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 Chair of Governors is Mr Mark Leveson; if you wish to contact him 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

Mark Leveson – Chair of Governors / Community Governor

Appointed: October 2021

I work as the CEO of a charity that works in schools mainly in the London Borough of Bexley delivering a range of projects and lessons in RE, SMSC and working to support children and young people in a variety of circumstances. Previously, I was the minister of a church in the Dartford area for a number of years. My three children all attended Gateway and I was part of the Governing Body when they were going through the school. It is a privilege to be involved in the school again and to see the passion and determination to do the best for all children that runs through the school.

Gaynor Oakes – Community Governor

Appointed: October 2019

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.

Sally Nefzaoui – Parent Governor

Appointed: December 2021

I work in a Secondary Girls School in an admin position and prior to that I worked in Education Recruitment for 15 years, interviewing and recruiting teachers and other education staff for Primary, Secondary and SEN schools in Kent and London. I have also previously worked as a self-employed recruiter, helping start-up companies to build their business.

In April 2017 I became the Secretary of The Gateway and Friends Association and I am the currently the Chairperson.

I have one daughter who is in Year 5 and I have been a Parent Governor at The Gateway since 2018.

I am keen to utilise my skills and develop ideas that will be of benefit to The Gateway, to support the school and to contribute so that each Gateway child receives an excellent education in the way of continuous improvement and ensuring value for money. I am very pleased to be a part of a proactive Governing Body and a forward-thinking Senior Leadership team.

Taiwo Oyekan – Parent Governor

Appointed: February 2020

I currently work in financial services within the major programmes and change initiatives sphere and have done so for 10+ years now. My second son used to be at the Gateway. The organisation I work for are pioneers in financial education for school children of all ages, delivered via the MoneySense partnership. I am keen to bring this knowledge and expertise to the school such that all our children are supported to thrive not only in academia but also wholesome awareness, confidence and wellbeing in matters relating to finance.

Peter Harman - Community Governor

Appointed: February 2022

My main career was as a Fire Service Officer for 34 years with the London Fire Brigade. In recent years I have been heavily involved as a Councillor for the Swanscombe and Greenhithe area. I have previous experience at local schools as a member of the parent teacher association, and as a school governor. In addition to the general duties of a school governor, I am particularly focussed on Health & Safety issues at the school, where my previous experience of H & S issues is very helpful. I am keen to work with others to further raise the very high standards at The Gateway Primary Academy.

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 4 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 2021

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.

Funding Agreement