Governors Annual Statement 2019/2020

Galliard Primary School

 

In accordance with the Government’s requirements for all Governing Bodies, the three strategic functions of Galliard’s Local Governing Board are:-

 

• Ensuring clarity of vision, ethos and strategic direction
• Holding the Head teacher to account for the educational performance of the school and it’s pupils
• Monitoring the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent

 

Our local governing board consists of nine members who have the skills and expertise required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school.  As governors we provide challenge to the school by holding the head teacher and senior leaders to account for improving the quality of teaching, learning and school performance. We achieve this through questioning, regular monitoring and analysis of data on children’s performance and progress. Governors hold the head teacher to account for the performance management of teachers. The head teacher’s performance management is conducted by the Chair of Governors, a Trustee and CEO.

 

The Local Governing Board considers:-

 

• Standards, attainment and progress of all year groups
• The School’s Improvement Plan and Termly Action/Impact Plan
• Attendance and punctuality
• Safeguarding
• Staffing
• Budget & Finance monitoring
• Support for children with special educational needs
• Pupil Premium allowance and its impact on pupils
• Health & Safety for premises and stakeholders

 

Here are some of the ways in which the Local Governing Board impact on the strategic management of the school:-

 

School Improvement Plan (SIP)

Senior leaders share the School Improvement Plan with governors so we are able to identify and monitor progress made towards the key area objectives. The current SIP is based on priorities identified from data and Ofsted priorities. The SIP is reviewed and monitored termly and discussed at governor’s meetings.

 

Policies

Governors review all relevant policies on a programmed basis to ensure that all guidance is current and up to date. Special attention is paid to ensure that the school complies with the Department of Education’s mandatory policy list and the Local Authorities recommended list and this is also reflected on the school’s website.

 

 

Data

Data is made available to governors through termly meetings with both verbal and written presentations followed by question and answer sessions with the head teacher and members of the senior leadership team enabling the governors to benchmark their data against similar schools, the Local Authority and schools nationally. Emphasis is placed on pupil progress across all ability groups including vulnerable groups and on the effective use of our Pupil Premium Grant.

 

Finance

Members of the local governing board have attended training on school finance management. The impact of the governor’s role in the school ensures that the budget is monitored effectively through regular review.

 

Governor Visits & Training

Governors are required to visit the school regularly to ensure the priorities of the school are evident and to understand more effectively the key issues on the SIP. A visit is reported back to governing body meeting for discussion. Governors bring a variety of expertise to the school and this helps to ensure the school is moving forward. Governors attend a variety of training to enable them to perform their roles effectively.

Attendance

Governor attendance is good and any absences are explained and accepted by the governing body. There is a good level of commitment shown by all members of the governing body. A full list of governor attendance is available on the school’s website.

Review

The local governing board annually performs a skills audit of its members.

 

 

Our Plans for 2019/2020

 

As identified in the SIP, our focus for the strategic development of the school will be:-

 

• To ensure progress is in line with National expectations in Reading, Writing & Maths
• To improve the quality of teaching and learning so that 100% of teaching is good or better
• To ensure an engaging relevant curriculum that supports children’s personal development
• To promote a positive behaviour and attitude
• Collaboration between schools within the Children First Academy Trust

 

We always welcome suggestions, feedback and ideas from parents – please contact the Chair of Governors, Mrs Devonish, via the school office or the school’s website.

 

You can see a full list of governors, their attendance at meetings and other information on the Governor’s page of the school website.