The Role of the Governing Body

The Governing Body is responsible for ensuring that the school strives for and achieves excellence in its quality of teaching for learning. This is defined by the Department for Education as:

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

The Governing Body works with the Executive Head Teacher and the school team to build a common vision and purpose for the school. Together we decide the school's strategy for improvement so that pupils learn most effectively and achieve the highest standards. This is documented in the School Development Plan, which sets out the priorities for the school for the next 1-3 years. 

Governors focus on where they can add most value, drawing on their own knowledge and experience. They act as a critical friend to the school, providing support, information and advice as well as asking challenging questions and pressing for improvements.

If you need to contact the Governing Body please email: chairofgovernors@sendcofe.co.uk

 

Governing Body Meetings

As governors, we do this by meeting as the full governing body each term to look at:

• what has been achieved against the School Development Plan
• information received about the school
• ensuring our statutory duties are being met
• challenging the school and ourselves
• ensuring the strategic direction of the school will meet all pupils’ needs

We also meet as committees to look at different aspects of the school.

We have a Learning and Achievement Committee where we support and challenge:

• how well all children are progressing
• how new strategies are making learning better for children
• how well children with Special Educational Needs and disabilities are being supported
• how more able and less able children are being challenged
• how the children’s behaviour for learning is evidenced and the impact this has on progress
• attendance and how high attendance ensures good progress
• how children are given other opportunities to learn and grow through the school plays, sports day, educational visits

We have a Resources Committee where we support and challenge:

• how the budget is spent and the impact of expenditure
• how staff are included in the school’s performance management processes and the impact this has in the classroom.
• staff access to continuing professional development (CPD) and the impact this has in the classroom
• how we keep the school building and grounds safe and secure
• how we keep children safe in our school and grounds
• how effective safeguarding is in school
• what the children think about the school
• how the school engages with parents

 Building for the Future Fund

Governors also manage the Building for the Future Fund, which raises funds for school improvement and maintenance. Your generous contributions will enable the school to work towards the development of specialist facilities, such as a Music Room and IT Suite and to build a modern, user-friendly library.

All parents are invited to make a voluntary contribution to the Fund, with the current recommendation being £48 per child per year – the equivalent of £4 per month – to a maximum of £72 for families with multiple children at the school. If you can afford to give more, that would be fantastic, but if you can’t, any donation is gratefully received – every penny counts! Donations can be made by completing the Gift Form below.

Thank you for your support.

 Interested in finding out more?

Do you have business expertise and a passion for making a positive difference to children and the community?

Send CofE Primary School is looking to enhance their governing body by taking on governors with a new range of skill sets. 

We are a two-form entry village primary, between Woking and Guildford, formed in 2016 after a merger. We are a “Good” school with good potential to be even better due to the high levels of expertise and commitment from our team of staff, governors and parents. Our children are wonderful, and we are well-supported by the community.

A governing body has a vital strategic role. The Government and Ofsted have high expectations of its ability to hold head teachers and principals to account and drive improvement. 

We are particular interested in finding new governors with any of the following skill sets:

• Finance
• Premises
• Legal
• Fundraising
• Marketing
   

Role

The role of the governing board is a strategic one. Its key functions are:

• Setting the aims and objectives for the school with the Senior Leaders
• Agree on key policies for achieving those aims and objectives
• Set targets for achieving those aims and objectives
• Monitor and evaluate the progress the school is making towards achievement of its aims and objectives
• Be a source of challenge and support to the head teacher (a critical friend)

Experience
No previous knowledge of working with schools is necessary as there is full induction training offered both face to face at a range of venues during the evening or daytime or on online options. Staff are also willing to work alongside governors in helping them to understand the school context.

Time Commitment

Each governor would need to attend the full governing body meeting (usually 4 meetings per year, currently 8-10am on Friday mornings) and serve on a subcommittee (usually 3 meetings per year. These are generally timed to suit the committee members.) Cumulatively, approximately a day each term.

For those who have more time, or flexible working options, there are short-term working parties to become involved in which focus on a range of development opportunities in collaboration with staff and the community and the opportunity to participate in a range of celebrations and events throughout the year if you wish. 

To find out more about our school, please look at our website www.sendcofe.co.uk

If you would like to contact the governors directly, please use the following email address: governors@sendcofe.co.uk 

We would be very pleased to meet you.