Our Governing Body

This page is currently being updated.

Governors work closely with headteachers, school staff and representatives from the local authority (LA).

Statutory Guidance for Governing Bodies

St John’s CE (Aided) Primary School adhere to the statutory guidance from the Department of Education. This means that governing bodies must have regard to it when carrying out duties relating to the constitution of governing bodies in maintained schools.

The Constitution of Governing Bodies of Maintained Schools

The Role of the School Governor and Governing Bodies

The role of the school governor is demanding but very rewarding. School governing bodies are responsible for working with the school to ensure that it delivers a good quality education. Together with the Head Teacher, who is responsible for day-to-day management, they set the school’s aims and policies.

Governors have three main roles:

To provide strategic direction for the school
To act as a critical friend to the Head Teacher
To ensure accountability

They 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

Monitoring the curriculum. This link shows the class and subject links for each governor.

Governors In School 20-21

Annual Governance Statement for 2020

School Vision/Mission Statement

The Governing Body of St. John’s C of E Primary School has a strong focus on its three core strategic functions:

1.     Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
2.     Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
3.     Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent.

Governance arrangements

The Governing Body of St. John’s C of E Primary School was re-constituted in 2014 coming to effect in September 2015. It is now made up of 2 staff governors (including the Headteacher), 2 elected Parent Governors, 1 Local Authority Governor and 7 Foundation governors. Foundation governors are appointed by the Durham Diocese Board of Education and the Parochial Church Council of Saint John’s Church: they also include the Priest in Charge of the parish.
Members of the governing body have been appointed because they have the skills required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school.
The staff and parents governors bring detailed knowledge of the education provision offered to pupils over a period of time. Foundation governors ensure that the distinctive nature of our school as a Church of England school is maintained. Our local authority representative provides invaluable experience from a wider political and social perspective.
Each governor also has a wide range of skills identified in a skills audit. Highlights from this include: community leadership, social care provision, justice, health, adult mental health, education (teaching) (public and private sector), education (support), administration, Church leadership and economic regeneration.
The full Governing Body meets once each term, and we also have a number of committees to consider different aspects of the school in detail:

Finance, Premises and Pay (Inc. Performance Management)
Headteacher’s Performance
Curriculum and Standards

We also have committees that meet if required to consider pupil discipline and staffing matters.

Key Issues faced and addressed by the Governing Body

The Governing Body has had a busy year, focusing on school improvement, changes to the Governing Body and Governing Body development, including:

New Foundation Governors and a Parent Governor have been appointed.
Governor Training has been completed and next steps identified

The Governing Body has also managed a number of significant issues related to Covid 19:

Ensuring school remained open from day 1 of lockdown for vulnerable pupils and those of key workers.
Re-opening to pupils in year 6 and year 1 in June 2020 preparing for the safe re-opening of school in September 2020.
Secondment of Deputy Head teacher led to a permanent position as a Headteacher at another CofE School in County Durham. As a result there has been a restructure of the Leadership Team. This now comprises of the Headteacher and two Deputy Headteachers.
Appointment of a newly qualified teacher (NQTs) to cover maternity leave.

Governors are active participants in the life of the school: they are regular visitors. All governors (where possible) have spent time in their partner year groups, prior to enforced closure. Governors have also visited school to complete specific tasks linked to school improvement and Covid 19 monitoring tasks, examples include:

Covid 19 Risk Assessment
School Website review
Monitoring of Teaching and Learning in English
Pupil behaviour, well-being and safety
Collective Worship and Distinctiveness

One of the roles for the governors is reviewing and agreeing school policies, and this year we have considered all statutory policies. Recently Governors have been involved in a review of other policies which are evident on the website.
Minutes of Governing Body and Committee meetings are public documents: you can ask at the school office if you would like to see any of the minutes of our meetings.

Assessment of Impact

The school has maintained its ‘Outstanding’ status.

A new Strategic Plan for 2020 to 2025 is in place.

Future plans for the Governing Body

The Governing Body will focus on securing full membership and maintaining high levels of involvement in the continual school improvement of St. John’s.
It will ensure funds are allocated to support the development of the curriculum and enrichment activities. It will continue to ensure that pupil premium funding is used effectively to support disadvantaged pupils.
The Governors will continue to develop their knowledge and understanding of the Ofsted Framework and respond to changes implemented in September 2019. Following a SIAMS inspection in June 2018, school maintained its outstanding grade.

