Governors (ID 1183)

• Lacey Austin
  Chair of Governors
  Lacey Austin

  Dr Lacey Austin has been a co-opted governor at East Farleigh Primary School since 2014. Lacey became Chair of Governors in September 2021 and is also the safeguarding governor.

  Lacey is a senior curriculum advisor for a large Multi-Academy Trust and specialises in curriculum development and leadership. Lacey has an MA in Leadership and Management of Education and a Doctorate in Education, specialising in school governance.

  Lacey is a chapter co-author in WomenEd's book 'Being 10% Braver' and has published articles in a number of education journals. Lacey was recently one of Kent's six Evidence Leaders in Education and supported schools on the EEF's 'Tackling Disadvantage' and 'Memory and Metacognition' projects.

• Michele Mtandabari
  Co-opted Governor
  Michele Mtandabari

  Bio coming soon.

• Samantha Simmonds
  Co-opted Governor
  Samantha Simmonds

  I have been a co-opted governor since 2022. After working as a teacher and leader within primary schools for over twenty years, I am currently a mathematics curriculum advisor for a group of primary schools within a Trust. I have been lucky enough to lead and develop subjects I am passionate about, such as PE, art, MfL and science. I also believe they are components of every pupils’ entitlement to a broad and balanced curriculum.

  My interest in developing my practice as a mathematics teacher led to further study and I became a Mathematics Specialist Teacher. For the last ten years, this has allowed me to work in a range of schools, supporting staff and children to develop maths teaching and learning, which I have truly loved.

  I firmly believe in the power of lifelong learning and it is a true privilege to work with children, building curiosity and resilience.

  It is an honour to be part of the governing body for East Farleigh and I look forward to being part of their exciting journey to excellence.

• Kavita Mehta
  Co-opted Governor
  Kavita Mehta

  Bio coming soon.

• Jai Deakin
  Co-opted Governor
  Jai Deakin

  I have worked in a number of local secondaries, in a range of roles including SEN, Pupil Premium, Admissions/ Transition and Personal Development.

  
  I previously enjoyed being a member of East Farleigh's governance team and am delighted to have been welcomed back. It's a privilege to support such hard working staff and young people.

  
  With two primary aged children of my own, I appreciate the trust we put into our children's schools and in turn understand the responsibility that places on us to ensure a high quality provision.

• Sara Boorman
  Parent Governor
  Sara Boorman

  I was appointed parent Governor in July 2024 and I have a daughter at East Farleigh Primary School.

  I have a first-class BA (Hons) in Psychiatric nursing and since graduating as a nurse have worked primarily with children, starting my career within inpatient children’s mental health hospitals. During my career I have specialised in treating young people and adults with eating disorders and I am qualified to deliver Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT) for eating disorders. I have also completed a post graduate diploma in Systemic Family Practice which has enabled me to deliver specific family-based interventions to children and young people with an eating disorder. I am also a qualified Dialectical Behavioural Therapist (DBT), supporting those young people with complex emotional needs and risk taking behaviours. I am also a neuro diversity assessor and passionate about supporting those with neuro diversity to lead inclusive lives.

  I have completed a post graduate diploma in leadership in healthcare and over the last 5 years have managed many different mental health services. I am currently Deputy Director of Children’s Services (mental health) which includes strategic liaison across multiple system partners including education and social care partners. I lead on co-production workstreams system wide to ensure that the voice of the young person and family/carer are at the heart of what the services I am responsible for are delivering.

  I am committed to ensuring that our school provides a nurturing environment where every child can thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. My goal is to represent the diverse needs and perspectives of our school community, advocating for initiatives that enhance educational outcomes and promote inclusivity, with mental health wellbeing of our children at the core. It is a privilege to be part of the governing body for East Farleigh primary school and look forward to collaborating to continue with the school’s journey in achieving ‘outstanding’.

