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Benenden CE Primary School

Who are we?

Sarah Martin - As a retired teacher who specialised in special needs, I feel that I can make a valuable contribution to the board of governors of Benenden CE Primary School. My last position before retirement was as Head of Dyslexia and Learning Support at Bethany School. Before this I had been an Inclusion Manager at two state primary schools in East Sussex. I was part of the senior management teams and was instrumental in raising standards and performance to get both schools out of ‘special measures’. Apart from teaching, this role required working closely with parents, governors, teachers and outside agencies, along with monitoring Pupil progress and attainment, developing systems using school performance data and contributing to the school’s development plans. I became a governor in February 2017 and live in Hawkhurst with my husband. One of my sons and his family live in Benenden and their two children attend Benenden CE Primary School with one entering Year6 and the other Year 3 in September. In September 2018 I joined the Joint Committee, working with governors from Goudhurst and Kilndown CEP School to start the federation process, working under a MOU. I am looking forward to the opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and supporting the school to go from strength to strength in their new building.

Lindsay Roberts - I joined Benenden C of E Primary in April 2019 as the new Headteacher. I am also the current Headteacher at Goudhurst & Kilndown Primary School. I left Sheffield University in 1988 completing a B.Ed with Honours. I moved to Kent in 1991 and worked in a number of local primary schools. In February 2016 I became a National Leader of Education. Currently I sit on the Governing Body of Goudhurst and a local independent school.

Oliver Streeten - I have been a parent Governors since 2015, with 2 children at the school, and live just outside the village. I run a small surveying company in Tunbridge Wells. We have a great school within a wonderful community and I want to do everything I can to constantly develop and improve the opportunities for our children.

Janet Beattie - I am now retired but have worked in both the public and private sectors as an economist. I have lived in Benenden for 25 years and been involved with several village organisations including St George's Church. I am one of two Foundation (church) Governors.

Peter Brook - I work for Kent County Council in their Communications Department where I am responsible for the website and telephone contact centre. I live locally in Cranbrook. I’ve worked in ICT management for the majority of my career. I have been a governor of Benenden Primary School since April 2017.

Simon Cullen - I joined the governing body of the school in February 2018 and am a parent of two children - one in Year 3 and one in Year 1 who both go to the school. I am Head of History and a deputy housemaster at Benenden Girls' School and I hope to be able to bring some of my experience of teaching and middle management to help take Benenden CE Primary School forwards in meeting all of its goals.

James Watkins - have worked in a range of state, international and independent schools throughout my teaching career. I am currently Deputy Head at Sutton Valence Preparatory School and hope to bring the benefit of my experience in primary education to the governing body of Benenden Primary School. I have two children in Reception and Year 3 at the school and started work as a governor in February 2019.

Corina Rumsey - I have recently moved to Iden Green and away from a Career as a Bank Manager. I have a child currently in Yr 1. The School sits in a great community and I hope that my broad Management skills will help embed its changing future. I have been newly appointed as an Associate Governor for 2019.

Sarah Pain - I have a daughter in Reception and I am a primary teacher. I have taught across all ages from Reception to Y6 and I have experience in leading music, maths and most recently, computing, in a range of different primary schools. I'm looking forward to using my knowledge and skills to help support Benenden Primary School.

Chris Smith has been teaching longer then she will admit. She taught in 9 schools in South and West London before moving to Benenden 6 years ago. Having graduated from Cambridge in Maths and Education she has specialised in leading Maths throughout her career, including a time as a maths support teacher for schools across Bromley. Chris is the Assistant Headteacher at Benenden. She is focused on leading the school day to day and working with staff to help every child to fulfil their potential.

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I became a governor of Benenden Primary School in December 2018. I have worked in education for 15 years, in secondary and primary. I was first a secondary school teacher and more recently have been working 1:1 with children. I am currently working at Goudhurst and Kilndown Primary School in year 2. I am very passionate about achieving the best education for children, ensuring they receive a varied and creative curriculum that the children can enjoy, which enhances their learning, along with the importance of supporting children with special educational needs. I have three children at the school and I’m extremely excited at the opportunities they will now have after moving into the new school building!

Vanessa has been teaching for 34 years, mainly in Key Stage 1. She has 2 grown up children and two badly behaved Jack Russells. She believes passionately in making sure that the Early Years Curriculum is delivered holistically to support, develop and encourage each 'Unique Child' in her care.

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