Contact Details
The Governing Body always welcomes suggestions, feedback and ideas from parents/carers. Please contact the Chair of Governors, Miss Alison Tweddle via the school office.

Name	Position / Relationships	Committee	Term of Office Start	Term of Office Ends	Representing	Responsibilities	Class and Subject	Business & Pecuniary Interests including other Governance Roles
Revd. Canon David Tomlinson: date stepped down 5.4.19	Husband of Governor: Davina Tomlinson	Finance (Chair) School Steering (Chair) First/Pay Review	04.10.2012	05.04.19	Foundation Ex Officio	Governing Body School Improvement Planning Governing Body Development Plan Strategic Planning	Year 4	Vicar Employee of the Diocese of Durham Area Dean of Auckland Deanery 'Chair of the House of Clergy' 'Bishops Council member' Trustee of registered charities 'Fairplay for all' and 'The Edith Jackson Trust' Deputy chair of SCYPAN (Shildon Children and Young Persons Action Network)
Mrs O Bainbridge	Vice Chair of Governors	Finance Children's & Community (Chair) School HT Performance	11.07.2017	13.07.2021	Foundation - PCC	Church Safeguarding Personal Development, Behaviour & Welfare	Year 4 / Music	Awarded British Empire Medal Retired JP Retired Health Professional
Mr A D Farnell	Headteacher	Finance Children's & Community School Steering	01.09.2015					Headteacher
Mrs B Callaghan	Parent	Children's & Community First/Pay Review	22.11.2016	21.11.2020	Foundation - PCC	Medical Needs/SEND Community	Reception / SEND	None
Mrs L Scott	Staff	Children’s & Community	22.03.2017	21.03.2021	Teaching Staff	Teaching & Learning	Year 4 / PE	School Employee HLTA
Clr T Pemberton	Governor	Finance Children's & Community School (Chair) First/Pay Review HT Performance	26.07.2017	20.07.2021	Local Authority DCC	Pupil Outcomes Data Analysis Teaching & Learning	Year 6 / History and MFL	Governor at Timothy Hackworth Primary School, Shildon Governor at St. Andrew's Primary School, Bishop Auckland Appointed Durham County Councillor Retired Teacher Deputy Major of Shildon Town Council Cabinet Support Member for Economic Development Regeneration including Culture & Sport Board of Bowes Museum Business Durham
Mrs D Tomlinson	Governor Wife of Chair of Governors: David Tomlinson	Children's & Community Appeals	19.05.19	18.05.2023	Foundation - DEB	Safeguarding	Nursery / Early Years, PSHE, RSE	Foster Carer: Reach Out Care Part Time Administrator (Auckland Deanery) and Trustee of Fairplay For All
Revd. M Hudghton	Governor		08.11.2017	07.11.2021	Foundation		Year 1 / RE, Computing
Mrs T Teasdale	Governor	Children and Community Finance and Premises Headteachers Performance	27.03.2017	26.03.2021	Parent		Year 3 / Science
Miss A Tweddle	Chair of Governors	Finance, Premises and Personnel Headteachers Performance	09.09.2016	13.07.2020	Foundation		Year 2 / Maths, Art and Design
Mrs L Brown	Governor		26.11.2018	25.11.2022	Parent		Year 5 / Geography	Teacher
Mrs J Plews	Governor	Children's and Community First/Pay Review School	09.09.2019	08.09.2023	Foundation - DEB		Year 6 / English	Nurse: NHS

How To Become A School Governor

If you require further information on the roles and responsibilities of School Governors or you are interested in becoming one, visit the Durham County Council website School Governor section.

Governor Attendance

Register of all attendees at Full Committees and Sub Committees of the Governing Body from September 2020

	Miss A Tweddle	Mrs O Bainbridge	Mrs B Callaghan	Mrs J Plews	Mrs D Tomlinson	Mr M Hudghton	Mrs T Pemberton	Mrs T Teasdale	Mr A Farnell	Mrs L Scott	Mrs L Brown
Meeting [ add date]
Meeting [ add date]
Meeting [ add date]
Meeting [ add date]

Archived Attendance
You can view archived Governor attendance on our website.

