Pen Portraits

Please see below statements from our Governors and Governor drawings by our School Council

Dr Phil Buckley

I liked Sandwich Infant School from my first encounter with it in 2017.  I started to take much more notice of the school when I saw the fantastic personalised support that was given to my son by his teacher during reception year.  After becoming a governor I saw that this level of care for individual children from all staff was just embedded in the culture.

From the governance side you see the significant and relentless challenge that school staff have to overcome every day to deliver effective and compassionate education.  Staff at the school have to be both as tough as nails and also endlessly kind, which makes infant school educators a rare breed.  Small schools like Sandwich Infant School have significant pedagogic advantages, and also specific challenges.  It is the responsibility of the school leadership team to emphasise and capture the positive elements and mitigate the challenges at a strategic level.      

Mr Justin Morely

My professional experience through being a solicitor at a local authority helps me to bring a thoughtful and informed perspective to my role as governor.  I'm determined to ensure the school leaders and teachers, including the Governing Body, remain open and approachable to families and carers.

I've been a Sandwich resident since 2022 and have always been motivated to contribute to the community.  Being a governor at this wonderful school provides this opportunity.  The governing body support, challenge and hold to account the school staff to provide a positive and respectful learning environment.

Miss Leanne Bennett

Mr Richard Chew

Working from home in the pharmaceutical industry has allowed me to spend time flexibly with visits to the school and to socialise with other parents on the way there and back. I am particularly interested in speech and language development, safeguarding and am passionate about preparing children for the next stage in the learning when they leave us.

I began volunteering as a governor at Sandwich Infant School when my daughter attended in 2012, my son also joined subsequently and we have remained in the community since.

Mr Harry Sampson

I have been serving as a Co opted Governor at Sandwich Infant School since October 2021. A dedicated resident of Sandwich, I am proud to say I attended the school quite some years ago and therefore retain a deep affection for it. My professional background is as an experienced Publishing Manager in the pharmaceutical sector, currently working at Pfizer. I was educated in Winchester and earned a degree in Business Management, and have now started a part-time Masters in Senior Leadership with Exeter - I wish to learn as much as I can to assist the school wherever I can. Locally, I am a highly active community volunteer. I take great joy in organising and participating in numerous local initiatives, community events and much more.

Mrs Carol Poole

Initial training completed and after my first Governor’s meeting I’m ready to become a visible presence at SIS once again, offering my time and experience where it is needed. I look forward to seeing parents, pupils and staff around the school.

After a long association with Sandwich Infant School since 2005 I have decided to continue my support of this unique school by becoming a Governor. The children I taught as class teacher in those early days are now in their twenties and becoming parents themselves. The fact that I have taught at this school for so long shows what a happy and nurturing place this is for all.

Mrs Maria Elsam

Maria has been a governor at Sandwich Infant School for the last 10 years, focusing on Quality of Education and SEND.

Maria Elsam is a Senior Lecturer and Primary Science Lead within the Department of Initial Teacher Education at Canterbury Christ Church University.  Maria is a member of the Association of Science Educators and registered as a Chartered Science Teacher; she is also a Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics Ambassador.

Marian Owen

I have lived in this area since 1984 and when I moved into Sandwich town itself it was necessary to relinquish my role as a parish councillor. I would like to contribute to the community in Sandwich in a different way and serving as an appointed governor at Sandwich Infants School provides an ideal opportunity.

I retired ten years ago having taught for thirty-five years, firstly as a mainstream class teacher before moving into a learning support role and, finally, SENCo in a special school. Both of my grandchildren attended Sandwich Infants School and I was one of a group of grandparents on the daily ‘school run’. I also became familiar with the expectations for Year R and then the Year 1 curriculum during two lockdowns!

Mr Luke Hedges

Mr Phil Richards

As a qualified accountant with over fifteen years of governance experience in the charity sector. I bring strong financial oversight, strategic thinking, and a deep understanding of effective governance. My commitment to education is personal, with two of my three children currently attending Sandwich Infants School. I am passionate about supporting the school’s continued success, bringing both professional expertise and a parent’s perspective to the role of school governor.

Mrs Jenny Fletcher

My relationship with Sandwich Infant School started as a parent in 2014 when moving to the area and not knowing a soul. The friendships that I made with other parents on the playground and via FOSIS have been long lasting and it is that sense of community which is a cornerstone of strength for our school.

I joined the school as Clerk to the Governing Board in 2017 where I learnt a huge amount about the education system and the demands made upon it. I then went on to join the school office team in 2020 where I learned more about the day to day running of the school and have loved getting to know the staff, parents and pupils over the years. There are never 2 days the same!

I believe my commercial background in project management and marketing will add to the current strengths of the Governing Board in delivering our strategic vision to the benefit of the community of Sandwich and securing the best outcomes for our pupils.

Ms Louise Barr

DfE - Roles and Responsibilities

Governor Responsibilities

Register of Interests

Membership and Attendance

Structure and Remit of the Members

Articles of Association

Master Funding Agreement

Annual Accounts

General Governance Statement

Attendance lists 2023-2024

Attendance lists 2024-2025

Meeting attendance 2024-2025

Register of Interests for the Accounting Officer