Governance

Welcome to our Governance section

Welcome to the Governance area of our website. The Governance responsibilities include the main functions as identified by the Department for Education (October, 2020):

Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the organisation and its pupils, and the effective and efficient performance management of staff;
Overseeing the financial performance of the organisation and making sure its money is well spent

As a Voluntary Aided school with a church foundation, there are additional responsibilities – such as being the employers of all staff, being the admission authority and maintaining our Christian distinctiveness.

In January 2021, the Governing Body was replaced by an Interim Executive Board (IEB) at the direction of the Regional Schools Commissioner. This is a smaller and more experienced group of individuals who are required to work on the rapid improvement of the school. As the name suggests, it is a temporary measure and the longer term goal is to return governance functions to the new Governing Body.

The IEB will operate differently to a Governing Body: each member will carry specific responsibilities and will report on the area at very regular meetings of the Board. We do not have a committee structure.

Jane Prideaux – Chair

I am delighted to take on the role of Chair of the IEB. My whole professional career has been in education having taught and undertaken leadership roles in a variety of secondary schools in West Sussex and Kent. I was Headteacher at The Maplesden Noakes School in Maidstone for twelve years, taking the school through the academy conversion process in 2012. Although retired from that post I have maintained a keen interest in education hence my involvement in the Ditton Church of England Junior School IEB. In my spare time I like to walk my two dogs and socialise with friends and family.

Mr Keith May

I have been a school governor since 1988 and have served as chair on several occasions as well as chairing sub-committees. I am currently a governor at both a primary and secondary school, in addition I am a National Leader of Governance which involves mentoring and supporting both chairs and governing bodies.

I carry out part time work for a national education trust as an education governance consultant.

Mrs Jude Johnson

I am delighted to be able to serve on the Interim Executive Board for Ditton (VA) Junior School. I have been involved in school governance since 2001, starting as a parent governor at an Infant school, then becoming an LA governor and Co-opted governor. I have experience leading a board as a Vice Chair and Chair and in that time celebrated an Outstanding judgement at our last Ofsted inspection, as well as leading the board through a federation process with the local junior school. I have further experience of strategic leadership as Trustee of a Christian Schools work charity and in my working life have been involved in supporting families to improve life chances for children and young people. I now enjoy advising and training school governors in my role as an Area Governance Officer.

In my spare time, I am a volunteer for a local foodbank and member of Larkfield Community Church. I also love baking and like nothing more than a chat with friends over a cup of tea with a piece of cake!

Ms Jane Ingram

Simon Pleace

I am a qualified accountant working in local government finance with extensive knowledge of school funding. In addition to supporting Ditton CE (VA) Junior School I am also a governor at Maidstone Grammar School. In my spare time, I like to get out in the fresh air, either running or walking the family dog.

IEB Members

Jane Prideaux
Chair of IEB

Keith May

Keith May

Jude Johnson

Ditton Junior School

Jane Ingram