Welcome to the Governance Partner's Section

At The Academy of Cuxton Schools we have a committed and dedicated Governance Partnership Body.  All Governance Partners work to ensure the effective management of the school, alongside the Head and her Deputy, and contribute a range of skills from a variety of backgrounds.  The relationship between the Governance Partners and the Head Teacher and staff is one of support and challenge.

Governance Partners are volunteers who serve a period of four years.  Our Governance Partners are often in school, formally and informally, keeping in touch with school life.  Our Governance Partners meet regularly throughout the year, either as a 'whole body' or in sub committees.

Governance Partners have some input on the following:

• How the school budget will be spent
• Long term plans and the direction of the school
• School policies
• Health and Safety, and the repair and maintenance of the school
• The quality of provision for all children, and setting targets for improvement
• Attendance
• Staffing matters
• Parental queries.

If you are interested in becoming a Governance Partner, or knowing more about the role, please contact the school office.
 

Mrs Natalie Jackson – Governance Partner Chair - Parent Governance Partner

I live in Cuxton and have two children, one of whom is in year 5 and one who has now moved on to secondary school.

I joined the school community in 2016 with my eldest child.  Since then, I have enjoyed being very involved with the school, serving on the former Parent Teacher Association for 3 years, assisting in Forest School sessions for the following year, and being part of the governance body since 2020.

The last few years have been very rewarding, and I have seen first-hand how hard the staff team work and the impact of a host of positive projects, with plenty more to come.  Alongside the rest of the Governance Partners, I look forward to continuing to support the school.

Mrs Angela Street - PFT Appointed Governance Partner (SEN and Safeguarding Governance Partner)

I have been a Governance Partner at Cuxton since September 2018 and I am also a member of the Education Committee for the Primary First Trust. My background is in education, having worked in primary education for more than twenty years, initially as a class teacher and curriculum subject lead and then as a senior leader, I was until August 2018 the Deputy Head and Inclusion Lead at Cuxton Schools.

I believe very strongly that all children should receive the greatest possible educational experience. One that provides them with the opportunity to achieve the best of their abilities in all areas of the curriculum and school life, as well as preparing them for the future. I also feel very passionate about the children in school with additional needs receiving the essential support that they and their families need.

I am in a privileged position to be able to work with other Governance Partners, senior leaders, staff and children in maintaining the school’s high standards and to help them to meet future challenges.

Mr Mark Joy - PFT Appointed Governance Partner

My name is Mark Joy and I have a son in the Academy of Cuxton Schools. I also have an elder daughter who is at secondary school.  I have lived around the Cuxton Area for over 15 years.

As well as being a Governance Partner at the school, I’m also a member of the Trust’s Finance Audit & Operations Committee.

I am very passionate about ensuring that our young people are given the best start in life possible.

During my business life I have lead and managed a number of different teams.  This included full budgeting responsibility within the business units run.  I have a great interest in Health & Safety and am NEBOSH qualified and a Technical member of IOSH.

Miss Charlotte Hodder – Staff Elected Governance Partner

My name is Charlotte Hodder, I am currently a Year 5 teacher and the Maths lead at The Academy of Cuxton Schools. I have worked in schools for the last 8 years, at Cuxton for almost 6. For the last 2 years, I have undertaken the role as a Staff Elected Governance Partner.  Before entering the teaching profession, I studied a BSc honours degree in Social Work from the University of Portsmouth, this came from experiences where my parents became foster parents when I was a child. I then went on to gain my teaching qualification from Canterbury Christchurch. I am passionate about working with children from all backgrounds and believe that all children deserve the best quality of education. Having seen the benefits that having positive school experiences and role-models can have on young people, I hope that I am able to support the school in providing our children with the best experiences possible.

Mr Alex Brett - Staff Elected Governance Partner

My name is Alex Brett and I am currently a Year 6 teacher and the English lead at the Academy of Cuxton Schools. I have worked in schools for the last 6 years and for the last 5 years I have undertaken the role of Staff Elected Governance Partner. Before entering the teaching profession, I achieved a BSc honours degree in Sport and Exercise Science from the University of Greenwich and also worked as a gymnastics and free running coach. As a child, my parents were foster carers; I grew up supporting children from a variety of backgrounds and have seen first-hand the effects a positive school experience can have. As a result, I am passionate about working with, and supporting, children to be the best that they can be. I hope that in my role as a Staff Governance Partner, I will be able to support the school in giving each child the best school experience possible.

Mrs Christine Darbey – PFT Appointed Governance Partner

My son Arthur started Cuxton in 2018.  The reason my husband and I chose Cuxton was because the school was all what we wished for for Arthur – fun, challenging, friendly and has real family and community ethics. 

The reason I wanted to become a Governance Partner was that as a working parent I tend to miss out on a lot of the little moments and would like to understand and help others have a voice about what we as parents can help benefit the school.

I have worked in Finance for 25 years and believe we can also bring together local companies and schools to show what each can help benefit each other.

Miss Catherine Fearn - Parent Appointed Governance Partner

I have had children attending The Academy of Cuxton Schools since 2012, during this time I have seen the school grow, develop, and go from strength and strength.

I work for a large multi-academy trust in the south east of England and have an in-depth knowledge and experience of the education sector, both primary and secondary phases, particularly within the fields of governance, safeguarding, curriculum, and school finance.

I am delighted to have the opportunity to be able to support the school as a Parent Governance Partner. I am passionate about enabling all children, and in particular those with special educational needs, to have every opportunity possible to achieve their very best, in a positive and supportive school community.

Mrs Samantha Fielon - Parent Appointed Governance Partner

My name is Samantha Fielon and I currently have 2 girls who attend The Academy of Cuxton Schools.

I have been actively involved with the school since my eldest daughter started in 2018

In my experience the school is an incredible place for our little ones to thrive and develop, I strongly believe that children should have a good day to day experience at school where they can achieve their full academic potential. This comes from the fantastic leadership team and the amazing staff who work at the school.

My professional and personal experience has provided me with an in-depth knowledge and understanding of what is required from the school, parents/carers to achieve the childrens full academic potential.

I actively volunteer and have done for a number of years at the school of which I really enjoy, specially making a difference with the children.

In my day job I am a senior underwriter within the real estate division and have extensive experience with data analysis, managing teams and working with others to drive service and delivery along with negotiation and technical skills in order to do my job, which can be transferred into the school governance partner role.

I am thrilled to have been elected and cannot wait to contribute and be a part of something special.
As stated in my personal statement the children are at the heart of everything I do!

If you wish to contact the Chair of the Governance Partnership Board, please address your letter to:

Mrs. Natalie Jackson (Chair of Governance Partnership Board)
c/o Governor Lead
The Primary First Trust
The White House
Clifton Marine Parade
Gravesend

DA11 0DY

Governance Information:

Please follow the link for governance documentation, including (but not limited to):

• Scheme of Delegation and governance specific roles
• Structure on a Page
• Terms of References

https://www.theprimaryfirsttrust.co.uk/governance/