What being a Governor is all about?

• take decisions that directly affect the education and well-being of all our children
• have an enthusiasm and interest in helping pupils achieve their full potential
• bring a wide range of experience and expertise to the role – some professional, some not
• have a strong desire to support St Mary’s and be part of a team committed to promoting high standards and an outstanding educational experience for all.

What do we do?

The Governing Body is responsible for the vision and strategic direction of the school, setting goals for achievement and attainment in all areas of school life and monitoring how well those goals are being met. We are responsible for agreeing on the budget for the school, directing resources where they can be most effective to give our children the best possible teaching and learning experience. We don’t get involved with the day-to-day running and management of the school – that’s the responsibility of the Headteacher and the senior leadership team.

Who are we?

The Governing Body consists of:

• 3 parent governors
• 4 co-opted governors
• 2 foundation governors (appointed by the Diocese)
• 1 Local Education Authority governor
• 1 staff governor
• The Headteacher

Governors are appointed for a four-year period. They can stand for re-election at the end of their term of office provided they meet the required criteria for the vacant post or leave before the end of their term if circumstances dictate necessary.

When do we meet?

There is one full Governing Body meeting held once a term. Dates are set six months in advance; meetings start at 7.00 pm and aim to finish by 9.30 pm wherever possible. At present meetings take place on Tuesdays in February, May and October.

The full Governing Body meeting covers the strategic management of the school in addition to all statutory and procedural items that need to be tabled at least once a year. Headteacher, Governor and Committee reports along with any other relevant business are presented at every meeting.

First Year of Being a Governor

Every new governor has an opportunity to participate in any sub-committee they feel would interest them, but it is wise not to get over-committed during the early days as induction training does take time. During their first year governors may wish to attend the main Governing Body meetings, shadow an experienced governor on a school visit, join one committee and “visit” other committees during the year. This way they will have the opportunity to “sample a taster” of all aspects of the Governing Body responsibilities.

What are the committees and how often do they meet?

• A. Curriculum & School Improvement
  Advises the Governing Body on all matters relating to the curriculum and pupil outcomes. Works to develop specific initiatives that will enable the school to maintain and raise standards, and appropriately target resources. Meets twice a term to review progress and identify future priorities.
• B. Finance, Pay & Personnel
  Works with the Headteacher to set and monitor the budget throughout the year, ensuring funds are best deployed to achieve maximum value for the school and all commitments can be met. Also, manages recruitment and personnel issues including pay policy and an overview of performance management. Meets twice a term
• C. Admissions
  The school admissions process is managed by the Local Authority. This committee meets as required to discuss projected numbers of pupils when the school is oversubscribed.
• D. Pupil Discipline
  Meets as required, but has not yet had to meet.
• E. Staff Dismissal / Employee Grievance
  Meets as required, but has not yet had to meet.

Thoughts from a new governor:

I thought it was a massive commitment and that I didn’t have enough spare time:

The time commitments are not that great. There are three core Governing Body meetings each year, which last for about two hours. In addition, there are committee meetings for different areas that governors are responsible for. Typically they meet twice a year – but you can join as few or as many committees as you feel comfortable with.

I knew very little about the things that governors made decisions on:

I felt very wary of committing myself to something I knew very little about, but as a new governor, I realised you are not expected to be an expert on everything in all areas, and that there is a good selection of training courses available for any areas that you feel you would like to get more involved with when you are more established in the role.

I was afraid my input would be of no value and that I would make a fool of myself by saying something stupid!

I need not have worried; the governors made me feel very welcome and part of the team straight away. They emphasised they had all been in my position at some time and knew just how I felt. Asking questions helps all the governors get a full and often better understanding of what is being discussed, and a “newcomer” often puts a different perspective on the matter in hand. I soon lost my concern about asking questions and enjoyed with interest some of the debates around the table.

What to do next?

If you are interested in becoming a school governor at Haddenham St Mary’s, please contact any of the governors for more information.

They can be contacted by message via the school office, call 01844 291 455, and they will return your call as soon as possible.

Alternatively, Mrs Gaynor Bull, Chair of Governors can be contacted at
Email: chairofgovernors@haddenham-st-marys.bucks.sch.uk