What are they?
All schools in England have a Governing Body which is responsible for overseeing many of the strategic decisions of the school. A key role is to act as a ‘critical friend’: to monitor, to support, to challenge, to ask questions, ultimately to represent the school community.
The Governing Body works in close partnership with the headteacher, staff and the local authority. Whilst the headteacher is, of course, responsible for the day to day running of the school, the governors are involved with such things as staffing, curriculum, school buildings and finance. It ensures the school functions well and maintains the proper range of academic and social objectives.
Who are the governors?
The governing body now consists of:
- The headteacher
- One elected staff governors
- One appointed local authority governors
- Five elected parent governors
- Seven co-opted governors
- Two associate members
The standard term of office for a governor is four years. The chair and vice-chair are elected annually at the first meeting of the academic year.
The current chair of governors is Mr Richard Burrows, and the vice chair is Kate Bodsworth. Both can be contacted via the school office.
Much of the work of the governing body is done by committees. At Woodcroft, we have the following committees:
- Curriculum and Standards: Chair Carol Price
- Finance and Premises: Chair Robert Kulawick
- Designated Safeguarding Governor: Daniela Longier
It is the Governors’ responsibility monitor standards within the school and ensure statutory duties are being carried out. Each Governor also takes a strategic responsibility for particular subject or aspect of school life.
Click on the link below to view details of the current Governing and an outline of their responsibilities, including attendance at meetings:
Governor Details, Attendance and Register of Interests
A helpful document, Becoming a School Governor, can be found by clicking here.