Governance

REAch2 Academy Trust is a charitable voluntary organisation, which relies on the valuable input of a considerable number of non-executive volunteers, supported by an experienced team of staff. Due to the size of the organisation and the number of schools for which it is responsible, coupled with its drive for accountability, it is also a complex organisation with various important elements of governance.

Effective governance in our large Academy Trust is supported by the following:

Trust Members – the guardians of the constitution
Trust Board – the Directors / Trustees
Trust Board sub-committees – made up of Trust Board members
Cluster Boards – including the Cluster Non-Executive Representatives
Local Governing Bodies – the Local Governors
The Executive Team – the Chief Executive Officer (the CEO), the Deputy CEO and Chief Operating Officer (together the Executive Leaders) and their respective teams

The Trust Board delegates authority to the following key groups in order to ensure the effective leadership and governance of the Academy Trust:

Trust Board Committees populated entirely or largely by trustees (Education Standards and Performance, Executive Nominations, Finance & Resources, Remuneration and Risk & Audit Committee)
Executive leadership and management team (the Executive Team)
Cluster Boards – of which there are 10 that provide additional cluster governance oversight, support and challenge for the associated cluster academies

Local Governing Bodies for each Academy

In September 2019 a Cluster based Governance model was introduced. With two Directors of Education, each Cluster is led by a Deputy Director of Education.

The relationship between the Trust Board, the Executive Team, the Cluster Boards and the Local Governing Bodies is characterised as a partnership to realise a common vision and a common purpose.

In the case of the Trust Board, Cluster Boards and Local Governing Bodies governance the relationship is also based on the principles of:

no duplication of governance
governance should be as close as possible to the point of impact of decision-making
risk Management is key responsibility for each tier with clear lines of responsibility and accountability

The Scheme of Delegation and various Terms of Reference provide clarity as to the responsibilities of the different groups and who the decision makers using a Responsible, Accountable, Support and Consulted methodology. Effectiveness of management and governance is supported through clarity over who holds the decision-making responsibility and who supports and advises the decision makers.

Governance at Sprites Primary Academy

The Local Governing Body (LGB) meets at least once per term, with smaller committees convened when required.

The governing body can be contacted by email at [email protected] or alternatively, in writing.

The Chair of Governors is Kerrie McGrory

Members of our Governing Body:

Headteacher – Mr Mo Rahman

Trust Appointed – Kerrie McGrory

Trust Appointed - Susan Faulkner

Trust Appointed - Nadia Cenci

Trust Appointed - Elisabeth Seifert-Hughes

Staff Governor - Jessica Flood

Staff Governor - Joseph Maples

Parent Governor – Gary Watkins

Parent Governor - Hannah Clarke

Kerrie McGrory – Chair of Governors

I have been Chair of Governors at Sprites Primary Academy since November 2019. Working in education over thirty years as a teacher, Deputy Headteacher and Headteacher, I currently work for Essex Local Authority as a School Effectiveness Partner, supporting and challenging schools to improve provision.

I bring this experience to the role as Chair of Governors and endeavour to make a positive contribution to the academy’s development. It is both a pleasure and a privilege to work with the governors, senior leaders, staff and parents at Sprites, towards the shared goal of providing a high-quality education for children who.

Hannah Clarke - Parent Governor

I have been volunteering as a Parent Governor since November 2021.

I worked within the insurance sector up until 6 years ago, where I took on a part time role within the motor industry.

As a parent of two children, one of which has had their journey at Sprites, the other attending, I believe all children should receive a high-quality education which is continuously improving in a safe environment where each child thrives. I am honored to be part of a team that helps to achieve this.

Sue Faulkner – Governor

I have been a headteacher for many years . Whilst at my first headship (1997 -2004) I was seconded to a school judged as inadequate to take it through its first HMI inspection and to write the school’s recovery plan.

Following this I worked for the Essex local authority as a Headteacher in schools causing concern, I then joined Essex’ school improvement team and led the south team with several school improvement advisors, maths and English advisors. We were highly successful and school’s were supported to achieve a positive Ofsted inspection. I then ran the Local Authority’s School Improvement Partner strategy for the south of Essex.

I trained as an Ofsted inspector, though I didn’t inspect for long as I prefer the more supportive role of school improvement.

Since 2015 I have worked independently in many roles, such as headships and educational advisory work. I have both chaired and been part of Interim executive boards, School Improvement Boards for the local authority. I have supported schools in the Orwell Academy Trust and am now a Trustee of the MAT.

Gary Watkins – Vice Chair of Governors

I have been a parent governor at Sprites since November 2021 and have recently been elected Vice Chair. I'm a dad to two daughters, one currently attends the school and the other previously went from Sprites Nursery through to Year 6. I joined the governing board to have the opportunity to play a positive and active role in supporting staff to make Sprites the very best it can be for our children.

At work I'm a Business Analyst at Zoopla and I am one of the company 'Wellbeing Champions' which I hope I can apply to good effect here at Sprites too. The main areas I'm involved in as a Governor are Statutory Grants, SEND and Digital Transformation.

If you see me on the playground, please say hello.

Elizabeth Seifert

We moved to Ipswich a year ago and our journey with Sprites is just beginning. My grandson started in reception in September and I will be joining the Local Governing Body. I am a retired teacher. My training was in Modern Foreign Languages for 11-18 year olds but over the past 20 years I have taught many different subjects to diverse groups of people.

My last role was teaching basic literacy in East London to people who were homeless. Along the way I have qualified to assess various neurodiversities, such as dyslexia. At the moment I am working part time as a supply teacher in another primary school and am able to see the moments of joy, incredible dedication and hard work and the many challenges involved. I am looking forward to joining the board and contributing to this important work.

Sprites Primary Academy