Governance
Strategic management
As an Academy Trust, our Articles of Association determine our governance structure. For a copy of this and further information about the Trust's governance follow the link:
Our Community Multi Academy Trust - Our Governance Business Documents (ocmat.org.uk)
Local Governance at Milstead and Frinsted school
At Milstead & Frinsted we have a Local Monitoring Council (LMC). It consists of the Executive Headteacher, Head of School, members of staff, parents and other interested parties.
The LMC is chaired by one of its members and it provides local challenge to the Leadership team using the published School Improvement Plan as a basis for monitoring.
Scott Guy (Executive Headteacher)
I'm delighted to be Executive Head Teacher of Milstead and Frinsted CofE Primary school. Having started teaching in Folkestone in 2007, I moved to a Dover school in 2012 to become assistant Head Teacher followed by Deputy. I began my first headship at Petham in 2021 and now I'm in a fortunate position to lead two schools within the OCMAT Trust. In my spare time I like walking my dog, Nevile, and playing with my two sons who are 4 and 2 years old.
Hannah Smith (Head of School)
It is a great honour to serve as the Head of School and to be part of our Local monitoring council (LMC) at Milstead. Since joining the school in April, I have been delighted to witness its growth and evolution, made possible by a highly passionate and dedicated team.
My journey in education commenced in 2011, following my graduation. I initially embarked on a career in supply teaching across Kent while simultaneously pursuing my Master’s degree in Management and Leadership for Learning. This academic foundation provided me with valuable insights that have informed my practice as an educator.
Subsequently, I secured a position at Bapchild C of E School, where I had the privilege of progressing through various roles within the school. My experiences culminated in my appointment as Assistant Head, a position that afforded me the opportunity to implement innovative strategies for enhancing the educational experience of our pupils. This rich tapestry of experience ultimately led me to Milstead, where I am committed to fostering an environment where every student can thrive.
I am particularly passionate about curriculum development, striving to ensure that every pupil receives the highest quality of education tailored to their unique needs. Equally important to me is the cultivation of robust relationships within our school community. I firmly believe that building a strong sense of belonging and connection among staff, students, and parents is essential in driving our clear vision forward. Together, we can continue to nurture a positive, inclusive, and inspiring educational environment, paving the way for every pupil to achieve their full potential.
Mrs Karen Dawson
I am a parent governor for Milstead and Frinstead. My son has attended the school for three years and I have a daughter who is at Milstead pre-school. Before I became a parent, I was a teacher of History and Politics in a Secondary School for ten years. I now work as a History teacher for an online School. This has given me experience in schools and with the issues they face, such as safeguarding, SEN and inclusion. After becoming a mum, I was fortunate enough to be part of the NSPCC's schools programme, delivering safeguarding workshops to local schools. It was during this time that I first visited Milstead and decided that it was the nurturing, compassionate and encouraging environment I wanted for my children, to give them a happy and fruitful education. I wanted to join the governing team to help build and maintain that for all of our children, for years to come. In my own time, I have established a baby bank, called ‘Growbaby’ in the benefice of Kingsdown, Creekside and High Downs. This aims at helping families with baby clothing and equipment - much in the same way as a food bank does. I also enjoy knitting, gardening on my allotment and keeping chickens!
Mr Daniel Cheema
As a proud parent with a daughter at Milstead & Frinsted, I know first-hand what a special place this school is. I joined the governing body in summer 2024 because I want to ensure that every child at Milstead & Frinsted receives the best possible education in a supportive and nurturing environment.
I’m committed to helping the school thrive so that every pupil can reach their full potential. My background as a Quality Assurance Team Leader in the Aerospace Industry has taught me the importance of high standards and attention to detail — values I am passionate about bringing to my role as a governor.
Reverend Alan Pinnegar
I was appointed Rector of the Tunstall and Bredgar Benefice in December, 2015 and regularly visit Milstead and Frinsted school to deliver talks at Morning Worship on Monday mornings. I was previously a Foundation Governor at Cranbrook C of E School for 4 years from 1999.
I began working life at an insurance office in London but spent most of my career in the electronics industry. My last job was as Account Manager with a contract manufacturer whose UK office was based in Rochester.
I came into ministry late in life and in 2012 I moved from Cranbrook to Bearsted to take up the post as Curate at Holy Cross for the next 3 years. During that time I volunteered for the Maidstone Churches Winter Shelter for the Homeless and served on the Street Pastors Management Team.
Having played local league football and village cricket for many years, I am enthusiastic about sport and believe passionately in enabling and encouraging children of all ages and abilities to take part.
Mr Andy Macrow
I have lived in Kemsley since 2000, with my wife, Hazel, a scientist who worked at Abbott Laboratories/Aesica in Queenborough. We are both now retired, although I am still consulting part-time for a London-based Claims Management Company. Our daughter is a GP who lives in Cheltenham with her husband and their three young sons.
I have worked in marine insurance since the summer of 1973, handling claims in the UK and internationally. These have included claims arising from loss and damage to ships, cargoes, port infrastructures and the environment, crew, passenger and third-party illness and injury, industrial disease and other liabilities. My work has involved regular contact with solicitors, lawyers, surveyors, experts, and courts around the world, primarily in the UK, Europe, and Scandinavia.
I hold an Open University BA (Hons) in English and am a qualified member of the Chartered Insurance Institute. I am also an Associate Fellow of the Nautical Institute and a member of the Society of Claims Professionals. From 2008 to 2019, I served on the Board of the North Sea Operators Claims Conference, including as Chairman from 2012 to 2018. I continue to attend as a delegate and currently chair an international panel that is redrafting legal documents relating to the carriage of goods.
Outside of work, I am a keen amateur artist who works with coloured pencils, and I enjoy playing the guitar and harmonica. In both pursuits, my lack of talent has done little to deter me. I also write short stories and am trying to complete a novel. As a freemason, I belong to several side orders founded on Christian principles. I support our local church financially, although I do not attend services.
Long ago, a manager impressed upon me that, as we gain experience, we have a duty to share our knowledge and give back what we received from our mentors. I have always been a passionate advocate of that principle and have devoted considerable time to training colleagues and customers’ staff. Much of this work has taken place in Denmark and Lithuania, as well as in England, elsewhere in Scandinavia, the United States, Hong Kong, and Korea.
I enjoy working as part of a team and previously served for almost three years as a governor at another primary school. I was delighted to be invited to join the LMC at Milstead & Frinsted. I will draw on my professional experience, commitment to sharing knowledge and previous work in school governance to support the teachers and pupils and to contribute positively to all aspects of school life.
Mrs Kathy Dowling (Staff)
For 19 years, I've been employed as Office Manager at Milstead and Frinsted School, where I've developed a good understanding of school governance and compliance. My key responsibility is to ensure the school website adheres to all regulations. This experience, combined with my prior career in Human Resources, provides me with a strong skillset applicable to the role of staff governor. I have three wonderful grown up children and my hobbies include running, walking and generally keeping fit.
Our Governors can be contacted via Milstead and Frinsted CoE Primary School, School Lane, Milstead, Sittingbourne, Kent, ME9 0SJ
For further information about our volunteers, their terms of office, business interests and attendance information, please click the following link Our Community Multi Academy Trust - Local Management Committees (LMC's) (ocmat.org.uk)
Day to day management
The Headteachers are responsible for day-to-day management of their school.
