Governance

All state maintained primary, secondary and special schools are accountable to their governing bodies, which in turn are accountable to parents and the community. Parent and staff representatives are elected to the governing ody; the local authority appoints governors and the relevant faith bodies appoint foundation governors.

Governors make decisions that are in the best interests of children and young people. Governors bring their own skills to the role, but in learning how schools run they often develop their understanding of school leadership. Fulfilling the role of a school governor is a serious undertaking and enormously rewarding.

The role of the governing body is a strategic one with three key functions:

• Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

• Holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils

• Supporting and Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction