Introduction

By law every school must have a governing body.  Each school has a governing body made up of volunteers from people from all walks of life who bring a range of expertise, enthusiasm, energy and many other useful skills to their school. Governors have the opportunity to develop new skills, build on existing ones and work as part of a team.

The day to day management of the school is the responsibility of the headteacher to whom the enthusiastic support of an excellent governing body is invaluable. The headteacher is accountable to the governing body and in turn the governing body is accountable to parents, the LEA and ultimately the DfES.

It is important that prospective governors know what is involved in being a school governor. The information provided is intended to help you to decide whether you would like to be a school governor and whether you have the time and commitment that is necessary to be a good school governor.

Schools are fascinating places and being a governor can be extremely enjoyable and worthwhile. It can be rewarding but equally it provides the opportunity for those who care about children and their education to ‘give a little back'. It works both ways – governors not only contribute, they get something back too.

SCHOOL GOVERNORS

Appointed Governors - Local Education Authority:
Mrs DM Savage         Mrs P Dangerfield
Mrs M Baker

Community Governors (Co-opted):
Mr C Manning          Mr C Pavlides
Mrs J Sennington     Mr. C Bray    

Parent Governors:
Ms L. Wilson             Mrs  J Robinson 
Mrs  K Caton             Mrs S Gorski
Mrs V Thurlow


Teacher Representative Staff Representative
Mrs V Warner             Mrs T McCartney

Headteacher Mrs C. Bantrop (ex officio)

The Chairman of Governors is Mrs D M Savage who may be contacted at 16 High Beach,
Felixstowe, IP11 7LE.

The term of office for Governors is four years. School Governors meet at least once a term and have general oversight of the conduct and standards of the school, though the day-to-day management of the school is delegated to the Headteacher.
Working with the Headteacher and Staff, Governors approve a School Improvement Plan for each school year. This specifies particular targets and priorities: it also enables us to respond to national and local initiatives and to the evaluate the school’s progress in meeting the Key Issues identified by its most recent Ofsted inspection.

The powers and responsibilities of the Governing Body have increased very considerably since the introduction of Local Management. Financial Control and the setting of the School Budget are now central to its role.

THE GOVERNORS’ AGREED STATEMENT OF AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

• to help pupils develop lively, enquiring minds, the ability to question and argue rationally and to apply themselves to tasks
• to help pupils to acquire knowledge and skills relevant to adult life and employment in a fast-changing world
• to help pupils use language and number effectively
• to instil respect for religious and moral values, and tolerance of other races, religions and ways of life
• to help pupils to understand the world in which they live and the inter-dependence of individuals, groups and nations
• to help pupils to appreciate human achievements and aspirations

The following questions give a flavour of what is involved in being a Governor:

Who can become a Governor?

Why do Schools need Governors?

Do I need qualifications?

Who are the Governors?

How much time would I need?

How about time off work?

Who do I contact for more info?