Directors and the Professional Advisory Team
The Elmley Dray School is owned and operated by Elmley Dray CIC.
The school is a family run enterprise under the CIC requirements to ensure that the benefits raised from the service can be used to improve services and our commitment to the Island Community and Swale. Thomas Furnell as the Proprietor and Interim Headteacher (until the school is viable to take on a wider staff team). is also the Director of Elmley Dray CIC, working with consultants and other professionals to prepare the school for opening. Further to this the school has a School Business Manager who work closely with the Director who brings a wealth of knowledge and experience to the school.
On its journey, the Elmley Dray School has benefited from real community support from a range of professionals, charities, CICs and individuals who all want to make a difference. As we look forward to our opening in 2023/24, we reflect on our journey with those who have made it possible and are inspired to continue to make our dream a reality for children and young people in the Swale area particularly, who need a specialist provision which is focused on the holistic development of the learner. We want every child or young person to achieve their academic, social and personal goals with access to a range of awards, qualifications including traditional assessments such as GCSEs and GCSE equivalents.
Director
Thomas Furnell - Director and Interim Headteacher (November 2022)
I come from a family of people who have worked in schools and am committed to my career which I am proud of. I started my career as a teaching assistant and having achieved my DTTLs, I have completed a range of senior leadership qualifications and bring experience of headship to the role of Director of Education and Headteacher at the Elmley Dray School.
Elmley Dray School is a very special school which will provide opportunities for children and young people with a home from home to learn and feel safe within.
Hayley Furnell - Director and Curriculum and Examinations Lead (October 2023)
I have ten years of experience of working in a Kent Specialist School. I am a qualified specialist SEND teacher and have achieved a range of management and leadership qualifications and awards including a NVQ Level 5 Diploma and NPQSL.
Professional Advisory Team [PAT] (Governance)
Further to this Elmley Dray School is supported by professionals who specialise in Mental Health and Emotional Wellbeing, Educational Leadership and Educational Finance. Together they work with Directors who have made their time available to support the development of the school and are highly respected as members of the PAT of the school. We have recently been joined by FASD Awareness Charity Director who works with the school for FASD training and development, Safeguarding and Safer Recruitment. Our first confirmed student parent has agreed to come onto the team and we are delighted to welcome her. In September a staff member will be introduced to the team and we are still seeking a professional adviser for ADHD.
Anyone who would be interested in supporting our special school, do not hesitate to contact info@elmleydrayschool.co.uk and we will get back to you to discuss the process of becoming a member of the Professional Advisory team.
The Professional Advisory Team [PAT] (Governance) Introduction Book
https://docs.google.com/docume...
