A very warm welcome to the Governors’ section

Constitution

We recognise the strength of a governing body lies in the talents and commitments of its members, and in their ability to work together as a team for the good of the school.

Any newly appointed governor will have, in the opinion of the people making the appointment, the skills required to contribute to the effective governance and success of the school.

The required number of Governors is 12.

• LA – Fiona Spain
• Head Teacher – Penny Shaw
• Parent – Joanne Rooke, Hayley Masters
• Staff –  Karen Newman
• Co-Opted – Nadine Williams,  Rachel Matthews, Chris Blakeman (Chair), Vacancy x 4
• Clerk – Deborah Guy
• Associate Member – Sarah Taylor

Core Functions

As the strategic leaders of the school, governors have a vital role to play in making sure every child gets the best possible education.  This is reflected in the law, which states that the purpose of maintained school governing bodies is to ‘conduct the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement at the school’.

The governing body has the following core strategic functions:

Establishing the strategic direction by:

• Setting the vision, values and objectives for the school
• Agreeing the school improvement strategy with priorities and targets
• Meeting statutory duties

Ensuring accountability by:

• Appointing the headteacher
• Monitoring progress towards targets
• Performance managing the headteacher
• Engaging with stakeholders
• Contributing to school self-evaluation

Ensuring financial probity by:

• Setting the budget
• Monitoring spending against the budget
• Ensuring value for money is obtained
• Ensuring risks to the organisation are managed

Collaboration

Governors are committed to work collaboratively with other local schools, aiming to raise standards for all children and young people in Gosport.

Meetings

The Full Governing Body meets throughout the year and the  Pay, Personnel & Performance committee meet  termly. More detailed information is contained in committees’ terms of reference.

Feedback

We really do value your opinions on how well you feel the school is performing, which is why we ask you to complete an annual questionnaire. There is also a suggestion box in the reception area. Governors are present at pupil progress meetings to listen to you and the children as we believe it is important to obtain feedback on these occasions.  So please tell us if you have something to celebrate. We would also encourage you to give your views through ‘Parents’ View’ which is managed by Ofsted and a link is provided on our website.

Link to Parent View: Ofsted Parent View

Complaints Procedure

The school have a Complaints Procedure that is ratified and monitored by the governing body to address any concerns about the school, a child’s welfare or education. In the first instance a concern should be brought to the attention of the class teacher so it can be dealt with promptly and then, if necessary, to the Headteacher. In the unlikely event that the concern is not satisfied, it should be put in writing and either posted or emailed (g.clerk@elson-jun.hants.sch.uk)  to the Clerk to the Governors  for the attention of the Chair of Governors. For more detailed information see the Complaints Procedure which is available on the website under policies/documents.

Link to Complaints Procedure: Complaints Procedure

Child Protection

We ensure that we practise safe recruitment in checking the suitability of staff and volunteers to work with children.

We aim to encourage an atmosphere within the school which helps children to feel safe and in which people are able to talk freely about their concerns, knowing that they will be listened to.  Governors carry out an annual review of the Child Protection Policy and procedures to ensure compliance.

Governor Vacancies

From time to time governor vacancies will occur. Details will be in the school newsletter and advertised in the local press. Anyone interested may obtain an application form from the office or request a meeting with the Chair of Governors to find out more. No particular qualification is required but, to enhance the skills of committees, an interest in education or relevant experience in personnel, finance, communication, health and safety or site management would be an advantage.  Mentoring is provided and Governor Services training is a necessary requirement.  If there is more than one applicant for a parent governor vacancy, an election will be held and parents will be asked to vote.  A governor’s initial term of office is 4 years but this can be extended.