Committee Terms of Reference

Full Governing Body

CHAIR: Miss A Tweddle
VICE CHAIR: Mrs T Teasdale

Terms of Reference

Strategic Leadership and Accountability:

In collaboration with school leaders determine a clear and explicit vision for the future. Ensure this is communicated to the whole organisation.
Set strong and clear values and ensure these are embedded across the organisation and adhered to.
Determine the strategic direction for the school.
Monitor and evaluate pupil progress and attainment by receiving reports and information from the Headteacher and other school leaders; compare against national and local benchmarks over time.
Receive reports from committees, working parties or individuals and agree actions.
Approve the SEF and monitor throughout the year.
Approve the School Improvement Plan priorities and monitor throughout the year progress towards agreed actions.
Ensure there is a transparent system for performance management of all staff which is clearly linked to the school’s priorities. Have oversight of staff performance throughout the year.
Ensure there are mechanisms in place to listen to and respond to the views of parents/carers, pupils, staff, local communities and employers.
Agree recruitment process to be followed in relation to Senior Leader posts; where delegated ratify appointments.
Final approval of the annual budget plan.
Monitor the school’s budget throughout the year.
Agree virement and expenditure limits for the Headteacher.
Hold at least 3 meetings each academic year. Ensure that committee meetings are held in accordance with the agreed terms of reference.

People and Structures:

Elect and/or remove Chair of Governors and Vice Chair of Governors.
Appoint Committee Chairs or delegate to each committee.
Consider and agree delegation of functions to individuals or committees.
Agree committee terms of reference and membership.
Establish a register of Governors business interests.
Ensure Governors information on the Get Information About Schools (GIAS) register and the school website is up to date and compliant with current requirements.
Confirm the Instrument of Government and subsequent amendments.
Appoint Co-opted, Local Authority and where necessary Parent Governors to the Board.
Review and monitor the Governor Induction Process.
Have regard for Governors professional development.
Where necessary, suspend or remove Governors from the Board.
Appoint/dismiss the Clerk to the Governing Body.

Compliance and Evaluation:

Consider business provided by Local Authority and other sources
Suspend or end suspension of staff members.
Ensure all statutory policies are in place and there is an effective policy review cycle.
Review and agree the Governor Code of Conduct.
Confirm arrangements for completion of a Governor Skills Audit.
Ensure there is regular self-evaluation and review of individual’s contribution to the Board as well as the Board’s overall operation and effectiveness.
As necessary, consider an external review of the Board’s effectiveness.
Ensure school website is up to date and compliant with current DfE requirements.

Curriculum and Standards Committee

CHAIR:
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).

Curriculum Planning and Delivery:

Review, monitor and evaluate the curriculum offer.
Contribute to the development and monitoring of the:
Self Evaluation form
School Improvement Plan
Targets for school improvement
Develop and review policies identified within the school’s policy review programme and in accordance with its delegated powers (e.g. sex education and pupil discipline/behaviour).
Ensure that the school’s policy on SEND is consistent with the Code of Practice and Equalities Act and receive termly reports from the Headteacher/SENDCo and an annual report from the SEND Governor.
Ensure the SEND Policy is monitored and reviewed regularly and that the policy is known to parents/carers.
Ensure the school complies with the provisions of the Equalities Act 2010.

Assessment and Improvement:

Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of leadership and management.
Monitor and evaluate the quality of teaching and learning and the impact on rates of pupils progress and standards of achievement
Monitor and evaluate the impact of continuing professional development on improving staff performance.
Receive pupil progress and achievement data; monitor and evaluate rates of progress and standards of achievement against agreed targets for all pupils and for all groups of pupils.
Monitor and evaluate provision for all groups of vulnerable children e.g. looked after children and ensure all their needs have been identified and addressed.
Monitor and review impact of Pupil Premium, Sports Premium, Early Years Premium.
Monitor and review pupil attendance data against attendance targets.
Monitor and review pupil exclusion information.
Set priorities for improvement and monitor and evaluate the impact of improvement plans which relate to the committee’s area of operation.
Regularly review the Assessment Policy and ensure that the policy is operating effectively.
Ensure the school is fulfilling its responsibilities regarding child protection and the requirements of ‘Keeping Children Safe in Education’
Receive reports from external sources and agree actions to address recommendations; monitor and evaluate progress made.
Ensure all children have equal opportunities.
Ensure Safeguarding policies are adhered to; monitor and review all safeguarding policies/procedures within school.
Advise the Finance and Premises Committee on the relative funding priorities necessary to deliver the curriculum.
Monitor pupils’ attitudes, values and development of other personal qualities within the school through the provision of R.E. and PHSCE. Ensure parents are informed of the right to withdraw their child.

