Parish Church Council Foundation Governor - Term of Office 05.02.18 - 04.02.22

Areas of responsibility include the Effectiveness of Leadership and Management; Outcomes for Pupils and the Head Teacher Performance Management.

Whilst I am no longer a parent of children at the school all my three girls attended this school. I am keen to ensure all pupils get the start in education they deserve and my children have had.  I have lived in the village since moving here in 2001 and am an active member of our church family being particularly interested in the church supporting the school and 'values' that it holds and promotes within everyday school life.  I am a partner in a small joinery company and enjoy the challenge of triathlon in my leisure time. I am very pleased to serve and be an active part of our school and wider community.

Archdeacon’s Nominee Foundation Governor - Term of Office: Ongoing.

Areas of responsibility include the Quality of Teaching, Learning and Assessment; Head Teacher Performance Management and SIAMs.

I am a physicist who has worked in the Health Service in Nottingham, as a reader in Physics at the University of Exeter and latterly leading a team in Pfizer; currently I am retired, but still sit on various scientific committees and advisory boards. Through my various responsibilities at St Nicholas’ Church I have close contact with people in Ash, and am keen to serve the local community. Throughout my career I have maintained a close interest in education at schools and universities and seek to continue this as a Governor. My wife, Margaret, and I have 4 children and 12 grandchildren – 9 attend primary schools.

Headteacher – Term of Office: Ongoing.

I am proud to be the Headteacher of Ash Cartwright and Kelsey. Leadership is my passion, I have worked in education for many years; spending 7 years teaching in Early Years as a Leading Early Years teacher before moving to teaching across key stages one and two. I also worked with KCC as a key stage 1 and 2 moderator, so I am able to ensure that data is accurate, meaning we are able to pinpoint what the children need to learn next. I get immense joy from working with children and I am a very hands on Headteacher – working closely with staff to ensure the best teaching and learning takes place.

I am married with two children and live near Dover with my family and pets. In my spare time I enjoy travelling, reading and I am a keen history buff. 

Parish Church Council Foundation Governor - Term of Office 01.10.16 to 30.09.20.

Areas of responsibility include Early Years Provision; Personal Development, Behaviour and Attitudes; Health and Safety and Attendance.

I have lived in the Parish of Ash for 18 years and whilst my children no longer attend this school, I remain passionate about making a positive contribution to our children's education, ensuring that each and every child reaches their full potential. I have been a serving governor for 14 years and spent two years as Vice Chair and subsequently three years as Chair. This unique rolling program allows governors to gain invaluable experience in these roles and has given me a greater knowledge and understanding of the wider aspect of governance.

Diocesan Board of Education Foundation Governor – Term of Office 01.09.18 to 31.08.22.

Areas of Responsibility include the Effectiveness of Leadership & Management, SEN and Safeguarding.

I have worked in education for more than 20 years and have had experience of teaching and leading in a variety of different schools and settings, including primary, secondary, mainstream and special education. I originally trained as a Primary School teacher and my previous roles have included; Deputy Headteacher, SENCo, Curriculum Leader, and Specialist Lead Teacher.

I am currently Headteacher at a Special School for pupils with Autism and Complex Learning Difficulties. I consider myself to be fortunate to do the job I do. I believe that all children have unique potential waiting to be unlocked and it is a privilege and a joy, as a teacher and a leader to be able to inspire, motivate and nurture the young people I work with to do this. 

I am delighted to be able to offer my experience, expertise and enthusiasm to support the school to enable every child at Ash Cartwright and Kelsey to achieve their unique potential.

Parent Governor - Term of Office 18.10.19 – 17.10.23

Areas of responsibility include the Early Years Provision and Website Compliance.

I was brought up in Kent and returned to the county in 2005. I enjoy raising my family in the lovely village of Ash and I have a child at the school and a pre-schooler.

I have worked in marketing and communications throughout my career. These skills enable me to help raise the profile of the school and promote its values and achievements.

I am currently on the PTFA Committee which I enjoy and it is a great opportunity to raise funds to further enhance the school experience. I have also previously volunteered at the local children's centre.

Staff Governor - Term of Office 18.11.16 to 17.11.20.

Areas of responsibilities include the Personal Development, Behaviour and Attitudes and the Training and Development of governors.

I have worked at the school for over ten years and feel very honoured to be representing the staff on the governing body. I have worked in the nursery right through to year six and have a passion in teaching a love of reading, supporting those with learning difficulties as well as helping every child reach their full potential. My career, spanning over 30 years, has always been working with children including owning and running a successful nursery, afterschool and holiday club for thirteen years.  For the past ten years I have been a unit helper at Ash Rainbows.

Both my daughters attended the school. As a parent I was on the PTFA, including being Secretary and Chairperson, and was one of the founding members of the Parent Council. I was also involved in the starting of SNICS club at St Nicholas church.

I hope all my experiences and commitment contribute to ensuring the school becomes the very best it can.

Parish Church Council Foundation Governor – Term of Office 01.09.18 to 31.08.22.

Area of responsibility includes Finance and GDPR.

Having been brought up in East Kent, I moved to Ash in 2009 and now live in Staple.  I am a Director at a firm of accountants in Canterbury, enjoy playing hockey and am the treasurer of 2 local charities.  My daughters both attend the school where they are in Hawks and Magpies.

I believe that a good education is a fundamental right for all children and that this is of particular importance in their early years.  I hope to be able to transfer some of my financial and other skills to help with the governance of the school and to continue the development and improvement of the school, its education and children.

ELLIE SILVERWOOD

Parent Governor - Term of Office 18.10.19 – 17.10.23

Areas of Responsibilities include the Quality of Teaching and Health & Safety.

I have worked in education for 20 years in both UK state and International schools in a variety of roles including Assistant Principal, Head of Faculty and Director of Sport.

Having relocated to the area last summer with my husband and two children, they now attend the school in Nursery and Year 3. I have enjoyed getting to know people and becoming part of the school community through the PTFA.

I am passionate about education and look forward to taking an active role in helping to continue the excellent progress that Fiona and the Staff have made.

Diocesan Board of Education Foundation Governor - Term of Office 24.11.18 - 23.11.22

Areas of responsibility include progress and achievement; Finance; Pupil Premium and Data Specialist.

I am a 41 years old father of two children, one attended the school and is now at secondary and the other is in Hawks class.  For the past six years I have run a small business in Sandwich where I have responsibility for managing the finances as well as working in a highly analytical role subject to high levels of regulation and oversight from government agencies worldwide. My experience of analysing large amounts of experimental data and access to analytical tool mean that I’m able to provide insights in to the performance of the school that help drive improvements in the outcomes for all pupils in the school.

I have been lucky enough to be able to apply my work skills for the benefit of the school by being Treasurer of the PTFA for the past three years.  I have greatly enjoyed this role and the chance to support the school by raising funds to enrich the education of the children in the school.