The purpose of any school governing body is to ‘conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement at the school’.
As with all schools, our governing body has a strong focus on three core strategic functions:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
- Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.
The Governing Body consists of two parent governors elected by the parents, a staff governor, six governors from the local community and the Headteacher. We also have associate governors who can be called on to contribute particular skills and knowledge as and when required. More about the governors can be found on the school's website.
What we do:
The Governors’ job is to be a critical friend to the school, providing support and sometimes challenge to ensure that the children's educational experience and achievements are the best that they can be. In performing this role, we recognise that the success of the school rests with the Headteacher and staff. We are very fortunate at Horningsham in having an experienced, dedicated and enthusiastic staff team, who not only provide an excellent education for our children but are also a pleasure for the Governors to work with.
How we organise our work:
The Full Governing Body (FGB) meets a minimum of four times a year. In between there are three subcommittees who meet as often as necessary to cover the tasks the governors are expected to do and report back on their work to the FGB.
- Resources Committee: Works with the Headteacher and the School Administrator to draw up the budget and monitor the finances throughout the year. The Sub-committee also keeps an eye on the school's premises ensuring that improvements and maintenance are completed efficiently and cost-effectively and monitors school business matters.
- Standards Committee: Monitors the content of the school's curriculum and outcomes in behaviour, well-being, attainment and progress.
- Staffing Committee: Oversees the recruitment of staff and any issues relating to pay and conditions
In addition, most governors undertake individual responsibility for particular areas of the school’s work – special educational needs, safeguarding, health and safety and curriculum areas of maths and English. This work involves visiting the school and spending time with staff and pupils to understand more fully how these important areas are being managed. All governors are volunteers and give willingly of their time to support the school.