Local Governing Body

The Trust

EAST has shared belief that collaboration is the key to success. This belief is adopted at all levels throughout each of the Academy schools.

Our vision centres on the child. The way we ensure everything centres on the child is through our core values:

• Collaboration
• Diversity
• Responsibility
• Enrichment
• Inclusion.

We believe that this enables children to excel in whatever they do.

EAST MAT is based on a set of values that determine all actions and decisions made throughout the Trust. All of these values are centered around the children to ensure that they have the perfect platform from which to grow.

With all decisions and actions based around these core values we are able to deliver an education which takes into account the needs of the different pupils, schools and communities in which they serve.

EAST Local Governing Body

Each school within the Academy has an Governing Body. 

The Trust Board has established five key roles for the Governing Bodies:

• To advise/act as a critical friend to the school leader;

• To advise the Trust Board about local issues they need to consider that affect the school;

• Represent the interest of the school community in the running of the school;

• Represent the school in it's community;

• Provide support to the school leader in undertaking appropriate day to day procedures that are essential in the life of the school.

The five roles translate specifically into the following tasks that the LGB undertakes: 

• it acts as a key link between the school, parents and local community;

• it supports the work of the school in the community;

• it supports the school leadership team in the development and implementation of the school development plan and other relevant plans, ensuring that the Trust ethos remains at the heart of the school community; ​​​​​​

• it helps on the ground with the implementation of certain whole Academy and school policies;

• it offers challenging by positive and proactive support to the school leader;

• it regularly reviews the schools performance in relation to the Key Performance Indicators.

Members of our Board

Brief Biography:  

I have worked as a primary school teacher since 2005 in schools across Cambridgeshire and Suffolk. During that time, I have supported trainee and newly qualified teachers and worked as part of the leadership team of a very large Primary school. Since moving to Leiston in 2015, I have had two boys, the oldest of which attends Leiston Primary School. I now work part time as a teacher and have recently set up my own business. 

As both a parent and a teacher, I understand what an important role schools play in children's lives and so when an opportunity came up to join the LAB, I thought it would be the perfect way to support the school and give something back to our local community. I am looking forward to helping the school in its drive to improve and provide the very best opportunities for the children of Leiston.

Brief Biography:

I have spent most of my career in the nuclear industry at Sizewell B in HR & Finance, but for the last few years as a Subcontractors & Project Manager.  I have recently given up this full-time role to run my own business. 

I wanted to join the LAB as I have fond memories of my childhood education at Leiston Primary School and with 2 daughters at the school I am keen to get involved, to help and support Leiston Primary School in continuing to offer a positive and happy environment for children to thrive in.

As a born and bred local and parent, I hope to bring my varied skills and experience to help support the school in the LAB role.

Brief Biography:

I moved to Leiston in 2013 and have worked as Leiston Library’s manager since.  I’ve previously worked as a Children’s Librarian, and as a Surestart Children’s Centre Manager. 

I’ve always been interested in how we learn, develop and get along with each other throughout life.  Our early and lifelong education plays such a huge part of this and by being part of the Advisory Board I hope to support the school’s aims to provide the best possible learning environment and opportunities for the children, and to ensure children’s confidence and wellbeing at school, within the community and later in life.

Working in the local library has given me the opportunity to get to know this community and engage with the school.  By being part of the Board I’d like to make a positive contribution to the future of both.

Brief Biography:

I have worked in Early Years for 15 years. I have spent the last 12 years working at a local nursery in Saxmundham where I am part of the management team. During my time there I have supported staff to focus on their own CPD, become a wellbeing champion for staff and children and ensured all children have a smooth transition into primary school. 

I am a mother to my son who attends Leiston Primary school. I am passionate in wanting all children to have a positive and healthy relationship with school. I understand there are many factors that can impact this. I wanted to join the LAB to see the incredible work the teachers do and share my ideas and experiences to support them in giving the children the best possible start in life. 

Brief Biography:

I have worked as part of the Avocet Academy (now EAST) team for the past 3 years first at Saxmundham and then at Leiston. Before then, I worked at Carlton Colville Primary in Lowestoft as part of the school's Senior Leadership Team. At Saxmundham, I had responsibility for the Whole School Curriculum, Pupil Premium, Computing and Online Safety whereas at Leiston I am Assistant Head, Maths and Upper Key Stage Lead. I also lead Online Safety. I have a passion for Maths and developing curriculum opportunities and I have been teaching for 11 years. I am also an accredited Maths Specialist Teacher.

Membership of the Local Governing Body

In this section you will find details relating to members of the LGB who have served over the previous 12 months, any pecuniary interests, if they hold a governance role in any other educational institutions and their attendance record at meetings over the last academic year.

Please note this information also includes members of the LGB whose term has ended within the last 12 months.

All agendas and minutes are available upon request (excepting confidential documents). 

Please contact mail@eastmat.org stating the documents you are requesting.