficulties. Education is my passion, it is the backbone of society, if you teach a child you teach a family. Education is the key to solving many issues and I believe that it is not a one size fits all scenario.

I began my career as Baroness Scotland QC’s clerk in Gray’s Inn Square, running her court diary and case load, ensuring smooth running of Chambers and accompanying her to the various Law Courts in and around London. Once I was married, I chose to reduce my commuting and restrict my hours!! I worked for Bexley Council as a Respite Co-ordinator for the over 60’s. This was a very rewarding role, ensuring and securing respite breaks; both planned and unplanned, means that both client and carer’s get the break they deserve, whilst hopefully meaning that the client can remain at home as long as possible.

Once my eldest child was born I chose to become a full time mother and carer. I enjoy walking, with my very active Border Collie, swimming and anything water or nature related and I am an avid reader/researcher.

I joined the world of Governance as a parent governor in October 2011 to the then Cuxton Junior School, in November 2011 I was elected to Chair; at the same time, the Department of Education’s Academies team began working with the school. I approached the neighbouring Infant school with the idea of amalgamating the Infant and Junior schools with the vision of creating an outstanding straight through primary school, to benefit the children and community. Following a poor Ofsted outcome in the Junior school in December 2011, it became apparent that an Academy sponsor was needed, so the schools and I began working with The Primary First Trust. I proposed to both Governing Bodies, the idea of merging the two schools, following a unanimous vote, work began to merge into one leadership team and one governing body, I was elected to Chair the single Governing Body.

I completed my NCTL Leadership and Development qualification during 2012 and used this experience to review and overhaul governance at Cuxton. The Partnership with the Primary First Trust and collaborating with other schools and Trusts enabled me to gain experience, CPD and knowledge of outstanding governance. Following the success and my involvement in the Academy transfer process, I was asked to join Hoo St Werburgh school’s governing body in September 2014 to strengthen their board and to assist them in their journey of conversion.

Through the years I have striven for high standards and excellent opportunities for all. This proved successful with an Ofsted visit to Cuxton in May 2017 for the KS1 remaining Good and in July 2017 the KS2 becoming Good with Outstanding Leadership and Management and Personal Welfare and Behaviour, with an empowered leadership team and a dynamic ever evolving Governing Body.

I work with the Governing Boards and leadership teams of schools within The Primary First Trust, The Rivermead Inclusive Trust, Medway Local Authority and KCC, assisting with complaints, sharing good practise, overhauling policy and procedures, ensuring compliance, offering support, mentoring and coaching.

I have recently been asked to transfer my skills and apply them to Leadership and Directorship in the NHS, a project I am keen to become involved in.