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
Governors work closely with Head Teachers, school staff and representatives from the local authority (LA). 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
Each Governor will meet with subject leads on a termly basis, to monitor their area of the curriculum. The findings from these meetings are shared in termly full Governing Body Meetings.
Annual Governance Statement for 2023-2024
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:
- Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction;
- Holding the Head Teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff; and
- 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 Head Teacher), 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)
- Head Teacher’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 as well as the appointment of a new Head Teacher.
- Appointment of new Head Teacher.
- Staffing restructure – One non-teaching Deputy Head Teacher
Governors are active participants in the life of the school: they are regular visitors. All governors (where possible) have spent time with subject leads. Governors have also visited school to complete specific tasks linked to school improvement.
- Safeguarding Audit
- School Website Review
- Health & Safety Review
- Monitoring of Teaching and Learning in all subjects
- 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 holds a ‘Good’ 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, Mr Andy Harris via the school office.
Governors’ Information and Duties
Name | Position | Committee | Term of Office Start | Term of Office Ends | Responsibilities | Curriculum Area |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
Mrs N Pallister | Head Teacher | Curriculum & Standards Finance & Premises First Pay Review Head Teachers Performance Staffing | 01.09.2023 | 01.09.2027 | ||
Mrs L Scott | Staff Governor | Curriculum & Standards First Pay Review | 22.03.2021 | 21.03.2025 | EYFS | PE |
Mr Nicholas Brooker | Foundation Governor | Curriculum & Standards Appeals | 12.01.2023 | 11.01.2027 | Maths | |
Mrs A Hone | Foundation Governor | Finance & Premises First Pay Review Headteachers Performance Staffing | 14.07.2020 | 13.07.2024 | Art Design Technology |
|
Mrs L Brown | Parent Governor | Curriculum & Standards First Pay Review Staffing Appeals | 26.11.2018 | 25.11.2026 | History Geography |
|
Mrs J Plews | Foundation Governor | Curriculum & Standards First Pay Review | 09.09.2019 | 08.09.2023 | English Reading & Phonics |
|
Revd. C Harris | Foundation Governor | Finance & Premises | 10.07.2020 | 09.07.2024 | RE Collective Worship |
|
Mr S Allen | Vice Chair of Governors Parent Governor | Finance & Premises | 25.08.2020 | 24.08.2024 | Safeguarding Health & Safety | Science Computing |
Mr A Harris | Chair of Governors Foundation Governor | Finance & Premises Appeals | 11.11.2020 | 12.11.2024 | Safeguarding | PSHE RSE |
Mrs E Harte-Waters | Foundation Governor | Curriculum & Standards | 08.11.2022 | 17.11.2026 | SEND SEMH | |
Mr P Arnold | Foundation Governor | Finance & Premises | 05.06.2023 | 06.06.2027 | Music Primary Languages |
|
Vacancy | Local Authority Governor |
Governors’ where term of office has ended
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 | Chair of Governors. Husband of Governor: Davina Tomlinson | Finance (Chair) School Steering (Chair) First/Pay Review | 04.10.12 | 05.04.19 | Foundation Ex Officio | Governing Body School Improvement Planning GB 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 & Young Persons Action Network) |
Mrs D Tomlinson | Governor Wife of Chair of Governors': David Tomlinson | Children & Community Appeals | 19.05.19 | 18.05.23 | Foundation DEB | Safeguarding | EYFS, PSHE, RSE | Foster Carer, Reach Out Care, P/T Administrator (Auckland Deanery) & Trustee of Fairplay for All |
Revd. M Hudghton | Governor | Standards | 08.11.17. | 07.11.21 | Foundation | Year 1, RE, Computing | ||
Mrs O Bainbridge | Governor | Finance, HT Performace | 13.07.21 | 01.09.22 | Foundation - PCC | Church, Safeguarding, Personal Development, Behaviour | Y4, Music | Awarded British Empire Award, Retired Health Profressional |
Mrs B Callaghan | Governor | Curriculum Standards, First Pay Review | 18.10.19 | 01.09.22 | Foundation - PCC | Medical Needs, SEND, Community | Reception, SEND | |
Miss T Teasdale | Governor | Children & Community, Finance & Premises, Headteachers' Performance | 27.03.17 | 26.03.21 | Parent | Year 3, Science |
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 2023/2024
Mr S. Allen | Mr P. Arnold | Mr N. Brooker | Mrs L. Brown | Mr A. Harris (COG) | Mrs C. Harris | Mrs E. Harte-Waters | Mrs A. Hone | Mr A. Kay | Mrs N. Pallister | Mrs J. Plews | Mrs L. Scott | |
---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
4th July 23 - Full Governing Body Meeting | Attended | Attended | Attended | Attended | Attended | Attended | Attended | Attended | n/a | n/a | Apologies Accepted | Attended |
14th November 23 - Pay Review | n/a | n/a | n/a | Attended | n/a | n/a | n/a | Apologies Accepted | n/a | Attended | Attended | n/a |
14th November 23 - Full Governing Body Meeting | Attended | Attended | Attended | Attended | Attended | Attended | Attended | Apologies Accepted | Attended | Attended | Attended | Attended |
30th January 23 - Finance and Premises | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | ||||||
6th February 24- Curriculum and Standards | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | ||||||
12th March 24 - Full Governing Body Meeting | ||||||||||||
7th May 24 - Finance and Premises | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | ||||||
21st May 24 - Curriculum and Standards | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | n/a | ||||||
2nd July 24 - Full Governing Body Meeting | ||||||||||||
Archived Attendance
You can view archived Governor attendance on our website.
Committee Terms of Reference
Full Governing Body
CHAIR: Mr A Harris
VICE CHAIR: Mr Scott Allen
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 Head Teacher 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 Head Teacher.
- 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
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 (SEF)
- School Improvement Plan (SIP)
- 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 pupil 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
Terms of Reference
- Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
Finance:
- In conjunction with the Head Teacher 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 Head Teacher’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 Head Teacher 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
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
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 Head Teacher).
- Make any decisions under the personnel procedures adopted by the Governing Body e.g. disciplinary, grievance, ill-health, capability etc. (Unless delegated to the Head Teacher).
- Deal with matters relating to staffing reductions.
MEETINGS: at least annually
QUORUM: 3
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Head Teacher; 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
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: Head Teacher; 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)
Head Teacher’s Performance Review Committee
Terms of Reference
- Set, with the support of the External Advisor (EA) or Education Development Partner (EDP) Head Teacher’s annual performance objectives.
- Monitor throughout the year the performance of the Head Teacher 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 Head Teacher’s annual pay progression.
MEETINGS: Autumn Term plus monitoring meetings
DISQUALIFICATIONS: Head Teacher and staff
Staffing Committee
Terms of Reference
- Elect Chair (if delegated by full Governing Body).
- Carry out an annual review of the staffing structure in consultation with the Head Teacher 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 Head Teacher
School Staffing (England) Regulations 2009
The Governing Body can delegate the power to appoint outside the leadership group to:
- The Head Teacher
- One or more Governors with the right of the Head Teacher to advise
- One or more Governors and the Head Teacher
Appointments:
Governing Body delegates to Head Teacher responsibility for the appointment of:
- Temporary staff
- Supply Cover
Delegate to Head Teacher 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 Head Teacher
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