Governors - What we do

As Governors of St Mildred's together with the Headteacher we make important decisions on how the school is run.  We are here to ensure that every child in the school achieves the best possible outcome during their time in our school.  We act as a critical friend to the Headteacher and staff which means we both support and challenge them to ensure the best outcome for the children.  We make decisions on policy and strategy for the school and are accountable to parents and carers as well as the wider community and Ofsted.

The Governing Body:

• Sets strategic direction, objectives, targets and policies
• Reviews and approves the school budget
• Reviews progress against the budget, plans and targets
• Supports and challenges school leadership

We are here to help the school raise standards and improve performance by supporting the work of the Headteacher and staff while at the same time challenging them to ensure the best outcome for all of its children.

The full Governing Body meets 6 times per year and we have a group that also meets 3 times a year.  The second group has responsibility for oversight of the financial management of the school as well as the staffing structure and personnel issues.

As well as the meetings, the governors will visit the school throughout the year to gather data to assess the results of improvements which have been implemented or to look at specific subjects or areas of school life.

We often attend school events throughout the year, so please feel free to say hello, ask us questions about the school and give us your views.

Di Springett 

Mrs Di Springett

I am a recently retired, local primary school Head teacher with over 37 years' experience of education within Kent. I live in Broadstairs and have two grown up children both of whom progressed through Thanet Schools and went on to University, so I fully understand, both as a parent and an educator, the importance of education in releasing the potential in us all.

My brief as a Governor at St Mildred's is for Teaching and Learning. I look forward to seeing all the amazing activities that happen in school enabling the children to be the very best that they can be.

Mary Somers-James

Mary is Clerk to the Governing Body

Colin Matheson - Governor

My name is Colin Matheson and I have nearly forty years of experience working in Higher and International Education and over twenty years of experience in education governance. I am passionate about promoting equal opportunities for all and ensuring everyone is able to reach their potential no matter what their origins.  At St. Mildred’s I am responsible for monitoring the use of Pupil Premium.

Mrs Elena Hill

Assistant Headteacher

Mrs Leanne Spencer

My name is Leanne and I have been a parent governor at St Mildred's since October 2017. I am also a qualified primary school teacher with 12 years' experience working in both state and independent schools, and I am currently one of the Heads of Boarding at Wellesley House School in Broadstairs. I am the governor with overall responsibility for the monitoring of safeguarding at St Mildred's, which is an incredibly important role within the governing body. I enjoy being a governor; I love seeing how the school works and seeing the passion and dedication with which the staff here are fulfilling their various roles. 

Mrs Alison Kemp

I have recently retired having spent 38 years working in local primary schools as both a class teacher and member of leadership teams. In my role I have lead departments, supported newly qualified teachers and worked closely with looked after children. With my experience I feel able, and keen, to offer St Mildred’s School support to raise standards and provide the best possible educational opportunities for all children. I will be part of the ‘Teaching and Learning’ committee and very much look forward to seeing both in action during my visits.

If you would like more information about the role of a Governing Bodies and their involvement with schools this can be found on the website of the Department of Education at ......