Job Description
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About the School
We are a maintained primary school with 211 pupils on roll, committed to providing a safe, inclusive and ambitious education for every child within our community.
The Governing Body plays a vital strategic role in supporting and challenging school leaders to ensure the best possible outcomes for pupils.
Purpose of the Role
Governors work together to carry out their core functions:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- Holding executive leaders to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
- Overseeing the financial performance of the school and ensuring money is well spent
- Ensuring the voices of stakeholders are heard
- Governors must also ensure that the governing body complies with all legal and statutory requirements, seeking advice from the clerk and other professional advisers where appropriate.
Strategic Responsibilities
Governors work closely with the Headteacher and senior leaders. The Headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school, while the Governing Body provides strategic leadership and oversight.
Governors are responsible for:
- Determining the school's mission, values and long-term vision
- Deciding the principles that guide school policies and approving key policies
- Working with senior leaders to develop and monitor the school improvement strategy
- Ensuring that parents, pupils, staff and the wider community are appropriately consulted and informed
- Ensuring all pupils have access to a broad and balanced curriculum
- Setting and monitoring the school budget and ensuring resources are used effectively
- Agreeing and reviewing the staffing structure to support school priorities
- Ensuring effective safeguarding, risk management and compliance procedures are in place
Monitoring and Accountability
Governors monitor and evaluate the school's effectiveness by:
- Reviewing progress towards strategic priorities
- Evaluating school performance data and external reports
- Monitoring the implementation of policies and procedures
- Asking constructive and challenging questions of school leaders
- Holding the Headteacher to account for educational standards, financial management and policy implementation
- Visiting the school to understand its work and monitor priorities
- Ensuring complaints procedures are effective and compliant
Panels and Committees
Governors may be asked to serve on panels or committees to:
- Appoint senior leaders, including the Headteacher
- Participate in Headteacher appraisal and pay review processes
- Hear staff disciplinary or grievance matters
- Review pupil exclusions
- Consider formal complaints
Commitment
The Governing Body meets seven times each academic year, usually on a Wednesday or Thursday at 4.30pm.
Governors are expected to:
- Attend meetings regularly and read papers in advance
- Prepare questions and contribute positively to discussions
- Undertake induction and ongoing training
- Visit the school occasionally during the school day
- Build professional relationships with school leaders and fellow governors
- Serve on committees or panels where appropriate
The average commitment is approximately 2-4 hours per month.
Skills and Experience
No previous governance experience is required and training will be provided. We welcome applications from people with a wide range of backgrounds, skills and experiences.
Useful qualities include:
- An interest in education and improving outcomes for children
- Strategic thinking and good judgement
- Ability to work collaboratively and respectfully
- Commitment to equality, inclusion and safeguarding
- Professional skills in areas such as education, finance, HR, health, legal, business or community work
Term of Office
Governors are usually appointed for a four-year term.
Safeguarding
The school is committed to safeguarding and promoting the welfare of children and expects all governors to share this commitment. Appointment is subject to appropriate safeguarding checks.
Why Become a Governor?
Being a school governor is a rewarding opportunity to:
- Make a positive contribution to children's education
- Support and shape the future direction of the school
- Develop leadership and governance skills
- Serve the local community
Interviews are not required but you would be invited into school to have a discussion with the head teacher and chair of governors to see if the role would be suitable.
Information about the School
We are a popular, happy and caring school where expectations and standards are high and every child is valued. Our children enjoy an exciting learning experience in a stimulating environment. We have extensive outdoor space and embrace outdoor learning. Our children look after each other and demonstrate our school values in everything they do.
We aim to work in partnership with parents and governors to provide the best for every child.