Governors

Governors

BOARD OF GOVERNORS/DIRECTORS

Every school has a governing board which represents the interests of the children, local community and wider public in the running of the school. Our Governing Body follows the circle model and meets six times a year.

The governing body works as a ‘whole team’ without any standing committees and meeting every half term or more often if required. A written finance report will be prepared by the Finance Manager and circulated with the agenda and minutes prior to each meeting.

The governing body will commission assignments or projects arising from the business of the meeting which will be recorded in the minutes.

The governing body will also at times delegate monitoring activities to either individual or pairs of members. This delegation could relate to statutory functions or to priorities identified in the SIP. Any delegated decisions will be reported back to the full governing body.

Provision is also made for governors to form committees to deal with Pupil Discipline and Exclusion; Staff Dismissal; Barring of a Parent; Applications for Special Leave; Complaints; Grievances; Pay Appeals; Finance and Headteacher’s Performance review.

Our co-chairs of Governors are Mrs Oakes and Mrs Oyekan; if you wish to contact them please speak with the school office who can pass on the relevant information. All members of the current governing body can be seen below.

There are three core functions of a governing body as reflected in OFSTED's inspection handbook:

Setting vision, ethos and strategic direction, engaging stakeholders, and ensuring statutory duties are met.
Holding heads to account for teaching, achievement, behaviour and safety; challenging and strengthening leadership; contributing to school evaluation.
Ensuring financial solvency and probity with effective management of financial resources, including the Pupil Premium, to raise standards.

Meet our Governors

Gaynor Oakes – Chair Governor

Appointed: October 2023

I joined the Board of Governors in 2012 and I currently have two children at the Gateway Primary Academy and one child that has been through the school. Over the years I have assisted on school trips and helped with the PFA to raise funds for our school. I am pleased to be working with like-minded people on the board, which gives us the opportunity to contribute to the success of our school and ensure that it continues to grow and improve with the best opportunities for our children.

Taiwo Oyekan – Vice Chair Governor

Appointed: March 2023

I currently work within financial services in the major programmes and change initiatives sphere and have done so for 15+ years now. My son used to be at the Gateway. I have worked within one of the organisations known for being a pioneer in financial education for school children of all ages, delivered via the MoneySense partnership. I am keen to bring my knowledge and expertise in this area to the gateway such that all our children are supported to thrive not only in academia but also wholesome awareness, confidence and wellbeing in matters relating to finances and its management thereof.

Stewart Nyandoro – Parent Governor

Appointed: March 2023

I am a chartered accountant with over 20 years of experience in diverse sectors including media, advertising, financial services, aviation, and two of the Big Four auditing firms. I have a son who attends The Gateway. As a school governor, I am keen to leverage my expertise to benefit the board and the school, ensuring that all our children receive the support they need to thrive academically, socially, and emotionally. My goal is to contribute to the holistic development and wellbeing of every student at The Gateway.

Victoria Harman - Community Governor

Appointed: June 2023

I recently joined as a co-opted governor in 2023 with my second child completing her educational pathway with the school this year.

Prior to taking this role, I worked for 33 years within the Metropolitan Police, both as a civilian member and then as a police officer. My expertise before retiring being within the safeguarding remit. Having had two children schooled here at The Gateway, I have seen how the children are supported educationally, physically and emotionally through their early years. With my background in safeguarding and community awareness I am keen to support the school as a Governor so that the well-earned reputation and high level of education from the school will continue.

Jamiel Cassem - Headteacher

Appointed: January 2019

Throughout my time in education, I have been a Key Stage 2 teacher, delivered CPD to teachers across Kent and led Computing in Dartford.

Since joining The Gateway in 2003, I have been privileged to be a part of the school’s drive for continual improvement. I was appointed Headteacher in 2019 and continue to ensure that the children’s well-being and learning is at the centre of the school’s strategic vision.

Rachael Rafter – Staff Governor

Appointed: March 2023

I am the Reception teacher at The Gateway Primary Academy. I have worked at the school for over 5 years and have been teaching for over a decade within Early Years and KS1. I am passionate about this school and, along with all staff, I am proud to work at and serve the Gateway community. I am excited about supporting the Governors and look forward to the continued success of the school.

Charlotte Warner – Staff Governor

Appointed: March 2025

I am the Deputy Headteacher at The Gateway Primary Academy. I have worked at The Gateway for 6 years now and have predominantly taught in KS1 here. I have been a teacher for 13 years now and have taught from Year R to Year 5 in this time. I am extremely passionate about English and enjoy my role as English co-ordinator. I have been a governor for 5 years now and have enjoyed the opportunity to get in involved in the strategic vision and planning at the school.

Karen Gillard - Community Governor

Appointed: February 2024

I have recently joined as a co-opted governor after previously working at The Gateway for a number of years. I am currently working in a SEND advisory role across a range of schools and settings in Dartford following 18 years as as a primary teacher with 10 of these as a SENCo. Having seen the dedication and commitment shown by the staff at The Gateway to all children in the school community, I am passionate that as a governor, I can contribute to this so that all children continue to thrive from their unique starting points and meet their potential.

Ekamanda Idowu - Parent Governor

Appointed: February 2024

I was appointed Parent Governor in February 2024 and the journey thus far has been a great learning experience. I have worked within the ministry of justice for 14 years. I currently work within Safeguarding and Transitions at a secure school and children's home which upholds my inspiration to working collectively to prioritise the wellbeing and positive attainment of children. As a trainee Child and Adolescent Psychotherapist, I believe that the mental and emotional wellness of children is paramount and it is a great honour to have been appointed to ensure that every child at The Gateway is supported and happy. My daughter attends The Gateway and it has been a joy to integrate further into the school community by way of this role.

Natasha Louth - Community Governor

Appointed: December 2024

I was pleased to be appointed as a school governor in 2024, I currently work within the Facilities Management industry. In my current role I am responsible for ensuring large property portfolios meet regulatory standards, maintaining rigorous health and safety protocols, and overseeing compliance with statutory and contractual obligations. With over a decade of experience, my background includes managing building maintenance, overseeing building condition programmes, lifecycle planning strategies and health and safety.

My daughter attends the Gateway Primary Academy school and my son finished to move on to secondary school last year. I am really pleased to be able to support the school in offering my expertise in Facilities management and health and safety, ensuring a safe and well-maintained environment for both staff and children.

Funding Agreement