What do school governors do?
The major focus of the governors is to ensure that our pupils progress appropriately in their education. The Governing Body appreciate that for this to happen the pupils must be supported by a well led, enthusiastic, professionally competent and motivated staff all working together within a safe, supportive, stimulating environment. Governors appreciate too the requirements of our children's parents and carers and their need to be satisfied about the overall leadership and management of the school and how it affects safety, learning and enjoyment of their children.
To achieve their objectives governors too must continually evaluate the role they have played within the life of the school, and publish relevant information to all interested parties.
This statement is part of that evaluation and publication process.
The Governing Body has three core strategic functions which are:
1. Ensuring clarity of vision; an ethos based on the Gospel Values of Jesus and strategic direction
First and foremost, as Governors of a Catholic school, we are responsible for the preservation and development of the quality and distinctive nature of St Cuthbert’s as a Catholic school. Governors are responsible for setting the school’s strategic framework, identifying priorities for school improvement and monitoring progress towards these goals. We are also responsible for setting an ethos and climate of high expectations of behaviour, progress and attainment of all pupils and of conduct of staff and governors.
2. Holding the Headteacher to account for the educational performance of the school and its pupils, and the performance management of staff
Governors must provide challenge to the school and hold the headteacher and senior leaders to account for improving the quality of teaching and learning and school performance. We do this through questioning and through regular monitoring and analysis of data on children’s performance and progress. Governors hold the headteacher to account for the performance management of teachers. (The headteacher’s performance management is conducted by governors.)
3. Overseeing the financial performance of the school and making sure its money is well spent
Governors look at financial statements and ask questions to ensure that the school makes efficient use of its budget and provides best value for money.
Each year the Governing Body considers:
- Standards of attainment and progress of all year groups and groups of children across the school
- Attendance and punctuality
- Staffing
- Finance
- Health and Safety
- Regular review of the School Development Plan and the School’s Self Evaluation