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.
Governors
| Full Name | Governor Type |
|---|---|
| Chair: Jane Prideaux | IEB Member |
| Keith May | IEB Member |
| Jude Johnson | IEB Member |
| Jayne Ingram | IEB Member |
| Simon Pleace | IEB Member |
Meet the Governors
Jane Prideaux • Chair of Governors
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.
Keith May • IEB Member
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.
Jude Johnson • IEB Member
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!
Jayne Ingram • IEB Member
Having worked in marketing I retrained as a primary school teacher. I taught in a range of Church of England schools and, with a passion for teaching English, I became a Specialist Leader in Education supporting colleagues in other schools with improving the quality of teaching literacy. Latterly I served as a headteacher in Sevenoaks. I have been a School Governor in Kent for over 20 years in both primary and secondary schools. I believe my extensive experience of education from both the teaching and governance sides has equipped me well to support Ditton Junior School on its journey. It is a privilege to work with the other members of the Interim Executive Board, Mr Ward and all the staff to drive improvements in the education Ditton Junior offers and the children deserve.
Jayne Ingram • IEB Member
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.
Governors Documentation
Aletheia Academies Trust Governance
For more information about how the Aletheia Academies Trust system of Governance operates including the Names of Trustees and Members and the Scheme of Delegation, please visit the Trust Governance website page here.
For more information about how Aletheia Academies Trust Finance operates including documentation such as The Annual Report, Annual Audited Accounts, and Trust Executive Pay, please visit the Trust Finance website page here.
Ditton CofE Junior School does not exceed the Executive Pay bracket.
