Governors Welcome

Minster Church of England Primary School is a caring and nurturing place of learning, where everyone is valued as an individual and supported through an inclusive approach to succeed.

Minster is a school with a strong family ethos.  We have 14 classes (2 classes in each year group) with approximately 400 pupils on roll ageing from 4 - 11.  Minster School was founded in 1904 at it's present site, and in April 2019 we joined with Monkton Church of England Primary School to form the Federation of Minster and Monkton Church of England Primary Schools.

The school vision 'Nurturing Foundations, Flourishing with God' pervades all aspects of school life and reflects the aspiration that all children will leave school happy, contented and ready to face the world.  Central to school life are the Christian Foundations of Creation, Forgiveness, Justice, Love and Peace and the whole school community approaches school life in a way that enables all children to flourish.

We are supported by the Diocese of Canterbury and have close links with the village church.  We have developed a good relationship with the local village and play an active part in community life.  The school uses the local church for services at key points in the year and members of the clergy regularly lead Collective Worship in the school.

At Minster, we intend to create opportunities for the development of the Whole Child through both our Christian Foundations and Learning Values.  The children have many wonderful opportunities to experience learning in a range of contexts and in a rich environment which motivates and inspires and is enriched through the wider curricular opportunities available. 

The Governing Body are extremely proud of the staff team at Minster who work tirelessly to create inspirational and rich learning opportunities for all of the children.  They are hard-working, dedicated and talented professionals who continually seek to improve the learning opportunities for the children.

Please explore the website, Facebook page and You Tube Channel to find out more about our wonderful school.

The Federation of Minster and Monkton Church of England Primary Schools

                       Federation of                            

Minster & Monkton Church of England Primary Schools

Outline of our Governing Body

The Governing Body is responsible for

· Holding the Executive Head Teacher to account for the educational   

performance of the school and its pupils

· Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction

· Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

The Full Governing Body meets six times each school year and has adopted the Circle Model for Governance·

All Governor monitoring visits are recorded and shared with the Full Governing Body. They can be used to monitor aspects of each Schools Plans. Minutes are taken at all Full Governing Body meetings to evidence the work of the school and Governors.

The Governing Body is made up of 13 Governors as shown below:

2 Parent Governors – appointed by parental election

1 Local Authority Governor – appointed by the Local Authority

1 Staff Governor – elected by staff

1 Executive Head Teacher

3 Foundation Governors – one being the Principle Officiating Minister of the Parish in which the schools are situated

5 Co-opted Governors – appointed by the Governing Body

The Governors believe it is important that boards reflect the diversity of the school communities they serve. Diverse boards promote inclusive school environments and provide diverse role models for staff and young people.

The Governors are currently collecting data on the diversity of the board, including data on age, gender, and ethnicity. They will use that data to inform their recruitment and training needs and ensure there is always a diverse range of perspectives around the table to support robust decision making.

Due to our relatively small governing board, we will not publish this diversity data online as individual governors could be identified and we have a legal obligation to protect their personal data

Mr D Philpot   - Chair of Governors               

Appointed by the Full Governing Body

Term of Office: 25/09/2023 – 24/09/2027

Responsibilities – Finance Governor - Chair of Governors

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests - No business interests to declare

I am focussed on the education of children and how governance can lead to increased chances for all children. This is something that I am fervently passionate about.  

In my professional life, I am a Partner in a Law firm and so I feel I am well placed to deal with the demands of school governance. Through my career, I have always acted in the best interests of my clients and I am excited to be able to be an advocate for the children of Minster and Monkton. 

I pride myself on my ability to make decisions that are right, rather than those that are easy. My role has given me the opportunity to hone my communication skills and I ensure that I hear all voices before making a decision that is right for those that it affects, i.e. in this case, the children of the Federation.  

I am well versed in leadership and in chairing meetings and financial performance and accountability, which are important to the role of Chair of Governors.  

My wife is also a primary school teacher and this has allowed me to have a firm understanding of the demands of educators and parents alike, which I feel benefits this role.  

Mr P McCarthy :- Executive Headteacher 

Executive Head Teacher                         

Term of Office: 01/09/2023 ongoing

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests - No business interests to declare

My name is Paul McCarthy, and I am the Executive Head Teacher of the Federation between Minster and Monkton Primary Schools.

I have been teaching for 27 years, 13 years of which have been as a School Leader. I have a vast experience of teaching in a variety of settings and have a strong vision and passion for how teaching and learning should look in our Federation. Combined with an incredible teaching and learning team and support staff, it has enabled us to go from strength to strength.

Prior to my appointment as Executive Head Teacher in September 2023, I was Head of School at Minster CEP.  During that time, I helped to create and develop good working practices across both of the Federation schools and am proud of the strong links that we have, as we continually strive to enhance these further.

On a personal level I enjoy spending time with my family. I manage my son’s football team at the weekends and love a long dog walk with my daughter and partner. I also love nature and when I have time, I can be found by the side of a lake or river fishing!

I have a very keen interest in sport both as a spectator and participant – I regularly play football and cycle to help maintain my own fitness. An active life helps to keep the brain active and alert – something that I ensure happens in both of my schools through a fun, engaging and invigorating curriculum during lesson time, playtimes, through inspiring school trips and at after school clubs as well.

Mrs E Shervington - Foundation Governor

Appointed by the Diocese

Term of Office:  21/04/2023-20/04/2027

Responsibilities – Safeguarding and Child Protection Governor

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests - No business interests to declare

My name is Liz Shervington and I am a Foundation Governor.

I became a Governor as I am a member of the PCC at St Mary’s in Minster.  I feel it’s important to invest in the future of children also to foster the links with the local church and the school has an important role in the local community.  I have two daughters, who are now in their 20’s, both attended the school. I live and work in Minster.

