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Mr Onyeka Chukwuma I’m proud to serve as a co opted governor at Sandling Primary School. My professional background is in Children and Adult Social Services, where I work with safeguarding, risk management, and multi agency decision making. I bring this experience into my governor role to help ensure that children’s safety, wellbeing, and voice remain central to the school’s culture and practice. I’m particularly focused on how the school creates a safe environment, supports pupils who may be vulnerable, and works effectively with families and external partners. I believe safeguarding is everyone’s responsibility, and I’m committed to offering constructive challenge, support, and oversight so that Sandling continues to be a place where children feel safe, valued, and able to thrive. |
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Miss Claire Coombes Governor Type: Appointed by X-officio by virtue of office as Headteacher I have been teaching for over 25 years and have been at Sandling for 20 years; it is a whole school community and I hope my length of service reflects the value I put on working in this school and with all our staff, governors, parents and most importantly pupils. My role on the governing body is to provide information about the school so all governors are able to effectively carry out their duties. This includes: |
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| Mr Josh Homewood Governor Type: Co-opted governor (appointed by the Governing Board) Term of Office: 30th September - 29th September 2030 Business Interests: None |
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Miss Jess Lewis I was appointed as the staff governor at Sandling Primary School in September 2026, bringing six years of teaching experience in Maidstone to the role. Having worked at Sandling Primary for several years, I have developed a strong understanding of the school’s values, priorities and ethos. This experience allows me to offer an honest and balanced insight from a staff members point of view. I am passionate about contributing to the continued success of Sandling Primary school and giving back to the wonderful school community, whilst expanding my understanding of the wider running of the school that I do not always see in my day-to-day role. |
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Reverend Anthea Mitchell I first joined the board of governors when I was curate of the parish church, St. Paul’s. I live in Penenden Heath although I am now Priest-in-Charge of St. Andrew’s, Barming Heath. As a governor at Sandling, I feel that I can bring some spiritual input to the school as well as my 35 years of experience as a small business owner. These may seem like divergent skills but as a ‘Minister in Secular Employment’ (in my day job, I own and run a hairdressing salon), I am well used to holding space for the sacred in the midst of the material world. |
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Ms Elizabeth Nicholson I was appointed to the governing body at Sandling Primary School as a community governor in 2015 having previously served on the governing body of three other schools as a school staff member. My background is in education. I taught in both the secondary and primary sector for 38 years, the final 14 years as deputy head teacher of two Kent primary schools. I have lived in Penenden Heath for 18 years with my husband John Viner who also serves on the governing body. I have two sons and two stepsons who have long since left the family nest. They are all pursuing professional careers in the UK and abroad and providing me with a constant stream of grandchildren to spoil when they are in my care! As a Sandling Primary School governor, I am able to use my career experience in many ways but my key responsibility is for Safeguarding and am delighted to be able to serve the community as a governor of such an effective and friendly school. |
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Mr Garuka Serasinghe I joined the governing body at Sandling Primary School in March 2025 as a co-opted governor. I work in the field of artificial intelligence and technology consulting, with a background in software and technology leadership. Through my role as a governor, I hope to contribute my professional experience to support the school’s strategic development and ensure strong governance. I am pleased to support Sandling Primary School and the wider school community |
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Mrs Nicola Small As a mum of four, with three children currently at Sandling Primary School and our youngest due to join in the future, I wanted to take a more active role in the school and play a part in shaping the experience my children, and their classmates, have during their time there. Professionally, I work as an Audit Partner and am fortunate to have a generous corporate social responsibility day allowance, which I wanted to put to good use by giving some time back to the school community. As a parent, I have a real interest in the school’s future and in helping to make it the best it can be for all its pupils. I look forward to working with the school, fellow governors and parents to support its continued development and help ensure children have a positive and rewarding experience at Sandling. |
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Mr Adam Terry I became a parent governor in November 2021. I grew up in Maidstone and have lived in Penenden Heath for many years. My wife and I have two sons who attend Sandling. Professionally I am a Chartered Accountant and Statutory Auditor, I lead a team of around 80 people in our Gatwick Audit department. In my spare time I am also a Scout Leader at the local Scout group, St. Paul's. I wanted to become a parent governor to offer my skills and time to support the school to achieve its ambitions. It was important to me that I put myself forward as a governor as schools, like many similar organisations, cannot function without roles like governors being fulfilled by volunteers. |
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Mr John Viner
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Ms Sophie Wharton I have served as a Co-opted Governor since May 2025 and have lived in Penenden Heath since 2019, having spent my entire life in Maidstone. I am a Chartered Senior Project Surveyor and have worked in the construction industry since 2014. My background in commercial management supports my role as Finance Chair, which I assumed in November 2025, where I contribute financial oversight and professional expertise to the governing body. |
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Mrs Gemma Williams As a parent of two children at Sandling Primary School, as well as a midday meals supervisor at the school, I have a strong connection to the Sandling community and enjoy being part of school life. I have previously been a governor at other local primary schools, which has given me valuable experience and an understanding of how governors can support the school, its staff and its pupils.
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