ABOUT US
Governance
The Role of Governing Body
The role of a school Governor is a demanding one but very rewarding and is a good way to give something back to your local community.
You don’t have to have children at the school to be a Governor but you do have to be over 18. No specific qualifications are required but there are certain expectations. What’s really important is that you have energy, enthusiasm, time and a real desire to help provide children with the best possible education.
Advice, support and training for the role of a Governor is given by Governor Services at Liverpool City Council. Some Governors are elected by parents, some are appointed by the governing body itself or the local authority. This ensures governing bodies reflect the communities they serve.
Most of our meetings are held in the afternoon. Governors do visit during the school day to see the school at work.
The term of office for a school Governor is normally four years.
What we do:
The Governing Body is responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a good quality education. Together with the headteacher, who is responsible for the day-to-day management of the school, the Governing Body sets the school’s aims and policies.
Key roles of Governors:
- To ensure clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
- To hold the headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its
- pupils, and the performance management of staff
- To oversee the financial performance of the school and make sure its money is well spent
- The Governors also carry out a number of other important duties, which include:
- Determining how the school’s budget is spent
- The appointing and dismissing of staff
- Hearing appeals and grievances
- Forming policy on the school’s curriculum and collective worship
- Setting standards for pupils’ behaviour and discipline
- Making sure school buildings are welcoming and safe
- Setting and monitoring the school’s aims and policies
How we work in practice:
There is a meeting of all Governors at least once each term. An agenda and papers for discussion are uploaded onto the Governorhub platform in advance of the meeting. The Chair has the responsibility for making the meetings run smoothly and effectively.
The Executive Headteacher provides a report about the school, there may be other reports from working parties or visits that have been made to the school.
Governing boards are responsible for the strategic direction and financial health of the school, the employment of the Executive Headteacher, senior school staff and the employment of other school staff. They have the strategic responsibility for the general conduct of the school, what is taught and standards of achievement, the school buildings and the environment, the health, safety and welfare of pupils and staff and the information parents receive about the school. Some Governors also have specific roles, such as the SEN Governor and Safeguarding Governor.
Governors always need to remind themselves that children are at the centre of everything they discuss.
As a volunteer, the role can be very worthwhile and enjoyable whilst also being challenging to drive forward improvements for for the pupils at the school.
Vacancies do arise on the Governing Body from time to time so if you are interested in becoming a Governor please contact the school office.
Click on the link below to read more about our Governing Body