Governors (ID 1183)

• Michele Mtandabari
  Co-opted Governor
  Michele Mtandabari

  As an individual Michele considers herself to be a hardworking and analytical nurse, who can adapt and work with people from every background and fully appreciates the diversity of the environment which she works in. Michele recognises the importance of maintaining flexibility in this ever-changing health environment. As a professional she takes pride in upholding organisational values, by putting needs of service users, families and carers at the forefront and demonstrating compassion and ensuring they always receive highest standards of care.

  Michele first arrived in United Kingdom (UK) from Zimbabwe in 1994 to pursue a career in nursing. Since qualifying as an Adult Nurse, she has had a significant experience of working in various clinical roles including working in adult Intensive Care Unit (ICU), recovery, interventional radiology, and ophthalmology. As Matron and Head of Nursing, Michele continued to develop her leadership and managerial skills, and this is where she developed her passion to lead workforce and education agenda for nursing. Working as an Apprenticeship Lead Nurse, gave her an understanding of strategic sustainable approaches to workforce planning and the need to promote other routes into nursing.

  Her current role as Clinical Workforce Transformation Manager at NHS England has given her the experience of working for and Arm’s Length Body (ALB) . Allowing her the ability to translate government policies into how they influence decision making for the NHS providers and other organisations within the Private Independent Third-Party Organisations (PITO) in terms of service development understand the importance of collaborative working across the integrated systems. Empowering her with the ability to communicate complex information to various stakeholder representatives working in senior roles.

  Michele has a strong interest in coaching and developing others through creative mentoring approach. She loves to remind people of the importance of bringing your “authentic self” to the workplace having confidence in the value in your natural self and how it brings diversity of thought to the table despite. Embracing your identity and who you are, should not be a limitation but instead it must always be seen as a strength and how it helps you to achieve your personal goals. She recognises also the importance of having the courage to speak when things are not done correctly. Michele enjoys cooking, travelling and going for walks. Michele’s favorite quote from Nelson Mandela “Do not judge me by my success, judge me by how many times I fell down and got back up again.”

• 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

  I am a dedicated educational professional with over 20 years of teaching experience, including five years in college settings. Holding a Master of Science degree, I currently serve as the Head of Science in a secondary school in Tonbridge, where I lead curriculum development and mentor fellow educators.

  Residing in Tonbridge, I joined East Farleigh Primary School's governing board in 2023 and have since taken on the role of Training and Development Governor. In this capacity I assess the Training Needs of all governors, facilitate induction of new governors and encourage continuous professional development among governors to enhance our collective effectiveness.

  I am fluent in three languages and firmly believe that multilingualism provides a window to understanding the world. This belief aligns with the school's mission of “Engaging, exciting and empowering lifelong learners through a creative, mastery-based curriculum.”

• 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
  Interim Chair of Governors, 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.

  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.

• Emma Bunyard
  Co-opted Governor
  Emma Bunyard

  I am thrilled to be joining the governing body of East Farleigh Primary School. With a strong background in education, outreach, and the creative industries, I am eager to support the school's values and vision. Currently, I serve as the Outreach Manager at an arts university, where I lead initiatives that build partnerships, expand educational opportunities, and engage with local communities. My experience working with young people from diverse and underrepresented backgrounds has given me a deep understanding of the barriers they face and how we can help them succeed. In addition to my outreach role, I have extensive experience in marketing and communications, having previously worked with a local trust in Maidstone to successfully launch Kent's first Free School. I also bring nearly 20 years of experience across local government, education, and industry. As a parent of two young children, one of whom is a pupil at the school, and a local resident, I am personally invested in the school's success and its role within the community. I am passionate about fostering collaboration, inclusivity, and creative education, and I look forward to contributing to a positive and dynamic environment at East Farleigh Primary School.

• 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