Governors

What is a school's governing body?

The Governing Body works in close partnership with the Headteacher, staff and the Local Authority. Whilst the Headteacher is responsible for the day to day running of the school, the governors are involved, for example with such things as curriculum, health and safety, safe guarding, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the proper range of academic and social objectives. The Governing Body works as a team with shared responsibilities. The Governing body is there to be a ‘critical friend’ who can provide the right balance between supporting and challenging the performance of both the Headteacher and the school ensuring that the school is delivering good education for all the children and providing value for money.

The role of the governing body

The role of the governing body is a strategic one, its key functions are to:

Set the aims and objectives for the school.
Set the policies for achieving those aims and objectives.
Set the targets for achieving those aims and objectives.
Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives.
Be a source of challenge and support to the Headteacher (a critical friend).

Governing Body Members

Parents elected by other parents with children at the school.
The headteacher.
Staff members (teachers and support staff).
Governor appointed by the local authority.
Other people chosen by governors, co-opted onto the governing body, who have the
relevant skills to support the school achieving its strategic aims.