The Work of the Governing Body

The Governing Body is responsible for setting the strategic direction of the school, agreeing policies and ensuring that adequate resources are available.  Governors also keep themselves up-to-date by undertaking regular training so as to ensure that they are all competent in all aspects of governance.  The Headteacher is responsible for the day to day management of the school.

The Governors meet as a full body three times a year.  In addition a number of smaller committees meet on a regular basis e.g. Finance and Premises, Audit and Risk, Admissions, Staffing and Salaries and the Governors Strategic Board.

All Governors are linked with a senior member of staff and visit the school regularly to focus on key areas for development that the school is committed to.  They work very closely reviewing key areas of our focus that are directly linked to and identified in our SEF (Self Evaluation Form) and generate evidence that informs judgements regarding the progress we are making.

A number of Governors sit on a Pupil Disciplinary Panel which meet and call individual students to account where their behaviour is disrupting the learning of others.

1. Various Governor Working Groups exist which focus on key issues facing the school, these include putting in place a plan to address budget issues.
2. Researching and generating proposals regarding Multi Academy Trusts.
3. Reviewing our Admissions criteria following an approach from Essex Education Authority to expand our role to accommodate the need for more secondary places in the local area.
4. Governors have also been working with planners, architects and developers drawing up plans for the development of the site, notably a new Sports Hall and improved provision in Science classrooms.
5. They have overseen extensive refurbishment to the school.
6. In addition, they have been instrumental in generating a new statement of intent for the school and associated aims which frame the work of the school.

All are Link Governors and have worked closely with the school on the following areas:

• Safeguarding procedures and provision
• Assessment, ensuring it is fit for purpose
• Quality of teaching
• Pupil behaviour and safety
• Use of data, examination outcomes and test results
• Use of the Pupil Premium and other resources to overcome barriers to learning.
• Ensuring solvency and probity and that the financial resources made available to the school are managed effectively.
• Performance Management to improve performance, teaching, leadership and management.
• Engagement with stakeholders.
• The teaching of tolerance, respect, culture, lifestyles and the school’s preparation of our young people positively for life in modern Britain.

The Governors regularly review their practise and effectiveness. They are currently in a major stake holder review.

We are very fortunate to have such committed and supportive Governors.  We very much enjoy working with them and recognise the significant and valuable contribution that they make to the work of the school.

 

Hard copies of any of the documents listed can be obtained from the school Reception or requested via our admin email address on admin@westhatch.net