What is a governing body?

The governing body is a legally constituted body made up of volunteers who are responsible for ensuring good quality education in our schools, securing and promoting the welfare of the pupils in partnership with the Head Teacher. The Governors are also accountable to the Diocese of Salford, the parents and to those who fund our schools for the quality of education it provides. The governing body has a range of duties and powers, which focus on responsibility for the conduct of the school with a view to promoting high standards of educational achievement.

Who is on the governing body?

Foundation Governors are appointed by the Bishop, Parent Governors are elected by parents, one Local Authority Governor is appointed by Lancashire County Council, Staff Governors must include the Headteacher and one other, elected by the staff at school. Our Governing Body also appoints Associate Governors with specific expertise as and when required. They have voting rights in committees only. Governors have a wide range of skills which they bring to the meetings.

What does the governing body do?

The governing body has a mainly strategic role in the running of the school. The principal mechanism for doing this is the School Development Plan, drawn up by the governing body in conjunction with the Headteacher and staff. It is monitored and reviewed regularly. Particular Governor Responsibilities include:

• working with the Headteacher, who is responsible for day to day management of the school
• agreeing principles and targets for improvement
• managing the school’s budget
• making sure the curriculum is balanced
• reporting results back to parents

How does the governing body do this?

The full governing body, including the Headteacher, meets once each term. The Headteacher is responsible for the day-to-day running of the school, but consults with the governing body, reporting at every meeting on how the school is performing and whether it is meeting its objectives. The governing body offers support, challenge and constructive advice to the Headteacher.

The main work, on specific topics, is carried out through three sub-groups or committees. These committees also meet once each term and report back to the full governing body at their termly meeting.

Resources Committee: responsible for financial management, admissions policy, staff appointments and personnel issues, the school premises and health and safety issues

Curriculum Committee: responsible for ensuring the curriculum meets statutory requirements, the School Development Plan, pupil performance, teaching quality, special educational needs Religious Education

How can I find out what the governors have discussed?

Some information is confidential. However, the public minutes of the governors’ meetings are available on request through the school office.

How can I contact the governors?

If you have any concerns that you wish to bring to the attention of the governors, you can do one of the following:

• speak to one of the governors who will bring your concern to the governing body
• write to the chair of governors, handing your letter in to the school office

Current Governors

• Mr Neil Wallace (Chair)
• Father Paul Brindle
• Mr Stephen Cooke (Foundation)
• Mrs Janet Wells (Foundation)
• Miss Claire Halstead (Head)
• Mr Gil Hughes (Vice-Cair Foundation)
• Mr Charlie Stephenson (Parent)

Attendance at Full Governing Body Meetings:

Attendance at Resources Committee Meetings:

Attendance at Curriculum Committee Meetings:

Attendance at Marketing Committee Meetings: