The Lotus Academy Trust
The Trust’s Articles of association is a document that specifies the regulations for the Trust’s operations and defines its purpose. This document lays out how tasks are to be accomplished within the organisation, including the process for appointing directors and the handling of financial records. Should you require a copy of the Articles of association, please contact the school office.
"Leaders ensure that all the independent school standards are met. Their ambition for Damara pupils is mirrored across the whole-school team. They check that staff have a manageable workload and that their well-being is secure. Trustees and trust members are skilled and experienced. They are effective in holding school leaders to account for the quality of provision."
- OFSTED 2022
Strategic Governance
Board of Members
The Lotus Trust Board is made up of Members and Trustees. The Members of the Board are Dr C Catt (Chair), Mrs L Winney, Mrs D Naidoo and Mrs H Miller (Secretary) . The members appoint trustees to ensure that the trust’s charitable object is carried out and so must be able to remove trustees if they fail to fulfil this responsibility. Accordingly, the trust board submits an annual report on the performance of the trust to the members. Members are also responsible for approving any amendments made to the trust’s articles of association.
Chair of the Board of Members
Dr Catt firmly believes that working in a senior leadership role in a provision for the most vulnerable pupils has given her a deep understanding of the issues facing these groups of children. She was inspired by this experience to undertake an MA in Advanced Educational Practice at the UEA in 2011- 2014, which further deepened her understanding of the way in which, shamefully, the majority of those excluded from mainstream education are often those who have suffered, or are suffering, trauma, abuse, neglect, mental health issues and who have unmet special educational needs. This deep understanding drives her work to develop new provisions.
Should you wish to contact Dr Catt, please email her on cathcatt@lotustrust.org.uk
Strategic Governance
Board of Trustees
The Trustees are responsible for the general control and management of the administration of the trust and its schools in accordance with the provisions set out in the memorandum and articles of association. The board of trustees is the accountable body for the performance of all schools within the trust and as such must:
1. Ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
2. Hold the executive to account for the educational performance of the schools and their pupils, and the performance management of staff
3. Oversee the financial performance of the trust and make sure its money is well spent
| Trustee Name | Role | Area of Resposibility |
|---|---|---|
| Mrs K Hobley | Chair of the Board of Trustees | Finance, SMSC, Complaints |
| Mrs S Clifton | Vice Chair of the Board of Trustees | Welfare, Health and Safety of pupils (safeguarding and pastoral). |
| Mrs N S Govender | CEO/Headteacher. | |
| Mrs B Grimwood | Trustee | Quality of Education |
| Mrs G Wilkinson | Parent Representative/Trustee | Provision of Information |
| Mrs C Casson | Secretary to the Board of Trustees | |
| Ms V Mann | Trustee | Quality of Education |
| Mr M Wilmott | Trustee | Premises and Accomodation |
| Mrs G Wardlow | Trustee | Suitability of Staff, Supply Staff and Propietors |
| Dr C Catt | Chair of the Board of Members | Quality of Leadership and Management of Schools |
Chair of the Board of Trustees
Mrs Hobley is a retired teacher with significant experience of working within special education. She has led PSHE in her most recent school and has undertaken whole-school audits. Her passion for helping children with special and additional needs to develop skills for life is shared by the Trust.
Should you wish to contact Mrs K Hobley, please email her on chair@lotustrust.org.uk