• Diane Scott
  Co-opted Governor
  Diane Scott

  Diane has been a co-opted governor since 2017.

  Graduate in Personnel Management. Retired H.R Manager in the banking sector with experience in Payroll, Personnel, Project Management, Acquisitions and Mergers.

  Currently President of the local Women’s Institute.

  Married with three children and seven grandchildren, two of whom attend East Farleigh Primary School.

  Hobbies and interests include fundraising for various community projects. Craft, gardening and of course childcare when required. Diane is a regular volunteer for the weekly school reading group when Covid permits.

  Understanding the importance of good governance in supporting the school achieve its overall objective in becoming an excellent school, is paramount for the benefit of all the children.

• Amy Noake
  Parent Governor
  Amy Noake

  I have been a Parent Governor since September 2022. I have two children at East Farleigh Primary School and have been an East Farleigh Parish resident since 2015.

  I graduated with a first class BA (Hons) in Social Science and Geography in 2007. Since then I have completed the Chartered Management Institute diploma in management and leadership, the Oxford Brookes University’s certificate in commissioning and I have become a Prince 2 Practitioner. I am currently studying the Chartered Institute of Procurement and Supply’s (CIPS) diploma in procurement and supply and I am a member of CIPS.

  Professionally, I began my career as a Learning Support Assistant within a Maidstone Secondary School before joining a Post Adoption Support Service. I have also worked as a Transport Planner supporting schools across Kent to increase sustainable travel to school.

  Since 2011, I have worked within Strategic Planning and Strategic Commissioning at Kent County Council, supporting children’s health, early intervention and social care services. I am currently a Senior Commissioner leading commissioning of the Healthy Child Programme and supporting the development of Family Hubs across Kent .

  I look forward to supporting East Farleigh Primary School to continue their improvement journey.

• Jonah Beck
  Co-Opted Governor
  Jonah Beck

  Bio coming soon.

• Peter Goodman
  Headteacher
  Peter Goodman

  I joined East Farleigh as Headteacher in January 2023, having spent several years at Goudhurst & Kilndown and Benenden Primary Schools in the Weald. I have a BSc (Hons) Open Degree and an MSc in Organisational Behaviour and professionally have completed both the NPQH (Headship) and NPQEL (Executive Leadership). I currently also facilitate the NPQH for the Ambition Institute/Kent Schools Teaching Hub. I am passionate about school improvement particularly through evidence based research and making learning fun and accessible.

  Prior to becoming a teacher I did lots of other things! Having grown up by the sea on the Wirral in Cheshire, I spent 13 years as an officer in the Royal Navy working all around the world. I was then lucky enough to spend some time as a snowboard instructor in Whistler Canada and finally founded and directed a small business Bamboo Learning , with a network of Chinese teachers, teaching children how to speak Mandarin Chinese!

  Out of school, I am passionate ultra trail runner, have a very energetic border collie (hence the running), sail and windsurf and I love cooking. I still have to visit the sea whenever possible too

• Jacob Amos
  Staff Governor
  Jacob Amos

  Now entering my fourth year teaching at East Farleigh, I am delighted to have been elected as staff governor. Having taught in both Key stage 1 and 2, I bring a wealth of experience from throughout the school to my new role. I am keen to represent our incredibly hard working staff body within the strategic and development of our school. Alongside my duties as class teacher, I have led the subjects of Computing and Geography where I have embedded new and exciting curriculums which have revitalised and reinspired these foundation subjects. Additionally I hold the roles of deputy designated safeguarding lead and assistant SENCO where I support the wider needs of our school community.

  Prior to my teaching career, I was a freelance stage, production and event manager. From touring the country with plays, to running the main stage of music festivals and being in silver command for high-profile trophy parades of Premier League football clubs, I bring a rich variety of skills and experiences to East Farleigh - not to mention a good eye for an excellent school play!

• Susannah Adams
  Clerk to the Governing Board
  Susannah Adams