What is the role of the Governing Body?

The day to day running of the school is the responsibility of the Head Teacher and members of the Senior Leadership Team. However, the Governing Body has the responsibility to ensure that the school is run to promote pupil achievement. Its duties include:

• Working in partnership with the Head Teacher and staff to establish the strategic direction of the school.

• Establishing and reviewing school policies.

• Working with the Head Teacher to set targets and objectives.

• Approving the school budget.

• Reviewing progress against the budget and objectives.

• Appointing, challenging and supporting the Head Teacher.

Who are the Governors?

The formal instrument of Government details that St. Mary’s governing body is made up of 14 Governors.

• 7 Foundation Governors; appointed by the Diocese of Gloucester

• 1 Ex Officio Foundation Governor appointed by virtue of office held as Vicar of St Mary’s Church

• 2 Parent Governors; proposed and elected by parents and carers of children at the school

• 2 Staff Governors (including the Head Teacher and 1 of the school teaching staff; proposed and elected by the staff)

• 1 Local Authority Governor; appointed by the Local Authority

• 1 Co-opted governor ( A non-teaching member of staff; proposed by the staff and elected by the governing body)

The term of office for each Governor is 4 years from date of appointment or election. Governors are selected based on their skills and experience.

Foundation Governors are appointed by the Dioceses of Gloucester. Foundation Governors are expected to bring to the Governing body an informed regard for the Church nature of the foundation of the school, to ensure that its Christian ethos is preserved and developed, and the religious worship reflects the tradition of the Church of England.

 
Co-opted governors are appointed by the Governing Body and are people who, in the opinion of the governing body, have the skills required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school.

Register of Governors and pecuniary interests

The whole Governing Body meets at least 6 times a year. 

Sub Committees

Ethos and Standards -

The role of the committee is to maintain strong oversight and compliance of the educational standards and the distinctive Christian vision within the school.

Members:

Joy Ludlow (Chair of this committee)

Lee Francis

Chris Eastwood

Jane Cowell

Kimberley Walsh-Young

Ronnie Walters

Jon Craig

Kathleen Newell

Gillian Leaper

Finance, Resources and Premises - 

The role of the committee is to maintain strong oversight and compliance with the financial procedures and monitor the efficient use of resources within the School for the benefit of the children.

Members

Chris Eastwood (Chair of this committee)

Sabine Doil

Lee Francis

Carole O'Donnell

Robin Gupta

Panels

• Pay Panel – one meeting annually – November/December
• Complaints panel – as needed
• Grievance Panel – as needed
• OFSTED Inspection – as needed

Working Parties

A working party may be formed to concentrate on a certain area within the school.  These will comprise of members of the governing board depending on skills, experience and expertise.  The Working Party will report back to the FGB at every meeting.

Core Link Governors

• Pupil Premium – meet annually
• Early Years Foundation Stage (EYFS) – meet twice a year
• SEND& LAC – meet  twice a year
• Safeguarding – drop in to check Single Central Record (SCR); on the spot visits; annual Audit from the Local Authority
• Ethos - as required
• Attendance - annually

If you would like to know more about how to volunteer and join the governors in delivering the school vision, please leave your contact details with the school office and one of our Governors will contact you.