A new executive head teacher has been announced for schools in Whitstable and Herne Bay.

Liz Thomas-Friend will take on the role at both St Alphege Church of England Infant School and Herne Church of England Infant and Nursery School, where she is currently the head teacher.

Parents and carers will have the chance to meet her at St Alphege school at 2pm and 7.30pm on Thursday, January 7.

The new leadership arrangement was explored and adopted by school governors after former St Alphege head teacher Steph Guthrie announced her intention to step down due to personal circumstances.

Mrs Thomas-Friend said: “I am very excited at the wonderful opportunity of working with the St Alphege community.

"I am passionate about high quality early years provision, ensuring each child has personalised learning opportunities which celebrate the uniqueness of childhood.

"School-to-school collaboration is key to success, where we can learn from each other and strive for excellence.

"I look forward to working in a vibrant, creative and forward looking school.”

Chairman of the board of governors at St Alphege, Mark Aldridge, said: “Our plans will mean St Alphege can retain its unique identity while benefiting from a close partnership with an excellent local school.

"Herne Infants is a school with a focus on learning outdoors, which our children will have the opportunity to experience.

"St Alphege is one of two infant schools in the country that has an Artsmark Gold and a creative approach to learning and we’re excited to share this.”

Artsmark is a national award scheme managed by Arts Council England.

From January, St Alphege's current deputy head teacher Jacqui Spinks will take on the role of acting head teacher, with Mrs Thomas-Friend joining the school in September 2016.

In the interim, Rob Garrett - the head teacher of St Peter’s Methodist Primary in Canterbury - will support St Alphege before returning to St Peter’s full time in September.