Tina Lovey’s road from Plumstead school leaver to OBE

Tina Lovey, CEO of Rivermead Inclusive Trust in Medway, receives the honour today at Windsor Castle.

Born on Bannockburn Road, Plumstead, Lovey attended Bannockburn Primary School and Plumstead Manor Secondary School.

Despite leaving school without A-levels, she returned to education at 30, eventually becoming a headteacher and starting the Rivermead Inclusive Trust.

Many children under her care have complex learning and mental health difficulties.

Her work during COVID-19, supporting all secondary headteachers in Medway as the chair of the Medway Secondary Headteacher Association, and her innovative approaches to special education needs and mental health provision have led to her recognition in the Birthday Honours list 2024.

During the pandemic, she ensured that vulnerable children across Medway were not forgotten, keeping her trust's schools open throughout, even during holiday breaks.

She also extended this offer to other Medway children when their own schools were closed.

Lovey also co-founded the Rivermead Outreach Community Challenge (ROCC), supporting up to 500 Medway and Kent children and families.

This provision offers respite care and short breaks during holiday times, providing a lifeline for many families.

ROCC ensures holistic support for the 'whole child' through play and learning experiences, with fully-trained staff catering to a variety of SEND needs.

Lovey was also behind 'Triple R,' a safe space for children to support their social, emotional, and mental health.

This facility safeguards children and young people who have been sectioned for their mental health, ensuring they are supported by highly-trained staff during reintegration back into their home-school.

Triple R, which started in 2016, now supports up to 30 learners on-site each year, helping them reintegrate back into full-time school.

Since its inception, the Rivermead Inclusive Trust has grown significantly and now comprises nine schools and provisions.