Groombridge St. Thomas CE Primary School

The Role of the Governing Body

Every school has a governing body,volunteers drawn from the school, local and wider community, whose role is similar to that of the board of a company or the board of trustees for a charity. When recruiting new governors, a matrix is used from its own self-assessment process to ensure appointments improve its effectiveness. Training is also provided. Governors are the strategic leaders of schools and have a vital role to play in ensuring every child gets the best possible education. They are not involved in the day to day running of the school, this is the responsibility of the headteacher, but we do visit the school for monitoring and support. Governing bodies have a statutory role and responsibility to raise academic achievement and promote pupil welfare. Governors support, encourage and challenge the headteacher and staff. Our core strategic functions are :

- ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction of the school

- holding the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance of staff

- overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

- promoting the school in the local community

DUTIES OF GOVERNORS

- To attend FGB meetings and appropriate committee meetings

- To make visits during the school day, regarding the Governors link role at least 3 times a year and to report on their subject/area role to the Governors

- To meet new staff whenever possible after their appointment

- To attend appropriate governor training sessions and keep up to date via The Key for Governors and the VSB

- To read all papers before the FGB and send comments to the Chair in advance, when appropriate

We aspire for the happiness, enthusiasm and enjoyment in learning for every child, a strong sense of community and collective responsibility for actions, outcomes and impact and a culture of high expectations. The School Development Plan has identified priorities for improvement next year which will move the school closer to realising our ambitions. This is published on the website for you to view.

In the unfortunate event that you have a complaint, we ask that in the first instance you contact the headteacher and meet to discuss the issue. Most problems can be settled at this stage. If the matter needs further consideration, please refer to our complaints procedure on our website or available from the office.

Governors wholeheartedly support the aspirations of the school to enable children to 'Be the best you can be'.

Governing Body Minutes can be requested from the clerk to the governors via the school office.

Thomas Swann

Chair of Governors