Governance
Trust Level Governance
Martello Primary is part of the Turner Schools Multi Academy Trust.
Our Governance Structure ensures there are clear reporting lines and explicit requirements to ensure probity, good governance and outstanding performance.
Members are responsible for determining the governance of the Trust. They approve our Articles of Association and appoint Trustees in accordance with the Articles.
Trustees focus on three core functions of governance:
Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
Holding executive leaders to account
Overseeing and ensuring effective financial performance
All Members, Trustees and Governors complete an annual declaration of Business Interests and declare any pecuniary interests in meetings.
The Board delegates responsibilities to the school Challenge & Community Committee as set out in the Scheme of Delegation.
View our Articles and Memorandum of Association.
School-level governance
Governors serve as a key link between the schools, parents/carers and the local community. They monitor the performance of the school, advising the Trustees of any concerns.
We have a committed team of Governors on the Challenge & Community Committee who are actively involved in the life of the school. They reflect the community we serve and include parent representatives. Morehall and Martello primary schools have a joint Challenge & Community Committee, membership is representative of both school communities.
The Governors are passionate about our School and are here to make sure that every pupil is given the best education, opportunities and experiences possible. They play an important role in overseeing the work of the school, acting as “critical friends” for the Senior Leadership Team and holding the school to account for performance and development.
Challenge and Community Committee (C & CC)
Chair: Linda Pickles
To contact the Chair, please email linda.pickles@turnerschools.com, contact via the school office or 01303 275128
Committee Safeguarding Lead: Linda Pickles
Committee SEND Lead: Matt Dechaine
Trust Safeguarding Lead: John Bushby
Our Governors:
Linda Pickles - Chair
Linda Pickles is a qualified teacher and was the Principal Adviser for primary school improvement for Kent County Council until July 2019. She is a former Headteacher and trained as a lead inspector (HMI) for five years.
Date of appointment: 10 September 2019
Term of office: until 31.07.2021 (extension at discretion of the Trust Board)
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Education Consultant, commissioned governance
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): None
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2019/2020: 6/6
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2020/2021: 4/4
Jenny Fox – Vice Chair
Jenny lives in Folkestone and is the Branch Manager for HSBC bank.
Date of appointment: 1 September 2018
Term of Office: 1 September 2018 – 31 August 2022
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: HSBC employee
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): None
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2019/2020: 5/6
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2020/2021: 4/4
Wayne Beech - Ex-officio governor
Wayne is Principal and ex-officio governor by virtue of this position.
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): None
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2020/2021: 4/4
Matt Dechaine
Matt is an Executive Leadership and Wellbeing Coach.
Date of appointment: 9 June 2020
Term of Office: 9 June 2020 – 8 June 2024
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: None
Governance roles in other educational institutions: Governor at Westmeads Community Infants School (Nov 19-Nov 22)
Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): None
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2019/2020: 1/1
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2020/2021: 3/4
Nikki Morrison - Parent Governor
Nikki is a parent and Teacher with expertise in Special Educational Needs. She is committed to keep moving Martello forward to be the best it can be for every child, both now and in the future.
Date of appointment: 18 January 2021
Term of Office: 18 January 2021– 17 January 2025
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Parent
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): None
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2020/2021: 1/1
Sarah Suggett - Parent Governor
Sarah is passionate about giving children the best opportunities to learn, grow and flourish. Sarah is a charity manager with specialist knowledge around behaviours, autism, mental health and challenging behaviour and experience in fundraising.
Date of appointment: 15 June 2020
Term of Office: 15 June 2020 – 14 June 2024
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Parent
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): None
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2019/2020: 0/1
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2020/2021: 1/4
Benjamin Williams
Ben is a qualified Teacher and Education leader.
Date of appointment: 1 June 2020
Term of Office: 1 June 2020 – 31 May 2024
Relevant business and pecuniary interests: Employee of Folkestone Academy
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): None
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2019/2020: 2/2
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2020/2021: 3/4
Governors who have left in the past 12 months:
Emma Dorban-Hall - Parent Governor
Term of Office: 15 June 2020 for 4 years
Leaving date: 16 December 2020
Relevant business and pecuniary interests as recorded in the register of interests: Parent
Governance roles in other educational institutions: None
Relationships between other governors or school staff (including spouses, partners and close relatives): Married to Teacher at Martello Primary
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2019/2020: 1/1
Attendance at Challenge and Community Committee meetings 2020/2021: 3/3
Toni Mills - Martello Parent Governor
Start Date: 14.03.2019
Leaving Date: 13.03.2020