First Federation Trust
Since September 2012 we have been part of the First Federation Trust, a multi-academy trust of primary schools in Devon and Dorset.
Our schools work together to ensure that we are continually developing an exciting and purposeful curriculum for all of our children. We work hard to ensure that each of our schools are engaging and vibrant learning environments.
Children from Aveton Gifford C of E (VC) Primary school enjoy a range of opportunities throughout the academic year to meet and work with children from the other federation schools. We have attended First Federation Children's Ethos Days, Cathedral services at Exeter Cathedral, inter-school sports tournaments and taken part in joint residential visits and trips.
Alex Walmsley - EDEN Foundation Director (appointed on 01/06/2017 for four years by EDEN) - Chair of Directors and of the Strategic & Finance Committee - Lead Director for Finance - Member of the Education Committee and of the Audit Committee
Alex is a chartered accountant and economics graduate and was for many years managing partner of a local accountancy practice. An experienced chair and non-executive director, his background is in audit and business advice and support. Alex is a trustee and Principal Finance Officer of Ted Wragg Trust (an Exeter based multi academy trust).
He is chairman of Devon Association of Governors (DAG) and represents academies at Devon Education Forum and DAG at Devon Schools Finance Group. He has worked with a range of schools and academies on governance related matters. He joined the board of directors of the First Federation because he wanted to build on his commitment to supporting education and in particular multi academy trusts. His role is to chair the board and to support and hold to account the CEO and the COO.
Alex has wide experience of Trust structures, governance and growth. This has included CEO and CFO recruitment and the development of MAT financial, operational and governance structures. Alex has undertaken External Review of Governance training, has experience of IEBs and school partnership management agreements and has supported a number of schools, academies and MATs in particular in connection with strategy, structures, governance, business planning and budget/financial management. He is an experienced mentor of chairs of governors and has provided induction training to chairs and governors. Always with the aim of supporting school improvement and providing the very best education to the young people in our schools.