What is it?
All schools in England have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions of the school. A key role is to act as a ‘critical friend’: to support; to challenge; to ask questions; and ultimately to represent the school community.
The Governing Body works in close partnership with the Head Teacher, staff and the local authority. Whilst the Head Teacher is, of course, responsible for the day to day running of the school, the Governors are involved with such things as staffing, curriculum, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the proper range of academic and social objectives.
The Governing Body has a very important role in supporting the school and ensuring it runs effectively. It has a strong focus on three core strategies:
a) Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school
b) Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of the staff
c) Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
The full Governing Body meets every term and is supported by two committees who also meet every term. The Resource Committee focuses on finance, personnel and property, while the Pupil Assessment Welfare Committee (PAW) focuses of curriculum, data and outcomes. Each year there is also a Governor Day where all Governors are invited to attend the school to gain a better understanding of a particular aspect of school life, associated with the School Development Plan.
Individual governors also have responsibilities for Safeguarding (including LAC), Pupil Premium, Wellbeing, Early Years, Online Safety, Sports Premium, SEND and Health and Safety.
Mr Mark Hughes
Chair of Governing Body
Mrs Rachel Cartwright
Vice Chair of Governing Body