Who are the school governors and what do we do?

The school’s governors are a group of volunteers including parents, staff and members of the local community. We meet once or twice a term and work closely with the Headteacher to support the school. We monitor the school’s performance and are also involved in setting targets to improve standards and for financial planning.

Within the governing body we have two committees which again meet each term and concentrate their discussions around a particular area of responsibility. These committees are Full Governing Body including Curriculum and Resources including, Finance, Premises/Health & Safety and Staffing.

Composition of the Governing Body

Bush Hill Park Primary School has a governing body of members with representatives from 4 categories.
The categories of governor are as follows:-

Parent – Parent governors are elected by members of the parent community. They must have legal parental responsibility for a child registered as a pupil at the school. If insufficient parents stand for election, the governing body can appoint parent governors.

Staff – Staff governors are elected by all staff, either teaching or support staff. The Headteacher is a member of the governing body by virtue of his/her office and counts as a member of the staff category.

Local Authority –This category of governors is appointed by the Local Authority.

Co-opted – Co-opted governors are appointed by the governing body through a skills audit. Governing bodies are encouraged to recruit representatives from local businesses and charitable organisations. This category can include parents and members of staff or elected members of the Local Authority. Appointments are made by nominations and voting by all governors at the full governing body meeting.

The Governing Body Committees

It is not practical for the full governing body to make decisions on every aspect of its business. There are, therefore, a number of committees which have specific areas of work delegated to them. These committees meet at intervals during the term and report back to the full governing body for ratification of their decisions.

Full Governing Body including Curriculum Committee

This committee ensures that all children have access to the national curriculum and that high academic standards are maintained. To do this we discuss the school’s curriculum policies, monitor the quality of teaching and study the annual attainment test results. We also check that pupils with additional needs are provided for and treated fairly. We discuss the school’s policies, including behaviour and attendance policies, equal opportunities policies relating to staff and pupils, anti-bullying and child safeguarding policies.

Resources Committee including Finance, Premises/Health and Safety and Staffing

This committee ensures that all the children have a suitable and safe school environment. To do this we check that the buildings are fit for purpose and well maintained. We carry out risk assessments where appropriate and address any health and safety concerns that arise. We oversee the financial management of the school and makes sure that it operates within budget and makes the most effective use of the funds it receives from the Local Authority. We help the Headteacher to set a three year plan of projected income and expenditure and also advise on policies relating to financial matters. In terms of staffing, we oversee the appointment of all staff in the school, their professional development and their well-being.