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.

Milstead and Frinsted Local Governing Body 

Alexandra Edwards (Chair)

It has been my pleasure to be a member of the Local Monitoring Council for the last three years and to have been elected Chair by the other governors.  I have been a secondary school teacher for over twenty years and find that having an education background helps to understand the successes and challenges that Milstead and Frinsted School has experienced.  My main area of responsibility is Safeguarding and I enjoy working with the Executive Headteacher and Head of School to celebrate successes and discuss areas for improvement in the School.  

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.

Mrs Kathy Dowling (Staff)

For 17 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.