Engagement:

Monitor the school’s publicity, public presentation and relationships with parents/carers and the wider community.
Identify and celebrate pupil achievements.
Oversee and monitor arrangements for out of hours provision, extra-curricular activities and educational visits including overnight stays.
Ensure that adequate provision is made for pupil transition.
Ensure all statutory requirements for reporting and publishing information are met.
Review and monitor the school’s website to ensure that it is accessible and fully compliant with current DfE requirements.
Ensure the school works well with its community, parents and other schools.

MEETINGS: at least termly
QUORUM: 3
DISQUALIFICATIONS: None

Finance and Premises Committee

CHAIR:
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).

Finance:

In conjunction with the Headteacher to draft and propose the first formal budget plan of the financial year for approval by the full Governing Body.
Establish and maintain an up-to-date three year financial plan, taking into account priorities in the School Improvement Plan, roll projection and signals from central government and the LA regarding future years’ budget.
Ensure that priorities detailed within the School Improvement Plan are appropriately costed and are reflected in the annual budget.
Monitor the budget position statement to identify and address any anomalies from the anticipated position and report termly to the full Governing Body.
Review and monitor outstanding debts and action taken.
Review the year end outturn report.
Monitor and approve virements and expenditure over the Headteacher’s delegated limit.
Appraise and approve spending decisions where competitive quotations or tenders are required.
Ensure the school operates within the financial regulations of the Local Authority and the requirements of the DfE Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS).
Approve annually the Schools Financial Value Standard (SFVS) submission prior to the 31 March deadline and monitor the implementation of any identified actions.
Monitor expenditure of all voluntary funds held on behalf of the Governing Body by review of an audited annual statement of income and expenditure.
Annually review the outcomes of the asset register stock check and approve the disposal of obsolete items.
Ensure appropriate use of the Early Years Premium, Pupil Premium, Sports Premium.
Review and monitor the school’s website to ensure that it is accessible and fully compliant with current DfE requirements.
Review and monitor all financial policies including lettings, charging and remissions and expenses policies.
Consider and promote income generation.
Annually review income generated from contracts and lettings; oversee the use of premises by outside users.
Where necessary, monitor and review Wrap Around Care provision including review of annual income and expenditure statements where applicable.
Ensure all appropriate insurances are in place.
Annually review and approve the school’s Financial Procedures Manual.
Monitor service level agreements annually and make decisions in respect of service level agreements ensuring value for money.
Make decisions on expenditure following recommendations from other committees.
Ensure pay decisions can be appropriately funded.
Ensure as far as is practical that health and safety issues are appropriately funded in accordance with agreed priorities.
Annually review financial benchmarking data.
Monitor the implementation of actions arising from the Internal Audit report or of a financial nature from other inspection regime reports.

Premises:

Establish, review and monitor the Health and Safety Policy ensuring that the school meets health and safety requirements.
Ensure actions are taken in respect of relevant health and safety legislation.
Ensure that premises and the learning environment are maintained and are fit for purpose.
Provide support and guidance for the Headteacher and Governing Body on all matters relating to the maintenance and development of the premises and grounds, including health and safety.
Ensure that an annual inspection of the premises and grounds is undertaken and a report received identifying any issues. Inform the Governing Body of the report and set out a proposed order of priorities for maintenance and development for the approval of the Governing Body.
Ensure professional surveys and emergency works are arranged as necessary.
Oversee the use of premises by outside users.
Establish and keep under review an Accessibility Plan and an Asset Management/Building Development Plan.
Monitor data on accidents and incidents.

MEETINGS: at least termly
QUORUM: 3
DISQUALIFICATIONS: where there may be a conflict of or a pecuniary interest

Virement & Expenditure Limits

Virement Limits		Expenditure Limits
Limit set for Headteacher without prior written approval of Chair of Governing Body Where the cumulative effect of multiple virements on the same budget heading exceeds this limit, details are to be reported to the next Finance and Premises Committee meeting for information and retrospective approval	£5000	Any items of expenditure up to	£5000
Limit set for Headteacher with approval from Chair of Governors A log of these approvals will be maintained and details reported to the next Finance and Premises Committee meeting.	£5000 to £10000	Above this limit if item was previously notified to the Governing Body.
Prior Finance and Premises Committee or Chair of Governors approval (whichever is the soonest) to be sought outside of these limits and reported to the Finance and Premises Committee at the earliest opportunity.

