GOVERNING BODY
Becoming a governor is a rewarding way to make a real contribution to the development of our children and young people. Governing bodies are increasingly professional so volunteers need not be experts in education as they will be able to contribute from their skills set, whatever that may be. For that reason we welcome expressions of interest from anyone who would like to find out more about being a school governor. Recruiting governors is largely based on an analysis of needs and vacancies arise from time to time. Governors attend three meetings of the full governing body in each school year as well as visiting the school to meet with staff, undertake learning walks with subject leaders and talk with the children, and attend school events.
It is a privilege to share this precious work in supporting the school community and all those who volunteer find great reward in it. In order to be effective, the governors, both corporately and individually, participate in training sessions.
Governors usually serve a four-year term on the governing body and may be elected or appointed to serve further terms of office. If you wish to contact the governors, please do this through the school office.
Current serving governors are (click on their names for more information):
Anne Mailing - Co-opted Governor
I was the Head of a Local Authority Governor Services Team until I left in April 2017 to set up a clerking service in my local area. I have been involved with Allington Primary School since 2010 when I joined as a Local Authority governor; I am now a co-opted governor on the Local Governing Board as well as a trustee on the Orchard Academy Trust. My interests include walking with my rescue dogs, gardening, cooking and colouring books.
Carolyn Howson - Headteacher
I have worked in Primary Education for over 20 years. Before joining Allington I spent 11 years at Meopham Community Academy. I have been fortunate enough to gain experience in teaching and leadership in two successful primary schools in Kent. I feel privileged to work in a profession where we witness first hand the children's amazing capacity for growth and where we are responsible for moulding the next generation. I value the opportunity to bring my experience and knowledge to the governing body at this school and to ensure that we work together to provide every opportunity to enable children to become the best versions of themselves.
Denise Burgess- Co-opted Community Governor & Chair of Governors
As well as brief periods working for Heathrow Airport Security and Royal Mail Group, I spent 32 years working in the education sector. Much of my career was spent in mainstream schools, although my most recent experience was in special education. Education remains a passion, alongside reading, travel and wildlife.
Lucy Duckett- Co-opted Community Governor
For my entire adult life, I have worked in social care or education. I was in Education for 13 years with 7 of those specialising in Special Educational Needs. My teaching experience spanned all Key Stages, from Early Years to Key Stage 5 (A level) and some years focusing on English as a Foreign Language. I currently work as a therapeutic counsellor specialising in neuro diversity and emotional regulation.
I am a parent of a child currently attending Allington Primary School and an Allington resident. When the post of Co-opted Governor arose, I felt it was a valuable opportunity to use my experience at a strategic level by contributing to an already outstanding school and the community I live and socialise in.
My passion is wholly in education, not necessarily in the classroom but in always learning, exploring and investigating. I am particularly focussed on the well-being of all stakeholders. Other interests include: reading, watching films, cooking/baking and quality family time.
Yetunde Nwogu - Parent governor
I currently work as a Clinical Pharmacist as a member of the wider multidisciplinary team in the ABC Primary Care Network here in Maidstone. I support patients with optimising their medication use with a special interest in diabetes and lifestyle changes in general, ensuring a holistic approach is used.
My previous work history has always been in healthcare working in community pharmacy as a Pharmacist, Locum Pharmacist and Pharmacist Manager both in an Independent and also a large multiple company.
I am passionate about learning and education as a whole and was keen to get involved with Allington Primary School from a strategic perspective, as a way of giving back to my local community and also as a way of offering assistance to the school leadership team who I had already observed doing a great job.
I attend church regularly and sing as part of our Gospel choir. Other interests include travelling, good food (at home and whilst dining out), retail therapy, movies and spending quality time with my family and friends.
Emma Burton-Grange - Staff Governor
I am a qualified teacher with experience at a number of different primary schools across Kent and London. I have a degree in psychology and my real passion is supporting children with Special Educational needs to thrive in a mainstream school environment and beyond. I have been a qualified SENCo for over 4 years and feel privileged to be a part of the Allington community, both as the School's Inclusion Manager and as the staff governor.
Hazel Dalton
I am now retired following a long career in Administration and working in education. My most recent role spanned 23 years in a special needs school covering all aspects of non-teaching in the role of School Business Manager. I am passionate about now having the opportunity to contribute as a governor in a school community and feel privileged to be able to offer my skills and experience in any way I can.
I am enjoying retired life having more time to spend with my young grandchildren, taking up art, gardening, keeping fit and healthy and making the most of each day!
Ramakrishna Goud Peeta
I am eager to contribute as a Parent Governor at Allington Primary School, a renowned institution of which we can all take pride. My inspiration for applying for this role stems from my daughter who already attends the school. As a hands-on parent, I prioritise creating a safe and nurturing environment at home and aspire to see the same at the school through my role as a School Governor.
The rapid pace of change, primarily driven by technology, is evident in both our professional and personal lives. With over 19 years of experience in banking, including leadership roles at HSBC, Standard Chartered and Digi P.AI, I plan to bring this expertise to the school community. I intend to share insights from the financial industry and technology to help shape the school's strategic direction for the digital age. Accountability is crucial in my professional life, and I would apply this approach to the school's organisational performance, staff management, and areas of improvement.
Outside of work my hobbies are running, cycling, volunteering and spending time with family and friends. You may bump into me on Allington’s beautiful roads.
Sonal Redgrove
As a self-development junkie, I am passionate about education and the role learning plays in shaping our lives. As my son starts his exciting new journey at Allington Primary, I am thrilled to have the opportunity to contribute to this transformational school and governing body.
Maidstone has always been my home, though my career has taken me across the globe as a senior creative strategist and leader for large (well known) retailers helping me establish meaningful relationships with people in my local community and around the world.
Becoming a mother during the pandemic sparked an insatiable passion for self-development, prompting me to transition from the corporate world to fulfill my dreams of becoming a creative entrepreneur—think less "suit and tie" and more "mindset and magic."
Now with two children, my dedication to shaping young minds has never been stronger. Balancing motherhood with entrepreneurship demands juggling multiple roles and fostering out-of-the-box imagination. My strategic and vision led leadership style allows me to bring these qualities and enhance the governing body's work, enacting creative solutions and contributing fresh perspectives with unbridled enthusiasm.
To me, Allington Primary is not just a school but a launchpad for our children's fullest potential, brightest futures and an enabler for a strong head start in life. I’m proud to make a meaningful difference to this remarkable school's success story.
Eric Plaiche
I am experienced Management Accountant with a demonstrated history of working in the insurance and construction industry currently focused on providing a range of financial management services to NHS Trusts across the UK. I am adept in financial analysis, budgeting and forecasting, overhead analysis, operational cost analysis and business process improvement.
Outside work I do like to attend pilates and yoga classes to improve my core strength as well as hitting the gym for cardio exercises whilst strategising how to beat my former schoolmates at fantasy football being an avid Liverpool FC fan.
As my child attends Allington Primary School, I am keen to make a real contribution to our school community and hope that I can use my skillset to achieve this.
Clerk to the Governors: Vanessa Stevens: clerk@orchardacademytrust.co.uk