Who Are School Governors and What Do They Do?

School Governors work with the Headteacher to set the future direction for the school and decide how the school's budget should be spent. Governors provide the Headteacher with support and advice, drawing on their knowledge and experience. They ask searching questions and respect the Headteacher's position as professional leader of the school.

Governing bodies make decisions collectively on matters such as performance targets, school policies and the school's development plan. Governors monitor the impact of policies and oversee the use of the school's budget. They report to parents on the school's achievements and respond to inspection recommendations. They hear appeals from pupils and staff and consider complaints.

Governors are committed individuals who have the time, energy and want to make a difference, by active participation in Committees and attendance at school events and functions.

Within the Governing Body are four committees who have delegated power from the main Governing Body to produce, review and agree policies:-

School and Community

The main functions of this committee are to promote the image of the school and ensure good relations with different constituencies within the school and with groups within the local community.

Finance

The main functions of this committee are to review the draft budget and in-year spending information prepared by the Bursar and senior staff each year and to present the final draft together with a Best Value Statement for approval at the May meeting of the full Governing Body in time for submission of the budget plan to the LEA by the due date.

Curriculum

The main function of this committee will be to inform themselves and then advise on curriculum content and organisation.  To review the factors that underpins the school’s aims and objectives to support effective curriculum provision. 

Sites and Buildings

The main function of the S&B Committee is to advice the senior staff on matters relating to the maintenance and development of the buildings and sites.  And to ensure the school provides a safe, healthy and sustainable environment for pupils, staff and visitors.

Categories of Governors Summary

The governing body will be made up of different numbers and categories of governors.  In brief, there are the following categories of school governor:

·        Parent governors (5) - selected by election (or appointment if insufficient people stand for election) and drawn from parents and carers of children at the school

·        Staff governors  (3) - selected by election from teaching and support staff paid to work at the school

·        Community governors (4) - appointed by the governing body to represent community interests

·        LEA governors (3) - appointed by the LA

The Governing Body at Newlands Girls’ School is made up of:-

LEA Governors

Mr Ralph Hinchliffe

Mrs Dinah Mair

Mrs Jill Nicholls

Elected Parent Governors

Mrs Claire Smith

Mrs Fiona Thornton

Mr David Sopp

Mr Stephen Bridge

Mr Simon White

Community Governors

Mr Brian Wastell – Chair of Governors

Mr John Simpson – Vice Chair of Governors

Mr Stefan Prychidko

Mr Karnil Pannu

Staff Governors

Mrs Louise Ceska – Headteacher

Miss Leigh Exworth

Support Staff Governor

Mrs Clare Weller

Clerk to the Governors

Ms Amanda Snow

Ex-Officio

Mr Matthew Henshaw – Deputy Head

Mr A Wellman – Deputy Head

Composition of Governing Body Committees January 2010

Chairman:                                             Mr Brian Wastell

Vice Chair:                                            Mr John Simpson

Headteacher:                                       Mrs Louise Ceska

Link to Parent Society:                       Mr David Sopp

Special Needs / G&T Governor:        Mrs Jill Nicholls

Child Protection Governor:                Mr Ralph Hinchliff

Looked After Children Governor:     Mr Ralph Hinchliff

Development Link Governor:             Mr Ralph Hinchliff