NB Any goods/services purchased and works to be carried out are subject to Durham County Council Contract Procedures Rules (January 2014) for quotations i.e. quotations or tenders to be invited from capable contractors based on the likely value of the procurement over its lifetime:

Between £500 and £5000 at least one quotation
Between £5001 and £50,000 at least three quotations
Over £50,000 full tender exercise

Pupil Discipline Committee

CHAIR:
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
Consider representations from parents/carers in the case of fixed term exclusions in line with statutory guidance.
Consider the appropriateness of any permanent exclusion or any exclusion where one or more fixed period exclusions total more than 15 school days in one term or where a pupil is denied the chance to take a public examination in line with statutory guidance.

MEETINGS: held as necessary
QUORUM: 3
DISQUALIFICATIONS: prior knowledge; any Governor whose child is involved

First / Pay Review Committee

CHAIR:
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
Annually agree the Teachers’ Pay Policy.
Act in accordance with the Teachers’ Pay Policy when carrying out the annual review of teachers’ salaries.
Report to the Finance and Premises Committee on pay review related expenditure.
Consider any requests made in accordance with personnel policies e.g. flexible working, leave of absence etc. (unless delegated to the Headteacher).
Make any decisions under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body e.g. disciplinary, grievance, ill-health, capability etc. (Unless delegated to the Headteacher).
Deal with matters relating to staffing reductions.

MEETINGS: at least annually
QUORUM: 3
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Headteacher; Chair of Governors (if have prior knowledge); where there may be a conflict of interest; any Governor whose spouse/partner is involved; staff (annual pay review and matters relating to staffing reductions)

Appeals Committee

CHAIR:
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
Consider any appeal against a decision made under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body.
Consider any appeal against a decision made by the First/Pay Review Committee during the annual review of teachers’ salaries.
Consider any appeal against selection for redundancy through a staffing reduction process.
Consider complaints against the school in accordance with the agreed school Complaints Procedure.

MEETINGS: as and when required.
QUORUM: Must have at least the same number of Governors as were present at the original hearing.
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Headteacher; Chair of Governors (if have prior knowledge); any Governor involved in the original hearing; where there may be a conflict of interest; any Governor whose spouse/partner is involved; staff (appeals in relation to salary or staffing reduction decisions)

Headteacher’s Performance Review Committee

LEAD GOVERNOR:
Terms of Reference

Set, with the support of the External Advisor (EA) or Education Development Partner (EDP) Headteacher’s annual performance objectives.
Monitor throughout the year the performance of the Headteacher against agreed performance objectives.
Review, with the support of the External Advisor (EA) or Education Development Partner (EDP) achievement of performance objectives.
Make recommendations to the First/Pay Review Committee in respect of the Headteacher’s annual pay progression.

MEETINGS: Autumn Term plus monitoring meetings
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Headteacher and staff

Staffing Committee

CHAIR:
Terms of Reference

Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
Carry out an annual review of the staffing structure in consultation with the Headteacher and Finance and Premises Committee.
Ensure the school is sufficiently staffed to fulfil the effective operation of the school and the School Improvement Plan (SIP).
Oversee the recruitment and selection procedures for all staff.
Make recommendations to the Finance and Premises Committee on personnel-related expenditure.
Develop and review policies identified within the school’s policy review programme and in accordance with its delegated powers (e.g. Appraisal, Whistleblowing, Recruitment and Selection).
Keep under review work/life balance, working conditions and well-being including monitoring attendance management.
Review the Single Central Record to ensure compliance with current statutory guidance.
Approve the Staff Code of Conduct and ensure all staff are aware.

MEETINGS: at least annually
QUORUM: 3
DISQUALIFICATIONS: where there may be a conflict of or pecuniary interest; any Governor whose spouse/partner is involved

Delegation to the Headteacher

School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009

The Governing Body can delegate the power to appoint outside the leadership group to:

The Headteacher
One or more Governors with the right of the Headteacher to advise
One or more Governors and the Headteacher

Appointments:

Governing Body delegates to Headteacher responsibility for the appointment of:

Temporary staff
Supply Cover

Delegate to Headteacher and one or more Governors

Permanent teaching staff posts
Permanent support staff posts

Dismissals:

Governing Body delegates to the First / Pay Review responsibility up to and including first written warning / first and final written warning / dismissal of:

All staff and Headteacher

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