Mr M Kenny – Staff Governor  

As well as being a staff governor I am also Deputy Headteacher at Minster. I joined Minster in 2021 and I am very proud to be a teacher in our wonderful school. Before joining Minster, I gained twenty years of experience working in different school settings. I have fulfilled the role of teacher governor in a previous setting too. 

Outside of school I have a family of my own - two teenage daughters - so I also have the parental view of education. Personal family experience has also given me a view of the whole journey of children through the education system. I grew up in Ramsgate and have a good background knowledge of our local area as well. 

I look forward to using my experience in the positive decision-making process for both Minster and Monkton schools as a member of the Federation Governing Body. 

Term of Office :- 23/04/23 - 24/04/27

Committee:- Curriculum & Learning

Responsibilities :- Training & Development Governor

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests : No business Interests to declare.

Mrs N Sworder - Co-Opted Governor        

Appointed by the Local Authority

Term of Office:  10/07/2022– 11/07/2026

Responsibilities – SEND Governor

                            Vice-Chair of Governors

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests – No business interests to declare.

My name is Nicky Sworder and my professional background is in Mental Health. I originally trained in London as a Registered Psychiatric Nurse and later in Kent as a BACP Accredited Counsellor, specialising in working with children, young people and families. I set up a School Counselling service working in different Kent schools. I also worked as a supervisor and trainer, offering workshops related to children and mental health. After gaining my MSc I reduced my work load and for the past few years have been involved in research. Mainly in connection to school policies, the psychological and emotional wellbeing of pupils and the whole school community.

I am pleased to be part of the Governing body as the LA Governor and aim to voice the mental health perspective when discussing school issues. As a team I believe we share a common goal: to create a healthy, happy and academically achieving school.

Mr A Danes - Co-Opted Governor    

Appointed by the Governing Body

Term of office: 23/01/2023 - 22/01/2027

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests - No business interests to declare.

Appointed by:Parent Governor

Mr G Mynheer   

Appointed by the Governing Body

Term of office: 05/02/2024 - 04/02/2028

Responsibilities – Health and Safety Governor

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests - No business interests to declare.

I was born and raised in Thanet and have spent the last 25 years working across Kent & Medway in frontline emergency response.  This has given me the experience to deal with a wide range of challenging situations, working to try and achieve the best outcome for the people involved.  I currently manage a team, looking after training, welfare, career development, Health & Safety and wellbeing.  I bring a skill set that is transferable in a variety of ways, placing the children and staff at the centre, helping them to be the best they can be every day.

I have a large family and also provide support as a Foster Carer, delivering a therapeutic approach to parenting and sharing my experiences in this sector within the school.

I will commit fully to the role of Co-opted Governor, supporting the teams to deliver the educational, ethical and religious values that both schools aspire to. I will also challenge the teams where appropriate to uphold the highest standards in all aspects of education to ensure that the children receive the very best school experience.

In my spare time I enjoy distance running which supports both my physical and mental wellbeing.  We also enjoy family dog walks, the beach and just spending time together.

Mr A Tye – Parent Governor   

Elected by parents

 Term of Office:  17/11/2023 - 16/11/2027

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests - No business interests to declare.

"I became a parent governor in 2023.

For the past 25 years I have worked with Looked After Children in SEN and mainstream schools, foster care settings, residential children's homes and as a family contact supervisor.

I am also a musician, sound engineer and theatre technician, working and performing at venues, theatres and festivals around the country. I have a keen interest in the Arts and how this links in with education.

Over the past few years I have had the pleasure of supporting the school in several musical endeavors. From this viewpoint I have seen the staff and pupils show genuine enthusiasm and warmth for the school. I also see this in my two children who are thoroughly enjoying their Minster experience.

I will do my best to help both schools move forward in a positive direction."

Mr H Pressley – Parent Governor   

Elected by parents

Term of Office: 02/12/24 - 01/12/28

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests - No business interests to declare.

My name is Hadley Pressley, and my professional background is in leading HR and Learning & Development Teams. I have extensive experience in Skills Management where I focus on creating and managing initiatives that help individuals reach their full potential.

I became a school governor to ensure that every student has access to quality education. I am committed to supporting the school's mission and working with the community to provide the best learning environment for our students. As a governor, I aim to bring my expertise in education, HR and budget operation to the table and contribute to the continuous improvement of our school.

Mr R Iddenden – Co-opted Governor                  

Appointed by the Governing Body

Term of office: 09/12/24 - 08/12/28

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests - No business interests to declare.  

'My name is Richard Iddenden, born and raised in Thanet, now residing in Minster as to where I have two children attending Minster and Monkton School, my background is that of the Transport sector, I have worked for TfL for over 28 years managing all kinds of operations and projects, some of the skill sets I would like to bring with me to my Governing role are budget management, people relationships and stakeholder management…

My family and I enjoy and have a strong believe in the Schools policy's and processes, and appreciate the Schools fundamentals…

Outside of work life I try to enjoy the ‘Country Life’ – we have purchased a camper van, a puppy and try to get out as much possible in the fresh air…

Staff Associate Members (No Voting Rights) 

Mr C Marston :- Head of School - Monkton                 

Term of Office :- 14/09/2021 - 13/09/2025

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests : No business Interests to declare.

Mr R Russell:- Head of School - Minster            

Term of office:- 01/09/2024 - 31/08/2029

Business, Personal and Pecuniary interests : No business Interests to declare.

 Resignations 2024-2025

Mr N Roberts – Co-opted Governor – resigned 04/02/2025

Resignations 2023-2024

Mr C Mills – Foundation Governor – resigned 31/07/2024

Mrs T Chinnery - Parent Governor – resigned 14/07/2024